The Regular Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:39 P.M. following the Budget Workshop. Members present: F. Bainer, D. Franks, P. Geary, C. Gibbons, T. Graveline, G. Hodge, E. Miller, S. Sabo. Absent. R. Doyon.
MAYOR'S REPORT: Tax Collector, Diane Lauber, reviewed electrical permit request on Clark Hill Road, property owner owes approx. $3100 in back taxes. No payment plans have been set up. S. Sabo questioned if safety issue - Upgrades have been made and property owner still has electrical service but meter hasn't been hooked up, CL&P is estimating the bills. No hardship indicated. P. Geary feels payment plan needs to be set up and no permit should be issued until taxes are paid. T. Graveline feels payment plan should be put in writing.
Mayor Chatfield suggested possible budget workshop meeting held Monday, April 9, 2001: Police Department, Fire Department and Economic Development budge items. Motion by T. Graveline, 2nd by P. Geary to hold Budget Workshop April 9, 2001 with location to be determined/announced. Unanimous
Mayor Chatfield also pointed out the need for a Special Meeting after the Public Hearing, which is scheduled for April 16, 2001. Motion made by T. Graveline, seconded by P. Geary to schedule a Special Budget Workshop Meeting following the Public Hearing scheduled for April 16, 2001 @ 7 P.M. in the Prospect Town Hall. Unanimous
BUDGET WORKSHOP: #7350 Library$226,653 - Motion by G. Hodge, 2nd by F. Bainer. Sue McKernan, Chair of the Library Board, presented "Highlights of the Year 2000 at the Library". Review of specific line items. Discussion concerning storage at the Library, some things being stored at the Senior Center. Also discussion for needs in the next 5 years. P. Geary suggested recalculating salaries at 3%. G. Hodge pointed out Asst. Librarian salary was increased to be comparable to other towns. Motion by P. Geary, 2nd by G. Hodge to table Library line item until Monday, April 9, 2001 to allow salaried amounts to be recalculated. E. Miller suggested obtaining list of similar towns with population and salary. S. Sabo suggested a comprehensive study for next year. Sue McKernan reiterated that it is important to bring salaries in line with other towns and consider qualifications. C. Gibbons opposed. Motion to table carried.
PREVIOUS MINUTES: Motion by G. Hodge, 2nd by D. Franks to approve minutes of March 28, 2001. E. Miller abstained. Motion Unanimous
Motion made by D. Franks, 2nd by P. Geary to approve minutes of March 31, 2001. G. Hodge abstained. Motion Unanimous
CORRESPONDENCE:
Resignation - Julie A. Berardi from the Prospect Public Library Board of Directors. Motion by G. Hodge, 2nd by T. Graveline to accept resignation with regret. Motion Unanimous
Nomination from the Democratic Town Committee of Jean M. Reilly to the Library Board. Motion by G. Hodge, 2nd by D. Franks to approve the nomination. Motion Unanimous
Nomination from the Democratic Town Committee of Lawrence Gomez to the Inland Wetlands Commission as a replacement for Joseph Piotrowski. Motion by G. Hodge, 2nd by P. Geary. Motion Unanimous
Nomination of Steven Skrebutenas as an alternate to the Inland Wetland Commission as a replacement for Lawrence Gomez. Motion by G. Hodge, 2nd by P. Geary. E. Miller opposed. Motion Unanimous
Tax Collectors report for Feb. 2001; Caplan Park Map; Draft Report from State re: West Nile; Zoning Inspectors Report for March; Land Use Subcommittee minutes re: So. Central Regional Water Authority from Feb. 28. Motion by G. Hodge, 2nd by D. Franks to place correspondence on file. Motion Unanimous
Motion by G. Hodge, 2nd by E. Miller to adjourn at 9 P.M. Motion Unanimous