Minutes Board of Selectmen
March 20, 2017
7:30 p.m., Town Hall Hearing Room
Present: J. Pemberton; P. O’Donnell
Absent: M. Thompson
Also present: Members of the public; newspaper reporter; videographers.
1. Call to Order
J. Pemberton called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of J. Pemberton, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Minutes of 2/27/17 as submitted.
On the motion of J. Pemberton and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to add Public Comment as Agenda item #3.
3. Public Comment
Frank Harsche, 626 Redding Road, was present to request the Board to look into and provide a solution re: archaeological regulations. Mr. Harsche stated that properties deemed “archaeologically sensitive” place a financial burden on the owner and reduce property value. Mr. Harsche also stated that residents were not notified of the archaeological sensitive status.
4. Set Date for Annual Budget Meeting
On the motion of J. Pemberton and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to schedule a Town meeting for Thursday, 4/20/17, 3:00 p.m., Town Hall Hearing Room.
5. Letter to Town Clerk sending FY 2017-18 Budget to Referendum
J. Pemberton read the letter re: FY 17-18 into the record.
On the motion of J. Pemberton and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to approve sending the 17-18 Budget to machine vote and send a letter to the Town Clerk of this intent.
6. FY 17-18 Budget
J. Pemberton reported that the health insurance premium, originally expected to rise approximately 5% could now rise up to 15%. The actual number will be available by 4/15/17.
7. Fire/EMS Retention/Recruitment Incentives
J. Pemberton noted two recent house fires and confirmed the support and appreciation of Town volunteers. The proposed pilot series of incentives were reviewed and include tax abatement and free or discounted passes to a variety of Town programs.
8. United Way of Western CT Alice Enrichment Fund Grant
The Town has received a grant from the United Way of Western CT ALICE Enrichment Fund (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). Social Services will administer the fund, which is for the 675 households or 19% Town population that falls under the ALICE guidelines. Angelica Fontanez was credited for securing the grant.
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of J. Pemberton, the Board voted unanimously to authorize Julia Pemberton to execute the agreement and accept the funds.
9. Administrative:
On the motion of J. Pemberton and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to re-appoint Regina Heald as a Planning Commission Alternate.
Re: Dog Park, a new location at Topstone Park is being considered and will be on the agenda for the next Planning Commission meeting. A letter of support from Dylan Vlahos was read into the record. J. Pemberton will check on plowing status.
Re: Route 53 paving project, signs are being installed on roads that turn onto Route 53. A summer start is anticipated.
Re: DOT Rail Crossing Maintenance Project, surface replacement begins 3/31- 4/6 on Topstone followed by 5/19-5/25 on Long Ridge. Detour maps are currently being updated. J. Pemberton confirmed that there are no road races during these times.
Re: Eversource Norwalk to Redding Reliability Project, a presentation is being made at the Conservation Commission meeting 3/21/17. D. Pattee stated the Commission is seeking details regarding crossing wetland locations.
10. Public Comment
D. Pattee stated that the GIS overlap concerning archaeologically sensitive areas encompasses a large amount of Redding.
11. Board Member Comment
J. Pemberton noted a special BOS/BOF meeting 3/27/17 starting at 5:30 for BOS Executive Session.
The reduction in municipal aid is affecting all towns. J. Pemberton noted that whether town budgets consider the Governor’s proposed changes in their budgets varies town to town. Redding’s budget without the Governor’s proposed changes represents a 2.1% increase in spending and a 5.8% increase in spending if factoring in the changes.
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of J. Pemberton, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:32 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly