[Marker]
Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
July 17, 2006
Present: Ketcham, Miller, Takacs
Also present: four members of the public, Highway Superintendent B. Sanford and S. Wolf of the Redding Pilot
Mrs. Ketcham called the July 17, 2006 meeting to order at 7:35 pm in the Hearing Room of the Redding Town Office Building.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move to approve the minute of the June 9, 2006 meeting as submitted. Takacs, Miller. Approved. Unanimous.
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the June 19, 2006 meeting as amended.
Takacs, Miller Approved. Unanimous.
Amendment: page 1, delete line following “Call to Order”; page 3, #5, delete the word “the”.
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the June 23, 2006 meeting as submitted. Miller, Takacs. Approved. Unanimous.
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the June 26, 2006 meeting as submitted. Miller, Takacs. Approved. Unanimous.
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the June 28, 2006 meeting as submitted. Miller, Takacs. Approved. 2-0-1. Mrs. Ketcham abstained.
ROAD RECONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Highway Superintendent Bruce Sanford provided a written report on the progress to date. The five-year project is moving along nicely and will likely be concluded within three years. Mr. Sanford reported that 75% of the road miles and 50% of the drainage has been completed. There have substantial increases in the cost of oil, asphalt and pipe. In anticipation of those increases, Mr. Sanford stockpiled some catch basis and pre-purchased some the piping and process stone that will be needed. In addition he reported the Highway Department is screening the soil from the CL&P project. He is bringing in a stone crusher to breakup the stones in the soil for use as process.
Mr. Sanford reported that he has had many calls from residents regarding what streets are being worked, has taken some residents out to explain the program, and has had very few complaints regarding the work. He added that the roadways are not being widened, but when the silt and overgrowth is cut away, the roadways are returned to their original width..
Mr. Sanford is working with CL&P regarding the treatment of Umpawaug Road. He is encouraging them to reclaim rather than repave the road. He explained that repaving will create another layer that will not be long lasting. He would like them to remove the existing roadway and reclaim the material. The new roadway will be smooth, but rustic. The Planning Commission has established a subcommittee to study Umpawaug Road.
DISCUSSION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION MEASURES.
Historian Kathleen von Jena was present, along with Robert Dean and Ray D’Angelo. Discussion of the various options for encouraging historic preservation followed.
Rob Dean prepared and read a statement with recommendations for consideration. Mrs. von Jena provided additional information and contact references to the Selectmen. There was discussion of holding a public forum to educate members of the public on the importance of historic restoration and preservation. These discussions will continue at the next meeting.
SOUTHWEST CONSERVATION DISTRICT MEMBERSHIP
Mrs. Ketcham reported the Town now has a membership in the Southwest Conservation District, a state agency. The agency has a variety of services available to the Town and to residents of the town. She has suggested and encouraged the Town’s land use agencies to use the services.
FIELDS UPDATE
Mr. Takacs reported the Committee will meet on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 for a progress report from the consultant, Blades and Dunn.
POLICY UPDATE
Mrs. Miller presented the final revised version of the Electronic Email & Internet Use Policy for the employees of the Town.
Motion: move that the Board of Selectmen adopt the revised policy, Electronic Email & Internet Use Policy dated July 17, 2006, to be effective August 1, 2006. Takacs, Miller. Approved. Unanimous.
The Park and Recreation Commission has recommended some revisions to the Facilities Use Policy. The purpose of the revisions is to address the issue of accessibility of public spaces to the public. The revised policy includes the facilities, including fields. Mrs. Miller will continue her review and discussions with the Park and Recreation Commission and bring recommendations to the next meeting
HERITAGE HOUSE UPDATE
Mrs. Ketcham reported that everything is in place to sell Heritage House. The oil tank has been removed and replaced, the septic system was installed, the Police Department now has a separate well and pump, and the 10 foot buffer of plantings has been installed and is filling in nicely.
Based on various appraisals and discussions with the Assessor, the minimum bid for the property will be $430,000. An “open house” has been scheduled for Friday, September 8 at 9 a.m. The structural engineer will be present with his report and cost estimates for any recommendations. Bidding will be open for 30 days, and all bids will be directed to Pullman and Comley, Attorneys at Law.
RESOLUTION REGARDING CL&P EASEMENT
Motion: resolved that: the Town of Redding convey by Assignment to the State of Connecticut an undivided one half interest in and to a Conservation Easement & Restriction originally conveyed to the town by Quinnehtuk Company Inc. & located south of Whortleberry Road. Takacs, Miller. Approved. Unanimous.
HVECO MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES
Motion: move that the Redding Board of Selectmen authorize Natalie Ketcham, as First Selectmen to enter into the agreement for the HVCEO Mutual Aid for Public Health Emergencies. Miller. Takacs. Approved. Unanimous.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: move to executive session to discuss matters pertaining to negotiations. Takacs. Miller. Approved. Unanimous.
The meeting recessed at 10:02 pm
RECONVENE
The Chair reconvened the meeting in public session at 10:20 pm
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Maday, Recording Secretary
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