RECEIVED OCTOBER 27, 2008 @ 8:30 A.M.
Michele R. Grande, Redding Town Clerk
REDDING BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING
October 21, 2008
MINUTES
Filed subject to approval
Present: Ketcham, Miller, Takacs
Also present: Highway Superintendent Sanford, Human Services Director Gail Schiron, Rosaline Kopfstein of the Commission on Aging, and a representative of the Redding Pilot
First Selectman Ketcham called the October 21, 2008 meeting to order at 7:30 pm in the Conference Room of the Redding Town Office Building.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move that the Board of Selectmen accept the minutes of the October 14, 2008 meeting as submitted. Miller, Takacs. Approved. 2-0-1. Mrs. Ketcham abstained.
APPOINTMENTS
Motion: move that the Board of Selectmen appoint Tom Flagg as a full member to the Planning Commission to fill the unexpired term of Donald Stroetzel. Takacs, Miller. Approved. Unanimous.
SET A TOWN MEETING
Motion: move to set November 13, 2008, at 7:30 pm at Town Hall, to approve the ROLI contract and Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Agreement to offset the Levine Property Acquisition. Takacs, Miller. Approved. Unanimous.
ENERGY CONSERVATION HOURS REPORT/RECOMMENDATION
Controller Hutvagner submitted a written report on energy savings as a result of the Friday closing of town buildings. The savings in August and September were lower than July due to the milder temperature. For the upcoming heating season, the town building thermostats will be lowered to conserve energy.
Mrs. Ketcham reported the public response has been very positive, both in budget savings and accessibility to the town offices. She reported the town departments are in favor of continuing the Friday closing.
Mrs. Ketcham suggested the continuation of the Friday closing with some exceptions. The Highway Department and Recycling Center will resume the five-day workweek. Due to the outdoor nature of the work of the Highway Department and Recycling Center, the five-day workweek is more practical. The Heritage Center and Park & Recreation Department will continue on the four-day workweek. The Community Center will be open on Fridays for planned uses, but the thermostats will be adjusted downward. The Community Center is also open on Saturdays and Sundays.
Motion: move that the Board of Selectmen approve the continuation of the energy conservation hours for the town offices with the exception of the Highway Department, Police Department and Transfer & Recycling Center, and Community Center specific schedule, until April 1, 2008. Miller, Takacs. Approved. Unanimous.
ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Gail Schiron and Commission on Aging Chair Rosalind Kopfstein were present to discuss municipal assistance to residents. Mrs. Schiron shared some of the ideas that are used in other communities to collect funds for fuel assistance to residents. Eligibility issues were discussed. Ms. Kopfstein stressed the importance of getting information to those in need and to those who are interested in making a donation to assist others. A flyer will be available and information will be on the Town’s website. A specific account has been established to collect donations.
EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK UPDATE
The existing handbook was reviewed and suggestions were made for changes. A revised version of the handbook will be prepared for discussion and action at the next meeting.
DISCUSSION OF DRAFT 2008 TOWN PLAN OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
The draft was discussed in general. Additional review of the material is needed. Further discussion is planned for the November Board of Selectmen meeting prior to the Planning Commission public hearing.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: move that the Board of Selectmen adjourn to executive session for a discussion of matters pertaining to personnel. Miller, Takacs. Approved. Unanimous. Mr. Sanford was asked to be present.
The meeting recessed at 9:15 pm.
RECONVENE
The meeting was reconvened in public session at 10:45 pm.
ADJOURNMENT
The Chair adjourned the meeting at 10:45 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Maday, Recording Secretary
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