The Regular Town Council meeting was called to order by Chair Cynthia L. Gibbons at 7:02 P.M. Members present: Frank Bainer, Robert Doyon, Patricia Geary, Cynthia Gibbons, Theresa Graveline, Gary V. Hodge, Edward Miller and Shirley Sabo. Absent: Delores Franks.
MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Chatfield spoke about attending the funeral for Michael Patrick, very moving ceremony. CL&P will be replacing towers, wires, poles, new switches etc. on various roads throughout town starting in October to approx. February. Less power outages will occur.
Transfers: Motion made by G. Hodge, 2nd by R. Doyon to approve transfer of $4,293.00 from G.F.S. to Refund of Taxes. Diane Lauber, Tax Collector, reviewed reasons for refunds including Vehicles Sold, Wrong Tax Town, etc. Also suggested Refund of Taxes Account be increased in the next budget. Motion to approve transfer unanimous.
Motion made by P. Geary, 2nd by F. Bainer to approve transfer from G.F.S. of $15,877.00 to Town Truck for replacement of Truck 3. Motion Unanimous
T. Graveline recommended that an article be published in the Prospect Pages concerning the upcoming work going on in town so residents can be aware. Mayor Chatfield also handed out memo sent to Prospect Economic Development Commission from Peter Burns re: Appraisals for the Commerce Park on Scott Road. P. Geary questioned sprinkling system at Canfield Park, money was from last years budget. Dr. Helene, Superintendent of Schools, requested schedule re: work being done around town in order to notify parents. Mayor Chatfield also reiterated the fact that CL&P and Yankee Gas are paying for complete police coverage.
Mayor Chatfield and Diane Lauber spoke concerning US Cap cleanup. Previously hoped to get $500,000 to clean up the property. Fax received from US Environmental Protection Agency earmarking $900,000 to clean-up site of former US Cap & Jacket at 214 New Haven Road. U.S. Cap went defunct and town couldn't collect approx. $250,000 in delinquent taxes. Clean-up should start sometime in October. Town will be taking steps to auction the property, which is zoned industrial. Diane Lauber will look into guidelines and special permits will need to be obtained from Planning & Zoning for any future businesses. Mayor Chatfield hopes for the possibility of water hookup for abutting property owners if any money is left over.
Chair, Cynthia Gibbons, spoke concerning the ceremony she attended at the Prospect Sr. Center for Breast Cancer Awareness month.
GUESTS: Marie Delage & David Byrne members of Board of Education, Dr. Helene Superintendent of Schools and Dr. Frank, principal of Woodland High School.
School opened on time, still working on the gym, update on timeline. Spirit of the children is fantastic, seems like school has been opened for a long time, approx. 150 kids participate in extra curricular activities. P. Geary pointed out that the staff at Woodland is the best from area schools.
T. Graveline yielded to Mr. Augelli - Questioned swimming pool and concerns about not being able to hold meets there. Dr. Frank - Not true, pool is regulation size, swim championships can't be held there. Mr. Augelli also questioned graduation in the future - outdoors, weather permitting otherwise will hold graduations in the gym, which can be multifunctional by using a tarp to protect the floor.
Use of the school facilities also discussed, pool will be ready at the end of the month. Plan is to have the two towns in the Region meet to discuss possible family swims, looking at various programs implemented by other schools.
Dr. Helene pointed out that received $74,000 rebate from CL&P due to the energy efficient lighting being used, hope to use some of the money for lighting at various fields.
Mr. Augelli feels that custodians should be put in areas being used during after school games to keep the building clean. There is a Supervisor of Building and Grounds for all schools.
P. Geary questioned fees for fields as indicated in the Board of Recreations minutes. Marie Delage - issue was discussed but didn't materialize.
G. Hodge suggested that Dr. Helene contact American Society for Quality/Koality Kids to help with critical thinking and problem solving pertaining to the children.
T. Graveline questioned parking problem at Algonquin - Dr. Helene is looking into. T. Graveline also encouraged the Board of Education to offer transportation from Prospect to Woodland. Also suggested a monthly update in the town newspapers.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: T. Augelli re: Park & Recreation issues brought up at last meeting.
Chair Report: Letter to Bill Sereduck was dated Sept. 19, 2001 as requested at the last Council meeting. C. Gibbons spoke to Mr. Sereduck and received the following answers: $300 to Woodland High School for use of Canfield Park - previously discussed by Marie Delage; Scheduling use of fields - normally school won't conflict with Board of Rec.; Skating rink installation will be scheduled with the Public Works Dept. once football season is over; Sprinkler System at Canfield came from line item "Park Development".
Motion made by G. Hodge, 2nd by E. Miller to approve minutes of Sept. 18, 2001. F. Bainer abstained. Motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE: Memo bid openings for Scott Rd. appraisals; Tax Collector's report for July & August; Treasurer's Report for July; Mayor's Expenditures for July & August; Report of the District Animal Control; Building, electrical, heating, plumbing and zoning inspectors reports for August; Police Report for August & Sept., Mosquito Trapping updates; Tax refunds; $900,000 grant for U.S. Cap & Jacket. Motion made by G. Hodge, 2nd by T. Graveline to place correspondence on file. Motion Unanimous
Motion made by T. Graveline, 2nd by G. Hodge to approve refunds of $3,913.01. Motion Unanimous
Motion made by G. Hodge, 2nd by T. Graveline to approve refunds $1759.06. Motion Unanimous
Subcommittees:
T. Graveline - Water Authority meetings scheduled for October 23 & Nov. 27th (workshop meetings). One person has resigned, Board of Recreation has been approached, Chris Dembishack has expressed an interest, hope to have an appointment at next Town Council meeting.
E. Miller suggested more coverage by the Police Department in order to devote more time to various areas in town. S. Sabo pointed out the police were on Cook Rd. in the morning following last council meeting.
Motion made by G. Hodge, 2nd by T. Graveline to adjourn at 8:50 P.M. Unanimous
Cynthia L. Gibbons, Chair
Maryann C. Anderson, Clerk