June 15, 2004
The Town Council meeting was called to order by Robert Doyon, Chair at 7:01 p.m.
Members Present:Joseph Commendatore, Robert Doyon, Patricia Geary, Theresa Graveline, Frederick Harkins, Douglas Merriman, Edward Miller, Dominic Moschella and Dominick Mirabelle (arrived at 7:05 p.m.)
Mayor's Report:Mayor Charfield reviewed the revenue sheet with the Council.
Mayor Chatfield reviewed the resolution to be voted on by the COuncil in the event by reason of failure of the budget for Regional School District 16. However, this will present additional postage cost due to the mailing of motor vehicle, personal property and supplemental real estate tax bills once a budget is passed.
Mayor Chatfield reviewed the Fair Housing Resolution submitted by Gina Ash. The Resolution stated that the Town of Prospect hereby endorses a Fair Housing Policy to ensure equal opportunity for all persons to rent, purchase and obtain financing for adequate housing of their choice on a non-discriminatory basis; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Mayor of the Town of Prospect or his designated representative is responsible for responding to and assisting any person who alleges to be the victim of an illegal disctiminatory housing practices in the Town of Prospect.
Motion made by P. Geary to amend the agenda to include voting on the Fair Housing Resolution. Motion seconded by T. Graveline. Unanimous.
Motion made by D. Merriman to adopt the Fair Housing Resolution. An open discussion followed. Mayor Chatfield stated that the Grants Director will continue to look for available money.
Motion seconded by D. Moschella. Unanimous.
Mayor Chatfield stated that the water tank installation is up to 9 rings and asked the Council to consider taking a look at it when possible.
Mayor Chatfield stated that Mary Welch has been appointed to the Board of Recreation to replace J. Commendatore.
Mayor Chatfield reported the voting results of the Region 16 school budget. Beacon Falls 409 No votes, 371 Yes votes - Prospect 496 No votes, 725 Yes Votes. Budget passes.
Mayor Chatfield recommended that a mill rate be set at 32 mills.
Motion made by D. Merriman to set the taz rate for the 2004-2005 fiscal year at 32 mills. Motion seconded by P. Geary. Unanimous.
Motion made by D. Merriman to approve June 1, 2004 minutes as amended.
Corrections were made on Page 3, paragraph 2 to indicate that a letter will be sent to Mr. Mauriello with the Council's decision. Page 4 under F. Harkins will have an Assistant Public Works sub-committee report. Motion seconded by D. Moschella. Seven yes, two abstain, T. Graveline and E. Miller. Motion carries.
Correspondence:
Zoning Enforcement report
Police Patrol report
Building Inspector's report
Board of Recreation, unapproved June 9, 2004
Zoning Inspection report
Mayor's expenditure report
Tax Collector Reports for March, April and May 2004
E. Miller stated that he would like Mr. Donovan to attend the next regular Town COuncil meeting to review the plan of action and status of the Zoning Enforcement report.
Motion made by F. Harkins to place correspondence of file. Motion seconded by T. Graveline. Unanimous.
New Business:T. Graveline commented that currently no ordinance exists regarding a business that owes back taxes to the Town of Prospect would preclude the Town from awarding them contracts. T. Graveline would like this investigated and addressed under the Ordinance sub-committee. To her knowledge other towns have policies that they do not accept bids from a person who is seeking to gain money by being hired from the town if they owe back taxes. An open discussion followed.
Motion made by T. Graveline to request that the Ordinance sub-committee begin to address the issue of awarding to a business when back taxes are owed to the Town. Motion seconded by J. Commendatore. Unanimous.
Old Business:J. Commendatore reported that F. Harkins has been appointed secretary of the Ordinance sub-committee and he has been appointed chairman. Also it was voted on to submit the Aquifer Protection Ordinance to the Town Council for a public hearing.
J. Commendatore recommended that the Public Hearing be set for Tuesday, July 6, 2004 at 6:45 p.m.
Motion made by D. Moschella to have a Public Hearing, Tuesday, July 6, 2004, 6, 45 p.m. at the Prospect Town Hall on the Aquifer Protection Ordinance. Motion seconded by F. Harkins. Unanimous.
F. Harkins reported that the Assistant Public Works sub-committee does not have an update. To date a recommendation for the Town Council has not been received from the Town Attorney.
P. Geary stated that the Land Use committee expires June 30 with RKM Associates for the Scott Road Commerce Park. She believes no action should be taken and Attorney Knott should be invited to a special meeting to be held on Tuesday, June 29, 2004 to discuss this issue. No action would indicate that we are out of this.
T. Graveline stated that Economic Development has not met due to the lack of a quorum.
Motion made by D. Merriman to adjourn at 8:50 p.m. Motion seconded by D. Moschella. Unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert E. Doyon, Chair