February 21, 2006
The Town Council meeting was called to order by Joseph Commendatore, Chair at 7 p.m.
Members present: Joseph Commendatore, Robert Doyon, Patricia Geary, Douglas Merriman, Dominick Mirabelle, Dominic Moschella, Theresa Graveline and Roger Kergaravat Members absent: Frederick Harkins
Mayor’s Report: J. Commendatore reported the Mayor would not be at tonight’s meeting because he was not feeling well. The Mayor requested J. Commendatore to report the following:
Vincent Leone, Assessor for the Town of Prospect, presented the 2005 grand list to the Town Council. A summary and detailed breakdown of the grand list was submitted to all Council members. (Schedule A) V. Leone reported the 2005 statistical revaluation went very well. Based on the fifty percent increase in the grand list the veteran’s exemption increased from $3,000 to $4,000. This increase did not affect the elderly programs. The 2005 grand list total is $779,316,957.
P. Geary inquired as to why the last day for people to file for an appeal of their assessment was Monday, February 20, 2006 which is a holiday when in actuality the last day was the 17th.
V. Leone indicated that February 20th was the last day and there are no provisions to extend the filing date because of a holiday or weekend.
P. Geary requested notification be published if the last day to file for an appeal fell on a holiday and the request for an appeal needed to be submitted earlier then the original published date.
V. Leone indicated that he would do that.
The Council thanked V. Leone for attending the Council meeting.
Chair’s Report: none
Guest: John Kaufman of 84 Clark Hill Road, Prospect addressed the Council regarding a group of interested Prospect Land Use commissioners who are trying to form an Advisory Commission to formulate an open space preservation inventory and plan of development. Mr. Kaufman served as a former Planning and Zoning Chairman, former Conservation Commission member and is currently a member of the Inland Wetlands Commission. J. Kaufman stated Ann Stein of the Prospect Land Trust and Gary Baldowski of the Conservation Commission invited town land-use boards to attend two presentations given by Jim Gibbons, Land Use Advisor for municipalities. The State of Connecticut is allowing towns to establish a wish list of what undeveloped land should be preserved and what is to be set aside for other open space use. Without such a plan the towns seldom have a clear idea of their needs and how they want their town to look in the future. In this case developers dictate how towns will be developed. The plan of open space and development must be balanced as it is a complex document that must take into account many other factors besides land preservation. The town must encourage the proper types of commerce businesses which bring in tax dollars vs. residential housing which results in a heavy tax burden. An open space plan must provide for commercial and industrial use, present and future, in locations outside those areas the town is trying to designate as open space. The plan must also take into account cultural issues, traffic patterns, future roads, utilities, water resources, etc. An open space and development plan would serve as town policy and how this Town should be developed in accordance with Planning and Zoning regulations. The open space map and plan would serve as an overlay in making Planning and Zoning decisions as well as a basis for land acquisitions and applications for State funding. Without the plan, we would be unable to make land acquisitions and apply for state grants. The proposed Commission would be purely advisory to the Town Council. The Council would allow this group to collect data, interview various groups, invite correspondence from interested parties and hold meetings at Town Hall. If Prospect chooses not to develop such a plan for the future, we will shortly become overwhelmed with development pressures and become an urban town.
P. Geary stated she supports J. Kaufman’s intent but how can we, as a Town, designate land as open space?
J. Kaufman stated once the Town takes an inventory of what land is available they establish a wish list. This inventory would indicate what properties might be a high risk for future development. There are many definitions of open space. One might be a wildlife sanctuary another recreational use. The Town has the right to ask for open space when a developer is coming in with a plan to build a community.P. Geary questioned if the plan will work in conjunction with the plan of development.
J. Kaufman commented that it would.
Alberto Mimo of 55 Talmadge Hill Road addressed the Council. A. Mimo is a member of the Conservation Commission. He advised the Council that the Department of Environmental Protection would not provide the Town funding without a plan of development. An Advisory Commission would consist of educated members in the areas of forestry, soils, taxes etc. The Commission would consist of subcommittees of two or three people knowledgeable in their areas of expertise, i.e. soils, terrain. The plan would be a professional piece of work. Once the plan is written it would need to be approved by the Town Council. The Conservation Commission has been working on this and an article will be published in the Prospect Pages regarding this plan.
Robert Hiscox of 224 Matthew Street, Chairman of P&Z. R. Hiscox stated the proposal this group is making should have been done 20 years ago and this is the next logical step. R. Hiscox stated he would like to see the Town Council appoint an Open Space Commission. It should be charged with the development of an open space plan. The Town cannot tap into available state funding unless a plan is in place.
R. Hiscox stated there is a provision in the subdivision regulations that states the Commission may authorize a sub-divider to pay a fee to the Town or pay a fee and transfer land to the Town in lieu of providing open space.
The Town Council needs to appoint someone to that Commission to make a recommendation to the Council to purchase a piece of property that becomes available. Prior to the purchase of any open space with open space fund proceeds, a non-partisan group comprised of one representative member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Town Council, the Board of Recreation, the Conservation Commission and the Inland Wetlands Commission will act as an Advisory Committee to evaluate “Open Space” potential. These individuals will be selected by members of their representative groups. A recommendation for purchase of Open Space Land by the Advisory Committee will be submitted to the Town Council with a request that a Special Town Meeting be called to act upon a proposal providing for the purchase of real estate by the Town. The Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission and Mayor of the Town of Prospect will be required co-signers for the release of funds accumulated under this regulation.
Also present in the audience were Ann Stein of the Land Trust Commission and Gary Baldowski of the Conservation Commission.
D. Merriman thanked Mr. Kaufman for his commitment and longevity on the commissions that he has served on.
The Council also thanked A. Mimo, A. Stein and G. Baldowski for moving forward with this plan.
Public Participation: Christopher Barrere of Boy Scout Troup 198 was in attendance with members of his troop who are working towards earning a merit badge.Minutes:
Motion made by P. Geary to approve the January 17, 2006 minutes with the amendments. Motion seconded by D. Merriman. Motion discussed.
Page 2, paragraph 1 change the last sentence to read “An overall savings of 40% is expected.”
Page 2, paragraph 4 change the second sentence to read “Mayor Chatfield stated he was not certain of all the affiliations of the appointed, but indicated the ones he did know.”
Page 2, paragraph 6, change Naugatuck Newspaper to the “Naugatuck Citizens’ News”
Page 2, paragraph 9 change “D. Mirabelle to T. Graveline”
Page 2, following the 10th paragraph add “J. Commendatore, R. Doyon, P. Geary, T. Graveline, R. Kergaravat, D. Merriman, and D. Moschella approve. F. Harkins and D. Mirabelle opposed. Motion carries.”
Page 3, paragraph 3 change the second sentence to read “Mayor Chatfield stated he was not sure but would check into and have a copy sent to all Council members if it is.”
Page 3 under Correspondence change the first item to read “The Street Excavation and Obstruction Ordinance (clean copy/draft)”
Page 4, paragraph 15 change to “Motion made by P. Geary to approve the Republican Town Committee appointments”.
Page 5, paragraph 5 change to read “D. Moschella stated he has had G. McCarthy review ordinance previously, now will make sure Mr. McCarthy receives the “clean draft copy” and will ask him to come to the public hearing.
>p>Page 6, paragraph 7 add “so that he is made aware of an expenditure for that line item. The mayor’s permission is not required by the Charter.” to the end.Page 6, paragraph 13 change to read “D. Merriman moved the motion.”
Page 6, paragraph 15 change to read “T. Graveline would like the Council to consider new line items in the Town Council budget for recommendations that will be forth coming from the safety committee.
Page 7, paragraph 2, correct the first initial of Mr. Gibbons to J.
D. Mirabelle stated he is opposed with the stated correction on page 2, paragraph 9. He would like the minutes to reflect D. Mirabelle and not T. Graveline as originally stated in the minutes who requested the Mayor to submit a list of the appointments and their affiliation.
T. Graveline stated she wants the amendment to be included.
No further discussion. J. Commendatore, R. Doyon, P. Geary, T. Graveline, R. Kergaravat, D. Merriman, and D. Moschella approve. D. Mirabelle opposed. Motion carries.
Motion made by D. Merriman to approve the February 7, 2006 minutes as amended. Motion seconded by P. Geary. Motion discussed.
Page 1 following the 5th paragraph D. Mirabelle would like “D. Mirabelle asked a question about 1099’s and why contractors are being paid by check and are not reflected on their 1099’s. The auditor said he would look into it and get back to the Town Council.”
Page 5 following the 4th paragraph add “Diane Lauber commented if recorded by the Town Council it becomes public record.”
Page 5, the 6th paragraph change seconded to second.
Page 5, the 10th paragraph, last sentence, change than to then.
J. Commendatore, R. Doyon, P. Geary, D. Merriman, D. Mirabelle and R. Kergaravat approve the motion. T. Graveline and D. Moschella abstain. Motion carries.
Correspondence: Tax Collector refunds Board of Recreation unapproved minutes of February 8, 2006 John Kaufman’s letter Assessor’s 2005 Grand List Letter from Planning and Zoning regarding the appointment of Donald Pomeroy, Jack Crumb and Al Havican to a subcommittee to address vendor and ATV issues in town. Notification of number of electors and number of voting machines from the Town Clerk Five Year Proposed Capital projects plan from Mayor Chatfield Letter requesting a Special Meeting for the presentation of the 2006-2007 town budget from Mayor Chatfield Letter from H.D. Segur Insurance regarding the Street Opening Ordinance
Motion made by T. Graveline to place correspondence on file. Motion seconded by R. Doyon. Unanimous
New Business: Motion made by D. Moschella to have a special meeting on Wednesday, March 8, 2006 for the presentation of the 2006-2007 town budget. Meeting to be held at the Prospect Senior Center. Motion seconded by D. Merriman.
T. Graveline requested a listing of the budget items that will be discussed sent with the agenda for the March 7, 2006 meeting.
J. Commendatore stated he would have this done.
No further discussion. Motion unanimous
Motion made by P. Geary to approve the Tax Collector refunds totaling $742.15. Motion seconded by D. Moschella. Unanimous
Resignations and Appointments: none
Town Council Budget: Motion made by R. Doyon to adopt the Town Council budget for 2006-2007 fiscal year as presented. Motion seconded by R. Kergaravat. Unanimous
Old Business: The Street Excavation and Obstruction ordinance was discussed. J. Commendatore recommended the Council members review the letter from H.D. Segur.
P. Geary recommended the letter from H.D. Segur be forwarded to the attorney for review and approval.
T. Graveline requested J. Commendatore ask the attorney to supply an answer prior to the March 7, 2006 meeting.
D. Moschella suggested the recommended changes by the Mayor be made. One being the Town Council is not involved with the appeal process. The Ordinance Subcommittee, Mayor and Assistant Director of Public Works be involved. Also, Resident Trooper be added to page 2, Section II, Paragraph A.
Subcommittee Report: J. Commendatore, Town Council liaison, attended the February 13, 2006 Board of Education budget meeting. The budget will be presented at the March 1, 2006 Board of Education meeting. J. Commendatore requested coverage for the next Board of Education budget meeting on March 13, 2006 at 6 p.m. He will not be able to attend this meeting.
Appointments:
Motion made by P. Geary recommending the appointment of T. Graveline as Town Council representative to the Advisory Committee of Open Space. Motion seconded by D. Moschella. Unanimous
J. Commendator stated he would attend the next Planning & Zoning meeting to inform them of the appointment of T. Graveline.
J. Commendatore discussed the Open Space Commission. He suggested a letter be sent to all boards for their input concerning what open space they feel is available. He suggested request for input from the public be publicized as well.
P. Geary commented she would like to review a copy of John Kaufman’s letter.
J. Commendatore requested the clerk send a copy of Mr. Kaufman’s letter to the Council members.
P. Geary stated she is not sure how we go about establishing this commission and what its charge will be.
J. Kaufman stated he has ordered a book on open space for all Council members that will answer these questions.
D. Moschella suggested the town attorney be contacted to get a clear answer.
J. Commendatore will ask the attorney for guide lines on setting up an open space commission and report back to the Council at the next meeting.
Motion made by D. Merriman to adjourn. Motion seconded by T. Graveline. Unanimous
This meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
__________________________Joseph Commendatore, Chairman