The Regular Town Council meeting was called to order at @ 7 P.M. by Chair Cynthia L. Gibbons. Members present: Robert Doyon, Patricia Geary, Cynthia Gibbons, Theresa Graveline @ 7:01 P.M., Thomas Hallaway, Thomas Hallinan @ 7:01 P.M., Douglas Merriman, Edward Miller and Dominick Mirabelle @ 7:08 P.M.
MAYOR'S REPORT: Rosa DeLauro, Member of Congress, visited the town; Fund raiser for the Gedraitis family raised $8700, another fund raiser March 2nd; Introduced new reporter from the Republican Ryan Foust; Update on 49 Talmadge Hill Road property, no official requests; District Animal Control bi-laws; Anthem, Inc. stock certificate, Atty. Yarbrough is researching; Assessor will be at the 19th meeting to present the grand list; Discussion re: skating rink, big hit, not in use due to possible vandalism and the need for the field to dry out before soccer season, Gene McCarthy, Public Works Dept., coming up with a plan for a rink that can be used year round, in the planning stages; T. Graveline questioned the location - possibly off of RT. 68 and 69, P. Geary - insurance costs need to be looked into, liability issue; Town planning 175th anniversary possibly in conjunction with Historical Society, Mayor Chatfield working with Shirley Sabo; Mayor Chatfield recommended Special Council meeting March 9th @ 9 A.M. at the Firehouse for presentation of the budget. Motion made by J. Hallaway, 2nd by D. Merriman, motion amended to include tour of the firehouse. Motion Unanimous; SCRWA new member C. Anthony Edge, suggested meeting with, Theresa has questions re: CWC; P. Geary questioned 53rd week of pay issue from last meeting, requested calling the Auditor; Dominick Mirabelle questioned job opening due to the resignation of Terry Franz, has been advertised in the Prospect Pages.
CHAIR REPORT: Discussion re: Council members availability to stand in front of Olivers to collect for the Gedraitis family, members to determine if available March 9th and 10th for approximately 2 hours, plan is to start at 11 A.M. T. Graveline suggested finding out the busiest time, possible poster, members to discuss further at the Feb. 19th meeting.
Theresa Graveline, Chair SCRWA update: Map passed out to members. Committee has been meeting to investigate options. Subcommittee would like guidance concerning municipal use of land & other potential uses for the land. Indicated top corner of property adjacent to town garage. Reviewed restrictions with various grants/funds if received. Committee hopes to have a presentation around March, identify what areas would be suited to the needs of the town, maps in town plan helpful. D. Merriman would hope if possible to avoid using State money with strings attached if financially possible; T. Graveline indicated acreage not known, presently being surveyed. B. Doyon questioned if water company would hold mortgage - Won't hold mortgage but would entertain creative ways to purchase; no negotiations as of yet. T. Graveline pointed out this is a one shot deal, special opportunity for the town. Subcommittee's intention is to have a presentation for the council, Important issues are maps, sources of funding, topography of land. Public Hearing would be way down the road. Basically SCRWA subcommittee needs a "dream list" for the land from the council. Discussion as to how land would fit into the Towns Plan of Conservation and Development. Members from the various committees, P&Z, Wetlands, etc. are involved. Prime focus is conservation. P. Geary ideally nice if town could purchase outright, possibility of accepting funds for portions of property: Would like Public works expansion, some open space, conservation, potential for recreation, community center, future school construction & undefined municipal needs. T. Graveline indicated that there would be many presentations from the subcommittee. Suggestions of an aerial view of property, T. Graveline to see if water company has one available. E. Miller - basically looking for a wish list, possibly town garage, pristine open space, hiking trails, etc. T. Hallinan indicated the need to research grant money for various plans. Committee will be preparing maps with potential uses.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: T. Augelli questioned who owns land and what it is assessed at and if taxes are paid. SCRWA owns property, assessed as open space or forest land. Mr. Augelli also questioned issue of hunting on land - would depend on who owns the land and who is responsible. Mr. Augelli feels it is important to have an environmental attorney. Discussion as to the skating rink issue, Mr. Augelli doesn't want to see location changed.
Motion made by D. Merriman, 2nd by Thomas Hallaway to approve minutes of January 15, 2002 with amendments. Motion Unanimous
CORRESPONDENCE: Prospect Historical Society letter dated 2/5/2002 re: 175 anniversary celebration; SCRWA letter dated 1/28/2002 re: new appointment; Zoning Inspector's Report for Jan. 2002; Thank you from Rosa Delauro; newspaper article re: housing complex in Middlebury; Town Clerk's report re: No. of voters in town and No. of voting machines; Mayor's appointments: Frank Bainer, Brd of Recreation; Philip Reed - Chesprocott Rep., Delores Franks - Cable Advisory Board; Letter dated 1-28-2002 from Dr. Helene re: ordinance coverage by police and fire; January 2002 Police Patrol Report; Treasurers report Nov. & Dec. 2001; BRRF annual report for 2001. Motion made by P. Geary, 2nd by T. Graveline to place correspondence on file. Motion Unanimous
NEW BUSINESS: FOI Advisory Board - To be determined at next Council meeting to give town committees time to submit recommendations.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS:
P. Geary would like Pension & Benefits to schedule a meeting with Ray LaPalme.
C. Gibbons, Ordinance e committee to meet prior to next council meeting.
Motion made by T. Hallaway, 2nd by P. Geary to adjourn @ 8:30 P.M. Motion Unanimous