The Special Town Council Meeting was called to order by Chair, Cynthia Gibbons at 8 P.M.
Chair, Cynthia Gibbons, asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of Mr. Walter Magnavice.
Members present: Patricia Geary, Shirley Sabo, Cynthia Gibbons, Frank Bainer, Robert Doyon, Delores Franks and Edward Miller. Absent: Theresa Graveline & Gary V. Hodge.
Presentation by Peter Hughes, Chairman of the Economic Development. Mr. Hughes reviewed what steps were taken in the past concerning the Sendzmir property off Scott Road near the Cheshire & Waterbury town lines. If property were to be used for residential dwellings it would cost the town tax dollars but an industrial park would generate tax dollars. It was suggested in the past to make the property a golf course. RMK-Prospect Associates has a two-year option to purchase the property and is willing to buy the land, then re-sell the 160 acres to the town. Economic Development Commission feels it is important to keep the property in pristine condition and look like parklands. Presently in conceptual stage, rough drawing of map submitted. Mr. Hughes suggested Economic Development Commission be allowed to continue the fact-finding process to explore the possibilities to determine the best use for the town out of the property. Peter Hughes suggested they invite representative from the State Department of Economic and Community Development to review the issue with the Council. Feels there is also the need for a professional planner to help with the concept in order to make an intelligent informed decision. Only 7% of the present tax base is industrial and 93% of the town's grand list of taxable properties are residential. Economic Development's mission is to have 80% residential, 20% industrial. Industrial park is still in the conceptual stage, and economically feasible; Mr. Hughes feels it is a prime piece of property. Cynthia Gibbons pointed out that the reason Mr. Hughes was invited was to update Council. Members thanked Mr. Hughes. Delores Franks reiterated that Mr. Hughes is asking the Council to allow him to check with the Town Attorney; Council not ready to empower Economic Development to do so; Feels it is a good idea but vague and ambiguous, town needs to look at the direction it wants to go. Shirley Sabo feels it would be best for property to become an industrial property. Need for study committee to talk to people in different towns who have industrial parks. Edward Miller pointed out that the past is the past and there is a need to move forward, get opinion from attorney and speak to representative from the State. Patricia Geary pointed out that her name was not mentioned even though she asked many questions.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LINE ITEM #5650-00 to 5650-03: MOTION made by Delores Franks, seconded by Edward J. Miller to approve. Patricia Geary pointed out that nothing has been spent from 1999- 2000 budget, $5,000 could be used before June 30th. There is a need for a clerk. Peter Hughes pointed out there may be a need for more money for a professional planner. MOTION CARRIED
BUILDING DEPARTMENT LINE ITEM #5850-00 to 5850-07: Mayor Chatfield asked Bill Scarpati to attend. Increase in budget is due to the need for an additional inspector. (Plumbing, Heating & HVAC). MOTION made by Edward Miller, seconded by Delores Franks to approve. Mayor Chatfield pointed out that as of February 15, $64,000 was collected in fees. Edward Miller feels a 3.5% increase for Bldg. Off. Salary (Line Item #5850-00) would be appropriate. Presently Mr. Scarpati puts in 18-22 hours. Increase for Clerical Assistant due to more hours. Patricia Geary opposed. MOTION CARRIED
MOTION made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Edward Miller to approve Elections & Registrars Line Item. Patricia Geary withdrew motion in order to allow Mr. Tony Augelli to speak.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Questioned why if the Sendzmir property was for sale why was it never considered for the location of the Regional High School. Edward Miller pointed out that that would be a question for the Board of Education. Mr. Augelli said "passing the buck". Feels Town should buy the land from the Sendzmirs not from someone else. Mr. Augelli also said Council members have "big mouths, and take no action".
ELECTIONS & REGISTRARS LINE ITEM 5150-00 TO 5150-08: MOTION made by Patricia Geary seconded by Edward Miller to approve $27,900.00. Mayor Chatfield pointed out that this is the only time that the Registrars are allowed a salary increase. Katie Blinstrubas reviewed Machine Repairs - Machines need to be stripped down, tuned up & cleaned. Cost would be approx. $300 per machine, which is cheaper than purchasing new machines. Katie Blinstrubas and Kathy Vander Eyk reviewed reasons for some of the increases, voter canvas, etc.. Patricia Geary would like to see amendment and approve $31,900 which would allow for the proposed increase for Salaries at $14,000.00. Patricia Geary withdrew original motion. MOTION made by Patricia Geary seconded by Delores Franks to approve Elections & Registrars @ $31,900 to include $14,000. for salaries. Edward Miller would like to see set office hours. Edward Miller opposed, Shirley Sabo abstained. MOTION CARRIED
TOWN HALL BUILDINGS LINE ITEM 6100-00 TO 6100-08:MOTION made by Patricia Geary seconded by Delores Franks. Mayor Chatfield reviewed. Increases due to new Senior Center, Grange, etc. MOTION CARRIED
MOTION made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Delores Franks to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 9:53 P.M.
Cynthia L. Gibbons, Chair
Maryann C. Anderson, Clerk