MINUTES OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Monday, December 19, 2016
Town Hall Hearing Room, 7:30 p.m.
Present: Julia Pemberton; Michael Thompson; P. O’Donnell
Also present: Sara Sobel, Chairman BOE; members of the public; videographers.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m.
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to add Discussion of Redding Dog Park Proposal as Agenda Item #5.
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to add Executive Session to discuss pending litigation with GLDC to the Agenda.
2. Approval of Minutes
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of J. Pemberton, the Board voted unanimously to approve the 11/21/16 Executive Session Minutes.
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of J. Pemberton, the Board voted unanimously to approve the 11/21/16 Regular Meeting Minutes.
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to approve the 12/12/16 Special Meeting Minutes.
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to approve the 12/13/16 Special Meeting Minutes.
3. Review and approval of 2017 meeting calendar
The meeting for 1/16/17 is moved to 1/23/17. The meeting for 2/20/17 is moved to 2/27/17.
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the regular meeting calendar for 2017.
4. Fiscal 2017-2018 Budget schedule
Budget workshops begin on 1/6/17.
5. Discussion of Redding Dog Park Proposal
Max Daignault reviewed his proposal for a dog park. Park & Rec has approved the proposal and Doug Hartline has approved the use of the proposed designated space located near the Redding Community Center.
John Board noted the approval from Park & Rec. Mr. Daignault reviewed possible fund-raising strategies and program details.
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to refer the Redding Dog Park Proposal to the Planning Commission.
6. Redding Sestercentennial
Debora Rosa presented her artwork for the proposed Sestercentennial Seal. Artwork for a new Town seal will be reviewed and discussed further. S. Sobel noted her concern that the depiction of the Congregational Church shows religious inclusivity. John Board suggested community input for a permanent seal.
Artwork for the permanent seal will be discussed further.
7. Discussion and possible action on Region 9 Board of Education Vacancy: Sara Sobel nominated by Democratic Town Committee to replace Mark Lewis
Julia Pemberton noted receipt of a recommendation from the Democratic Town Committee of Sara Sobel to fill the Region 9 BOE vacancy. M. Thompson and P. O’Donnell spoke in support of Ms. Sobel. S. Sobel read her statement of interest.
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of J. Pemberton, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Sara Sobel to the Region 9 Board of Education.
8. Public Comment
A member of the Board of Education thanked the Board for appointing S. Sobel to the Region 9 BOE. The next BOE meeting is 1/24/17.
9. Board Member Comment
Julia Pemberton reported on the successful toy drive.
A $1000 donation from turkey trot proceeds will benefit the social services department.
Work on the Umpawaug Schoolhouse roof will begin 12/26/16.
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to go into Executive Session at 8:43 to discuss advice of counsel regarding the GLDC foreclosure and recent mediation session.
The Board came out of Executive Session at 9:28. J. Pemberton noted for the record that there were no votes or any action taken during Executive Session.
10. Adjournment
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the Regular meeting at 9:30 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly