The Regular Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:02 P.M. by Chair Cynthia L. Gibbons. Members present: Robert Doyon, Patricia Geary, Cynthia Gibbons, Theresa Graveline, Thomas Hallaway, Domenic Jannetty, Douglas Merriman, Edward Miller and Dominick Mirabelle.
Also present Board of Education members Marie Delage and Sheryl Feducia
MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor read letter received from Karen Rogers from Mt. Prospect, IL – School band lead the Macys Thanksgiving Day parade. Reminder that Sat. @ 12 noon Dec. 7th ceremony for 61st anniversary of Pearl Harbor; Auditor finishing audit, to be delivered to council members; Tree lighting hopefully Sunday; Fire Dept. presentation to Council Feb. or March possible vehicle purchase; Transfer request from G.F.S. to help defray the cost of tree and brush removal from the Nov. 16-17 storm to Account # 7000-03 Town Roads Trees $24,000.00 Motion made by D. Merriman, 2nd by T. Hallaway to approve transfer. P. Geary questioned if Town Roads Trees already depleted – Mayor pointed out that depleted during regular tree removal prior to the storm. Motion Unanimous. Mayor Chatfield recommended that the Dec. 17th Regular Council meeting be cancelled for the Holidays. Motion made by R. Doyon, 2nd by T. Hallaway to cancel meeting, P. Geary and T. Graveline opposed. Motion carried. Mayor reviewed CCM fax received, reviewed budget cuts $5,000.00 cut from Indians. D. Merriman questioned pg. 3 of 3 Governor’s Mid-Year Cuts, nothing broken down, mostly in regard to educational cuts. P. Geary questioned ice skating, Mayor hoping to use McGrath Park.
Board of Education Members Marie Delage and Sheryl Feducia reviewed present and future needs for Region 16 re: Algonquin and Laurel Ledge Schools. Hope to make another presentation in January concerning school facilities. Jeter, Cooke and Jepson have made recommendations in a report. Issues concerning growth of the towns, increase in student population, need support of both towns. Looking at happening in the next 3-4 years, detailed process, necessary to think about today before problems arise in the future. Mainly voiced concerns for the future. Members will receive copies of report before January meeting, comprehensive detailed report. Various ideas to be presented in the report. Reviewed needs at Algonquin and Laurel Ledge. Committee has met re: cost of renovating Vs new school and possible use of old school for District office. Asking for Councils input and participation. Mayor Chatfield questioned mandating of full time kindergarten, will arise in the future. D. Merriman questioned if Beacon Falls has Sr. Housing – being looked into. P. Geary heard from EPA re: property west of U.S. Cap, pointed out no contamination on site, keep in mind for R16.
Dominick Mirabelle left at 7:32 P.M.
Discussion re: busing in from other cities – Transportation issue became a problem with state funding. E. Miller pointed out that Board of Ed members are doing a great job but has problem with budget in particular salaries and benefits. Marie Delage reminded members that a forum will be held the 9th @ 7 P.M. at LRMS for input from committee leaders, parents and citizens re: superintendent search.
D. Merriman and P. Geary questioned Arts evening, members were not aware of until the next day. T. Graveline requested transportation from Prospect to events at Woodland inorder to make more accessible.
CHAIR REPORT; C. Gibbons called state DEP re: letter requested, not received as of yet. Also Trooper Abarzua will be available at next meeting.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Colleen Gillis, 25 Platt Drive, questioned ordinance for zoning violations pertaining to fining people. C. Gibbons indicated that the ordinance sub committee is presently working on, then ordinance brought to the Council and then reviewed by the Town Attorney and then a Public Hearing will be held. Penalties with interest will be issued allows town to enforce zoning violations. Ms. Gillis encouraged the Council to pass.
Motion made by P. Geary, 2nd by T. Graveline to approve minutes of November 19th with amendment. T. Hallaway abstained. Motion carried
CORRESPONDENCE: RT. 69 Traffic Operations Study; CCM 12/3/2002 State Budget Update; Governor’s Mid-Year Cuts dated 11/27; Revised Police report for November; Fall 2002 BRR Report; Sr. Center Newsletter; State of CT Municipal Fiscal Indicators Fiscal Years Ended 1997-2001; Letter dated 11/25/2002 from CL&P re: storm; Motion made by P. Geary, 2nd by D. Merriman to place correspondence on file. Unanimous
REFUNDS: Total Refund Request $461.07 as received by Diane Lauber, Tax Collector. Motion made by D. Merriman, 2nd by T. Graveline to approve. Motion Unanimous
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS:
Land Use – T. Graveline – Did meet would like to add executive session to the agenda. Motion made by P. Geary, 2nd by R. Doyon to add executive session to the agenda. Motion Unanimous
Sr. Housing – D. Merriman – Met 11/19/2002 – Reviewed minutes – Communication is on-going between state agencies and private developer re: Old Schoolhouse Road property. Motion made P. Geary, 2nd by T. Graveline to approve. Subcommittee members P. Geary, T. Graveline, C. Gibbons and D. Merriman voted Unanimously.
Ordinance – C. Gibbons would like to meet in the next week. Meeting scheduled for Monday, Dec. 9th @ 7:45. A.M.
OLD BUSINESS: T. Graveline still waiting for update on Police Report from September.
Motion made by T. Graveline, 2nd by E. Miller to go into executive session at 8:03 P.M. to discuss real estate acquisition. Motion Unanimous
Motion made by D. Merriman, 2nd by R. Doyon to come out of executive session at 8:10 P.M. Motion Unanimous
T. Graveline discussed Talmadge Hill Rd. property, waiting for figures on potential renovations or demolition costs. Basically a general assessment of remodeling and upgrading costs.
Motion made by D. Merriman, 2nd by T. Hallaway to adjourn at 8 :12 P.M. Motion Unanimous