The Regular Meeting of the Prospect Town Council was called to order at 8:01 P.M. by Chair Cynthia L. Gibbons. Members present: Frank Bainer, Robert Doyon, Delores Franks, Patricia Geary, Cynthia Gibbons, Gary Hodge, Edward Miller and Shirley Sabo. Absent: Theresa Graveline
MAYOR'S REPORT: Four (4) changes in budget as discussed during Public Hearing:
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Police: Mayor Chatfield requested moving $15,000 from radio (Line Item # 6700-07) to Vehicle (Line Item # 6700-09) oldest vehicle replacement, replace with a 4WD vehicle. MOTION made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Gary V. Hodge to approve. Unanimous
Insurance: Mayor Chatfield recommended a decrease of $4,000 in Liability Line Item 6750-00. Total $95,500. MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge seconded by Robert Doyon to approve. Unanimous
Civil Preparedness: Mayor Chatfield recommended adding Line Item 6800-01 "Emergency Plan" $2000. Bringing the total for Civil Preparedness to $2,100. MOTION made by Delores Franks, seconded by Gary V. Hodge to approve. Unanimous
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Truck Lease: Mayor recommending removing Line Item # 7950-04 of $27,500. Mayor will bring back to the council at a later date. MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Patricia Geary to approve. Unanimous
Mayor Chatfield asked for comments before continuing Mayor's Report. Robert Doyon questioned Building Official Salary Line Item 5850-00 suggested an increase due to the fact that Building Official is working more hours. Mayor Chatfield pointed out that an Electrical and Mechanical Inspector have been added which will decrease Building Official's hours.
Patricia Geary does not object to $165,000 slated for the volunteer fire department but would like to see them be more prudent as to the purchase of a Chevy Suburban. Doesn't support the purchase. Edward Miller echoed Patricia Geary's comment in view of the town's economy. Gary V. Hodge indicated that the council should officially ask fire department to hold off on a new vehicle purchase decision until ambulance service issue is resolved. Mayor pointed out that the vehicle they are considering replacing is 5-6 year old and wishes the council had brought up while fire chief was present. Delores Franks feels safety factor is the important issue but agrees fire department should be prudent.
Mayor Chatfield reviewed regulations of adult entertainment going before Planning and Zoning Commission (Schedule "A"). Ordinance sub-committee to look into and discuss.
Letter from Chesprocott Health District (Schedule "B") re: dead bird sightings.
Mayor Chatfield also requested Council hold a Special Meeting Monday night re: Economic Development update.
Resolution: Mayor Reviewed (Schedule "C")
Mayor Chatfield also updated members on the Senior Center and Capital Plan.
MOTION made by Delores Franks, seconded by Gary V. Hodge to add to the call of the Town Meeting Resolution. Edward Miller questioned if town could get grant money. Mayor pointed out only $50,000 statewide. Motion passed. Edward Miller opposed.
CHAIR REPORT: Members attended Charter Revision Public Hearing, meetings are held twice per month and suggested members try to attend. Shirley Sabo impressed with caliber of people on Charter Revision Committee. Cynthia Gibbons feels Council needs to be aware of window of time. Delores Franks feels town should be proud of people on Charter Revision.
GUESTS: Diane Lauber, Tax Collector. Pointed out to the Council that two heating permits have been requested from the Building Department. One is for the replacement of an oil heating system, the other an underground oil tank. Work already completed. Diane Lauber doesn't feel these are "improvements" to the property and reviewed ordinance previously passed. Robert Doyon questioned if penalty could be issued - nothing that Diane knows of in State Statutes. Gary V. Hodge personally feels replacements are not improvements but necessary. Patricia Geary pointed out the issue is people are doing what they want and then applying for a permit.
Diane Lauber also brought up the issue of Tax Exempt Organization ordinance which previously went to Public Hearing. Asked that Ordinance Committee look into. Members will definitely discuss at next Ordinance Subcommittee meeting.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Tony Augelli - Attended Park & Recreation meeting discussed location of ice skating rink. Board of Recreation indicated they would be unable to put at lighted soccer field at Hotchkiss field due to drains, possibility of using field behind town hall. Also attended Board of Education meeting and asked question about Industrial park on Scott road and whether location was ever considered for the High School. Was Told by Bill Stowell that it was only 35 acres and included wetlands, Mr. Augelli indicated that it is 151 acres. Also disappointed that very few people attended Board of Education Budget meeting. Feels council should be informed as to what exactly is happening.
Shirley Sabo pointed out that she is previously on record of being in favor of ice skating rink. Cynthia Gibbons will ask for update from Board of Recreation.
Jim Borbas. Beach Drive - Concerned about Canfield Courts, lights are on all hours of the evening and personally shuts them off, feels there is a need for a timer. Also the new tennis courts with posts in the middle of the nets feels is a serious liability and a waste of money. Also questioned road improvements, Coer Road was done, Klein & Beach were never done and was bonded, surveyed twice questioned where money was shifted to. Also concern about MTB issue, polluted sights in the state and would like Council to see if stations have test wells.
Mr. Augelli - Presently needs to drink bottled water, questioned if there is a law that underground oil tanks required to be removed. Delores Franks feels this is a very important public health issue.
Robert Doyon, Council Member and owner of Mobil station reviewed monitoring wells around property and that they are checked frequently. He also reviewed State requirements for gas station owners.
Kathy Hack - Still unable to hear Mr. Miller.
CORRESPONDENCE. Zoning Enforcement Officers report. MOTION made by Delores Franks, seconded by Gary V. Hodge to place correspondence on file. Unanimous
NEW BUSINESS: MOTION made by Delores Franks seconded by Patricia Geary to hold a Special Town Council meeting on Monday, April 24, 2000 @ 7 P.M. for Economic Development update. Unanimous
OLD BUSINESS:
Subcommittees:
Pension & Benefits to meet soon, Delores suggested meeting Saturday, April 29, 2000 @ 9 A.M.
Ordinance - Possibly meeting Monday @ 6 P.M. but Shirley would like to coordinate with Zoning Enforcement Officer.
R16 Liaisons - Delores Franks and Patricia Geary attended Budget Hearing as council members, if more people had attended they would realize that the budget is tight. Delores Franks reviewed letters from Oxford and to Oxford concerning Oxford students attending new R16 high school.
Patricia Geary was disheartened that only 20 people attended Board of Education meeting.
Cynthia Gibbons discussed tax abatement for firehouse ordinance. David Michaud still gathering information.
Gary V. Hodge questioned open land acquisition and when it would begin. Cynthia Gibbons - money is building to purchase property for preservation of land and this budget is only the second year money has been added. Money presently in CD's. Shirley Sabo feels the amount is small, if serious there is a need to increase budget item.
MOTION made by Delores Franks, seconded by Robert Doyon to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 9:30 P.M. Unanimous
Cynthia L. Gibbons, Chair
Maryann C. Anderson, Clerk