[Marker]
Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
July 16, 2007
Present: Miller, Takacs, Ketcham
Also present: four members of the public and S. Wolf of the Redding Pilot
Mrs. Ketcham called the July 16, 2007 meeting to order at 7:30 pm.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: move to recess to executive session to interview a candidate. Miller, Takacs. Approved. Unanimous. The candidate was the only additional person invited to be present. The meeting recessed at 7:31 pm
RECONVENE
The Chair reconvened the meeting in public session at 8:00 pm
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the June 11, 2007 meeting as submitted. Takacs, Miller. Approved. Unanimous
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the June 18, 2007 meeting as submitted. Takacs, Miller. Approved. 2-0-1. Mrs. Ketcham abstained.
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the June 26, 2007 meeting as submitted. Takacs, Ketcham. Approved. 2-0-1. Mrs. Miller abstained.
ATHLETIC FIELD UPDATE
Mr. Takacs had no additional information. He anticipates a report from Barry Blades of Blades & Goven soon.
UPDATE ON 2010 CLEAN ENERGY CAMPAIGN
The Board of Selectmen discussed the selection of a supplier for the SMARTPOWER energy renewal program. Jim Cotton recommended the selection of Sterling Planet. Many of the surrounding towns have selected Sterling Planet and are satisfied with the firm.
Motion: move that the Redding Board of Selectmen select Sterling Planet for the renewal energy program. Miller, Takacs. Approved. Unanimous.
Discussion of the establishment of a task force or steering committee followed. Mike Gorfinkle and Elizabeth Cox have offered to serve on a committee to promote the program.
Keri Enwright, Program Director with SMARTPOWER has provided a packet of marketing tools and has offered to work with the committee to encourage residents to sign up for the program. For every 100 residents that sign up for the program, the Town of Redding will receive solar panels that could be installed on town buildings. The elementary school or town office building would be considered for the installation of the panels.
The advisory task force/steering committee will be established to spearhead the marketing of the program. Mrs. Miller recommended asking students at Joel Barlow High School to participate. Volunteers for the committee will be solicited. Mrs. Ketcham will establish the committee and provide the committee charge.
FISCAL YEAR 2007-08 GRANTS TO OUTSIDE AGENCIES
Mrs. Miller reported the subcommittee appointed by the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance to review and make recommendations for grants to outside agencies met and prepared recommendations for the Board of Selectmen to consider. Mrs. Miller reviewed the make-up of the committee and guidelines used to determine distribution of funds.
This year’s recommendations included grants as follows:
$1,400 for the homeless initiative/City of Danbury and HVCEO;
$1,150 for the Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut;
$1,150, Women’s Shelter;
$ 800, Shelter of the Cross;
$ 500, HVCASA (Housatonic Valley Council Against Substance Abuse which provides funds for the Easton-Redding Community Council).
Motion: move that the Redding Board of Selectmen approve the distribution of $5,000 in grants as described. Takacs, Miller. Approved. Unanimous.
DECD SMALL CITIES BLOCK GRANT
A public hearing has been scheduled for August 9, 2007 at 7:30 pm regarding the application to remediate the lagoon at 15 Main Street.
Fair Housing Resolution:
Motion: move that the Redding Board of Selectmen approve the Fair Housing Resolution as presented. Miller, Takacs. Approved. Unanimous.
Fair Housing Compliance:
Motion: move that the Redding Board of Selectmen authorize First Selectmen Natalie Ketcham to sign the town’s compliance with the Title 6 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Miller, Takacs. Approved. Unanimous.
Fair Housing Policy Statement:
Motion: move that the Redding Board of Selectmen adopt the Fair Housing Policy Statement and authorize Natalie Ketcham or her designee to be the Fair Housing officer. Miller, Takacs. Approved. Unanimous.
SITING COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING
The Siting Council has scheduled a public hearing on August 1, 2007 regarding the proposed cell tower at the Fire District property, 186 Black Rock Turnpike. The application has had the approval of the State Historic Preservation Office. Kathleen von Jena will attend the public hearing and request a balloon test in “leaf off” conditions in the fall.
AUTO REIMBURSEMENT DISCUSSION
The Controller requested that approval of the GSA approved rates for employee use of personal auto to conduct town business when a town-owned vehicle is available and when a town-owned vehicle is not available. Mrs. Miller recommended that the policy be reviewed in six months.
Motion: Move that the Redding Board of Selectmen approve the use of GSA approved rates for the use of private vehicles for conducting Town business, with a follow-up report on costs, wear & tear, gas, etc. in six months. Miller, Takacs. Approved. Unanimous.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned the meeting at 9:14 pm on a motion by Takacs, seconded by Miller and unanimously approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Maday, Recording Secretary
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