The Special Meeting of the Prospect Town Council was called to order by Chair, Cynthia Gibbons at 7 P.M. Members present: Delores Franks, Robert Doyon, Frank Bainer, Cynthia Gibbons, Gary V. Hodge, Patricia Geary, Theresa Graveline and Edward Miller @ 7:12 P.M. Absent: Shirley Sabo
MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Theresa Graveline to approve minutes of March 7, 2000 as amended. Chair, Cynthia Gibbons, pointed out that letters have been sent in support of legislation concerning Thermal Imaging. Patricia Geary abstained. Motion passed.
CORRESPONDENCE: February Police & Mini Bus reports; Chesprocott Health District proposed 2000-2001 Budget. MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge seconded by Delores Franks to place correspondence on file. Unanimous.
Mayor Chatfield asked members to turn to page 10 of the Town of Prospect Operating Budget – Insurance Item 6750-00 & 6750-01. Legal notice published for bids on Liability Insurance, asked for a motion to approve line item in order to allow bid opening on Saturday, April 10th, 2000 @ 4 P.M. Line item to be revisited after bid opening. MOTION made by Delores Franks, seconded by Robert Doyon to approve. Patricia Geary feels should wait, Mayor Chatfield pointed out waiting would require a special meeting. Also Mayor Chatfield indicated he hopes bids will be lower, it would be a three-year plan. Delores Franks, Robert Doyon and Cindy Gibbons in favor. Delores Franks asked to move the question, seconded by Robert Doyon, Delores’s intent is to vote and curtail discussion. Patricia Geary and Gary V. Hodge opposed. Edward Miller abstained. MOTION carried.
Mayor Chatfield also pointed out that the April 1st Budget Workshop meeting is the same day as the Congregational Church Flea Market and that parking may be an issue. Hopes that members will be able to get a visual of the New Senior Center from the Police Stations.
Tuesday, March 21st regular meeting at 7 P.M.; Peter Hughes, Chairman of the Economic Development Commission is expected to attend and @ 7:30 P.M. Budget Workshop to commence. Chair, Cynthia Gibbons would like to have 20 minute time slots from each department attending budget workshops. Theresa Graveline feels ½ hour would be better. Mayor Chatfield hopes to have representative from the Registrars, Building Official, Commission on Aging and Board of Recreation at the March 21st meeting. Saturday, April 1st Representatives from the Library Board and Police Departments. Theresa Graveline concerned about time limit for the March 21st meeting and still allow time for Peter Hughes to speak. Mayor will try to have representative from the Board of Recreation attend April 1st meeting.
BUDGET WORKSHOP:
Office of the Mayor $109,800: Mayor Chatfield reviewed. MOTION made by Theresa Graveline, seconded by Gary V. Hodge to approve. Theresa Graveline questioned hours of the Administrative Assistant. Patricia Geary requested a list of grants received. Mayor to have available at March 21st meeting. MOTION CARRIED
Zoning Board of Appeals $1,570: MOTION made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Delores Franks to approve. Unanimous
Assessor $119,450: MOTION made by Delores Franks, seconded by Theresa Graveline to approve. Unanimous
Board of Assessment Appeals $1,475.00: MOTION made by Delores Franks, seconded by Gary V. Hodge. Unanimous. Patricia Geary questioned 3.5% increase and questioned Mayor’s Administrative Assistant receiving a 7.5 % increase.
Tax Collector: C.C.M.C: $56,530: Motion made by Theresa Graveline seconded by Robert Doyon to approve. Increase for Asst. Tax Collector due to her being certified and working additional hours. Unanimous
Treasurer $7,990: MOTION made by Edward Miller, seconded by Delores Franks to approve. Unanimous
Town Clerk $72,640: MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Delores Franks to approve. Members would like to have the Town Clerk, Patricia Vaillancourt, fill them in on fees. Mayor pointed out that the way the Town Clerk is paid could only change if there is a change in office. Mayor suggested members write a letter to the Town Clerk requesting statute, etc. Theresa also questioned why Assistant is more than 3.5% increase. Motion made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Delores Franks to withdraw original motion. Members voted on original Motion and voted unanimously.
Planning & Zoning Commission $46,050: Motion made by Edward Miller seconded by Delores Franks to approve. Unanimous
Water Pollution Authority $63,820: Motion made by Patricia Geary seconded by Theresa Graveline to approve. Unanimous
Town Council $8,600: Motion made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Theresa Graveline to approve. Unanimous
Conservation Commission $520.00: Motion made by Delores Franks, seconded by Patricia Geary. Unanimous
Safety Committee $210.00: Motion made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Gary V. Hodge to approve. Unanimous
MOTION MADE BY GARY V. HODGE, SECONDED BY PATRICIA GEARY TO RECESS @ 8 P.M. FOR A TOUR OF THE FIREHOUSE. UNANIMOUS
MOTION MADE BY GARY V. HODGE, SECONDED BY PATRICIA GEARY TO RECONVENE AT 8:33 P.M. UNANIMOUS
Mayor Chatfield pointed out that members of the fire department work a lot of hours and are all volunteers and do not receive any pay.
Public Safety $165,000: Fire Chief, Clint Brandien reviewed (Schedule "A" attached). One of the goals is to improve manpower & replacing of vehicle. MOTION made by Delores Franks, seconded by Gary V. Hodge to approve. Clint Brandien would like to either trade or keep EMS 1 and purchase a new larger vehicle inorder to allow for more room for the backboard, etc. Theresa Graveline feels there may be a way to accommodate/adapt the current vehicle (Jeep Cherokee) to allow for the backboard. Patricia Geary agreed with Theresa Graveline since there is the possibility of an ambulance service in the future, money for an new vehicle could go toward an ambulance. Delores pointed out the safety issue when it comes to crowding in the current vehicle. Clint Brandien feels department is outgrowing current vehicle. Theresa Graveline would prefer not to vote on the line item tonight to allow time to review and formulate more questions. Line Item 6600-00 Patricia Geary, Theresa Graveline & Edward J. Miller abstained. Gary V. Hodes, Delores Franks, Robert Doyon and Cynthia Gibbons voted in favor. MOTION carried. Clint Brandien would like to be present when line item is revisited.
MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Theresa Graveline to adjourn. Meeting adourned at 9:26 P.M.
Cynthia L. Gibbons, Chair
Maryann C. Anderson, Clerk