Board of Selectmen Meeting
Monday, November 20, 2017
7:30 p.m., Town Hall Hearing Room
MINUTES
Present: Julia Pemberton, First Selectman; Peg O’Donnell, Michael Thompson.
Also present: Members of WPCC; reporters; videographers.
1. Call to Order
Julia Pemberton called the meeting to order at 7:32 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 10/30/17 Meeting Minutes.
3. Public Comment
Nick Bilello, Great Pasture Road, reported on unsafe traffic conditions at the corner of Great Pasture and Rte. 107. He noted the road has “no thru trucks” signs. Mr. Bilello contacted the Redding Police Department who referred him to the Board of Selectmen.
Julia Pemberton will contact Mr. Bilello directly.
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4. Recognition of Donation to the Town of Redding in honor of John B. Sanford.
A framed bond, issued in 1899, was donated to the Town by Edith Sanford in honor of John B. Sanford III.
5. Recognition of AAA Award Recipients Officer Ryan Alcott and Officer Michael Livingston.
Officers Ryan Alcott and Michael Livingston were recognized for their service to the Town. Their certificates will be given to the Officers in person.
6. Administrative Leave of Police Chief Douglas Fuchs and Internal Investigations
Julia Pemberton reviewed civilian and Union complaints against Police Chief Fuchs. Mr. Fuchs was provided with the report delineating the resolutions last week. A complaint has also been filed by EMT Sean Morris.
Legal representation has been obtained by Mr. Fuchs. The Town is represented by Town Counsel and a separate attorney who is defending the Town. It was confirmed that the Town insurance cap is $10 million, however, does not cover punitive damages.
7. 2017 Revaluation Progress and Process Update: Sue Robinson, Project Manager, Vision Government Solutions
Sue Robinson, Project Manager at Vision Government Solutions, reviewed the process of revaluation and work she’s doing in conjunction with the Assessor’s office in reviewing values. The appeal process was also reviewed.
Several members of the public noted that they did not receive a letter regarding the revaluation. John Ford has access to additional information regarding contact during the data collection period.
8. WPCC Report: Jim Miller
Jim Miller, Dave Pattee and Rich Regan were present for the WPCC. Mr. Miller submitted and reviewed photographs depicting the membranes in addition to the ongoing problem of the presence of latex gloves, wipes, rags, plastic bags and grease. An estimate is forthcoming re: new de-greasing cleaning solution to clean the membranes.
The independent power monitoring has been completed and the result of 21 power interruptions in a 30-day period are suggestive of a transformer issue with Eversource. Eversource will be contacted for further investigation. Layne Christensen has denied liability in the equipment failure in June.
Mr. Miller reported the membrane replacement cost of $348,000 and the software upgrade of $788,000. D. Pattee noted that the 35 broken strands observed is a very low number.
Mr. Miller will present this information to the Board of Finance on 11/28/17. He will tell them that membrane replacement is not needed at this time.
9. Appointments:
Reappoint Joan DeSalvo to Board of Ethics
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to reappoint Joan DeSalvo to the Board of Ethics.
Appoint Charles Bachman to Alternate on the Board of Assessment Appeals
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Charles Bachmann to Alternate on the Board of Assessment Appeals.
Public Comment
Dana Grey stated she would like to not hire from within if the Town needs to replace Police Chief Fuchs. J. Pemberton stated that it is far reaching to discuss that at this time and noted that there is a Town procedure in filling positions.
A question was asked re: three Police Officers involved in the Valenti case. J. Pemberton stated that one is a Captain who has stepped in to run the department on an acting basis. No further information could be reported per J. Pemberton.
10. Executive Session: Pending Litigation and Personnel Matters
a. Estate of Peter Valenti III v Town of Redding
b. GLDC
c. Discussion concerning performance of an employee
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to go into Executive Session at 8:47 p.m.
11. Adjournment
The Board came out of Executive Session at 9:30 p.m.
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:31 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly