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, Thomas Hallaway, Domenic Jannetty, Douglas Merriman, Edward Miller @ 7:09 P.M., Dominick Mirabelle.
MAYOR'S REPORT: Referred to correspondence which included VFW Program for Memorial which was held Nov. 3; OPM, Atty. General & DEP re: proposed water tank; letter from Mauriello re: property at 27 New Haven Road recommended Land Use Subcommittee research; copy of TROC agreement, motion required to approve, basically an update which is required every 3-4 years with no changes. Motion made by P. Geary, 2nd by D. Merriman to approve TROC agreement. Motion Unanimous.
Mayor Chatfield indicated that R16 will be on the Dec. 1st Council agenda; Trooper Abarzua not available tonight. One transfer request from G.F. to Account 6100-03 Heat Town Hall Buildings $10,000. Due to hookup of gas at Police Station and Chapel Hall and contaminated soil. Motion made by D. Merriman, 2nd by R. Doyon to approve transfer. E. Miller abstained, Motion carried.
Mayor Chatfield referred to the subcommittees doing significant amount of work re: Ordinances and Public Works personnel matters. Also suggested holding a special meeting 11/19 at 6:30 P.M.
D. Merriman questioned Small Cities Grant procedure. Mayor Chatfield reviewed. D. Merriman also suggested letter should be sent to the Grant's Director, Gina Ash, complimenting her and giving her the recognition she deserves. Motion made by D. Merriman, 2nd by T. Graveline to send the Grant's Director a letter. Motion Unanimous
T. Graveline questioned lighting at Hotchkiss Field. Mayor indicated that the light was put up a few weeks after T. Graveline's suggestion.
GUESTS: None
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: None
Motion made by T. Hallaway, 2nd by E. Miller to approve minutes of Oct. 15th. R. Doyon abstained. Motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE: Tax Collector's Reports for July - Sept. 2002; Refunds; Oct. 9th letter re: Small Cities Grants; Building Inspectors Reports for Oct., Zoning Enforcement Officer's report for Oct.; Police Report; Pamphlet re: Memorial at VFW 11-3-2002. Motion made by T. Graveline, 2nd by D. Merriman to place on file. Motion Unanimous
Motion made by T. Hallaway, 2nd by R. Doyon to approve tax refunds as reviewed. Motion Unanimous
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS:
C. Gibbons indicated Ordinance subcommittee has been meeting, gave draft of Park's Ordinance to Gene McCarthy & will get one to Trooper Abarzua, meeting to be held Thursday 11/14/02 @ 8 A.M. then will go to town attorney for review.
Discussion of $25,000 compensation for 156 unused sick days to be paid at $5,000 yearly for the next 5 years even if not employed by the Town of Prospect. P. Geary questioned accumulation of sick time. Gene McCarthy indicated that it has been that way since Mayor Sabo. P. Geary not in favor of people being compensated for not using sick days. P. Geary feels a policy needs to be set and T. Graveline agreed. P. Geary suggested before compensations are made should consider all salaried employees. T. Graveline feels setting a precedent, specifically sick pay and problem with this issue not being brought before the council.
Discussion re: Short Term disability after 8 days which is determined by the insurance company. Discussion re: #7 on sheet. D. Mirabelle suggested deleting #7. T. Graveline suggested changing #7 to read "Sick days are not additionally compensated or accumulated".
Motion made by D. Merriman, 2nd by T. Graveline to approve Gene McCarthy's salary and items 1-11 on sheet as submitted with changes for Asst. Director of Public works position for Gene McCarthy. D. Merriman suggested that anyone else in a salaried position should be looked into in case issue arises/ subcommittee to research other employees. Motion Unanimous
P. Geary suggested Sr. Housing meet Nov. 19th @ 6 P.M.
Land Use - T. Graveline to follow up on letter re: Mauriello property.
T. Graveline member of R16 Superintendent search committee, meeting/open forum 12/9 @ 7 P.M. @ LRMS
P. Geary requested a revised sheet for Gene McCarthy's position as Assistant Director of Public Works.
Motion made by T. Hallaway, 2ndby T. Graveline to adjourn at 8:05 P.M. Motion Unanimous