Minutes
Present: Ketcham, Pemberton, Takacs
Also present: ten members of the public and a representative of the Redding Pilot.
First Selectman Ketcham called the March 11, 2013 meeting to order at 7:30 pm.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the February 11, 2013 meeting as submitted. Takacs, Pemberton. Approved. Unanimous.
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the February 25, 2013 meeting as submitted. Takacs, Pemberton. Approved. Unanimous.
DISCUSSION REGARDING SELF-FUNDED HEALTH INSURANCE OPTION
Director of Finance Steve Gniadek reported that when the Anthem estimate for costs for 2013-14 increased 20+%, other options for insurance coverage were explored.
The town’s insurance agent, H.D. Segur, has rebid the fully funded health insurance package with CT Care, Cigna & Etna insurance companies. Mr. Gniadek cautioned that any change in insurance will require the various unions to approve the change which must have an equal or better plan for coverage.
Mr. Gniadek is also exploring a self-funded option in conjunction with the schools, a combination of the three districts, Redding, Easton and Region 9. The schools currently have a stop gap limit of $150,000, but not aggregate stop gap limit. Each entity has claims treated independently and each district carries a reserve fund should the claims run higher than anticipated. Since the pool for the Town is small, one large claim could offset any savings from going to a self-funded plan. Mr. Gniadek felt a self-funded plan could carry undesirable risk and that would be something for a discussion with the Board of Finance. The current estimate of anticipated savings from going to a self-funded plan is $90,000.
H.D. Segur is continuing discussions with Anthem and looking for potential savings. Mr. Gniadek noted that the proposed budget for 2013-14 carries the original Anthem cost. As more information becomes available, more discussion can be held.
DISCUSSION OF LONETOWN MANOR AND GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
Mr. Gniadek noted that, in September 2012, the Historical Society requested funding of $35,000 to address conditions and repairs for Lonetown Manor. That amount is in the current Long Range Capital Plan for funding. Since that time, two events have occurred that incurred expenses.
The heating oil tank was found to be leaking, and had to be replaced. At the same time, it was determined that the furnace needed to be replaced and that work was done. That work amounted to $7,800.
Last week, it was discovered that the pressurized tank had problems. The piping at the bottom of the tank was corroded, burst, and filled the tank bunker with water destroying the pressurized tank. The tank and piping was replaced. The cost of the work is an estimated $2,700.
The town has issued a purchase order for $750 for the structural engineering work to check on the building structure, particularly the base of the chimney. This item was in the Long Range Capital Plan.
To date, $11,250 has been spent, of which only $2,000 was in the Long Range Capital Plan.
Janice Dimon, president of the Historical Society spoke of the condition of Lonetown Manor. Ted Sanford added that the chimney actually holds the house up. Joe (name unclear) addressed the structural issues and the need for scaffolding to protect the structure from further damage. Mr. Gniadek anticipates information from the engineering firm within a couple of weeks.
Grant money is currently available for historic projects. The Historical Society will pursue the 1772 Foundation grant for $15,000 for use on historical projects. The letter of inquiry is due on May 3, with the grant application to be submitted in June.
DISCUSSION REGARDING A PROPOSAL FOR A CULTURAL RESOURCES RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY OF TOWN-OWNED OPEN SPACE
The proposal for a cultural resources reconnaissance survey of town-owned open space was proposed by Stuart Reeve and Kathleen von Jena. Dr. Reeve and Ms. von Jena spoke of the need to update the information on the town’s open space, archeological studies, etc. The consolidation of the data would be helpful and make the information more accessible. Mrs. Ketcham suggested that the first phase would be one to prepare the available data in a compatible format for the GIS system, with the second phase that of collecting data that is not currently available. She asked Ms. von Jena and Dr. Reeve for a proposal for the first phase of the study.
DISCUSSION OF 2014/1714 CELEBRATION, IN RECOGNITION OF TOWN PURCHASE IN 1714
John Read purchased the land of Redding on May 1, 1714 and this is recognized on the town’s seal. The Historical Society has a copy of the original deed. Discussion centered on how to honor the anniversary of the event. This would be a good opportunity to educate the community of the history of Redding. Mrs. Ketcham requested that the Historical Society give some thought to how to proceed, or establish a committee to prepare for the event.
APPOINTMENTS
Motion: move that the Redding Board of Selectmen appoint Urs Furrer to fill a constable vacancy. Takacs, Pemberton. Approved. Unanimous.
Motion: move that the Redding Board of Selectmen appoint Mary Ann Carmen to a 3 year term on Western Connecticut Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Board of Directors. Pemberton, Takacs. Approved. Unanimous.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Motion: move that the Redding Board of Selectmen approve sending the operating budget approval to a machine vote and send a letter to the Town Clerk of this intent. Takacs, Pemberton. Approved. Unanimous.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: move to adjourn the meeting. Takacs, Pemberton. Approved. Unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 9:13 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Maday, Recording Secretary