The Regular Town Council meeting was called to order by Chair Cynthia L. Gibbons at 7:08 P.M. Members present: Robert Doyon, Delores Franks, Gary V. Hodge, Patricia Geary, Cynthia Gibbons, Theresa Graveline, Edward Miller and Shirley Sabo. Absent: Frank Bainer.
Chair, Cynthia Gibbons, introduced Reverend Norman of the Prospect Congregational Church - Mayor Chatfield introduced Father Cascia of St. Anthony's Church and each lead members and the public in a prayer for the recent tragedy in New York City.
Prior to members of the Council making individual statements Mayor Chatfield introduced Alex Thiel, Brian Tice, Joseph & Sara Skrip and Lauren Menta who have been waiving flags on Cheshire Road.
Mayor Chatfield pointed out that Frank Bainer was unable to attend today's council meeting as he is attending a wake for someone from the tragedy.
Mayor Chatfield also spoke about Ziggy who has been waiving the American Flag for the past few years. Also Mayor Chatfield had flags for members of the Council to keep and indicated that Town, Fire Department and Police are collecting money for orphans and widows of the firefighters and Police Officers in New York City.
C. Gibbons spoke of what her 80 year old father said who was in WWII - No longer will be what we were, heart goes out to everyone, everyone has been affected.
Joan Hartley, State Senator: Flag is a symbol of demonstrating unity, tragedy has changed lives forever and will be long remembered. Grateful to the police and fire department in NY and other local areas, significant contributions. We shouldn't loose sight of defending democracy "God Bless America".
Vicky Orsini Nardello, State Representative: Reflected on her reactions the day of the disaster. Feelings of sadness and inspiration at the same time. Leaders have decisions to make and we will work together.
Robert Doyon: First couldn't believe it was true, the devastation and loss and more will probably happen. Hopes and prays that whatever happens it happens quickly.
Gary Hodge: Saddened, firm belief have faced monsters & adversity in the past as today & will again in our future. Strong and viable nation, we will beat the monsters and overcome.
Shirley Sabo: Struggle between good & evil. Necessary to balance the good. Pray hard. Can't allow discrimination.
Delores Franks: Reminded her of Pearl Harbor, may be going to war. Saddened by loss of lives, New Yorker's pulled together and are strong people. Feels this is a wakeup call and lives have changed forever.
Patricia Geary: Good thing in the last week was a renewal in faith and God and renewed patriotism is a positive thing. God and country have been connected. Finds strength in this evolution over the past week. "God Bless America" are not just words, need to carry on.
Edward Miller: Concern for daughters growing up; we are united and truly believe God will guide us.
Theresa Graveline: Lives will never be the same. Important what is done on a local level, need to be patriotic. Future is difficult, proud to be wearing flag, challenging future ahead. Renewed faith.
CORRESPONDENCE: Letter from Congressman James H. Maloney re: unspeakable acts of terrorism; Also internet "Tribute to the United States".
In closing Mayor Chatfield wanted the children present to know that our country has made it through in the past.
Joe Skrip: People who did this don't care about peoples' lives, sad that all these people care about is killing.
Sara Skrip: Felt good to be waiving the flag last week and today.
Father Cascia: Thanked the Council and had a moment of reflection and prayer. Father will be going to the U.N. on Thursday. Important to seek peace and justice. Pray that we can look at people of other faiths and respect them.
Peter Thiel: Proud of group and proud to be an American.
Denise Skrip: Two friends lost somebody. Referred to Terri Buckmiller who lost his son-in-law.
Tony Augelli: Feels everyone has done a great job, feels the 5,700 people who are unaccounted for are looking down on us and thanking us.
Beverly Brown: Will never forget, saddened and upset.
After a closing prayer by Father Cascia and Rev. Norman motion was made by D. Franks, 2nd by G. Hodge to recess. Unanimous
Motion made by G. Hodge, 2nd by T. Graveline to reconvene. Motion Unanimous
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Tony Augelli questioned the status on the Board of Recreation invitation to speak or if a letter was received. Nothing as of yet. Also pointed out that the gates at the playscape and soccer fields are broken again. Also scheduling of football games at Canfield Park was discussed.
Motion made by Edward Miller, 2nd by G. Hodge to contact the Board of Recreation requesting an update concerning the following: $300 fee to Woodland School for use of Canfield Park; correlation of scheduling use of fields with school activities; timeline for the skating rink; money for the sprinkler system at Canfield Park; request for copies of minutes. MOTION 2nd by G. Hodge. Unanimous
C. Gibbons pointed out that Board of Education members along with Dr. Frank will be guests at the next meeting of the Council.
E. Miller also indicated that the situation with TRIAD was due to an argument with a police officer and members became disgruntled.
Motion made by T. Graveline, 2nd by D. Franks to approve minutes of 9-4-2001 with amendments. G. Hodge abstained. Motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE; Letter from Congressman James Maloney and e-mail re: Tribute to the United States. Motion made by G. Hodge, 2nd by D. Franks to place on file. Motion Unanimous
E. Miller feels that the Council should be responsible for the Board of Recreation.
D. Franks feels need to make the Mayor aware that people are disheartened by lack of accountability. Would like the Mayor to address the Board of Recreation as the Executive Director of the Town.
T. Graveline would like to set up separate listing of action items to keep track of what needs to be addressed. C. Gibbons suggested possible bold print in the minutes of the meetings.
R. Doyon discussed situation with the Economic Development and need for Council to be updated.
Motion made by G. Hodge, 2nd by S. Sabo to adjourn. Unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 8:37 P.M.