July 18, 2006
The Town Council meeting was called to order by Joseph Commendatore, Chair at 7:00 p.m.
Members present: Joseph Commendatore, Robert Doyon, Patricia Geary, Theresa Graveline, Frederick Harkins, Douglas Merriman, and Dominic Moschella.
Members absent: Dominick Mirabelle and Roger Kergaravat
Mayor’s Report: Tax Collector, Diane Lauber; Attorney John Knott update on U.S. Cap. Atty. John Knott was not in attendance, this matter was deferred to later in the meeting when Atty. Knott is present.
Chairs Report: Inland Wetlands Commission-Alternate: The Democratic Town Committee sent a letter recommending the appointment of Steven Mulhall, 17 Timberhill Road, to fill the remaining term vacated by George Carrington.
Motion made by D. Merriman to approved the appointment. Motion seconded by Theresa Graveline.
Motion unanimous.
Guests: none
Public Participation:
John Kaufman, 84 Clark Hill Rd. from the Prospect Open Space Purchase Advisory Committee, submitted a Preliminary Report regarding 80 Cook Rd., Finno Subdivision. The committee is recommending, based on what they have seen, that the Town Council does what is necessary to establish a continuous greenway throughout the western part of the property. The committee also studied the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development, which shows the Finno property as a conservation land within 2 watershed areas. Mr. Kaufman discussed the unique characteristics of the property. Mr. Kaufman and the committee asked if the town would consider purchasing a greenway either through bonding or using the Open Space Funds if the land is not set aside as open space.
Approval of minutes: Motion made by D. Merriman to approve the minutes of the June 20, 2006 meeting with corrections. Motion seconded by P. Geary.
Motion unanimous.Motion made by T. Graveline to approve the minutes of the June 29, 2006 Special Meeting. Motion seconded by P. Geary.
J. Commendatore and F. Harkins abstained. Motion carried.
Mayor’s Report- Tax Collector-Diane Lauber; Attorney John Knott update on U.S. Cap. A few people are interested in purchasing this property. They wanted information on what needs to be done in order to make use of the property. They also asked what needs to be done to change ownership of the property. The Town can either hold a tax auction or a sale or assignment of tax liens. Atty. John Knott mentioned the pollution of the property. The Council and Atty. Knott discussed the sale or assignment of the tax liens, abate or forgive taxes providing the clean up is accomplished by the person the tax lien was assigned to. The primary purpose is to get the property cleaned up and get it back on the tax rolls. T. Graveline asked if the interested parties have the information that was submitted to the Town Council regarding the back taxes and the different options. P. Geary asked about the taxes, and whether or not they were lowered for this property. Diane Lauber stated that the outstanding taxes are for the grand list years 1990-2001. The Assessors office reduced the value of the property since 2001, so that it doesn’t generate a tax bill and inflate the grand list. Atty. Knott clarified the process for the tax abatement and there was further general discussion. Diane Lauber stated that the town did receive some grants and did some cleanup although there is a lot of extensive work that still needs to be done onsite. The estimated cost of cleanup in 2003 was over one million dollars.
Correspondence: Tax Refunds dated July 18, 2006; Building Inspector’s Report for June 2006; Zoning Inspector’s Report for June 2006; Board of Recreation unapproved minutes for June 28, 2006 and July 11, 2006 Special Meetings; Copy of Connecticut General Statute §12-81r; Prospect Police Patrol Report; Preliminary Report from the Prospect Open Space Purchase Advisory Committee.
Motion made by R. Doyon to place the correspondence on file. Motion seconded by F. Harkins.
Motion unanimous.
New Business: Transfers: none Refunds: Motion made by R. Doyon to approve refunds dated July 18, 2006. Motion seconded by D. Moschella. Motion unanimous. Resignations: none Appointments: none
Old Business: Sub-committee report: D. Moschella mentioned the Ordinance Committee met with the Planning & Zoning sub-committee regarding businesses open for 24 hours. The committees decided that they do not want to limit hours on businesses. At their next meeting they will discuss vendors and solicitation.
New Business: (continued) Ridgewood Club-Executive Session:
Motion made by D. Moschella to go into Executive Session at 7:47 p.m. to discuss Ridgewood Club and add Schweizer Farm to Executive Session. Motion seconded by F. Harkins.
Motion unanimous.
Motion made by T. Graveline to come out of Executive Session at 8:20 p.m. No votes or motions were made during Executive Session. Motion seconded by F. Harkins.
Motion unanimous.
Motion made by R. Doyon to adjourn at 8:22 p.m. Motion seconded by D. Moschella.
Motion unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,