Regular Town Council Meeting
The Regular Town Council meeting was called to
order by Vice Chair R. Doyon @ 7 P.M.
Members present: R. Doyon, E. Miller, D. Merriman, D. Franks, T.
Graveline @ 7:02, M. Scaviola & D. Mirabelle @ 7:06 P.M. Absent: P. Geary, C. Gibbons
MAYOR’S REPORT: Hurricane Isabelle – we are ready
for rain & wind. Dedication
ceremony at Caplan Park Sunday, 9/21 @ 2 P.M. w/various sports performances.
Motion made by E. Miller, 2nd by D.
Franks to add executive session to agenda.
Unanimous
Motion to go into executive session at 7:04 P.M.
to include Council, Mayor Chatfield & Atty. Zaino to discuss pending union
contract and pending litigation – Motion by D. Merriman, 2nd by D.
Franks. Unanimous
Motion by E. Miller, 2nd by T.
Graveline to come out of executive session at 7:26 P.M. Unanimous.
No motions made during executive session.
Diane Lauber, Tax Collector, stated that we may
need an ordinance to respond to state law requiring .50 fee be forward to state
for each taxpayer reported delinquent for motor vehicle taxes. Presently there are 3,928 delinquent
accounts accumulated over the last 15 years which would equal $1,964 in fees to
the state. State law would allow the town by ordinance to charge $5. Per
delinquent taxpayer, however, the Connecticut Tax Collectors Association
advised not to adopt an ordinance until further clarification on the $5.00 fee
is received. We should begin planning
such an ordinance.
Motion by D. Merriman, 2nd by D. Franks
to pay the tax refunds. Unanimous
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: A resident on Country Brook
Rd., voiced his concerns about dirt bikes and ATV noise in the Boardman &
Country Brook area as well as on those streets themselves. Also distributed petition signed by 51
residents living in the area. Concern
about excess noise, disturbing of wetlands.
Voiced disappointment about lack of police response. The decibels are certainly beyond accepted
ordinance limits. Suggested we hire an
engineer to test noise levels. Noise starts after 3 P.M. to about 7 P.M. – as
well as weekends at various times of the day.
He has spoken with the zoning board and enforcement officer over the
last 2 years (M. Scaviola indicated he had a devise to measure noise
levels). The resident indicated he
would attend wetlands meeting next week.
A resident complained about police not apprehending trail bikers as they
ride on roads. Bikes on street stopped
for a while – then did it again – wheelies! Got negative response when
contacted dispatcher (Bethany) sent two cruisers – they talked to riders - lately not on street. Recommended that these
minutes be forwarded to Resident Trooper including petition.
Minutes of Sept. 2, 2003. Motion to approve T. Graveline, 2nd
D. Franks. Corrections indicated .
Motion to approve Unanimous
Also suggested minutes be sent to Land Use
Inspector, Bill Donovan, and that he be reminded of 9/2 minutes that stated he
provide to Council a monthly accounting of all cease & desist notices given
to violators
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Ordinance
in-acted 9/2 – Fines & citation procedures for zoning violations
2. Superior Court document
3. Mayor’s
monthly expenditures for July & Aug.
4. List
of tax refunds
5. June
30 special legislative session
6. Open
space & watershed land acquisition grant program project notification
eligibility
7. Police
report for August.
8. Zoning
Inspector’s Report
9. Petition
to enforce existing ordinances
NEW BUSINESS: Asked that a letter be sent to Board
of Recreation requesting copy of minutes be sent to council – including list of
fees paid & by whom for park use.
ORDINANCE SUBCOMMITTEE: Met & looked at tax
credit for elderly. Decided we should
meet with senior leader with Tax Collector & state statutes need to be
checked.
Motion made by T. Graveline requesting a letter be
sent to Resident Trooper requesting details as to what has been done in
response to petition submitted to Council today. Requesting attendance at Oct. 7 meeting or receipt of letter
explaining same. 2nd by D. Mirabelle. Unanimous
Motion to adjourn – D. Mirabelle, 2nd
by D. Franks. Unanimous @ 8:38 P.M.
Robert Doyon, Vice Chair D.
Merriman/M. Carrie Anderson