July 15, 2004
The special Town Council Meeting was called to order by Robert Doyon, Chair at 7 p.m.
Members Present: Joseph Commendatore, Robert Doyon, Patricia Geary, Frederick Harkins, Douglas Merriman, Dominic Moschella, Theresa Graveline arrived at 7:02 p.m.and Dominick Mirabelle arrived at 7:12 p.m.
Members Absent: Edward Miller
Also present: Mayor Robert Chatfield and Attorney John Knott
Mayor Chatfield thanked the Economic Development Committee for the countless hours that have been put into this project. At first the commercial/industrial park development was thought to be a good idea for tax revenue purposes. However, all attemtpts to have an intermunicipal Sewer Agreement between the Town of Prospect and the City of Waterbury have been exhausted. Mayor Chatfield commented that he is in favor of passing the resolution that is being presented. This resolution will have no bearing on the grant that the Town will receive from the State for the improvement to Scott Road.
Mayor Chatfield excused himself from the meeting.
Attorney Knott stated the resolution speaks for itself as piece of legislative history. In the event the Town has to work with the State in regards to the Grant there will be a record. The resoultion shows how the Town has reached this point.
Attorney Knott stated that the Town of Prospect was told by the City of Waterbury they would expand the existing Intermunicipal Sewer Agreement only if it were to contain a fair and just tax revenue sharing component, as well as any other provisions needed to protect the City of Waterbury's interest. Any such agreement would have to be approved by the City's legislative body (the Board of Alderman), the State Oversight Board, as well as any Land Use Boards that may be involved per letter received from Theresa Caldarone, Counsel to Mayor Jarjura.
Attorney Knott stated that the last part of the Resolution which states that for the reasons that the Town of Prospect is unable to meet the conditions required in order to be able to close on the sale and, further, that it is unlikely that such conditions could be met within a reasonable time, if at all, is the only practical solution. Attorney Knott commented that Mayor Chatfield tried to work this agreement out with the City of Waterbury but Mayor Jarjura was clear that without a tax revenue sharing component it would not be approved by the Board of Alderman or the State Oversight Board.
T. Graveline questioned if the Town of Prospect has been in communications with the State. Attorney Knott stated that Peter Burns has been in contact with the State to be sure that the Town does not lose the Grant. Peter Burns believes that the State will not argue with the Resolution.
D. Moschella questioned if the seller offered to extend the time line. Attorney Knott stated that given their past conduct, a three-month extension would not be granted.
D. Mirabelle arrived at 7:12 p.m.
Attorney Knott stated that if the Town does not pass this resolution by July 31, 2004 they would be in default of the contract.
Motion made by P. Geary to adopt the Resolution. Motion seconded by D. Merriman. Unanimous.
D. Merriman commented that the project sounded good in the beginning and would have been momumental if it came through.
P. Geary commented we all recognize that every municipality is looking for industry to help the residential tax base.
T. Graveline recused herself from all discussion and voting.
Motion made by D. Merriman to adjourn the meeting. J. Commendatore seconded the motion. Unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert E. Doyon, Chair