Board of Selectmen Meeting
Monday, April 15, 2019
Town Hall Hearing Room, 7:30 p.m.
MINUTES
Present: Julia Pemberton, First Selectwoman; Peg O’Donnell, Selectwoman; Michael Thompson, Selectman.
Also present: Doug Hartline, Health Officer; videographers.
1. Call to Order
Julia Pemberton called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m.
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to add Appointment to Planning Commission and reallocation of $50,000 as items under Agenda Item 3.
2. Approval of Minutes of March 18, 2019
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to approve the 3/18/19 Minutes.
3. Discussion and possible action:
-Health Department Fees-Doug Hartline
Doug Hartline was present to review proposed Health Department fees. Mr. Hartline noted that fees have not been raised in 10 years and the total average increase in fees is 20%. The largest increase is in restaurant fees due to the transition from State to FDA food codes.
Mr. Hartline stated that he reviewed the current and proposed fees against the fees used in neighboring towns. He stated that the most common fees are for septic repairs and restaurants. Mr. Thompson asked if restaurant owners have been informed of the proposed increases and Mr. Hartline replied that they have not.
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to approve the proposed fee scheduled for the Redding Health Department.
-Letter to Town Clerk re: Capital Items for Referendum
Julia Pemberton moved and P. O’Donnell seconded the motion to remove from the call of the Annual Town Meeting and send to referendum the capital items, specifically the $2.5 million for the Fire EMS Police Radio Telecommunications Upgrade, and to amend the March 18, 2019 letter to the Town Clerk including same. The vote was unanimous.
-Board of Finance Investment Committee Appointment, Peg O’Donnell
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of J. Pemberton, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Peg O’Donnell to the Board of Finance Investment Committee.
Julia Pemberton stated that the Committee will now be comprised of Ward Mazzucco, Board of Finance; Wes Higgins, Treasurer and Peg O’Donnell. J. Pemberton suggested scheduling transaction approvals.
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Regina Heald as a full member of the Planning Commission to fill a vacancy.
The Planning Commission is now in need of an Alternate Commissioner.
-Reallocation of $50,000
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to reallocate $50,000 to:|
$5,000 to the Mark Twain Library
$20,000 to the Registrar budget
$10,000 back to the Planning budget
$15,000 back to legal fees budget
4. Administrative:
-Town Mailer for Budget
Julia Pemberton reviewed a mailing for residents including the questions that will be on the upcoming referendum. Details re: the projected year to year percentage increase will be added. Absentee ballots can be signed up for now. The vote is scheduled for May 7, 2019, 6:00 am-8:00 pm at the Redding Community Center.
-State Budget & Legislative Issues
Julia Pemberton provided an update on state budget and legislative issues as discussed with Will Haskell. Issues moving forward are plastic bags, minimum wage increase, legalized marijuana, tolls and possibly teacher pensions. Julia Pemberton noted opposition to the proposed mill rate cap for energy companies.
The Eversource project from Redding to Bethel is being modified. The poles will now all be steel. J. Pemberton will be in contact with impacted homeowners.
-Town Plan
Consultants are being solicited to assist in developing online and phone surveys for the public input phase of the project. The 65-day review period begins when Planning sets a date for the public hearing.
5. Other Business
Upcoming agenda items were noted including historic cemeteries.
6. Public Comment
No items.
7. Adjournment
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:22 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly