Board of Selectmen Meeting
Monday, May 20, 2019
Town Hall Hearing Room, 7:30 p.m.
MINUTES
Present: Julia Pemberton, First Selectwoman; Peg O’Donnell, Selectwoman; Michael Thompson, Selectman.
Also present: videographers.
1. Call to Order
Julia Pemberton called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes of April 15, 2019
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to approve the 4/15/19 Minutes.
3. Discussion and possible action:
-Norwalk River Valley Trail (NRVT): to authorize the First Selectman to execute the contract accepting $300,000 for the construction of the Redding Mile of the NRVT.
David Pattee and Stuart Green of the Conservation Commission were present. Mr. Green stated that estimates and proposals will be submitted. Julia Pemberton stated that the bidding process needs to be reviewed. Possible design/engineering and construction firms were reviewed.
D. Pattee reported that DOT requires full drawings and maps of the entire section.
First Selectwoman Pemberton signed a letter from CEOs of involved towns to the Governor regarding the trail. DEEP is requesting execution of the contract by 6/7/19. J. Pemberton confirmed that there is no exposure to the town if the contract is signed without a DOT lease.
Mr. Green reported on upcoming fundraising efforts. Mr. Thompson noted the need for legal review of the environmental hazard clause in the contract.
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to allow the Board of Selectmen to sign the contract pursuant to review by Counsel.
-Town Plan of Conservation & Development: review of proposals for the public education and participation process.
Julia Pemberton reported on the need to select a vendor to complete the public hearing process of the Town Plan of Conservation & Development.
Three proposals have been received and a meeting was held with Planimetrics. A variety of surveys and public workshops are proposed. Meetings will also be held with the other bidders, Milone & MacBroom and Fitzgerald & Halliday.
Jamie Barickman, Board of Finance, requested that the Board of Finance or members meet with the consultant to review the importance of economic development. Stuart Green stated that residents may not be aware that the Town Plan is done every 10 years. Peg O’Donnell confirmed that the chosen firm will be running the meetings and stressed the need to advertise the meetings for residents.
Discussion will continue at the next meeting after meetings are held with the remaining consultants.
-Planning Commission: Appointment to fill a vacancy for Planning alternate
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Dan Barrett as an alternate on the Planning Commission.
4. Other Business
No items.
5. Public Comment
Jamie Barickman spoke to encouraging participation in the Town Plan of Conservation & Development process. He noted the importance of framing what the document affirms and the choices and directions the town needs to go.
David Pattee stated that both the Zoning and Planning Commissions use the document as a guide for their work. Stuart Green stated that new mapping will be included with the addition of new open space properties.
6. Executive Session for pending litigation: GLDC
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to go into Executive Session to discuss pending litigation re: GLDC. Jamie Barickman was invited to attend.
The Board came out of Executive Session at 9:15 p.m. No votes or action took place during the Executive Session.
7. Adjournment
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:16 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly