Town Council Minutes - September 4, 2001

Town Council

September 4, 2001

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, Edward Miller & Shirley Sabo. Absent: Gary V. Hodge

MAYOR'S REPORT; Yankee Gas update; Secretary of the State letter re: voter registration systems; CL&P letter re: changing of street lights, Mayor may have option to waive; updated members on dog problem on Woodcrest Drive, problem has been permanently resolved; visited Woodland High School today, everything went smoothly, Sept. 21st open house for elected officials & 22nd @ 11 A.M. ribbon cutting & open house; Made members aware that there is a problem with Gene McCarthy's pickup truck which has approx. 200,000 miles; Reference to the article in Sunday paper re: Town Plan interest from an individual in elderly housing due to the article; Council members visited 49 Talmadge Hill Road & Caplan park with the Mayor prior to the regular meeting. Letter was previously sent by the town attorney and waiting to hear from the Attorney General; street drainage update; Caplan Park update; Hope to have ruling on the Greenwich case from town attorney soon; T. Graveline questioned Yankee gas - going to Maple Hill in Naugatuck - Traffic issue discussed due to Yankee gas; Contractor for CL&P suffered a shock while doing electrical upgrades on Straitsville Rd. S. Sabo brought up the issue of speeding on Cook Road, Mayor Chatfield will mention to Trooper Nelson; R. Doyon questioned need for an additional police officers. T. Graveline questioned land acquisition/open space in the Treasurers report - In interest bearing accounts, when rolls over interest will show, in a CD. S. Sabo questioned Economic Development Commission issue, need to have two appraisals done, questions as to what phase Economic Development is at.

CHAIR REPORT: Chair visited Woodland High School with council members and other town residents.

GUESTS; Marie DeLage, Board of Education member, updated members on the opening day of school today, everything ran like clockwork, children held a ribbon cutting ceremony. Reminded members that there will be a ceremony on the 22nd. T. Graveline felt touched by Marie's words "our school". Requested that the Board of Education keep in mind a way to allow a bus to take seniors & others to attend functions at the high school. Marie DeLage indicated that donations have been received and scholarships are being set up. Also that Algonquin School will be the next project of the Board of Education.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Tony Augelli understood that the facilities at Woodland wouldn't be open after hours for extra activities. Marie DeLage questioned if it could be due to the need to wait for the school to be up & running, fields aren't ready as of yet. T. Augelli also questioned newspaper article concerning decrease in school population. Marie feels population will increase. T. Graveline understands that all but four from the eighth grade are attending public schools (Woodland High). P. Geary pointed out that the town only pays by the population of students sent. Mr. Augelli concerned about what will happen in 4-5 years. Marie pointed out that busing will eventually stop for parochial schools once Woodland is in full operation. Discussion concerning busing from Long River Middle School problems, will change once all students are attending Woodland. Discussion per student cost. T. Augelli questioned if there is a supervisor of building & grounds - covers all regional schools. S. Sabo questioned how many in private school. Marie DeLage will have numbers at next board meeting, 350 @ Woodland. Discussion as to Oxford students attending Woodland - Prospect students will come first.
Tony Augelli continued with his concerns: Speeding on Clark Hill Rd. a continual problem all over town. Also questioned Yankee Gas and police coverage - not costing the town anything, police are working above & beyond their shifts. Also issue of Park & Recreation plans and their attendance at Council meeting. C. Gibbons indicated that they should be attending next Council meeting. Tony also questioned TRIAD - P. Geary understood it was a personality conflict within the organization/internal problem. Water Co. property issue also questioned. T. Graveline indicated that the initial survey is not complete. Group has been meeting every month. Next meeting will be the 25th - Meeting will be more of a workshop. First right of refusal is another water company for water usage only, 2nd would be the town; 3rd the State; 4th could be any private entity that the water company would consider selling to. F. Bainer left at 7:53 P.M.
Tony Augelli continued with concerns about receiving an update from the Board of Recreation. D. Franks indicated Board of Recreation has been a sore point with some people, Council needs to help monitor. Ms. Franks also suggested a survey through a subcommittee to get an idea of what people in town want. Mr. Augelli also brought up the issue of ice skating behind town hall, feels it is a big mistake, should be at Hotchkiss Field. S. Sabo questioned if Board of Recreation formally responded to request made at the last council meeting. C. Gibbons will speak to a member, as of yet she hasn't.M
Motion made by D. Franks, 2nd by E. Miller to approve minutes of August 7th with correction. T. Graveline and P. Geary abstained. Motion carried.

CORRESPONDENCE: Tax refunds; Campaign material; Secretary of the State letter; CL&P letter re: lights; May & June Treasurers reports; Agenda of the Land Use Subcommittee for Sept. 25th; I&W minutes of July 9th; P&Z minutes of July 18th; Zoning Inspectors report for July; Building, Electrical, Heating and Plumbing Inspectors reports for July; State of Conn. DEP Mosquito Trapping updates for August 9th, 13th, 15th, 22nd, 24th, 29th, 30th & 31st; Letter from Bob Hiscox, Chairman of Republican Town Committee re: nomination of Thomas Galvin as an alternate to Planning & Zoning also Francis Carpentier nomination as an alternate to P&Z.; Motion made by T. Graveline 2nd by P. Geary to place correspondence on file. Motion Unanimous

Motion made by E. Miller, 2nd by D. Franks to appoint Francis Carpentier, 1 Overlook Court and Thomas J. Galvin, 27 Rockridge Terrace as alternate members of the P&Z Commission. Motion Unanimous

Motion made by T. Graveline, 2nd by S. Sabo to approve tax refunds totaling $4,384.25. Motion Unanimous

SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Land Use - T. Graveline previously reviewed during public participation, working on a geological survey, compiling information, many options are available. Most members on the committee are conservationists. Group feels the town should direct how the land is used.

E. Miller questioned land near the town garage and looking into eminent domain, then offer fair market price.
David Young's property discussed, subcommittee hasn't investigated yet, 31+ acres suggested forwarding letter to the Prospect Land Trust and the Conservation Commission. Motion made by E. Miller, 2nd by D. Franks to forward to the above listed boards. Motion Unanimous

Ordinance Subcommittee needs to meet with Bill Donovan.

T. Graveline questioned the date that Economic Development would be getting back to the Council.

C. Gibbons feels the Board of Recreation and Economic Development issues need to be addressed at the next Council meeting. Necessary to receive some kind of response, progress report. Board of Recreation member needs to attend.

On issue of eminent domain, E. Miller will research in the State Statutes - Motion made by P. Geary, 2nd by E. Miller. Motion Unanimous

Motion made by D. Franks, 2nd by P. Geary to adjourn at 8:38 P.M. Motion Unanimous

Cynthia L. Gibbons, Chair
M. Carrie Anderson, Clerk