The Regular meeting of the Prospect Town Council was called to order by Chair Cynthia Gibbons at 7:45 P.M. Chair Cynthia Gibbons asked for a moment of silence in memory of David Kluge which was followed by the pledge.
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: Reminded people of the 55-alive driving course; Bi-weekly updated on West Nile; Golden Hill Paugussett Indian Tribe letter; Treasurers letter; Sr. Center update; Also asked that Council schedule a Special Town Meeting prior to Regular Council meeting October 3rd, on amendment Number 6 of the Bristol Resource Recovery Facility (letter in correspondence) re: White Paper Proposed Clean Air Act Retrofit; MOTION made by Theresa Graveline, seconded by Patricia Geary to add to the agenda vote on Special Town Meeting for October 3, 2000. MOTION CARRIED. MOTION made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Theresa Graveline to schedule a Special Town Meeting for October 3, 2000 @ 7 P.M. on White Paper re: Proposed Clean Air Act Retrofit of Bristol Resource Recovery Facility – Amendment Number 6. MOTION Unanimous. Mayor’s continued: Economic Development letter; Mayor Chatfield turned meeting over to Joe Commendatore of the R16 High School Building Committee who updated the Council – Presently on time and on budget; Invited members to a site walk Monday @ 6 P.M. and suggested calling Dr. Helene if attending; no major complications; J. Commendatore is not aware of Paxton Soil issue – irrigation to fields has been done and no special soils caused any monetary costs, money came from the contingency fund which increased when fee for the mason was lowered, approx. $580,000 in fund, approx. $230,000 excess from over bidding. Joe Commendatore indicated the irrigation and drainage of fields was on a “wish list”. Edward Miller questioned additional irrigation projects and Joe Commendatore indicated it has nothing to do with the soils Mr. Miller wondered if excess would go back to taxpayers? Shirley Sabo questioned contingency was not available would more money be needed? She also feels irrigation plans should have been built into the budget. Patricia Geary pointed out that in the Long River Middle School project the contingency fund allowed for extras, Irrigation enhances and possibly saved money down the road. Delores Franks asked whether high school would be air conditioned feels it is important from a public health point of view – not fully air conditioned but extra vents will allow for expansion of the AC in the future. David Byrnes pointed out it would have been an additional 1.8 million in the budget for entire school to be air conditioned. Delores Franks feels Joe Commendatore is doing a wonderful job. Theresa Graveline questioned Mr. Duffy’s previous request writing concerning the money spent and the Paxton soil issue. Joe Commendatore will reply to Mr. Duffy’s concerns and submit letter to council with exact figures then forward to Mr. Duffy.
CHAIR REPORT: Nothing to report
GUESTS: Diane Lauber, Tax Collector – CLJ Investments seeking a permit to allow for hookup of water meters to allow for hookup to the water line at 39-41 Waterbury Road. They presently haven’t paid 1st installment on taxes for current bill, no back taxes are owed. Patricia Geary feels CLJ Investments should be contacted. MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Delores Franks to let ordinance #61-07-0296 stand, it is an improvement and ordinance does apply. MOTION Unanimous
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Tony Augelli feels the issue of ballot at Town Meeting should be addressed. Town Meeting doesn’t refer to what public wants; R16 Contingency fund & issue of small auditorium only seating 400 people should be investigated further; Feels Council is not doing its job as a group, need to get more involved.
Patricia Geary pointed out that if Mr. Augelli felt that strongly someone should have made phone calls to support position as she feels the opposition did.
Edward Miller made calls to some people and was told by some “why bother”.
Eugene McCarthy spoke concerning Joe Commendatore’s statement, drainage was always needed for the fields and was one of the reasons brought up against purchasing property. He also indicated that he has on tape what was said concerning drainage, biggest part of the contingency fund will be for fields. Money for drainage of fields was not in the original budget that’s why only two fields are being built at this point.
Gary V. Hodge left at 8:30 P.M.
Gene McCarthy feels R16 High School Building Committee will be back for more money for additional fields and also pointed out the need for a maintenance garage and three full time year-round personnel for maintenance.
Edward Miller asked whether it was advisable to ask the Board of Ed or Building Committee to submit a report to the Council on the progress of the school as it pertains to the contingency fund. He would like to see how money is used in detail. Shirley Sabo feels money in the contingency fund should go toward some kind of academics.
MOTION made by Edward Miller, seconded by Shirley Sabo to request from the Board of Education what contingency fund has been used for, a detailed analysis from start to finish “status report”. MOTION Unanimous
Kathy Hack questioned why people weren’t called to come vote at today’s Town Meeting, noticed most who attended were very active in the Senior Center and were specifically recruited to come out and vote.
MOTION made by Theresa Graveline, seconded by Patricia Geary to approve minutes with corrections. Frank Bainer abstained. MOTION CARRIED
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS:
MOTION made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Delores Franks to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 9:02 P.M.
Cynthia L. Gibbons, Chair
Maryann C. Anderson, Clerk