The Regular Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:02 P.M. by Chair Cynthia L. Gibbons. Members present: Robert Doyon, Patricia Geary, Cynthia Gibbons, Theresa Graveline, Thomas Hallaway, Douglas B. Merriman, Edward Miller and Dominick Mirabelle Absent: Gary V. Hodge
Motion made by T. Graveline, 2nd by P. Geary to address appointments and resignations at this time in the agenda. Motion Unanimous
Letter dated December 1, 2001 - Resignation from Gary V. Hodge resigning as a member of the Prospect Town Council effective December 4, 2001. Motion made by P. Geary 2nd by D. Merriman to accept Gary's resignation with regret, unfortunate & discouraging, will be missed. Motion Unanimous
Letter dated December 3, 2001 - From Gary V. Hodge Chair of the Democratic Town Committee recommending the appointment of Thomas M. Hallinan of 20 Sterling Woods to fill the vacancy of Gary V. Hodge due to his resignation. Motion made by T. Geary, 2nd by T. Graveline to appoint Thomas M. Hallinan as a member of the Town Council. Motion Unanimous
Thomas M. Hallinan was sworn in by the Town Clerk prior to continuing with the regular business of the Council meeting.
MAYOR'S REPORT: Revenue Sheet as of November 30, 2001, Mayor Chatfield reviewed (Schedule "A" attached); Town of Cheshire Ordinances re: tax abatement program for elderly; Tractors parked at St. Anthony's are going to U.S. Cap to take contaminated soils to Ohio, will ask that an EPA representative attend meeting or request a letter with an update, land will eventually go to tax auction; Suggested Special meeting to discuss the Town Plan after members have read, possibly meet with Planning & Zoning; P. Geary requested Conn. Public Expenditures re: comparative towns; T. Graveline had previously requested condensed version of Robert's Rules Mayor still trying to find; Draft report of the audit passed out to members, reviewed by Mayor, fund balance due to the outstanding job by the tax collector in collecting taxes; education money not received showing a deficit, surplus from R16 overassessment discussed; In the future all towns & cities in the country will be required by the federal government to inventory everything in town. Mike Batiste will be attending Council meeting with the full audit; T. Graveline had previously requested letter from the attorney that was sent to Atty. General Blumenthal re: Talmadge Hill property.
Robert Chatfield spoke as Fire Chief - Invited members to Trotter's Way; discussed land that old firehouse was located on, receiving money from CL&P for parking trucks, Fire Department will be putting the money into the area to make it nicer. Also invited members to Pearl Harbor ceremony December 7th @ 2 P.M. on the Green.
Mayor Chatfield yielded to Thomas Hallinan as a new Council member who gave a brief history on himself and his family. Mayor Chatfield welcomed him to the Council.
E. Miller questioned signs in the center of town. Mayor would like four different locations and nothing in the center of town. D. Mirabelle questioned the prospect of the Lions Club putting up a clock in the center of Town. Permission would be needed from the state, should be located on town land.
CHAIR REPORT: Subcommittee discussion, members to review sheet and submit names. Motion made by T. Graveline 2nd by E. Miller to establish subcommittees according to the list submitted with the addition of a Board of Recreation Liaison. Motion Unanimous
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Tony Augelli concerned THAT various committees in town especially the Board of Recreation meeting without a quorum. D. Mirabelle has attended the last few meeting and members have waited for people to arrive so that they have a quorum in order to hold a meeting. C. Gibbons read various paragraphs in the minutes, which included questions previously asked by the Council. D. Merriman pointed out that when the new subcommittees are formed by the Council, the Liaison can attend meetings to keep the Council up-to-date.
Motion made by T. Graveline 2nd by P. Geary to approve minutes of November 20, 2001. T. Graveline requested that dates of correspondence reflect in the minutes. Motion to approve minutes Unanimous. Thomas Hallinan abstained.
CORRESPONDENCE: Letter from Mr. Hugo Jannetty with article re: "Cheshire council votes tax credits for seniors" published in the Republican-American. Land Use Subcommittee minutes of 9/25/2001 & 10/23/2001; Board of Recreations minutes 10/10/2001; 10/2001 Treasurers Report - Questions concerning prior Treasurers Reports August & Sept. in particular not received; E. Miller requested that Treasurer attend a Council meeting. Letter dated December 3, 2001 from. Gary V. Hodge, Democratic Town Committee Chairperson, recommendations of Anthony Parrella Planning & Zoning Alternate, Donato Orsini as a member of Economic Development, Heather Keeley as an Inland Wetlands alternate; October Building, Heating, Electrical and Plumbing Inspectors reports; Information on Ordinance from Cheshire; letter from Bartlett Consolidated. Motion made by T. Graveline, 2nd by P. Geary to place correspondence on file. Motion Unanimous
Motion made by P. Geary, 2nd by D. Mirabelle to accept the following appointments: Anthony Parrella, Planning & Zoning alternate; Donato Orsini to Economic Development; Heather J. Keeley, Inland Wetlands alternate. Motion Unanimous
Mr. Augelli also brought up the issue of getting the State to make the center of town level at the four corners of RT. 68 & 69;
Subcommittees - Will be revisited December 18th, Plan of Development discussion also to be discussed, possibly attend or meet prior to the next Planning & Zoning meeting.
Motion made by D. Merriman 2nd by T. Hallaway to adjourn at 8:10 P.M. Motion Unanimous
Cynthia L. Gibbons, Chair
Maryann C. Anderson, Clerk