The Redding Board of Selectmen has met to discuss the Eversource Vegetation Management Program.  First Selectwoman Julia Pemberton noted that Redding has 100 miles of lines and two main circuits included in the tree trimming program.  The routine maintenance is done every four years. 

Options to keep town residents informed of the project were discussed, including a mailed letter or door hanger, the Frequently Asked Questions section on the town website and informational sheets on types of tree trimming. 

Eversource is doing enhanced tree trimming along major circuits, but in Redding most of the work is standard maintenance.  There are major lines that run across town, and places off Old Redding Road, and that's where more major trimming will occur.  Pemberton received a letter in the mail since her home is along the trimming route.  She then received a door hangar with the name of the person to call if there are questions.

Selectman Peg O’Donnell confirmed that right-of-way plantings were completed, but said crossings were still sparse. Pemberton responded that Eversource informed the town that mountain laurel can be planted in areas if needed.  Samantha Sojka from Eversource attended the meeting.

Pemberton noted that the upside to the tree trimming, is that the utility is doing a lot of work that Redding would like to do, but doesn't have the budget to complete.  Eversource is taking out every dead ash tree that's a danger to their lines, including those on the opposite side of the street and in danger of falling on the lines.