The Regular Town Council meeting was called to order by Chair, Cynthia L. Gibbons, at 7:24 P.M. following the Special Town Meeting. Members present: Frank Bainer, Robert Doyon, Delores Franks, Patricia Geary, Cynthia Gibbons, Theresa Graveline, Gary V. Hodge, Edward Miller and Shirley Sabo.
MAYOR’S REPORT: Two transfer requests; Update on traffic light at Summit Rd & Rt. 69; Senior Center update – Opening 10/28 from 2-5 P.M., rain date 10/29;
GUESTS: Peter Hughes, Chair of the Economic Development Comm., updated council on the commerce park on Scott Road, 169 acres with access to I-84. Requesting a transfer of $1250.00 for a marketing study. Economic Development has chosen DeCarlo & Doll for the feasibility study, state will match funds, additional money will be needed in the future. Town will be able to stop the process at any time. Members questioned “Prospect Economic Development Commission, Scott Road Industrial Park, First Phase – Planning Grant Proposal” (Schedule “A” attached). $80,210 indicates net cost to the Town of Prospect necessary to complete preliminary information inorder to determine whether to move forward which would take approx. 8 months. Preliminary feasibility study will determine what is feasible for the town, marketing conditions, 5-10 year project and town can purchase if it is determined to be feasible. Discussion about Industrial park in RT. 68 – Not controlled by the town and state has indicated that it would not be feasible for the town as it has no sewers or water hookup, which would be addressed in the feasibility study for the Scott Road property.
MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Theresa Graveline to approve $1250.00 transfer to account #5650-03 Economic Development Consultant from G.F.S. MOTION Unanimous
Diane Lauber, Tax Collector, reviewed request for transfer of $4430.00 from GFS to account #5550 Refund of Taxes. MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Delores Franks to approve the transfer. Unanimous
Diane Lauber also updated council on issue of plumbing permit request discussed at last meeting. Taxpayer has since paid.
Joseph Gomez, Prospect Safety Committee, updated council on issues that the committee is addressing, reckless driving, etc. Working with public works, police dept., etc. Safety referral form in Prospect Pages, permanent log book to be kept has to what has been done to correct problems. Douglas Merriman pointed out that committee contacting bus company, TRIAD and will be speaking to various organizations throughout town. John Sullivan pointed out that these are not just traffic safety issues, also working with the fire department during fire prevention month.
Tony Augelli questioned effect on police department – John Sullivan pointed out they are working with departments and giving them ideas to help in slowing people down and providing information. Committee would refer issues to the proper departments and follow up on what has been done to correct problems.
Robert Harvey questioned tax abatement ordinance – Subcommittee is reviewing materials and information, necessary to bring to the town attorney. David Michaud questioned time frame – Diane Lauber, Tax Collector, pointed out that tax abatement may not go into effect until the following grand list year.
MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Robert Doyon to recess for 5 minutes. MOTION Unanimous
MOTION made by Robert Doyon, seconded by Gary V. Hodge to reconvene. Unanimous
MOTION made by Edward Miller, seconded by Delores Franks to approve minutes of September 19, 2000 with correction noted David Byrnes should by “Byrne”. MOTION Unanimous
CORRESPONDENCE: Mayor’s Expenditures; Refunds: Letter from Democratic Town Committee nominating Steven Skrebutenas to the Economic Development Commission; MOTION made by Patricia Geary seconded by Frank Bainer to place correspondence on file. Unanimous
MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Shirley Sabo to appoint Steven Skrebutenas as a member of the Economic Development Commission to fill the vacancy of Frederick Harkins. MOTION Unanimous
ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE: Fire Dept. Open House Oct 8th celebrating 55th anniversary; October 12th 7 PM Open house for fire prevention week; Police, Building, Electrical, Heating and Plumbing Inspectors Reports; DEP update on mosquitoes.
Edward Miller questioned if townspeople should be updated on Mosquitoes, West Nile Virus. Suggested Public Notice should be put in the Prospect Pages. MOTION made by Edward Miller and seconded by Theresa Graveline to make a recommendation to the Mayor to put a public notice in the Prospect Pages. MOTION Unanimous
Kathy Hack pointed out that Chesprocott indicated working with the Town of Cheshire on the Mosquito issue. Suggested someone look into as to whether there is a cost, etc. MOTION made by Theresa Graveline, seconded by Gary V. Hodge to place additional correspondence on file. Unanimous
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS:
Ordinance – meeting October 10th @ 7:30 P.M.
Pension/Benefits – Committee met today, were unable to discuss some items since they were not on the agenda, discussion concerning Medicare supplemental. Meeting October 17th at 6 PM. Mayor Chatfield will have proposal. Also indicated that Patricia Geary was officially elected Chair for six months.
Public Works – nothing to report.
Land Use – Theresa is doing preliminary steps and suggested going into executive sessions. MOTION made by Theresa Graveline seconded by Patricia Geary to add executive session to the agenda concerning 215 Cheshire Road property. MOTION Unanimous
Patricia Geary questioned Building Inspectors report listing demolition of the old firehouse at $12,000 and $60,000 was allocated in the budget for that purpose. Chair, Cynthia Gibbons, to call and check with Bill Scarpati.
R16 Liaison – Delores Franks hasn’t heard from R16 but intends to call. Theresa Graveline pointed out that LRMS PTO sponsoring an open house to meet the new principal of Woodland High School.
Legislative Liaison – Shirley Sabo will be sending a letter from the Council to CCM concerning legislation regarding Charter Revision appointments; Special Education funds, etc.
MOTION made by Theresa Graveline, seconded by Gary V. Hodge to go into executive session to discuss 215 Cheshire Road. No votes taken during executive session. Members came out of executive session at 9:42 P.M.
Voted to appropriate $600 to obtain a second appraisal for property located at 215 Cheshire Road.
Meeting of the Prospect Town Council adjourned at 9:45 P.M.
Cynthia L. Gibbons, Chair
Maryann C. Anderson, Clerk