The Regular Town Council meeting was called to order by Chair Cynthia L. Gibbons at 7 P.M. Members present: Frank Bainer, Robert Doyon, Delores Franks, Patricia Geary, Cynthia Gibbons, Theresa Graveline, Gary V. Hodge, Edward Miller and Shirley Sabo.
MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Chatfield recognized Council member Patricia Geary's being honored as teacher of the year. Transfer request - with-in the Elections and Registrars account to purchase two voting machines from the Town of Plymouth - From Salaries #5150-00 $4,000 to #5150-03 Machine Repairs. Motion made by G. Hodge, 2nd by R. Doyon to approve transfer. Motion Unanimous Mill Rate - waiting for the state to pass their budget, Mayor Chatfield not making a recommendation tonight and suggested a Special Meeting possibly Monday night, G. Hodge suggested Tuesday. P. Geary discussed editorial in the Waterbury Republican-American. Diane Lauber, Tax Collector, will be okay if mill rate is set next week. RESOLUTIONS: Mayor Chatfield reviewed how it would work - No interest, paid monthly, if homeowner doesn't pay town gets the money, etc. "Certified Resolution of the Town of Prospect Small Cities Program" $100,000. MOTION made by G. Hodge, 2nd by S. Sabo to approve Resolution for $100,000 as discussed. Motion Unanimous MOTION made by G. Hodge, 2nd by R. Doyon to approve $300,000 applying for a new round of grants, money in an escrow account. Motion Unanimous
P. Geary questioned Resident Trooper contract and situation with TRIAD, Mayor Chatfield indicated personnel problems.
T. Graveline questioned carnival crew at Canfield Park and where electricity coming from. Mayor indicated own generator is used.
GUESTS: Diane Lauber, Tax Collector, Suspense List for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2001 - Accounts deemed uncollectible. Accounts that are transferred to suspense are removed from consideration as assets of the town but are not abated as a tax liability of the person against whom it was levied. Taxes listed in suspense are collected whenever possible. Total Transfer $12,844.76 from 1996-1999 Grand List. Diane also discussed new software connecting with DMV. Motion made by D. Franks, 2nd by T. Graveline to transfer $12,844.76 to suspense. Motion Unanimous
Eugene McCarthy, Public Works, questioned property adjacent to town garage and requested an update. Mr. McCarthy heard $90,000 was offered, owner made a counter offer of $95,000 then lower offer made of $80,000. T. Graveline worked with the realtor, first appraisal came in higher, 2nd appraisal was much lower (due to comparable sales at different times), and an offer was made. Mr. McCarthy questioned if any negotiations took place - T. Graveline had several phone discussions with the realtor. Mr. McCarthy brought up the purchase of the Center St. land at $69,000 and questioned if it is worth it. Some members of the Council voted against the purchase. Mr. McCarthy disturbed by the way the process happened, feels it would have been beneficial to the town in the future. Mr. McCarthy mentioned the option of the gun range. Also indicated that the owner of the Cheshire Rd parcel in question has donated thousands of hours to the town and never charged any money. P. Geary pointed out that the offer was made in good faith based on the appraisals, disturbed that town would be in the position to owe anyone. Mr. McCarthy pointed out that people go out of their way to do things for the town and feels the negotiations should have continued. C. Gibbons pointed out that Mr. McCarthy's issue is that the purchase of the property hasn't been given a fair chance. T. Graveline pointed out that it was a Council decision and owners turned down offer. C. Gibbons suggested revisiting issue. S. Sabo indicated that she hopes land use subcommittee will continue as they have been and also reiterated that volunteers shouldn't expect anything in return for volunteering. T. Graveline pointed out that a motion was previously made to obtain a minimum of two appraisals and that the realtor for the Cheshire Rd. property was made aware of the two appraised values.
Public Participation: Tony Augelli spoke concerning the editorial in the Republican-American, feels Council should let townspeople know in dollars and cents not by saying the mill rate is lower, need for details. Also questioned if appraisers for the Cheshire Rd. property were reputable certified appraisers. S. Sabo pointed out that when tax bills are received townspeople will see the difference from last year. C. Gibbons suggested defining mill rate for the people. D. Franks discussed the issue of the Republican-American editorial. T. Graveline suggested educating the public through the Prospect Pages and give examples and also suggested the Tax Collector collaborate with the Assessor to give people more information, open letter to the citizens from everyone involved - including Town Council & Mayor on Motion made by T. Graveline 2nd by G. Hodge - Unanimous
Motion made by T. Graveline, 2nd by E. Miller to approve minutes of May 15, 2001. S. Sabo, P. Geary, F. Bainer and G. Hodge abstained. Motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE:: May Zoning Enforcement report; April Building, electrical, heating and plumbing inspectors reports; Feb. - April Tax Collectors reports; May Police Report; Thank you from P. Geary. Motion made by G. Hodge, 2nd by T. Graveline to place correspondence on file. Motion Unanimous
Motion made by G. Hodge, 2nd by D. Franks to accept the resignation with regret of James Lehner from Water Pollution Control Authority and Planning & Zoning Commission. Motion Unanimous
Motion made by G. Hodge, 2nd by T. Graveline to appoint George H. Carrington as a member of the Water Pollution Control Authority. Motion Unanimous
Motion made by G. Hodge, 2nd by S. Sabo to re-appoint John D. Kaufman as a member of the Inland/Wetland Commission. Motion Unanimous
Motion made by G. Hodge, 2nd by D. Franks to appoint Donald E. Pomeroy as a member of the Planning & Zoning Commission. Motion Unanimous
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS:
Ordinance - Meeting June 19th @ 6 P.M. per G. Hodge
G. Hodge would like Charter Revision feasibility study committee to meet.
T. Graveline suggested adding executive session to the agenda to discuss 5 Cheshire Rd and land next to town garage, 215 Cheshire Road.
Discussion concerning elderly tax abatement ordinance. S. Sabo pointed out that CCM has information.
SSRW Authority Subcommittee to meet June 26th and the 4th Tuesday of every month. Hope to have information for the Council in the next 6-10 months and will be sending everyone an agenda.
Motion made by T. Graveline, 2nd by F. Bainer to add executive session to the agenda to discuss 5 Cheshire Road and 215 Cheshire Rd.
Motion made by T. Graveline, 2nd by F. Bainer to go into executive session. No motions were made during executive session and the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 P.M.
Cynthia L. Gibbons, Chair
M. Carrie Anderson, Clerk