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 @ 7:18 P.M., Thomas Hallaway, Domenic Jannetty, Douglas Merriman, Edward Miller and Dominick Mirabelle.
MAYOR'S REPORT: Reviewed Resolution with the State of Conn. Dept. of Transportation for grant for mini-bus. Motion made by T. Hallaway, 2nd by P. Geary to adopt the Resolution. Motion Unanimous
Transfer request reviewed. Motion made by D. Merriman, 2nd by R. Doyon to approve transfer request. Motion Unanimous
Revenue sheet reviewed.
Mayor Chatfield reviewed (as Fire Chief) breakdown of Prospect Fire Department activities for the year 2002. P. Geary complimented the Fire Department on their service.
Auditor Mike Battista handed out Budget Expenditure Worksheet. Indicated this is one of the best years as far as the bottom line. The Town's budget surplus increased by $320,316 during 2001-2002 fiscal year to $786,538. Increase was due to strong property tax collection, under-spending the town's 2001-2002 operating budget, and a refund from a town health insurance policy. Bond rating remained the same due to the increased surplus. Reviewed factors for a favorable variance, interest income, capital project funds, open space, land acquisition, Gasbe 34 requirements will change audit report next year but draft could be made available earlier due to the changes and possibly be reviewed on a quarterly basis. Questions from P. Geary re: method of accounting specifically Ice & Snow under Public Works surplus, Benefits Town Employees' surplus and various budget transfers. Mike indicated that in the pension area the surplus was due to Social Security. In order to maintain good standing with bonding institutions, municipalities must set aside at least 5% of their operating budgets. The Town Bond rating remained the same due to the increase surplus. Mike indicated Revenue items made a difference this year. Mike Battista likes to see an emergency reserve. Motion made by D. Merriman, 2nd by P. Geary to accept the Town Audit for July 1, 2001 - June 30, 2002.
Mayor Chatfield offered condolences to Mike Battista on the recent loss of his father.
Mayor Chatfield referred to correspondence re: State of Conn. Dept. of Public Health re: Smallpox Immunizations Clinics, Chesprocott will be responsible town may need to supply buses and possible police for traffic coverage. T. Graveline suggested making a note of who should not get vaccinated.
P. Geary questioned walking track at Hotchkiss Field.
Motion Unanimous to accept the Town Audit for July 1, 2001 - June 30, 2002.
P. Geary questioned transfer for 1 weeks salary to cover 53rd pay week. Mike Battista indicated that this happens every 5-6 years, budgeting in annual or weekly salary amounts. Discussion continued re: calculations.
GUESTS: Eugene McCarthy, Asst. Director of Public Works questioned subcommittees meetings specifically Public Works Building, requested meeting with Gene at earliest convenience. Robert Doyon Chair will post agenda for January 21st @ 6:30 P.M.
Gene also questioned Pension Subcommittee re: Dental & eyeglass coverage. P. Geary indicated one is impossible to cover and need to look into the other. P. Geary will get in touch with Gene.
Also Asst. Director of Public Works subcommittee - need to meet, need proposal to council by 21st meeting, plan to meet the 21st @ 6 P.M.
Gene McCarthy also requested an executive session re: Personnel matters.
Motion made by D. Merriman, 2nd by T. Hallaway to add executive session to the agenda. Motion Unanimous
Motion made by D. Merriman, 2nd by E. Miller to go into executive session with Gene McCarthy at 8:27 P.M. Motion Unanimous
Motion made by P. Geary, 2nd by T. Graveline to come out of executive session at 8:40 P.M. Unanimous. No motions or votes were made.
Motion made by D. Merriman, 2nd by E. Miller to approve minutes of Dec. 3rd as amended. Motion Unanimous
CORRESPONDENCE: CCM Municipal Mgmt Bulletin; State Budget update dated 12/16/02; Letter dated 12/20/2002 from the town of North Stonington re: Resolution opposing casino expansion anywhere in Conn.; Agreement between R16 Board of Ed & R16 School Administrators' Assoc. July 1, 2003 - June 20, 2006; Tax Refunds totaling $798.61 January 2003; Mayor's Expenditures for Sept. Oct. & Nov.; Revenue Report; Nov. Zoning & Building Inspectors reports; BRR brochure; Labor Mgmt Foundation brochure; Dec. 17, 2002 memo from Secretary of the State re: New Federal Legislation; Draft dated 12/17/02 Conn. Transportation Strategy Board; Resignation of Lawrence Gomez from Inland Wetlands; Dec. Police Report; Tax Collector's Report for Oct. & Nov.; Motion made by D. Merriman, 2nd by T. Hallaway to place correspondence on file. Motion Unanimous
Motion made by P. Geary, 2nd by D. Merriman to accept the Resignation of Lawrence Gomez with regret. Motion Unanimous
Motion made by D. Merriman, 2nd by D. Jannetty to approve refund of taxes. Motion Unanimous
SUBCOMMITTEES:
C. Gibbons - Ordinance subcommittee forwarded ordinance to Town Attorney.
T. Graveline - Land Use Subcommittee re: 49 Talmadge Hill Rd. Summary presented, Ball park figures. Council needs to go to probate. E. Miller suggested town attorney pursue. Motion made by D. Jannetty, 2nd by D. Mirabelle to have Attorney Yarbrough review and pursue in probate, need ruling from probate to see if property does include house. C. Gibbons to contact Atty. Yarbrough. Motion Unanimous
Motion made by D. Merriman, 2nd by R. Doyon to adjourn at 9 P.M. Motion Unanimous
M. Carrie Anderson, Clerk