Board of Selectmen Meeting
Monday, December 18, 2017
7:30 p.m., Redding Community Center
MINUTES
Present: Julia Pemberton, First Selectman; Peg O’Donnell, Selectman; Michael Thompson, Selectman.
Also present: Steve Gniadek, Director of Finance; Wes Higgins, Treasurer; Board of Finance; Superintendent Dr. McMorran; members of the Board of Education; reporters; videographers.
1. Call to Order
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:42 p.m.
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to add to Item 5 approval of the 2018 Meeting Calendar; Item 8 Executive Session re: negotiations; add to Item 3 discussion of banning fracking waste.
2. Joint Meeting with Board of Finance and Board of Education to discuss 2018-2019 Budget
First Selectwoman Pemberton reviewed the current status of the budget. She has asked for a reduction of 5% for non-contractual expenditures with a separate column delineating what services would be affected. Receipt of TAR funds was noted and changes in the grand list and in interest income are anticipated.
A budget workshop is scheduled for 1/5/18 with a snow date of 1/6/18.
Mr. Miller, BOF, questioned the reason for the 5% budget cut. First Selectwoman Pemberton replied that the intent is to get to a flat budget.
Dr. McMorran reviewed a PowerPoint presentation outlined projected demographics and trends from Prowda and NESDEC. He noted that 55% of Barlow students will be from Redding next year.
Changes in staffing were the primary reason for the unspent amount of $833,000 from 2016-2017.
Dr. McMorran provided an overview of future changes including Pre-K classes, world language in the Middle School and the Middle School music program. Insurance will be changed from PPO to HSA. Permitting tuition-paying students has been considered but requires more evaluation.
3. Discussion and possible action, pending Board of Finance recommendation for project financing, to set a date for a Special Town Meeting to consider approval of funding for the WPCC modernization plan for the Waste Water Treatment Plant.
Added to Agenda:
Discussion and possible action on petition for special town meeting to consider and vote on Fracking Waste Ban Ordinance.
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to set the date of Monday, January 8, 2018, to convene a Special Town Meeting at 7:00 PM to:
• Consider and vote on funding for plant upgrades at the Redding Wastewater Treatment Plant in an amount of $796,212 to be financed through a combination of a municipal lease and the unassigned fund balance.
• To consider and vote on an ordinance (a Fracking Waste Ban) prohibiting the storage, disposal or use of waste from oil and gas exploration or extraction activities or any derivative thereof, in the Town of Redding, Connecticut.
4. Report from Linda Mitchell and Kate Schwartz with proposal for Pop Up Teen Center.
Linda Mitchell and Kate Schwartz made a detailed presentation for a proposed teen center. The cost for ten months is estimated at $14,500 with $5,000 for set up. J. Pemberton suggested a trial period to ascertain interest and usage.
Peg O’Donnell asked how programs at a teen center would co-exist with the Park & Rec. Commission. K. Schwartz is on the Park & Rec. Commission and additional follow-up is needed.
5. Administrative
Approval of 2018 Meeting Calendar
Appointments: Sharon Hoverman to the position of Alternate on the Ethics Commission.
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Sharon Hoverman to the position of Alternate on the Ethics Commission.
Remainder of opportunities for Informal and Formal 2017 Property Revaluation Appeals
J. Pemberton noted the end of the informal revaluation period. The informal hearing date is 12/21/17 at the Town Hearing room from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Additional information is available at vgsi.com/schedules or by calling 888 844 4300.
Long Ridge Road Realignment Project Update
A public information session and full presentation is scheduled for 1/16/18. The DOT and representatives from Milone & MacBroom will be in attendance.
To approve the 2018 Meeting Calendar
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to approve the 2018 Meeting Calendar as amended: the 1/8/18 meeting is rescheduled to 1/22/18. The February meeting will be held 2/12/18.
6. Public Comment
Colleen Pilato wished the Board happy holidays.
7. Adjournment
8. Executive Session with Ed Miller and Jamie Barickman re: negotiations.
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the Special Meeting at 10:15 p.m.
The Board came out of Executive Session at 10:30 p.m.
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:31 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly