The Regular Town Council meeting was called to order by Vice-Chair Delores Franks at 7 P.M. Members present: Frank Bainer, Robert Doyon, Delores Franks, Patricia Geary, Theresa Graveline, Gary V. Hodge and Shirley Sabo. Absent: Cynthia Gibbons and Edward Miller.
MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Chatfield wished everyone a Happy New Year. Introduction of Mike Batiste, Town Auditor, review of audit which was sent to council members; Also reviewed towns finances, cash, receivables and payables, etc. Fund balance as of 6-30-2000, $100,000 higher than last year. Shirley questioned whether possibly over-budgeted – Mike Batiste said it is normal to budget 7-10% over. Delores Franks questioned increase & percentage - primarily increase in revenue & tax collection, increase of 36% which is not current tax collection, did well on delinquent balance. Mayor Chatfield pointed out fund balance used to allow town to function until new fiscal year. Mike Batiste also reviewed Schedule “A” attached. Various questions from the Council answered by Mr. Batiste. Patricia Geary questioned license permits & fees $92,000 collected includes building permits, etc. Questioned Town Clerks fees and salary. The Ordinance to be discussed will allow the Town Clerk to report monthly to the Council. MOTION made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Robert Doyon to accept Auditors Report as presented. MOTION UNANIMOUS
Mayor Chatfield discussed recent snowstorm and how helpful the new was. Reviewed insurance company appraisal presently buildings are insured for replacement, contents under a separate policy.
Mayor Chatfield asked Gary V. Hodge to present Town Clerk’s Ordinance. Committee met the 28th and suggested a possible Public Hearing on January 16th. Gary V. Hodge read Schedule “B” attached. MOTION made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Theresa Graveline to schedule a Public Hearing for Tuesday, January 16, 2001 @ 7 P.M. on the ordinance Gary V. Hodge read. Discussion concerning possible mini subcommittee to pass out information, such as statutes, to report at the Public Hearing. Patricia Geary fully supports ordinance, would like to see report from Town Clerk be given to council similar to treasurers report. If Ordinance passes it would be 21 days before it would go into effect therefore Assistant Town Clerk would act as an interim until February 6th. MOTION UNANIMOUS to hold the public hearing on the Town Clerks Salary, Tuesday, January 16th @ 7 P.M. Gary V. Hodge suggested holding a Public Hearing on two ordinances at the January 16th meeting after review of tax abatement ordinance. Gary V. Hodge read Schedule “C” attached. MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge to hold a Public Hearing on the Tax Abatement Ordinance at the January 16th meeting @ 7 P.M. Members discussed various changes such as “the Volunteer Fire Department of Prospect Inc.” should be added. Questions concerning how it would be determined member is “in good standing”. Council members felt more criteria should be included in the Tax Abatement Ordinance. Gary V. Hodge made a supplemental motion to table the original motion to present Tax Abatement Ordinance at January 16th Public Hearing. Ordinance committee to present at January 16th Council meeting at which time they can schedule another Public Hearing for February 6th. MOTION to table the original motion seconded by Theresa Graveline. MOTION Unanimous
Mayor Chatfield pointed out EMS are now allowed to use Epipens; reviewed traffic light at top of Summit Road. Gary V. Hodge pointed out that street clearing was very good during the recent storm but plow driver on Sunday was speeding on Clark Hill Road. Concerned about people’s safety. Mayor Chatfield to look into, wasn’t a town employee working on Sunday. Revaluation update should be available this month and newspaper will publish. Portable Ice Skating 200x100 pond next to town hall being pursued by the Board of Recreation.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Carmelita Rifkin re: Tax Abatement Ordinance and “members in good standing” issue. Ordinance does indicate 25% participation and questions concerning life-time members. Shirley Sabo – information will be brought to the ordinance subcommittee meeting – Robert Harvey and other members interested in attending. Shirley Sabo to advise Chair that fire department members would like to attend.
Tony Augelli – Questioned how much it is going to cost the town if Tax Abatement Ordinance goes through – Approx. somewhat less than $20,000 total in tax abatement per Clint Brandien. Mr. Augelli also discussed newspaper article concerning budget increases, bothered that Beacon Falls didn’t have an increase. Theresa Graveline pointed out that Beacon Falls revenues are different than Prospect’s and that 67% of population with Region 16 are from Prospect. Mr. Augelli still feels Hotchkiss Field ideal for ice skating. Delores Franks suggested having Board of Recreation attend council meetings more often, not just at budget time. Mr. Augelli also reiterated that he feels people don’t attend Council meetings because Council is not doing the best for the town and nothing is being done for the young people in town. Suggested using surplus for creating more of a town atmosphere also indicated he will not attend anymore meetings – Delores Franks and other members would regret if Mr. Augelli didn’t attend.
MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Robert Doyon to approve previous minutes with corrections noted. Shirley Sabo and Frank Bainer abstained. MOTION CARRIED.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS:
Clint Brandien questioned if there was a letter in correspondence concerning 2 Center Street. Nothing as of today.
MOTION made by Theresa Graveline, seconded by Shirley Sabo to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 7:43 P.M.
Delores Franks, Vice-chair
Maryann C. Anderson, Clerk