March 15, 2005
The Town Council meeting was called to order by Robert Doyon, Chair at 7 p.m.
Members Present:Joseph Commendatore, Robert Doyon, Patricia Geary, Theresa Graveline,
Frederick Harkins, Douglas Merriman, Dominick Mirabelle, Dominic Moschella and Edward Miller (arrived at
7:08 p.m.)
Members Absent:-none
Mayor's Report:
Mayor Chatfield introduced Probate Judge Raymond Voelker of Cheshire Probate Court. Judge
Voelker briefed the Council on the initial bill presented to the State Legislature that would change
funding for probate courts. Probate courts operate like a small business. Currently $215,000 was
raised for user fees by the Cheshire probate court. Judge Volker's salary and his two full-time
employee's salary as well as paper goods and the cost to run the court is $153,000-$155,000 per year.
The State pays for health care insurance for the three of them at a cost of $19,000 per year.
In 2004 the gross revenue was high due to the value of real estate in Prospect and Cheshire. There
have been various plans submitted and discussion on them but no definite decision has been made.
(E. Miller arrived at 7:08 p.m.) Judge Voelker informed the Council that he would continue to
fight to keep our system the way it is. It has been running very well for 24 years and it would
not be right for the state to reorganize due to the three probate courts that are in financial
trouble. Judge Voelker will keep the Mayor abreast of the situation. The Council thanked Judge
Voelker for this time.
Mayor Chatfield submitted a transfer to the Council of $100.00 from the Elections and Registrars Account #5150-06 Voter Canvas to Account #5150-08 Computer set-up due to a printer that broke.
Motion made by T. Graveline to approve the tranfer of $100.00 from the Elections and Registrars Account #5150-06 Voter Canvas to Account #5150-08 Computer set-up. Motion seconded by D. Moschella. Unanimous.
Mayor Chatfield requested the budget workshop scheduled for March 22nd begin at 6 p.m. Mayor Chatfield indicated that he would like some Council members to attend the Board of Education meeting that evening at 7 p.m.
Motion made by D. Merriman to move the March 22, 2005 budget workshop to 6 p.m. Motion seconded by T. Graveline. Unanimous
D. Mirabelle stated that due to his work schedule he most likely would not be able to attend the 6 p.m. meetings.
Mayor Chatfield requested a Special Town meeting be held on March 23, 2005 at 7 p.m. at the Prospect Town Hall to consider and act upon a proposal for the acquisition of a drainage easement by the Town of Prospect from Aaron J. Semrow and Kristina M Semrow over their property at 10 Birchwood Terrace, Prospect, in exchange for release by the Town of an existing drainage easement over a different portion of such property, as acquired from Ray Unsderfer by instrument dated September 19, 1960, recorded in Volume 33, Page 338 AND to consider and act upon a resolution to authorize the execution and delivery on behalf of the Town various agreements necessary for the issuance of refunding bonds by the Bristol Resource Recovery Facility Operating Committee in order to reduce debt service costs for the Town under its existing Service Agreement with the operator of the Bristol Resource Recovery Facility.
Motion made by D. Merriman to have a Special Town Meeting March 23, 2005 at 7 p.m. for the drainage easement at 10 Birchwood Terrace and the Bristol Resource Recovery Facility Operating Committee for refinance. Motion seconded by J. Commendatore. Unanimous
Mayor Chatfield requested the Council move into executive session including himself to discuss the union contract.
Motion made by D. Mirabelle to move into executive session. Motion seconded by T. Graveline. Unanimous. The meeting adjourned into executive session at 7:34 p.m.
R. Doyon called the meeting back to order 7:37 p.m.
Motion made by P. Geary to adopt the Settlement Agreement Between the Town of Prospect and Local 1303-379 of Council 4 AFSCME, AFL-CIO dated March 14, 2005. Motion seconded by D. Mirabelle. Unanimous.
Mayor Chatfield stated that Theresa Palmer of Carmel Drive would be Irish Mayor for the day on Thursday, March 17, 2005. Ms. Palmer will be sworn in at 11:30 p.m. There will be a luncheon at the Town Hall and Council members are invited.
Chair Report:-none
Motion made by J. Commendatore to approve the March 1, 2005 minutes. Motion seconded by
P. Geary. Unanimous
T. Graveline abstains.
Motion made by D. Merriman to approve the March 9, 2005 minutes. Motion seconded by D. Moschella.
Unanimous.
T. Graveline and F. Harkins abstain.
Guests:
Glen Noble, President of the Lyons Club updated the Council on the difficulties of obtaining
permission from the State of Connecticut to have the Lyon's clock placed at the intersection of Routes
68 and 69. G. Noble requested permission from the Council to research an alternative location for the
clock. Presently the clock is in storate and the lyons would like to have it put up much sooner than
they would if they were to wait for approval by the State of Connecicut.
Motion made by D. Mirabelle to have a five-minute recess. Motion seconded by D. Moschella. Unanimous.
R. Doyon called the meeting back into session.
D. Mirabelle indicated that the April 20, 2004 Town Council minutes reflect that the Town would maintain the clock but did not indicate that approval for the location was needed.
T. Graveline thanked G. Noble for coming before the Council and requesting permission to look into another location.
G. Noble stated that he would have an update for the Council for their April 19, 2004 meeting
Correspondence:
Police Patrol Report - February 2005
Board of Recreation Unapproved March 9,2005 minutes
Building Inspector's Report - February 2005
Heating Inspector's Report - February 2005
Electrical Inspector's Report - February 2005
Plumbing Inspector's Report - Febrruary 2005
Letter submitted to the Prospect Department of Public Works from R. Doyon
Motion made by D. Merriman to place correspondence on file. Motion seconded by F. Harkins. Unanimous.
New Business:- none
Old Business
Subcommittee Reports:
J. Commendatore reported that the Blight Ordiance and Safety Committee have been put on hold until
the completion of the budget workshops. A new Chairman is needed for the Ordinance Subcommittee.
T. Graveline volunteered to be on this committee. J. Commendatore, F. Harkins, T. Graveline and
D. Moschella are the current members of the Ordinance Subcommittee.
J. Commendatore commented that the Safety Subcommittee needs members. T. Graveline volunteered to be on this committtee. J. Commendatore, T. Graveline and D. Merriman are members of the safety subcommittee.
D. Merriman submitted a letter to the Council indicating a summary of achievements that have been accomplished by the Prospect Safety Committee.
The Council thanked D. Merriman for all that he has done.
T. Graveline indicated in July of 2004 the Council had a timeline concerning the Town's Aquifer Protection plan for planning and Zoning to follow. T. Graveline stated that she would contact P&Z for an udate and report to the Council.
Motion made by D. Merriman to adjourn. Motion seconded by F. Harkins. Unanimous.
This meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert Doyon, Chair