RECEIVED JANUARY 12, 2010 @ 8:55 A.M.
Michele R. Grande, Redding Town Clerk
2 pages
REGIONAL PROBATE DISTRICT MEETING
OF FIRST SELECTMEN OF
BETHEL
NEWTOWN
REDDING
RIDGEFIELD
JANUARY 11, 2010
Redding Town Hall
100 Hill Road
Redding, CT
Present: Bethel First Selectman Matthew S. Knickerbocker, Newtown First Selectman Patricia Llodra, Redding First Selectman Natalie T. Ketcham, Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi
Also present: Dan O’Grady, Bethel Probate Judge, and representatives of the Newtown Bee, Redding Pilot and Danbury News Times
Mrs. Ketcham called the meeting to order at 10:10 am in the Hearing Room of the Redding Town Office Building. She reviewed the purpose of the meeting, to select a name for the regional probate district and determine a location for the probate district.
DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON NAME FOR REGIONAL PROBATE DISTRICT
The State Redistricting Commission determined that both Bethel and Newtown had available facilities and were suitable locations for the regional probate court.
First Selectman Llodra provided detailed information on the facilities available in Newtown. The proposed location in the Edmond Town Hall is accessible and centrally located in Newtown. Two office suites are available, each with an in-suite dedicated vault. The space is ADA compliant and has ample adjacent parking.
First Selectman Knickerbocker proposed a location in the Municipal Center in Bethel. The 2nd floor is accessible by elevator and is ADA compliant. The facility has ample parking. The office suite includes a storage facility and two additional conference rooms. The vault space would be shared with the Town Clerk on the first floor.
Discussion of an appropriate name for the regional district followed. Mrs. Ketcham suggested Mid Fairfield County Probate Court based on a recommendation of the Redding Probate Judge Dick Emerson. Mrs. Llodra suggested Housatonic Probate Court. After further discussion and review of a map of Fairfield County, a name, the Northern Fairfield County Probate Court, was suggested. The name captured the location of the four towns.
Motion: move that the name, Northern Fairfield County Probate Court be approved. Knickerbocker, Llodra. Approved. Unanimous.
DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON COURT LOCATION FOR THE PROBATE DISTRICT OF BETHEL, NEWTOWN, REDDING & RIDGEFIELD
First Selectman Marconi stated a preference for the Bethel location as it is geographically more desirable for Ridgefield residents and is a central location for the four-town area.
First Selectman Ketcham stated a preference for the Bethel location because of the proximity to Redding residents.
Motion: move that the location of the Northern Fairfield County Probate Court be in Bethel, Connecticut. Marconi, Knickerbocker. Approved. 3-1. Mrs. Lloda cast the dissenting vote.
Mrs. Ketcham noted that further decision making on the judge for the district would be by election in the November election.
ADJOURNMENT
Mrs. Ketcham adjourned the meeting at 10:35 am
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Maday, Recording Secretary
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