Minutes
Present: Ketcham, Pemberton, Takacs
Also present: 12 members of the public and a representative of the Redding Pilot.
First Selectman Ketcham called the May 7, 2013 Special Meeting to order at 7:30 pm in the Redding Hearing Room
ACTION ON PETITION RECEIVED
Mrs. Ketcham reported the Town Clerk received a petition signed by 20 Redding residents to call a special Town Meeting to vote on the formation of an elected Board of Police Commissioners. The Town Clerk has verified the signatures on the petition. The process regarding petitions is prescribed by state law. A Town Meeting date must be set to occur within 21 days following receipt of the petition.
The Board of Selectmen discussed two potential dates, May 20 and May 21. The May 21 date is problematic as the Redding Community Center is booked that evening. They also discussed the potential of discussing the issue at the next Board of Selectmen meeting on May 14, 2013 and of sending the issue to a machine vote on their own initiative.
Motion: move that the Redding Board of Selectmen schedule a Town Meeting on May 20, 2013 at 7:30 pm in the Redding Community Center on the issue of formation of an elected Board of Police Commissioners. Pemberton, Takacs. Approved. Unanimous.
The Board of Selectmen discussed the concept of establishing guidelines for what issues would go to a town meeting for approval and what issues would go to a machine vote. They agreed that guidelines would be helpful in the future.
Motion: move that the Redding Board of Selectmen, on their own initiative, remove the vote on the establishment of an elected Board of Police Commissioners from the Town Meeting and send the matter to a machine vote on Monday, June 3, 2013. Takacs, Pemberton. Approved. Unanimous.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: move to recess to executive session for a discussion of Police and Highway union contract negotiations and Police Chief evaluation and contract. Takacs, Pemberton. Approved. Unanimous.
The meeting recessed at 7:29 pm.
RECONVENE
The Chair reconvened the meeting at 7:45 pm
Speaking for the Board of Selectmen, Mrs. Ketcham stated that we believe we have an outstanding Chief of Police who has our full confidence. The town signed a contract originally with Chief Fuchs when he was first hired to protect both parties as the organization of the Police Department developed. Now that that has been successfully concluded, there is no further need for an official contract. Other town department heads work without contracts, and by mutual agreement, Chief Fuchs can continue similarly in our employment, while also being governed by CT General Statutes for Fire and Police Chiefs.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: move to adjourn the meeting. Takacs, Pemberton. Approved. Unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm.
Respectfully submitted,