Town Council Meeting - November 19, 2002
Town Council
November 19, 2002
The Regular Town Council meeting was called to order by Chair Cynthia Gibbons @ 7:02 P.M. Following the pledge attendance was taken. Members present: Robert Doyon, Patricia Geary, Cynthia Gibbons, Theresa Graveline, Domenic Jannetty, Douglas Merriman, Edward Miller and Dominick Mirabelle. Absent: Thomas Hallaway.
Chair, C. Gibbons had a discussion concerning the storm with Anne Fortier and feels "obvious that the Mayor deserves thanks for his untiring efforts on behalf of all our citizens".
Mayor Chatfield introduced James Chow, John Meyer & Steven Gaura of U.S. EPA and Doug Zimmerman of CT DEP. Also present Atty. John Knott council for the Town re: U.S. Cap property.
MAYOR'S REPORT: Thanked police and fire dept. for storm responses, since Sunday morning. 60+ calls answered some residents used facilities at the firehouse. Commended CL&P for response, town crew also complimented. Two tree crews were hired to clear roads & roadsides of brush & branches.
Possibility that town water line could be extended to Country Manor and new development, no town funds would be used.
T. Graveline indicated that light at Hotchkiss parking lot needs different direction or increased wattage.
U.S. CAP UPDATE - Individuals named above spoke: EPA administered all funds for study & cleanup. U.S. Cap was not the polluter, previous tenants were, town of Prospect doesn't own the site. Tetra Tech Nus, Inc. evaluated site & 1500 tons of soil was removed & seven above and below ground tanks. In order to reuse site might cost two million dollars to accomplish. Mfg. solvents (chlorinated) stored in leaking tank, soil and wells became contaminated (one treatment facility installed in one home). Solvent is difficult to remediate.
Doug Zimmerman investigated site and continues to work on problems, checks on wells in area and making an effort to secure funds to eliminate building on site. Lee Rd. & Hemlock have one resident each with minimal contamination. Also one on George St. below hazardous level.
Diane Lauber, Tax Collector, asked for future recommendations: James Chow indicated cost to put back on tax rolls prohibitive calling it an "orphan" site. 1) Close out wells on site $10-15,000. 2) Fill septic (empty) w/sand $10-15,000. 3) Knock building down requires cost by contractor. 4) Implement long-term monitoring of wells in area to verify decrease in contamination.
Tetra Tech will enter site & determine asbestos, lead paint and any PCB's present, etc. & prepare specifications for 1-4 listed above.
"Leaching pit" under one side of building is a problem, future contamination (location not specifically known) Cement slab could remain after building is knocked down and possibly covered with fill to conceal it. James Chow indicated there is no negative impact on reservoir toward west as well as fire pond across the street. There is "no source of liability for costs." DEP continues to search for those libel for contamination. Taxes due equal $270,000; includes penalties. Taxes +/- $11,000 yearly.
Steve Gaura will give a list to Diane Lauber for possible sources of funding to eliminate building. State elected officials should also get involved. Doug Zimmerman suggested Chesprocott be closely involved with any new home construction in the area, especially the water supply.
Brief break at 8:30 P.M. Motion by E. Miller, 2nd by D. Mirabelle. Unanimous
Reconvened at 8:45 P.M. Motion by E. Miller, 2nd by R. Doyon. Unanimous
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS:
Senior Housing Sub-Committee - P. Geary shared info that plan to develop the Schoolhouse Road property looks promising if funding is secured by the tentative builder.
Assistant Director of Public works - List of part time employees will be secured and their benefits (if any).
Resident trooper to attend Dec. 3 meeting (Reminder will be sent).
Minutes of November 12, 2002 corrected & motion to approve by T. Graveline, 2nd by R. Doyon. Unanimous
CORRESPONDENCE: EPA staff letter & business card; 35+ page draft from Tetra Tech; 3 maps of U.S. Cap site; 11/15 letter from Mayor re: budget reminder; Schedule "A" re: Assistant Director of Public Works; meeting date notice. Motion to place correspondence on file by P. Geary, 2nd by T. Graveline. Unanimous
Motion made by D. Mirabelle, 2nd by P. Geary to continue meeting the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7 P.M. Unanimous
Ordinance Subcommittee - Nelson Abarzua & Gene McCarthy reviewed parks ordinance. It's ready to go to the town Attorney.
Land Use Subcommittee - Tasked out 49 Talmadge Hill to make determination ranging from remodeling, upgrading, demolition (Meeting 11/21 @ 6:15 P.M.).
MOTION by T. Graveline to request letter from town's representative from State DEP requesting comments advising careful monitoring of any new construction in the U.S. Cap area, 2nd by P. Geary. Unanimous
MOTION to adjourn by D. Jannetty, 2nd by T. Graveline at 9:15 P.M. Unanimous
(Note: Shelton demolished a building - left concrete slab - who paid for demolition? What was done with concrete slab? (Mayor's office will contact Shelton.)
Cynthia L. Gibbons, Chair
Chairman