The Regular Town council meeting was called to order at 7:02 P.M. by Chair Cynthia L. Gibbons. Members present: Frank Bainer, Robert Doyon, Delores Franks, Cynthia Gibbons, Theresa Graveline, Gary V. Hodge, Edward Miller and Shirley Sabo. Absent: Patricia Geary
Mayor Chatfield was not present. Assessor Vincent Leone spoke under Mayor's Report: Updated members on the re-val, fieldwork, calculations and hearings completed. Everything is going well, informal hearings have been held approximately 100-110 people attended. Tax rate won't be determined until the mil rate is set which won't be until the budget process is completed, grants are an indicator also. Real Estate up around 99 million before exemptions. No final figures ready on motor vehicle or personal property. Most questions from the townspeople were concerning taxes. Mr. Leone also indicated that the hardware is in place in the Assessor's office. People will be allowed to come before the Board of Assessment Appeals, notice of which will be going in the newspaper and the Prospect Pages. Revaluation every four years, per law was clarified - Physical reval once every 12 years after first; state law mandates reval four years after first reval and will be calculated on computer system.
Tony Augelli questioned an elderly freeze, Mr. Leone pointed out that circuit breaker is presently in use and figured out by income, nothing in effect by age as of yet. Mr. Augelli feels it would be wise to consider a freeze by age. Council would have to look into.
Shirley Sabo questioned 12 year physical reval compared to 4 year reval and how done. Mr. Leone pointed out computers will have current sales and would be dictated by type of house and area. Shirley also questioned military exemptions, Mr. Leone pointed out that there is various criteria required such as war fought in, conflicts, special medals, etc. Dates have been added by the state changing qualifications. Assessor's office advises service people to file DD214 in case requirements for exemptions change.
CHAIR REPORT: Charter Revision breakdown - $3,300.00 for advertising; $10,300 in legal fees. Gary V. Hodge questioned printing costs - Not available. Police O.T. is overtime for police department employees for work outside the police department such as traffic control for utility companies, dances, etc. Company policemen are doing work for are billed and town gets reimbursed. Edward Miller questioned legal fee breakdown for Charter Revision and requested copy; Gary Hodge suggested an itemized expense sheet; Theresa Graveline requested cost of printing the Charter.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Tony Augelli discussed Water Company property and suggested town get an environmental attorney. Understood at SCRW Authority meeting that a decision is needed right away. Theresa Graveline pointed out that every five years a plan is presented to the board of directors. Water Company needs to present next five-year plan is what Theresa understood. Conn. Water company first right of refusal, town second then state. Acreage was originally understood to be 800+/- acres but watershed is not being offered therefore 600+/- acres. Discussion continued concerning interpretation of meeting. Theresa Graveline will look into and contact representative from the water company and also contact Carmody & Torrance concerning an environmental attorney. Tony Augelli reiterated that environmental end needs to be looked into. Delores Franks indicated that there is a need for professional advice. Shirley Sabo questioned Prospect's future water needs, suggested a survey for future projection. Theresa Graveline pointed out that Robert Harvey is the town's representative on the South Central Regional Water Authority. Theresa Graveline reminded members that next Wednesday, February 28, 2001 @ 7 P.M. meeting being held. Cynthia Gibbons requested minutes from meetings pertaining to the Water Company Land.
Previous Minutes: MOTION made by Theresa Graveline, seconded by Delores Franks to approve minutes of February 6, 2001 with amendments noted. MOTION Unanimous
CORRESPONDENCE: Freedom of Information model ordinance; Thank you from Patricia M. Vaillancourt; Bristol Resource Recovery Annual Report; Final copy of Tax Abatement Ordinance; Letter recommending Daniel Wallace as a member of the Planning & Zoning Commission from the Republican Town Committee; Zoning Inspector's Report; Mayor's Expenditures from November. MOTION made by Theresa Graveline, seconded by Robert Doyon to place correspondence on file. Edward Miller requested Expenditures be mailed with minutes and Theresa Graveline felt expenditures are later than usual - Chair, Cynthia Gibbons will look into. MOTION to place correspondence on file Unanimous
MOTION made by Delores Franks, seconded by Robert Doyon to accept the resignation of Lezlye Zupkus as a member of the P&Z Commission. MOTION Unanimous
MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Robert Doyon to appoint Daniel S. Wallace as a member of the P&Z Commission for the unexpired term of Lezyle Zupkus. MOTION Unanimous
ADDITION CORRESPONDENCE: MOTION made by Theresa Graveline, seconded by Edward Miller to place on file CCM Correspondence received by Edward miller re: Labor & Benefits. MOTION Unanimous
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS:
Ordinance - To meet prior to next Council meeting, Cindy Gibbons to file agenda and invite Bill Donovan, Zoning Enforcement Officer and Robert Hiscox, Chairman of P&Z commission.
R16 - Edward Miller contacted Bill Stowell, Business Manager for R16, concerning insurance issue in contract, locked in for three years with the benefits. Edward Miller opposed to the contract, nothing was modified or changed concerning insurance issue which was brought up in the past. Feels there is a need for competitive bidding. Opposing contract and would like answers to what paragraphs mean concerning benefits/insurance. Shirley Sabo suggested Delores Franks find out some information - Delores Franks indicated that she volunteered to sit in during negotiations, she was never notified when first meeting was held, made attempts to find out meeting dates and never notified therefore Delores Franks doesn't feel welcome. Feels necessary to invite Board members with Dr. Helene, Superintendent of Schools or Bill Stowell. Edward Miller feels contract should be rejected and brought questioned if town can afford the contract. MOTION made by Edward Miller, seconded by Shirley Sabo to reject R16 Education Association contract as filed. Cynthia Gibbons pointed out that the town would need to have contract reviewed before arbitration. Edward Miller in favor of rejecting R16 contract, Frank Bainer, Robert Doyon, Delores Franks, Cynthia Gibbons, Theresa Graveline, Gary V. Hodge and Shirley Sabo opposed to rejecting R16 contract. MOTION defeated. Theresa Graveline pointed out that the contract is good for three years, issues Edward Miller feels strongly about should be brought up now in order to voice concerns before next contract is drafted, issues should be addressed.
MOTION made by Edward Miller, seconded by Gary V. Hodge to invite appropriate representative from R16 along with Bill Stowell or Dr. Helene to next council meeting. MOTION Unanimous
Package received by Edward Miller from CCM discussed. Theresa Graveline suggested $790.00 for newsletter should be added to the Council budget during budget workshop.
State Legislative Liaison - Edward Miller - Funding for thermo imaging camera.
Economic Development - Representative to attend next meeting.
Charter Revision Council subcommittee met at 6:30 P.M. as a feasibility study committee. Delores Franks Chair of subcommittee and Gary V. Hodge Vice-Chair. Meeting 6:30 P.M. prior to next council meeting.
SCRW Authority - Theresa Graveline - Meeting February 28th @ 7 P.M. in Prospect Town Hall.
Ordinance - Theresa suggested review of ordinances already passed.
MOTION made by Delores Franks, seconded by Gary V. Hodge to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 P.M.