The Regular Meeting of the Prospect Town Council was called to order by Chair, Cynthia L. Gibbons, at 7:02 P.M. Members present: Frank Bainer, Robert Doyon, Delores Franks, Patricia Geary, Cynthia Gibbons, Gary V. Hodge, Edward Miller and Shirley Sabo. Absent: Theresa Graveline.
Following the pledge the Mayor asked for a moment of silence in memory of Kathy Hack.
MAYOR’S REPORT: Development at Prospect-Waterbury line, developer will be wanting to bring sewer in from Waterbury. Will invite developer to meeting and Water Pollution Control Authority needs to get involved in the project; Updated Revenue Sheet; Purchase agreement previously passed in 1990 no changes with Purchasing Procedures dated November 21, 2000 (Schedule “A”). Various questions and concerns about rewording “where possible” and “solicitation” from the Council also pointed out that bound in #4 should be “bond”
MOTION made by Robert Doyon, seconded by Frank Bainer to approve Purchasing Procedure with amendment of typographical error. MOTION CARRIED
Mayor’s Report continued: SNET-Government Relations fax ; Conn. Water Co. letter re: Conn. Water Company Water Supply Plan, Naugatuck Region-Central System; Greater Waterbury Transit District, Prospect ¾ of a mile past fixed bus route, Prospect residents are paying a fee which will be increasing, possible need for Town to pay as Prospect is the only district in the state that doesn’t fund; (ISO) Insurance Services, Inc. Inspection in December Mayor’s hope is to maintain, hand out for members to review; SCRW Authority Study Committee recommendations to work with Land Committee, Water Company will be making a presentation. Mayor Chatfield would like to start committee before Water Co. starts 5 year plan. Committee would then get the proper information out to the public. Committee would go to other towns, get information from state, and get grant director involved, etc.
MOTION made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Gary V. Hodge to approve the Mayor’s recommendations for the SCRW Authority Study Committee. MOTION Unanimous
MOTION made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Gary V. Hodge to approve Commission of Aging transfer from Account 7700-1 Travel to Maintenance Account 7700-70 in amount of $150. MOTION Unanimous
MOTION made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Shirley Sabo to approve $3500 from General Fund to Refund of Tax account #5550-00. MOTION Unanimous
Tax Collector, Diane Lauber, reviewed need for refunds and possible need for more in the future as Waterbury is cracking down on vehicles registered in other towns.
Mayor Chatfield updated members on health insurance co-pay which is being taking out of employees checks retroactive; Mayor reviewed “DRAFT” General Fund – Comparative Balance Sheet (Schedule “B” attached) Fund balance 98,165 due to tax collector. Auditors report should be available by December or January. Diane Lauber pointed out Janice Cranny received certification and works very hard also. Mayor Chatfield wished everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving, invitation to Tree Lighting December 3, 2000 @ 5 P.M. Also updated on the painting of the old buildings in town. Patricia Geary pointed out that she is very impressed with the new Senior Center.
CHAIR REPORT: Nothing to report, will report under subcommittee reports.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Tony Augelli issue of Ice Skating in town and need for more public participation at council meetings people don’t come due to “no satisfaction”. Council members need to get more involved and attend Board of Recreation meetings. Shirley Sabo feels issue of ice skating should be followed up on with a memo to the Mayor. Mr. Augelli also questioned if fire department became a paid department – Tax abatement would be for volunteers only.
Diane Lauber spoke concerning Tax Abatement Ordinance, legislatures jumped on too quickly. Diane Lauber has a problem with abatement being proposed, doesn’t feel fair, not slighting the service the Volunteers do for the town but presently there isn’t any credit for Senior Citizens and tax exemption for Veterans is based on assessment times the mill rate which isn’t even $90 for a basic veteran exemption. Fire Department does a good job, basically upset with the legislature. Gary Hodge pointed out that the fire department is not run by the town, town has nothing to do with their by-laws. Shirley Sabo felt the fire chief gave Council the impression it was expected. Delores Franks pointed out that the state passes mandates with no funding, feels should come up with a cap, in favor only because it provides an incentive and will support only with a cap. Patricia Geary respects volunteers for what they do and feels they do deserve a reward but not comfortable with $1000 tax abatement. Chair, Cynthia Gibbons feels 10 years is a long time for people to volunteer for the safety of the town. Patricia Geary questioned what determines good standing and would like to see a copy of by laws attached. Gary Hodge pointed out the question tonight is whether Council wants to present at a Public Hearing and where does ordinance committee go from here.
MOTION made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Delores Franks to approve minutes of November 17, 2000. Shirley Sabo & Gary V. Hodge abstained. MOTION carried
CORRESPONDENCE: August & September Treasurers Report; Mayor’s Expenditures for Sept. & Oct.: Letter from Town Clerk re: meeting dates for 2001; Letter from Secretary of State re: Legislation; Thank you card from Mrs. Margaret Merriman; Oct. 31st Mosquito testing report; Memo from Democratic Town Chairman Gary V. Hodge appointment to Water Pollution Control Authority; Councils budget for next fiscal year; Oct. Zoning Inspectors Report; October Building/Electrical & Plumbing Inspectors Report; Tax refunds; ISO report; Tax Collector’s report for Aug., Sept. & Oct.; Oct. Police Report; Pamphlet from Waste Mgmt. MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Patricia Geary to place correspondence on file. Unanimous
NEW BUSINESS: Water Pollution Control Authority Appointment. MOTION made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Edward Miller to accept the appointment of Steven Skrebutenas as a member of the Water Pollution Control Authority. MOTION Unanimous
MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Patricia Geary to approve refunds totaling $3441.11. MOTION Unanimous
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT:
Ordinance – MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Shirley Sabo to present Tax Abatement Ordinance to Public Hearing as received. Shirley Sabo in favor, agrees with premise, many interesting comments tonight. Was never conformable with final draft and felt under pressure. Chair pointed out ordinance was only done because fire department pushed for it. Patricia Geary opposed, would like to see abatement amounts lowered. Robert Doyon suggested starting at a smaller amount, then see how it works. Gary V. Hodge felt not necessary to redesign ordinance at Council table. Cindy Gibbons suggested possible change to 20 years of service if Council feels more comfortable. Shirley Sabo – after hearing comments this evening feels should go back to the Ordinance Subcommittee and encouraged Council members to attend meeting. Gary V. Hodge and Cynthia Gibbons in favor of Tax Abatement Ordinance going to Public Hearing, Edward Miller, Delores Franks, Robert Doyon, Shirley Sabo & Patricia Geary opposed. MOTION defeated.
Pension/Benefits – met Nov. 20th. Members unanimously voted to submit to council an employee medical co-pay of 7.5% of premium of medical insurance beginning July 1st 2001. Attorney is putting together forms for employees to sign allowing them a window to make a decision to continue with benefits. Pointed out that funds should be pre-tax. Edward Miller indicated that the Health Insurance company would give employees forms to sign. MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Robert Doyon to adopt 7.5 percent cost share for medical insurance for employees. MOTION Unanimous
Patricia Geary – Pension/Benefits subcommittee working on an addition to employee Pension/Medicare supplemental benefits.
Gary V. Hodge suggested adding Charter Revision to agenda in December in order to make more revisions even if it is worked on one section at a time.
Land Use – Frank Bainer spoke as a member of the committee, received another appraisal on land on Cheshire Road, 1st appraisal was $90,000, 2nd came in at $72,000. Subcommittee to meet prior to December Council meeting.
Public Works & Sr. Housing Feasibility – Haven’t met.
R16 – Delores Franks hasn’t been called about negotiations yet.
MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Delores Franks to schedule the 2001 meetings of the Town Council for the 1st and 3rd Tuesday every month at 7 P.M. MOTION Unanimous
MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Delores Franks to approve Council Budget. Gary V. Hodge withdrew motion in order to discuss at a later date.
MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Robert Doyon to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:55 P.M.
Cynthia L. Gibbons, Chair
Maryann C. Anderson, Clerk