The Special Town Council Meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Delores Franks at 9:04 A.M. Members present: Robert Doyon, Delores Franks, Patricia Geary, Cynthia Gibbons @ 9:08 A.M., Theresa Graveline, Gary V. Hodge, Edward Miller @ 9:15 A.M. and Shirley Sabo. Absent: Frank Bainer.
TRANSFERS: Presentation by Lt. Mike Dowling concerning the Thermal Eagle Imager Camera and Mayor Chatfield reviewed need for request to use $9,495.00 of L.O.C.I.P. (Local Capital Improvement Program) funds for the Volunteer Fire Department of Prospect, Inc. Handout from Mr. Dowling, reviewed how camera works, technical assistance and training. Patricia Geary questioned that the State of Conn. would be providing a similar camera to area towns. Mr. Dowling pointed out that it is important to have a second camera to allow for walking around out side of a burning building and also would help if a firefighter was inside with the other camera and runs into trouble. MOTION made by Robert Doyon, seconded by Delores Franks to allow the use of L.O.C.I.P funds. Edward Miller abstained, Patricia Geary opposed, doesn't feel that there is a need for two cameras. MOTION CARRIED.
REVENUE SHEET: Mayor Chatfield reviewed. Suggested Council members review and discuss at next meeting.
CAPITAL PLAN: Mayor Chatfield Reviewed.
PROPOSED 2001-2002 BUDGET: Mayor Chatfield reviewed page by page. Total increase $188,688.25, smallest since 1996. Also reviewed (Schedule "E" attached) some line items which haven't changed or increased and some that are unavoidable such as advertising/printing and postage. MOTION made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Gary V. Hodge to approved the listed budget items in Schedule "E". Theresa would like to see some line items revisited. Edward Miller felt anything that is increasing over $20,000 shouldn't be approved in this way. Patricia Geary pointed out that some of the line items the Council doesn't have any control over and Shirley Sabo also reiterated that any budget item could be revisited. Theresa Graveline would like to see the Open Space and Land Acquisition budget items receive the attention they deserve. MOTION made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Gary V. Hodge to amend the motion to approve budget items as listed minus the open space and land acquisition line items. Edward Miller and Shirley Sabo opposed, Delores Franks abstained. MOTION CARRIED 5 in favor.
TRANSFERS:
MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Theresa Graveline to approve transfer request of $3343.00 from G.F.S. to refund of taxes, account 5550-00. MOTION UNANIMOUS MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Delores Franks to approve $59,500.00 from the Fund Balance to Ice & Snow. MOTION UNANIMOUS
Mayor Chatfield reviewed request to replace Truck #16 with a 2001 Ford 550 4X4 with Dump Body and Hydraulics requesting the use of $41,495 of General Fund Surplus for this purchase. Would be an outright purchase, plow and sander not included, will replace or trade in present truck. MOTION made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Theresa Graveline to approve. MOTION UNANIMOUS
Mayor Chatfield suggested meeting dates for Budget Workshops: Tuesday March 20, 2001 and Tuesday, April 3, 2001 @ 6 P.M. prior to the regular council meetings. Also suggested Public Hearing April 17, 2001 and vote on the Budget May 3, 2001 14 days after the Public Hearing as required.
MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Theresa Graveline to approve refund requests by the Tax Collector. MOTION unanimous
MOTION made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Gary V. Hodge to schedule Budget Workshops @ 6 P.M. prior to the Regular council Meetings to be held March 20 and April 3, 2001. MOTION UNANIMOUS
CORRESPONDENCE: Tax Collector's Reports; Building, Electrical, Heating and Plumbing Inspectors Reports; Letter from Planning & Zoning re: Town's Comprehensive Plan of Conservation and Development; Official Web Page letter from Mayor's Office. MOTION made by Edward Miller seconded by Patricia Geary to place Correspondence on file.
MOTION made by Delores Franks, seconded by Gary V. Hodge to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 10:45 A.M.