Board of Selectmen Special Meeting
Monday, August 28, 2017
6:30 p.m., Town Hall Hearing Room
MINUTES
Present: Julia Pemberton, First Selectman; Peg O’Donnell, Michael Thompson.
Also present: members of the public; reporter, videographers.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:33 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 7/17/17 Special Meeting Minutes.
3. Discussion and Possible Action: Updates to Zoning and ZBA Fee Schedules
Aimee Pardee, ZEO/WEO, was present to review fee collection for publicly noticed meetings and suggestions for revisions.
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation for updates to the Zoning Department and Land Use fee schedules and language in the Town of Redding Code of Ordinances to permit such changes in the fee structure and process for approving future fee schedules subject to approval by either a Special Town Meeting or by referendum.
4. Discussion of State Budget Impasse
Julia Pemberton discussed the possibility of receiving no town aid or education cost sharing revenue in the current fiscal year under the Governor’s recent proposal. Estimated lost revenues would exceed, at a minimum, $475,000 and could be significantly higher if the State shifts teacher pension and health care obligations to municipalities.
Hypothetical scenarios re: mill rate were discussed in light of the possible shift of the teacher’s pension fund to the town.
J. Pemberton’s letter to OPM Secretary Ben Barnes was discussed.
The Selectmen agreed that the lack of a state budget is detrimental to towns like Redding that have budgeted in a fiscally responsible manner.
5. Administrative: Corporate Resolution for Janney Montgomery Scott: Add Authorized Signers
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously that each of the following has been elected or appointed and are hereby authorized to enter orders, sell or sell short securities or other assets of every kind and description and execute all transactions for and on behalf of this Entity, and to sell, assign, and endorse for transfer certificates representing stocks, bonds or other securities now registered or hereafter registered in the name of the Town of Redding, Connecticut: Julia Pemberton, Margaret L. O’Donnell, Michael Thompson, Janice Meehan, W. Wesley Higgins. (On file at the Town Clerk’s Office.)
6. Public Comment
John Board questioned a comment allegedly in J. Pemberton’s letter to Ben Barnes. The letter was read and clarification provided.
7. Executive Session: Pending Litigation GLDC Foreclosure
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to go into Executive Session at 7:08 p.m. to discuss pending litigation re: GLDC Foreclosure with the Board of Finance.
The Board came out of Executive Session at 7:40 p.m.
8. Adjournment
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:41 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly