RECEIVED JULY 23, 2009 @ 9:30A.M.
Kerry Miserendino, Redding Asst. Town Clerk
REDDING BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING
July 20, 2009
Present: Ketcham, Miller, Takacs
Also present: 20 members of the public and a representative of the Redding Pilot
Mrs. Ketcham called the July 20, 2009 meeting to order at 7:30 pm
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move that the minutes of the June 1, 2009 meeting be approved as submitted. Miller, Takacs. Approved. Unanimous.
Motion: move that the minutes of the June 16, 2009 meeting be approved as corrected, Takacs, Miller. Approved. Unanimous.
Correction: page 1, under Discussion of Speed Enforcement, line 1, change resident to residents; next paragraph, the Board expects to receive a draft copy of the Planning Commission…….
Motion: move that the minutes of the June 22, 2009 meeting be approved as submitted. Takacs, Miller. Approved. Unanimous.
DISCUSSION WITH REPRESENTATIVE OF MILONE & MACBROOM REGARDING A LONG TERM ROAD REHABILITATION PROGRAM
Anthony A. Ciriello and Eric Wilson of Milone & MacBroom provided information on a computer software program package that would be a management tool for the Highway Department in planning for roadway repair and rehabilitation. The package would include an inventory of the existing 99 miles of roadway in Redding and an assessment of the condition. The information would be fed to a software program. Changes in condition can be tracked and priority status for repairs and rehabilitation can be assigned. Maintenance & repair scheduling & planning, along with cost estimates can be included to provide an assessment of funding needs. Once the inventory data is completed updates can be done by the Highway Department on an annual or as needed basis.
Comments and questions followed. The total cost of package was not known. Mrs. Ketcham suggested that a meeting be scheduled with the Milone & MacBroom representatives and Highway Superintendent and ZEO Flanagan to determine parameters for a proposal for the program.
DISCUSSION OF TRAFFIC CALMING AND REPORT FROM PLANNING COMMISSION
Chief of Police, Doug Fuchs, opened the discussion with information from his department. Traffic calming can be done through environmental design, education and enforcement.
The police department can educate motorists through enforcement and other means, which would have an effect of traffic calming. Chief Fuchs reported that the number of traffic crashes has decreased in the last few years, and the number of motor vehicle stops has increased. The present of police on the roads has increase. In addition, the use of the speed trailer has helped to educate drivers on there speed.
Nancy King of the Planning Commission presented information on the draft of the Commission’s report, Traffic Calming in Redding—A Plan, which was prepared by Toby Welles, who was unable to attend. The report suggested specific measure to be used, such as plantings to suggest a narrower roadway and striping on the side of the roadways. The plan recommended a trial, using Sidecut Road, to determine if such measures were effective. Sidecut Road is a scenic road and the Planning Commission must approve whatever traffic calming measures are being considered.
Discussion followed. Chief Fuchs expressed concern that plantings could have an impact on safety and should be well planned. He will institute a traffic analysis of Sidecut Road before changes are made to determine if there is a need to slow traffic. Discussion also centered on the need for the residents of that road, or any road, to be included in the planning of any traffic calming measures.
Other residents in the audience spoke about Umpawaug Road and specifically the need for changes to the Umpawaug Road & Route 53 intersection. Chief Fuchs has requested the State to address the intersection but they indicated the town would have to do the work. Chief Fuchs was asked by the Selectmen to be sure to consult with relevant town boards to achieve a result that is in keeping with the policy of preserving Redding’s rural atmosphere.
Signage was also discussed. Where signage is redundant, signs will be removed. The “hidden driveway” and “children at play” signs were felt to be unnecessary in Redding, and these will be taken down by the Highway Department. The Department will also identify additional unnecessary signs. An increase in graffiti on signs was discussed. The police are monitoring this and trying to identify who is responsible.
STATION ROAD BRIDGE
Mrs. Ketcham received a recommendation for repair of the Station Road Bridge from Milone & MacBroom. The recommendation is for a temporary repair (to last 10-15 years) with an estimate of $40,000-$50,000. Highway Superintendent Sanford was in agreement with the proposal. The other option, going with the state program, for complete replacement of the bridge would result in a wider and longer bridge, and would be more costly.
Mr. Sanford noted that the repair work is all to the footings of the bridge, under the water. The Board of Selectmen favored the repair of the bridge and will refer the proposal to the Planning Commission for review.
Motion: move that the Board of Selectmen, subject to review by the Planning Commission, move forward with the Sidecut Bridge repair as specified by Milone & MacBroom in their June 23, 2009 letter and with verification of the life expectancy of 10-15 years. . Miller, Takacs. Approved. Unanimous.
STATUS OF STEAP GRANTS
1. Athletic Fields: Mr. Takacs reported that the grant of $400,000 is recommended to be used to convert field #2 at the Community Center to artificial turf without lights.. The artificial turf would expand the playing time for that field. The total cost is estimated at $850,000. The Fields Athletic Committee and their consultant, Blades and Goven, believe the cost has decreased in the past year, and that some cost could be avoided by having the Highway Department do some of the excavation and leveling work. In addition, the Committee is working on getting private donations of $200,000 for the field. The alternate plan is to expand the same field with natural grass. Mr. Takacs was asked to look into any issues concerning using the Highway Department to do work on the project.
2. Police Station: The $500,000 Steap Grant is written for renovation to the police station building. A new building is not practical at this time, so the funds could be used to renovate the existing building. The next step is to have design work completed for the improvements to the building. No additional work will go forward without a contract with the State to reimburse the Town for the work.
REAPPOINTMENT
Motion: move that the Board of Selectmen reappoint Scott Palmer to the Board of Ethics with a timer of 8/1/09-8/1/11. Takacs, Miller. Approved. Unanimous.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY UPDATE
CL&P Small Business Program: CL&P has reviewed the town buildings and their recommendations have been put in place. The Town of Redding was awarded the DEP Summer Saving Award for the Town’s participation in the CL&P program. The Town facilities manager is looking for more ways to save energy, i.e. replacing the flashing yellow light at the intersection of Cross Highway & Newtown Turnpike with a LED light.
A regional block grant for $959,350 is also available. Mrs. Ketcham has contacted Easton’s First Selectmen regarding partnering on the grant for work at the regional high school.
UPDATE ON GEORGETOWN PROJECT
The Georgetown Special Taxing District has a meeting scheduled for Tuesday. Mr. Soler was hoping that the State Traffic Commission would address the phasing plan at their next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The Chair adjourned the meeting at 11:10 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Maday
Recording Secretary
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