The Regular Town Council Meeting was called to order by Chair Cynthia Gibbons at 7:17 P.M. following the Special Town Meeting re: Backhoe. Members present: Delores Franks, Patricia Geary, Cynthia Gibbons, Theresa Graveline, Gary V. Hodge and Edward Miller. Absent: Frank Bainer, Robert Doyon and Shirley Sabo.
MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Chatfield asked for a moment of silence for the passing of Stan Slapikas.
Also present: Diane Tompkins and Thomas Capnick of South Central Regional Water Authority; Terry O’Neil of Connecticut Water Company and Robert Harvey Town of Prospect Representative on Regional Water Authority "RWA"; Also Representative from the Prospect Land Trust. Hand outs (Schedule "A" & "B" attached). Diane Tompkins reviewed 810 acre reservoir system, brief informal presentation. Presently reservoir is in a standby reserve status due to the fact that it was determined in 1977 that Prospect supply would be cost prohibitive. Prospect land is presently in a conservation land category. By the year 2001 required to look at property inorder to preserve the land. Could be used in the future as open space or for future development. 151 of the 810 acres flows into Mill River. Town of Prospect has right of first refusal. Presently land hasn’t been appraised which would be the next step for the Regional Water Authority. Also a survey is required to determine the exact acreage.
Options are to become partners with the state, land trust, etc. Possible for town to purchase over a period of time; town would be eligible for a grant funding program which is offered in the Spring and Fall (Late November). Representatives would be willing to help town submit applications.
Terry O’Neil representative of Conn. Water Co. ½ million gallons of water per day could be important to the town as it could fit towns water supply needs in the future.
Delores Franks – Prospect presently working on "Plan of Development" Encouraged Council to look at as an integrated plan..
Patricia Geary – If town were to purchase 810 acres, conservation easement, remain open space and use as passive recreation. Could town itself make use of water? – Open for discussion. Reservoir use, fishing, swimming, boating, etc? Department of Public Health issue as it is a public water supply. Reservoir could be compatible with recreation. Diane Thompkins – would require segregation of portions. Could be use for Quinnipiac River, water for town. Questioned why doesn’t Regional Water Authority and CWC work together? Could be valuable to Prospect in the future. Patricia Geary sees the importance for land and water for Prospect. Also questioned if it would be possible for Prospect to purchase less than 810 acres. Yes. If Prospect purchased, water rights would be retained. If Prospect wanted who would pay? Water rights would be negotiated. CWC would work with Prospect to purchase land. Mayor Chatfield suggested setting up a committee to look into.
Theresa Graveline questioned time frame – Early next year.
Tony Augelli questioned who would make the appraisal and on what basis; Would be at least two independent appraisals and would be based on highest and best use. Also questioned if presently under tax roll – Payment in leu of taxes, classified forest land, $35,000 per year directly to treasurer. Town would still apply for forest land classification. Patricia Geary questioned why not appraised as open space.
Questions as to who would pay for the survey – Orange recently bought similar land and the cost of survey was shared, Approx. 230 acres in Orange, 3.5 million $16,000 to $17,000 an acre.
Douglas Merriman questioned how long process would take and what do the authority present suggest Prospect do? Necessary to get committee together to begin process and come back with a recommendation. Commitment to go forward.
Mr. Kathan from the Prospect Land Trust indicated that there are funding sources, watershed fund being one of them.
Douglas Merriman indicated that both groups, representatives from the Regional Water Authority and Conn. Water Co. should be involved with subcommittee.
Patricia Geary indicated that town needs to discuss further in order to understand how to put concept together.
Representatives from the authorities present suggested some type of motion be made by the Town Council.
MOTION made by Theresa Graveline, seconded by Edward Miller to establish a study committee in order to study the 810 acre, involvement would be with current Land Use Committee which consists of three members and an additional four members from the public added. Unanimous
Mayor Chatfield reviewed Department of Corrections letter re: Prisons. Indicated that there would be no way state could put a prison on water company property previously discussed if it remained a Class I or Class II land.
MAYOR’s REPORT continued: Senior Center update: Historic District letter.
Mayor Chatfield suggested a brief recess. MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Theresa Graveline to have a brief recess.
Edward Miller left the meeting at 8:25 P.M.
MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Theresa Graveline to reconvene @ 8:37 P.M.
CHAIR REPORT: Robert Hiscox has been invited to the August meeting to update Council on town plan; Douglas Merriman will be attending the September meeting to update on Safety Committee.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
Frank Duffy spoke concerning building of the new high school and the spending of money due to a miscalculation; Gene McCarthy previously appeared before the Council concerning problems with the soil at the Beacon Falls site, feels Mr. McCarthy was 100% right and had previously forewarned people; Prospect is paying 66% for the high school as "absentee landlords". Would like to duly note that Mr. McCarthy was right due to his knowledge and ability.
Tony Augelli reiterated issue that Mr. Duffy brought up, $500,000 from contingency fund. Need for communication between Council and Board of Education. He would have liked to have seen $500,000 put in auditorium to allow seating of more people rather than put into tennis courts. Also questioned why Water Company land was not available for the high school. In 1996 told land was not for sale.
Theresa Graveline pointed out that she previously spoke to Joe Commendatore and the $500,000 is being used to allow for additional drainage.
Patricia Geary pointed out that Mr. McCarthy’s concerns were not dismissed and the Council wrote to the Board of Education and were assured by the engineers that everything was okay concerning the soil issue.
Theresa Graveline would like to follow up on Mr. Duffy’s statement.
Robert Harvey questioned Tax Abatement ordinance, time-line. Gary Hodge, member of ordinance committee, explained that they haven’t been able to meet yet but have obtained correspondence room other towns. Will be one of the first items on the Ordinance Committees agenda.
Patricia Geary questioned Robert Harvey re: demolition of old firehouse; Due to contaminated soil, high metal content, etc. can’t demolish until asbestos & lead are removed and approvals received. Patricia Geary also questioned where $60,000 for demolition of old fire house is, is it in the general fund if not spent by July 1, 2000?
MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge seconded by Delores Franks to approve minutes of June 27, 2000. Patricia Geary questioned $22,470.00 transfer under BTE. Would like to have added to next agenda under Review of year-end transfers. Patricia Geary and Theresa Graveline abstained. MOTION CARRIED.
CORRESPONDENCE: Treasurers report; mini but report; police report; building inspector’s report; Dept. of Correction letter (Gary would like to table until next meeting to allow members to read). MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge seconded by Theresa Graveline to place correspondence on file. Unanimous
APPOINTMENTS/RESIGNATIONS: Resignation of Walter Hack from Board of Assessment appeals.
NEW BUSINESS: Gary V. Hodge questioned if town considered bulk rubbish removal for residents yearly? (Would like as an agenda item for the fall).
MOTION made by Theresa Graveline, seconded by Gary V. Hodge to send a letter to the Board of Education as to $500,000 being spent for irrigation and drainage with a copy to Joe Commendatore. Unanimous
SUB COMMITTEES
Pension/Benefits – No chairperson, Patricia Geary to become Chair and will have report for the next Council meeting. MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Delores Franks. Unanimous
Land Use – Pursuing info re: Center Street and Cheshire Road properties.
Ordinance, Public Works, R16 Liaison, SR Housing and Economic Dev. Sub – Haven’t met, nothing to report at this time.
MOTION made by G. Hodge, seconded by T. Graveline to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 9:15 P.M.
Cynthia L. Gibbons, Chair