Board of Selectmen
Tuesday, August 19, 2019
Town Hall Hearing Room, 7:30 p.m.
MINUTES
Present: First Selectman Julia Pemberton; Peg O’Donnell, Michael Thompson.
Also present: members of Redding Fire Department; members of the public; videographer.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:38 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Minutes of the 8/5/19 Special Meeting.
3. Discussion and possible action
-Redding Telecommunications Upgrade Project
First Selectwoman Pemberton reviewed the May referendum approval of up to $1 million. The project is still in the design phase. Representatives of all Fire Departments were present. J. Pemberton noted receipt of the weekly status report.
Steve Schnell, Police Dept. Communications Director, reviewed the project and stated that there will be five sites that can broadcast simultaneously. Coverage maps will be made available to the Fire Departments. The equipment list is pending from the assigned Motorola representative. The projected completion date is March-April, 2020.
Mr. Thompson noted his thanks to all the volunteers and commended the Police and Fire Departments for working together on the project.
Bennett Pardee stated that portables and mobiles will be purchased by each Fire Department. Mr. Thompson questioned if the equipment has to match and Mr. Pardee stated that a list has been comprised of compatible equipment. A consultant with PerCon will help choose equipment and assist with State bid pricing.
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to move Administrative Item 5 to Discussion Item 2.
-Dry Hydrants at Lonetown Marsh
Steve Walsh provided an update and noted that DOT has visited the site and outlined their right-of-way line. After discussing the function of a dry hydrant, First Selectwoman Pemberton granted permission to obtain a surveyor to do a complete survey. Mr. Bennett noted possible insurance benefits.
-Road Plan for Referendum: Jeff Hanson
Highway Superintendent Jeff Hanson handed out and reviewed the three-year plan for vote at the upcoming referendum. He explained that some of the roads were scheduled on the last plan but were bumped. Pricing for reclamation and asphalt was reviewed. Mr. Hanson confirmed the prices were State bid prices.
Due to the sparsity of pavers and limited paving time frame, the projects need to get on a schedule.
First Selectwoman Pemberton stated taxes for this fiscal year will not be affected. A future impact on the mill rate is possible. J. Pemberton stated that a review of the incomplete 2012 road plan was the impetus for creating a new road plan. Mr. Thompson noted the community involvement re: deteriorating condition of Umpawaug Road.
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to add Public Comment.
-Public Comment
Dennis Paget, Stepney Road, asked if the budget includes paving equipment. Mr. Hanson responded that Tilcon is utilized and is included in the budget.
Nancy Paget, Stepney Road, questioned the enforcement policy in preventing trucks from driving on roads designated as no thru truck roads. MaryLou Carlson, Huckleberry Road, noted safety concerns re: supports along the road.
First Selectwoman Pemberton stated that rapid road deterioration is occurring in all towns and compromised asphalt is suspected. DOT attended a meeting and core samples will be tested.
Don Takacs suggested upgrading the town website for better communication. He suggested posting the road plan. J. Pemberton reiterated the option of receiving regular email from the town. Christopher Tse stated that he received information that there will be a referendum but did not receive information about the referendum.
D. Paget commented on the “superb job” on Church Hill.
Mr. Hanson stated that the first five roads scheduled are Umpawaug, Marchant, Stepney, Hopewell Woods and Sport Hill. He stated that guiderail replacement exceeds $1 million.
A resident from Lamppost Drive suggested that seeing the 2012 rating of all roads would lessen dollar anxiety because it would demonstrate that everyone’s road is on the list.
-Station Road Bridge Project
Julia Pemberton reviewed the 2016 report on the bridge and stated that the low bidder for the project is Dayton Construction Company. There is funding in the LoCIP account and the item will be discussed at a Board of Finance meeting.
-Historic Cemeteries: Maintenance & Restoration
Julia Pemberton reported that the fiduciary requirements of a Committee are excessive and an advisory board is suggested. Sean McNamara, Joe Bonomo and Robert Paradise have expressed interest. An inventory on the six cemeteries is being conducted. The project will necessitate purchase of ground penetrating radar equipment.
4. Administrative
-Selectmen’s Survey for feedback on Draft PODC
First Selectwoman Pemberton stated that the draft letter will go on the town website and will be sent in a town-wide mailing. It will also be posted at public events and post offices, the Town Hall and Community Center. The survey will be available to complete online or on paper.
Mr. Tse noted that Ridgefield has an action plan with specific priorities identified. J. Pemberton reviewed the survey process. Peter Bonfanti suggested a “crisp definition of what is going to be done when the process is over.” He volunteered to be an agent to get people to show up.
-Status of RJ Tax Lien v Town of Redding Appeal
Julia Pemberton provided a brief history and the current status of the RJ Tax Lien, an entity of GLDC with $2.1 million in tax credits. The State Supreme Court legal brief will be uploaded to the website for review.
-Controlled deer hunt hiatus
Per J. Pemberton, hunters have been notified that the controlled deer hunt will be on hiatus this year.
-Status of summer maintenance
Julia Pemberton reported that maintenance is ongoing.
5. Public Comment
Flyers re: upcoming State legislative session were submitted.
6. Adjournment
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:55 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly