Board of Selectmen Meeting
Monday, June 17, 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 7:33 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes of May 20, 2019
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to approve the 5/20/19 Minutes.
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to table the presentation by Mike Cardillo re: Lion’s Club/Fall Carnival and add a presentation by Redding F.D. #1 re: dry hydrant.
3. Presentation re: dry hydrant at Redding Elementary School/Lonetown Marsh.
Bennett Pardee, Steve Walsh and Dave Hermenze were present from Redding Fire Department #1. Mr. Hermenze reviewed the proposal to install a dry hydrant at Lonetown Marsh Pond for faster, safer and more reliable operations. The 7.39- acre parcel is estimated to be able to provide 1 million gallons of water.
Julia Pemberton asked how the pond replenishes. Mr. Pardee stated that an engineer can consult on this application if needed to provide an informed response. It was also noted that RES presents challenges due to the age and varying types of construction.
The Board provided a positive response to the proposal that will move on to the Conservation Commission.
4. Discussion and possible action:
Selection of Planning firm to conduct public workshops for the Town Plan of Conservation & Development
Julia Pemberton reviewed the interviews held with three firms: Milone & MacBroom; Fitzgerald & Halliday and Planimetrics. The challenge remains making residents aware of the workshops in the absence of a town newspaper. J. Pemberton stated that there will be a town-wide mailing.
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to authorize Julia Pemberton to sign a contract with Milone & MacBroom pending successful approval of a negotiation where a fee structure is agreed upon.
5. Appointments:
Park & Recreation re-appointment of Mitchell Edwards, term will be July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2022.
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to re-appoint Mitchell Edwards to Park & Recreation Commission.
6. Non-union Employee Compensation for FY 2019-2020
Julia Pemberton stated that a 2.5% increase for non-union employees was built into the budget. Compensation documents for town employees will be reviewed and discussed at the next meeting to align with compensation with neighboring towns.
7. Executive Session: Pending Litigation of GLDC
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to go into Executive Session at 8:45 p.m.
8. Other business
No items.
9. Public Comment
Nancy Paget, Stepney Road, questioned if the plan will address economic development. She noted concern that real estate taxes are wholly responsible for the town’s tax burden and stated that people are leaving town due to high taxes. J. Pemberton noted the various sections the Town Plan of Conservation & Development including economic development and reviewed the public education portion of the plan approval process. Mrs. Paget stated that survey responses will not be valuable if the questions are not in context.
10. Adjournment
The Board came out of Executive Session at 9:02 p.m. No votes or action took place during the Executive Session.
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:03 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly