The Regular Meeting of the Prospect Town Council was called to order at 7:02 P.M. by Chair Cynthia L. Gibbons.
Cynthia Gibbons indicated that the Public Hearing concerning the Tax Exempt Ordinance would be held May 23, 2000 @ 7 P.M. not May 16, 2000 prior to the Regular Town Council Meeting due to a clerical error.
Members present: Frank Bainer, Robert Doyon 7:05 P.M., Delores Franks, Patricia Geary 7:04 P.M., Cynthia Gibbons, Theresa Graveline 7:04 P.M., Gary V. Hodge, Edward Miller and Shirley Sabo.
GUEST: Diane Lauber, Tax Collector indicated that the suspense list would hopefully be ready by the June 6th Council Meeting.
MAYOR'S REPORT: Document concerning U.S. Cap & Jacket, testing presently taking place, test holes being dug and water will be tested, grant received from Environmental Protection Agency, after results of test can apply for additional grants; Letter from Rep. Nardello re: "An Act Concerning The Conveyance of Certain Parcels of State Land" (Schedule "A" attached); Updated members concerning light @ top of Summit Road, construction to start in August; Senior Center update - asked that members of the Council meet @ 6:15 on June 6th prior to regular council meeting for a tour of the senior center.
William Sereduck, member of the Board of Recreation, updated members on Caplan Park (Draft) (Schedule "B" attached). $300,000 grant received for the project. Architects Ferrero & Hixon. Half of the land is not buildable due to wetlands. Board has tried to utilize as much of the land as possible. Due to the slope of the land there is a need for a retaining wall. Reviewed draft - indicated the softball fields, pavilion, football field, etc. Tests have been done and ledge was not found which would cause a problem. Indicated that the $300,000 grant isn't enough to complete the project due to the retaining wall and the need for fencing for safety purposes. Hope is to have field equipped in order to install lights in the future. The well on the property will be tested. Received Inland Wetland approval for a variance to allow for less of a drop off. Hope to eventually receive a right of way from the Water Company in order to allow a path to connect with Fusco Field. Path around field could also be done in the future. Mayor Chatfield pointed out that this would not be a prevailing wage job; Location on RT 69; P&Z approval also required. Patricia Geary questioned irrigation at Caplan Park, since done at Hotchkiss Field it has limited use by townspeople. Also brought up the issue of parking at Prospect Paint Ball. Mayor Chatfield indicated that when town starts cutting trees less area available to Prospect Paint Ball. Edward Miller pointed out that Paint Ball renews application yearly. Theresa Graveline questioned parking at Caplan Park, approx. 60 spaces. Shirley Sabo questioned need for a football field, small number of Prospect residents participate in football. Plans allow for doubling as football/softball fields, goal posts would be removable. William Sereduck indicated that if plan is done as shown in the draft it would be possible to have a third diamond if not used as a football field which would be cheaper than going from a softball field to a football field. Patricia Geary pointed out need for a football field may be necessary once high school is completed which could generate more interest. Shirley Sabo also questioned Pavilion and whether it could be used for bands - possible amphitheater. Edward Miller questioned need for softball fields - Softball teams growing every year. Mayor indicated that when Caplan Park is complete town will be able to systematically redo present fields. Patricia Geary questioned issue of backstop at Canfield Park & post at tennis courts. Backstop has not been addressed yet due to lack of quorum at last meeting and post at tennis courts is standard, other options would have been more expensive.
Mayor Chatfield reviewed transfers requested: (Schedule "D" & "E" attached) MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Shirley Sabo to approve transfer within the Library account. Unanimous
Mayor Chatfield recommended the following meeting date changes: Cancel regular meeting scheduled for June 20 and hold a Special Meeting June 27th in order to allow for transfers for end of the fiscal year; Also cancellation of July 4th meeting and also August 1st meeting. MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Delores Franks to approve Mayor's recommendations. Patricia Geary objects, doesn't feel council should cancel regularly scheduled meetings with the exception of the July 4th. Delores Franks, Gary V. Hodge, Cynthia Gibbons, Robert Doyon and Delores Franks in favor of MOTION, Shirley Sabo, Patricia Geary and Theresa Graveline opposed. MOTION CARRIED
MOTION made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Delores Franks to remove from table setting of the mill rate. Unanimous
Mayor Chatfield reviewed Revenue Sheet particularly the 2000-2001 Proposed column (Schedule "F" attached); State, Town & School Budgets have been passed. Reviewed formula for setting mill rate at 29.3 an increase of 1.70. MOTION made by Theresa Graveline, seconded by Frank Bainer to set the mill rate at 29.3. Unanimous
Theresa Graveline questioned letter from Gina Ash, Grants Director, would like to see it further defined. Mayor Chatfield will request a better explanation.
Mayor Chatfield also reminded the Council that the Fire Department Annual Carnival will be held May 31, June 1, 2,3 at the field behind Town Hall.
Shirley Sabo questioned algae on McGrath Park. Water has been tested, pollen and grass clippings not algae.
Edward Miller questioned demolition of the old firehouse. Asbestos problem. Chair Cynthia L. Gibbons will look into by June 6th meeting and either request something in writing or ask the Fire Chief to attend meeting.
Tax Collector, Diane Lauber asked council to allow waving of tax bills under $2. MOTION made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Gary V. Hodge to approve. Unanimous
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Tony Augelli questioned if issue of maintenance of Caplan Park has been looked into. Also questioned how reval will effect Mill Rate. Diane Lauber pointed unable to tell what the effect will be at this time.
MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Delores Franks to approve minutes of May 2, 2000. Theresa Graveline abstained. MOTION PASSED
MOTION made by Shirley Sabo, seconded by Patricia Geary to approve minutes of May 8, 2000. Theresa Graveline and Gary Hodge abstained. MOTION PASSED
CORRESPONDENCE: Police Report; Tax Collector's Report; Building Inspectors Report; Electrical, Heating and Plumbing Inspectors Reports. MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Delores Franks to place on file. Unanimous
Ordinance - Shirley Sabo - Committee met today prior to council meeting.
Land Use - need to meet concerning land near town garage.
Delores Franks questioned if necessary for subcommittees to have a quorum in order to meet, subcommittees are actually a workgroup that will make recommendations to the Council.
Pension - Meetings were held May 8th and 15th discussed Health Insurance, Medicare, Supplemental Insurance, Possible a 7.5% co-pay increase - not prepared to bring before the Council at this time in order to allow the Mayor to meet with town employees. Inquiries have been made of other towns. Bottom line is to make sure employees have a good health plan. Subcommittee will continue meeting.
Theresa Graveline - Good to be back, thanked everyone for flowers, cards, etc.
MOTION made by Robert Doyon, seconded by Delores Franks to adjourn. Unanimous Meeting adjourned at 8:50 P.M.
Cynthia L. Gibbons, Chair
Maryann C. Anderson, Clerk