RECEIVED OCTOBER 21, 2009 @ 9:41 A.M.
Michele R. Grande, Redding Town Clerk
2 pages
REDDING BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING
Minutes
October 19, 2009
Present: Ketcham, Miller, Takacs
Also present: ten members of the public and a representative of the Redding Pilot
Mrs. Ketcham called the October 19, 2009 meeting to order at 7:35 pm
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move that the minutes of the September 21, 2009 meeting be approved as submitted. Takacs, Miller. Approved. Unanimous.
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION REPORT
The Park and Recreation Commission submitted a report on their accomplishments, for 2008-2009 and goals for the current fiscal year. Mrs. Ketcham suggested giving the Commission the option of coming to a future meeting to discuss the report. Mrs. Miller recommended that one of the goals, a photo exhibit featuring Topstone Park, be coordinated with the Art Committee.
LONG RANGE CAPITAL PLANNING
The Long Range Financial Planning Committee’s draft report for capital expenditures was reviewed. Mrs. Ketcham suggested that, following the process used during the budget season, that the Board of Selectmen invites the various department heads to explain their requests, their rationale for the requests, and ramification if the request is not approved. This would give the Board of Selectmen the information needed to assess the requests.
Mrs. Miller commented that the draft report is a useful tool for planning. She emphasized the need to understand the difference between need and want, and what items are truly “capital” in nature rather than items that belong in the operating budget.
Bruce Sanford, Highway Superintendent, was present to review the items related to the Highway Department. He asked that the 3-bay garage be moved further out two to three years. His crew has been able to modify existing garages to accommodate the higher truck cabs. The back hoe and loader are key pieces of equipment. For roadway reconstruction, not general roadway maintenance, Mr. Sanford is estimating between $1million and $1.4 million each year for the next five years. This is for roads without a proper base and poor drainage, not routine work.
Larry Kulowiec, Operations Manager for the Recycling Center, reviewed the items on the Recycling/Transfer Station list. The fencing at the center is in need of repair. The fence provides a visual barrier for neighboring properties. The cost is estimated at $10,000. Mrs. Ketcham will assess the current condition of the fence to determine if this is work that should be done during the current fiscal year with funds in the Capital and Non-recurring Fund. In addition, Mr. Kulowiec described a truck and back hoe that need to be replaced.
The Selectmen will continue to review and revise the LRFPC (Long Range Financial Planning Committee) draft document. Some items will be put on a “watch list” rather than slotted into a particular year. These items will be for the projects that extend beyond a five-year period. Mr. Takacs revised the athletic field upgrade for Redding Community Center Field 2 to a full-size field with artificial turf. He expects this upgrade to be funded through the STEAP Grant and private funding which would mean no additional cost to the Town. The project has not been submitted for approval as yet, pending completion of the final plan
Mrs. Ketcham noted that the $6 million in funding for a new police station should be removed. Renovation and expansion work will be funded by a grant and should allow for sufficient space for the police station for the next five years.
ROAD RECONSTRUCTION PROGRAM UPDATE
Mr. Sanford reported that the current bonded roadway reconstruction work would be completed in about a month. Work on Huckleberry Road was moved up due to the conditions of the road and safety issues on a septic field. Work on the road has been completed. The Highway Department will begin work on Beck and Hopewell Woods Roads and work will take about three weeks. A small portion of the routing operating budget for road maintenance will be used to complete this work.
CELEBRATION OF TINA MILLER
The meeting was the last official meeting for Selectman Miller. Mrs. Ketcham read a poem, presented a certificate of appreciation and a gift celebrating Mrs. Miller’s 12 years of service on the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Takacs added his congratulations and appreciation for her service. A reception followed.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: move that the Board of Selectmen adjourn to executive session for a discussion of contract negotiations for a cellular tower on the Highway Department property. Miller, Takacs. Approved. Unanimous.
The meeting recessed at 9:30 pm.
RECONVENE
The Chair reconvened the meeting in public session at 9:55 pm
ADJOURNMENT
The Chair adjourned the meeting at 9:55 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Maday
Recording Secretary
| 
