Board of Selectmen[Marker]
Meeting Minutes
May 19, 2008
Present: Miller, Takacs, Ketcham
Media: Redding Pilot
Mrs. Ketcham called the May 19, 2008 meeting to order at 7:40 pm.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move to approve the minutes of April 14, 2008 as submitted. Miller, Takacs. Approved. Unanimous.
Motion: move to approve the minutes of April 17, 2008 as submitted. Takacs, Miller. Approved. Unanimous.
Motion: move to approve the minutes of April 21, 2008 as submitted. Takacs, Ketcham. Approved. 2-0-1. Miller abstained.
Motion: move to approve the minutes of May 14, 2008 as submitted. Miller, Takacs. Approved. Unanimous.
DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON TOWN POLICY REGARDING BUILDING DEPARTMENT FEES FOR TAX EXEMPT APPLICATIONS
Building Official, Jay Hennessey, provided additional information on the custom of not charging fees for tax exempt organizations. He noted that other departments, Zoning, Planning, etc., do charge these organizations fees. In addition, he checked with surrounding comparable towns and reported that eight of the ten charge fees for tax exempt applications. Redding and Weston are the two towns who do not charge fees. Mr. Hennessey’s recommendation is to change the policy, effectively immediately, and make the Building Department policy regarding fees for tax exempt applications consistent with the other Redding use agencies/departments.
Motion: move that, effectively immediately, the Town of Redding policy will be to charge building fees for all applications with only exception to be for town-owned buildings. Miller, Takacs. Approved. Unanimous.
DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON FISCAL 2008-2009 BUDGET
Following the defeat of the budget referendum, the Board of Finance requested the Board of Selectmen to reduce the town budget by $75,000. Mrs. Ketcham reported there has been a savings of $37,000 in Worker’s Compensation allocation as a result of information recently received. The experience rating of the town has reduced the rates by 20%, resulting in the savings.
The Mark Twain Library contribution has been reduced by $3,000. The Library Board was in agreement with the reduction and reported the public response to the membership drive has been very successful and residents are recognizing the need for funding the operation.
Additional reductions were made in a variety of accounts to bring the total reduction to the requested $75,000.
Motion: move that the Board of Selectmen reduce the Fiscal Year 2008-2009 operating budget by $75,000 as specified. Miller, Takacs. Approved. Unanimous.
DISCUSSION ON CT DOT ALTERNATIVES FOR SIMPAUG TURNPIKE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
Alternatives for the Simpaug Turnpike Bridge were provided for consideration. The alternatives were reviewed by the Highway Superintendent, Police Chief, West Redding Fire Chief, the Planning Commission and John Hayes. The differences among the three alternatives primarily concern the intersection of Marchant Road & Simpaug Turnpike and the profile of the bridge, which could determine the amount of concrete and fill needed to construct foundations and abutments. .
Mrs. Ketcham suggested a special Board of Selectmen meeting be scheduled to discuss the topic further with CT DOT.
REAPPOINTMENT TO WATER POLLUTION CONTROL COMMISSION
Motion: move that Donald Stroetzel be reappointed to represent the Planning Commission on the Water Pollution Control Commission for a term running to March 2012. Miller. Takacs. Approved. Unanimous.
HANDICAPPED VEHICLE EXEMPTION ORDINANCE
The Ordinance for the Handicapped Vehicle Exemption ordinance was reviewed by Town Counsel and Assessor Ford. Their comments were incorporated in the ordinance and will undergo a final review prior to the Board of Selectmen vote on the ordinance in June.
YEAR-END FISCAL MATTERS
Cost Savings Measures: the Town Departments are operating to save money wherever possible. AC/heating at Town Hall has been turned off as a cost savings measure.
GLDC PRE-APPLICATION MEETING, May 28, 2008 WITH CONSERVATION, PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSIONS
This meeting is scheduled for the night of the budget referendum. The Joint Meeting is scheduled for John Read Middle School.
ADJOURNMENT
The Board of Selectmen meeting was adjourned at 8:55 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Maday, Recording Secretary
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