Board of Selectmen
Monday, February 11, 2019
Town Hall Hearing Room, 7:30 p.m.
MINUTES
Present: Julia Pemberton, First Selectwoman; Peg O’Donnell, Selectwoman; Michael Thompson, Selectman.
Also present: members of the public; videographer
1. Call to Order
Julia Pemberton called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes of November 19, 2018
No items.
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to move Agenda Item 5 to Agenda Item 3.
3. Skate Park: Aidan Sheehan
Aidan Sheehan was present to request approval of private fundraising for a Skate Park to be located next to the Community Garden. Mr. Sheehan stated that Park & Rec has set aside a location and will be responsible for insurance and maintenance. The goal is to raise $200,000 by the end of 2020 for a 5,000 sq. ft. park and for construction to be complete by 2022.
First Selectwoman Pemberton asked what Mr. Sheehan’s response would be if questioned why a skate park is needed in Redding. Mr. Sheehan noted that some towns have moveable skate parks which require more maintenance than the concrete type park currently found in Newtown, Fairfield, Stamford and Bridgeport and the “tight-knit skateboarding community” is required to travel far out of Redding to utilize such a park. J. Pemberton stated that a Special Use Permit will be required for large events such as competitions.
The Board gave Mr. Sheehan a positive response to his request to begin fundraising and Mr. Sheehan was commended for his thorough application.
4. Discussion and possible action fiscal year 2019-2020 operating budget for the town.
Julia Pemberton stated that the deadline to submit the town budget to the Board of Finance is the first week in March. Key budget items and adjustments to the budget workshop were reviewed in detail including tree and road work; the proposed addition of a Facilities Director; the impact of regionalization and maintenance projects for both the Town Hall and Redding Community Center.
A BOS Special Meeting will be scheduled for further discussion. J. Pemberton stated that the Board is available for anyone requesting budget clarifications or explanations.
5. Appointments:
Randy Hutton, Commission on Aging
Brian Matzke, Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Randy Hutton to the Commission on Aging.
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Brian Matzke as an Alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
6. Public Comment
David Pattee questioned if the presence of an Eversource truck traveling from Indian Hill to Topstone was an indication that free gravel was available. J. Pemberton stated that is not the case.
7. Board Member Comment
No items.
8. Executive Session: Pending Litigation with GLDC
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to go into Executive Session at 8:37 to discuss Pending Litigation with GLDC.
The Board came out of Executive Session at 9:04 p.m. No votes or actions took place during Executive Session.
9. Adjournment
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly