Town Council

August 19, 2003

The Regular Town Council Meeting was called to order by Vice-Chair Robert Doyon @ 7 P.M.

Following the Pledge attendance was taken. Members present: Robert Doyon, Delores Franks, Patricia Geary, Theresa Graveline @ 7:02 P.M., Douglas Merriman, Edward Miller and Dominick Mirabelle @ 7:05 P.M. Absent: Cynthia L. Gibbons and Domenic Jannetty.

MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Chatfield introduced guests and made a presentation honoring fire and police department personnel. Trooper P.J. Conway reviewed recent response to an emergency medical call. Officers performed CPR until Medics arrived, CPR saved the individuals life. Members honored included P.J. Conway, William Lauber, Steven Patchkofsky, William Blakley and Jason Kolodziej.

Motion made by D. Franks, 2nd by T. Graveline for a brief recess @ 7:10 P.M. Unanimous

Council members and public congratulated/thanked individuals who where honored.

Motion made by E. Miller, 2nd by D. Franks to go back into session @ 7:17 P.M. Unanimous

Mayor Chatfield reviewed resolution – RESOLVED: That the Town of Prospect enter into a letter agreement with the Connecticut Water Company amending existing agreements concerning the siting and construction of a water storage tank off of Putting Green Lane, to reflect the new location and containing such other terms and conditions as the Mayor and the Town Attorney may approve, and the Mayor hereby authorized to execute and deliver such agreement.

Construction will begin sometime in September. Motion made by P. Geary, 2nd by D. Merriman to add resolution to the agenda. Unanimous

Motion made by D. Franks, 2nd by D. Merriman to approve resolution. Access would go through 45 Putting Green Lane, tank would blend in and be maintained by Water Company with a 1,250,000 capacity. Motion Unanimous to approve resolution.

Grant update: CCM flyer dated August 18, 2003. Mayor reviewed specifically LOCIP and Education.

Mayor indicated that presently he has appointed an acting assessor, Helen Totz, reviewed qualifications as an acting & assistant assessor. Presently appointed until August 29th, 2003. E. Miller indicated that she is well respected in her field.

Mayor also reviewed holdup with water line on Putting Green, Straitsville and New Haven Road, 30 state agencies need to review.

P. Geary questioned transfer at June 24th Council meeting for Benefits-Town Employees. Difference & Increase that took place first of April. P. Geary requested new premium rates.

Tax Collector, Diane Lauber, recognized under Mayor’s report.

Diane reviewed letter dated 12/30/1997 from Atty. Phil Reed re: tax exempt organizations (Prospect Land Trust) and Section 17-1 of State Statutes re: Effective date for tax exemption of certain property. Presently acting assessor is going by state statute specifically concerning the Gil Foundation. Ordinance necessary it would allow prorating tax bills and would help the assessor to prorate to date of closing. Various questions from Council members. Needs to go to the ordinance subcommittee. Also the Elderly Abatement ordinance needs to be looked into. D. Lauber will give copies for next meeting.

Refunds reviewed. Motion made by P. Geary, 2nd by T. Graveline to approve refunds. Unanimous

Motion made by P. Geary, 2nd by D. Franks to refer to ordinance committee tax exempt ordinance & look into elderly tax credit ordinance. Motion Unanimous

ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING FINES AND CITATION PROCEDURE FOR ZONING VIOLATIONS
P. Geary pointed out the need to make clear to the public that this ordinance is not establishing new zoning regulations but that it gives Zoning Enforcement Officer more enforcement. Council members complimented Bill Donovan, ZEO, on his tactfulness, etc. Suggested that Planning & Zoning clarify and publish in the Prospect Pages with an explanation. Allows enforcement of regulations that are already on books. Motion made by D. Merriman, 2nd by D. Franks to adopt.

Mark Gustaferri, Melissa Lane, questioned protection for the property owner concerning landlords and tenants. Lengthy discussion. D. Franks pointed out that legally the landlord is held responsible, possible to evict if necessary. E. Miller referred to Section 2 (f) of the ordinance “The ZEO shall have the authority to delay the issuance of a citation in cases where, in his/her opinion, the violator is making a good faith effort to bring the property into compliance.
D. Mirabelle reiterated his concerns at previous meeting re: tenant being responsible.
Motion made by D. Merriman, 2nd by D. Franks to move the question. Yes votes: D. Merriman, E. Miller, D. Franks and R. Doyon; No votes: D. Mirabelle, P. Geary and T. Graveline. Motion carried 4-3.

Council members continued to discuss, T. Graveline, P. Geary and D. Mirabelle would have liked tenant issue addressed in the ordinance.

Motion made by E. Miller, 2nd by D. Merriman to approve July 1, 2003 Special Council meeting. P. Geary, T. Graveline & D. Mirabelle abstained. Motion carried.

Motion made by D. Merriman, 2nd by D. Franks to approve July 1, 2003 Regular Council meeting. P. Geary & T. Graveline abstained. Motion carried.

CORRESPONDENCE: Conn. Council of Small Towns; Letter from Conn. State Library re: Town Clerk’s $7,000 grant; Resignation of D. Jannetty; Police Report June & July; Zoning Inspector’s Report. Motion made by T. Graveline, 2nd by P. Geary to place on file. Unanimous

Motion made by T. Graveline, 2nd by R. Doyon to accept resignation of D. Jannetty with regret. Unanimous

Subcommittee Reports:

Land Use - T. Graveline updated council, Diane Tompkins SSRWA representative, process to begin for 40 acres next to the town garage. Also updated on Mauriello house, appraisal process starting again.

Motion made by T. Graveline, 2nd by D. Mirabelle to adjourn at 8:30 P.M. Unanimous

M. Carrie Anderson
Clerk

Cynthia L. Gibbons, Chair
Chairman