The Regular Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:09 P.M. by Chair Cynthia L. Gibbons. Members present: Frank Bainer, Robert Doyon, Delores Franks, Patricia Geary, Cynthia Gibbons and Edward Miller. Absent: Theresa Graveline, Gary V. Hodge and Shirley Sabo.
Mayor Chatfield pointed out that the Town Clerk’s Ordinance is important in order to allow the swearing in of the new Town Clerk. MOTION made by Frank Bainer, seconded by Delores Franks to approve “An Ordinance Providing Town Clerk Salary”. MOTION CARRIED
Volunteer Fire Department Tax-Abatement Ordinance – Letter from the Chief (Schedule “A” attached) read into the minutes. Corrected copy of the Ordinance, with changes previously discussed, passed out. Mayor Chatfield suggested holding a Public Hearing February 6, 2001 @ 7 P.M. Workshop schedule for the Ordinance Subcommittee was not held today due to lack of quorum. MOTION made by Delores Franks, seconded by Robert Doyon to hold a Public Hearing on February 6, 2001 at 7 P.M. Patricia Geary feels Ordinance should define exactly what a member in good standing is per Fire Chief’s letter. MOTION made by Delores Franks, seconded by Robert Doyon to withdraw motion. MOTION made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Robert Doyon to schedule a Public Hearing on “An Ordinance Providing Tax Abatement for Volunteer Members of the Volunteer Fire Department of Prospect, Inc.” (Schedule “B” attached) for February 6, 2001 @ 7 P.M. with revisions to include the four (4) qualifications (eligibility) submitted by the Fire Chief in Schedule “A”. Edward Miller questioned meeting of the department’s constitution and by-laws. Mayor Chatfield pointed out that the rules and regulations that govern members are very strict, military oriented organization. Edward Miller would like to see a copy of the by-laws after they are amended and printed. Mayor Chatfield to advise the Executive Committee of Mr. Miller’s reqeust. No Public comments. MOTION UNANIMOUS
CHAIR REPORT: Chair, Cynthia Gibbons, traveled with a member of the town crew during a recent snow storm and complimented the drivers, deserve a lot of credit and thanks for their hard-- work.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Tony Augelli questioned 800 acres of water company land. Frank Bainer pointed out that a meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, the 24th at 7 P.M. and Chair of Land Use, Theresa Graveline planning to attend. Robert Harvey encouraged everyone to attend and questioned why fire department wasn’t notified about the Ordinance Subcommittee meeting.
CORRESPONDENCE: Republican Town Committee letter nominating Maryann C. Anderson as Town Clerk to fill vacancy; Republican Town Committee letter appointing Douglas B. Merriman as a Justice of the Peace to fill the vacancy of David Kluge; Letter from Fire Chief re: Members in good standing; Press release from R16 teacher contract – Delores Franks pointed out that this a “pending” press release; Inspectors Reports; Report from Fire Chief for the year 2000; and an invitation to Patricia Vaillancourt’s retirement party. MOTION made by Delores Franks, seconded by Patricia Geary to place correspondence on file. MOTION UNANIMOUS
MOTION made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Robert Doyon to endorse the appointment of Maryann C. Anderson as Town Clerk to fill the vacancy due to the retirement of Patricia M. Vaillancourt. MOTION UNANIMOUS
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS:
Economic Development Liaisons – Patricia Geary questioned if feasibility study has been started, contract signed? Also questioned meeting dates. Peter Hughes submitted dates and invited Council members to Economic Development meetings at last meeting.
Patricia Geary questioned the 200X100 skating rink, Cynthia Gibbons to follow up with Mayor Chatfield.
MOTION made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Frank Bainer to approve minutes of January 2, 2001. Edward Miller and Cindy Gibbons abstained. MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION made by Delores Franks, seconded by Robert Doyon to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 7:47 P.M.
Cynthia L. Gibbons, Chair
Maryann C. Anderson, Clerk