September 20, 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 and Dominic Moschella
Members absent: Roger Kergaravat
Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Chatfield reported that a check totaling $13,863.10 was sent to the Governor of Louisiana who will give
the money to the Red Cross chapter most in need of it. This money was raised by way of donations collected at the
intersection of Routes 68 and 69 as well as lemonade stands that were set up by young children that wanted to help
the hurricane victims.
A letter was distributed to the Council members from the Connecticut Water Company that includes a map showing the parcels of land Connecticut Water Company has identified in its Water Supply Plan as being potentially available for disposition in the future. Mayor Chatfield asked the Council members to review the map in the event land does become available.
Mayor Chatfield reported that the Insurance Service Office (ISO) had concluded their inspection of the Town of Prospect the first week of August. The Town’s insurance rating has gone from a 5/9 insurance rating to 4/8B; which will result in a cost savings to businesses and homeowners within 1000 feet of a fire hydrant if their insurance company uses ISO ratings. Mayor Chatfield stated that this has been a 20 year project to reach this insurance rating and this information will be published for the residents awareness.
T. Graveline asked the Mayor if he had obtained an update on the draft street excavations ordinance that was sent to Attorney Yarbrough. Mayor Chatfield stated that G. McCarthy needed to review some information pertaining to the ordinance and report to Carmody and Torrance. Mayor Chatfield will contact G. McCarthy for an update.
Chair’s Report
R. Doyon reviewed the updated subcommittee members listing and the vacancies within some of the subcommittees.
Motion made by T. Graveline to disband the South Central Regional Water Authority subcommittee. Motion seconded by D. Merriman. Unanimous
T. Graveline stated that the Region 16 Liaison, State Legislative Liaison and Economic Development Liaison vacancies should be filled. The Council will discuss these vacancies when all members are present to see who will be available to fill the vacancies.
Public Participation: Jim Borbas, Jr. of Prospect addressed the appearance of Canfield Park along Route 69 where the tennis courts are and leading up to the field. Mr. Borbas indicated that it would look more appealing if that area was cleaned up and woodchips placed there to dress it up a bit. The Council agreed with Mr. Borbas and would check into it.
Mr. Borbas asked the Council what their opinion was concerning the proposed multipurpose housing on Scott Road opposed to the commerce park.
T. Graveline stated a study revealed that a commerce park would not generate as much revenue for the town as originally believed.
P. Geary stated that the negotiating between the Town of Prospect along with the Capannas and Cocchiolas to develop a commerce park fell apart for a number of reasons. Since then an age restricted housing development has been proposed. Also, set-backs on the original design of the housing needed to be changed. This project is hinging on the City of Waterbury and an agreement to use their sewers.
Mr. Borbas suggested that the Town consider purchasing the property on Route 69 for a school if the current housing proposal from the Prospect Resource Group doesn’t go through.
D. Mirabelle stated that he would not like to see senior housing on Scott Road due to the impact it would have on the town’s growth. Twenty percent of the seniors would sell their homes and 60 new families would move into Prospect. Our schools would not be able to handle the overload. Currently the high school is filled to capacity.
The Council thanked Mr. Borbas for attending this meeting and his input.
Minutes: Motion made by D. Merriman to approve the September 6, 2005 minutes. Motion seconded by J. Commendatore. No discussion followed. J. Commendatore, R. Doyon, P. Geary, T. Graveline, D. Merriman and D. Mirabelle approve. F. Harkins and D. Moschella abstains. Motion carries.
Correspondence: Building Inspector’s Report – August, 2005 Heating Inspector’s Report – August, 2005 Plumbing Inspector’s Report – August, 2005 Electrical Inspector’s Report – August, 2005 Police Patrol Report – August, 2005 Zoning Inspector’s Report – August, 2005 Mayor’s Expenditures – July, 2005 Letter from Maggie Shook, Superintendent regarding Administrator Collective Bargaining ISO Product Spotlight Parks & Recreation Fall Brochure >/br>Letter from the Connecticut Water Company regarding potentially available land
Motion made by D. Merriman to place correspondence on file. Motion seconded by T. Graveline. Unanimous
New Business: Transfers - none
Refunds submitted by the tax collector were reviewed.
Motion made by D. Merriman to approve the refunds submitted by the Tax Collector. Motion seconded by T. Graveline. Unanimous
Resignations and appointments – none Subcommittee Reports - none
In reference to the letter sent by Superintendent Shook, T. Graveline indicated that the back page of this letter is requesting information pertaining to statistics and data that should be provided pertaining to tax collection, number of families, trends in commercial, industrial development etc. Due to the vacant Region 16 Liaison position T. Graveline feels it is important that Council members attend the negotiations in order to be knowledgeable of the status of the negotiations.
Motion made by T. Graveline that Chairman R. Doyon follows up with the Mayor’s office to insure that the nformation requested by Superintendent Shook be supplied. Motion seconded by D. Merriman. Unanimous
Discussion followed regarding the negotiation meetings and who would be available to attend. T. Graveline volunteered to attend the meetings but would be unable to attend all of them. D. Merriman suggested that the council members attend on a rotating basis. The Council was in agreement to attending the negotiations on a rotating basis. T. Graveline will contact Superintendent Shook to discuss the schedule of meetings and address the conflicting 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month. T. Graveline will follow-up with R. Doyon.
Motion made by D. Merriman to adjourn. Motion seconded by F. Harkins. Unanimous
This meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert E. Doyon, Chair
Janice A. Cranney, Clerk