The Regular Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:04 P.M. by Vice-Chair Robert Doyon at 7:04 P.M.
Members present: Robert Doyon, Patricia Geary, Theresa Graveline, Thomas Hallaway, Domenic Jannetty, Douglas Merriman and Dominick Mirabelle. Absent: Cindy Gibbons and Edward Miller.
Motion made by D. Merriman, 2nd by T. Hallaway at 7:06 P.M. to adjourn this Regular Town Council meeting to Tuesday, August 27, 2002 @ 7 P.M. at the Prospect Fire House, 26 New Haven Road, due to the absence of the Chair, Cynthia L. Gibbons.
The Regular Town Council meeting was reconvened by Chair Cynthia L. Gibbons at 7 P.M. at the Prospect Fire House. Members present: Robert Doyon, Patricia Geary, Cynthia Gibbons, Theresa Graveline, Thomas Hallaway @ 7:03 P.M., Domenic Jannetty, Douglas Merriman, Edward Miller and Dominick Mirabelle.
MAYOR'S REPORT: Nothing to report on 49 Talmadge Hill Rd. trying to set up meetings; Letter dated August 1, 2002 re: Christiano v. Prospect P&Z law suit; Water Pollution Control Authority Ordinance - Mayor Chatfield reviewed.
Motion made by D. Merriman, 2nd by T. Graveline to adopt Ordinance # 67-08-27-02 "Ordinance Regarding Water Pollution Control Authority" (Schedule "A" attached). Motion Unanimous
Mayor Chatfield also updated council members on Caplan Park - seeded, hayed, sprinklers are running, possible dedication ceremony. Park will not be ready for use this year.
Also indicated that Atty. Casagrande was present to review resolution on the Scott Rd. property; Tax Refunds; Mayor Chatfield asked that the Council extend Asst. of Public Works executive session until 9/17 regular council meeting. He is presently waiting for responses to surveys sent out; 9-11 service, town will be taking part with churches in town.
Mayor Chatfield reviewed transfer request within the 2001-2002 Town Budget. BTE (Benefits Town Employees) is the partial payment after last transfer. Motion made by R. Doyon, 2nd by D. Merriman to approve transfer of $22,285.15. P. Geary is against, can't see why BTE underbudgeted. P. Geary opposed, T. Graveline abstained. Motion carried.
Motion made by P. Geary @ 7:10 P.M., 2nd by D. Merriman to recess in order to set up for SCCRWA presentation. Motion Unanimous
Motion made by D. Mirabelle, 2nd by R. Doyon to come out of recess @ 7:17 P.M. Motion Unanimous
T. Graveline made the presentation. Introduced members of the Subcommittee who were present - Alberto Mimo, Ann Stein, Dan Wallace (former member), Alla Sivakoff, Terry Meisel, Bill Sereduck, Charles Kathan, Sherry Cocchiola, Robert Doyon and Edward Miller. T. Graveline reviewed "Report to the Prospect Town Council" Prepared by The South Central Conn. Regional Water Authority Study Committee. Various questions asked by the audience including revenues if mining , logging, etc. were allowed Basically cannot go any further until hear from SCCRWA as to status. Mayor Chatfield suggested setting up a meeting with T. Graveline and representative from the SCCRWA.
Mayor Chatfield reviewed Resolution. P. Geary, Chair of Land Use Subcommittee updated members on meeting that was held, accepted last proposal of $2,950,000.00 for 176.9 acres on Scott Road. Next step is to adopt resolution. Mayor Chatfield pointed out that eventually will have to go to referendum. T. Graveline pointed out that the purchase is subject to state funding of 50%. T. Graveline also questioned the last line of the resolution "The Mayor is further authorized to negotiate and approve such other terms and conditions as he deems necessary or advisable." Atty. Casagrande pointed out that not meant for material alterations, such as environmental testing, minor changes, modifications could be needed to meet certain requirements, etc. necessary to have a town meeting and adjourn to a referendum. Atty. Casagrande also pointed out that resolution doesn't empower the Mayor to make any major changes in the contract.
Motion made by P. Geary, 2nd by D. Merriman to adopt the resolution as read by P. Geary. T. Graveline and D. Jannetty abstained. Motion carried.
Mayor Chatfield indicated that the ordinance committee would be meeting Tuesday, Sept. 3 @ 6 P.M.
Chair Report: C. Gibbons thanked members for adjourning the regular council meeting to today.
GUESTS/PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Re: So. Central. Conn. Regional Water Authority Land
D. Mirabelle questioned if land abutting the street could be sold off in lots along the SCCRWA land to off-set price of the land. T. Graveline indicated that if town wants to fund 100% hope that the intent would be for open space. Mr. Mimo spoke on the suggestion by D. Mirabelle - ecologically speaking would be a problem. Contamination issue, noise pollution, land contains large variety of mammals, etc. Wouldn't want to see it built on would be breaking up open space, entire idea is to leave the land the way it is, not to provide tax revenue.
C. Gibbons questioned funding options page and if town's only choices. T. Graveline indicated that one other grant option allows for a distressed city or town which category Prospect doesn't fall under. C. Gibbons also questioned 50/50 split - T. Graveline indicated that the town has the option to pick what to exclude from the grant application. Town of Prospect first in line after water company. T. Graveline indicated that she is not making any recommendations, individuals will have own personal opinions. D. Merriman pointed out that depends on the dollar amount to purchase.
T. Meisel indicated that state departments, nature conservatories, etc. are watching the see what town does with the land and the importance of the land.
Mr. Mimo pointed out that if it were a state park anybody could use it, if state forest hunting would be allowed.
T. Graveline pointed out that it could be a significant burden and responsibility to manage the property well.
William Sereduck, representing the Board of Recreations, pointed out that it is important to consider maintenance, necessary to be prepared to hire people to maintain the land.
Alberto Mimo suggested splitting land with the state.
D. Jannetty made the suggestion of researching if there is any federal money available for maintaining the land.
T. Graveline thanked members of the committee for their hard work.
Motion made by D. Merriman, 2nd by D. Mirabelle to approve minutes of July 10, 2002. T. Graveline and D. Jannetty abstained. Motion carried.
Motion made by D. Merriman 2nd by D. Mirabelle to approve minutes of July 16, 2002 with corrections. Motion Unanimous
CORRESPONDENCE: July Police Report; June Inspector's Reports; July Zoning Enforcement Officer's report; Press release re: mosquitoes; Tunxis Recycling letter; Aug. 27, 2002 "Match" letter re: secondhand smoke; Carmody & Torrance letter re: Platt Drive resident vs P&Z court case; Council of Governments re: RT. 69 traffic study asking to be put on Town Council agenda for the Oct. 1st meeting. Motion made by T. Hallaway, 2nd by T. Graveline to place correspondence on file.
Motion made by D. Merriman, 2nd by T. Hallaway to approve refunds. Motion Unanimous
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS:
Ordinance subcommittee meeting Sept. 3rd at 6 P.M. discussion of park issue and land use ordinance.
D. Merriman questioned ordinance re: underage drinking.
P. Geary, Sr. Housing subcommittee hasn't met, activity is going on by private individuals
Motion made by T. Hallaway, 2nd by D. Mirabelle to adjourn at 9:05 P.M. Motion Unanimous