June 20, 2006
The Town Council meeting was called to order by Joseph Commendatore, Chair at 7:14 p.m.
Members present: Joseph Commendatore, Robert Doyon, Patricia Geary, Theresa Graveline, Frederick Harkins, Roger Kergaravat, Douglas Merriman, and Dominic Moschella.
Members absent: Dominick Mirabelle
Mayor’s Report:
Motion made by F. Harkins to adopt the Resolution for the purchase of a new Volvo Wheel-L70E Front End Loader. Motion seconded by D. Moschella.,
Motion unanimous.
Ann Stein, presented and discussed the “Welcome to Prospect” sign. Mrs. Stein stated that there are sponsors who are paying for the entire thing.
Motion made by T. Graveline to go into Executive Session at 7:17 p.m. to discuss union negotiations. Mayor Robert Chatfield was invited. Motion seconded by D. Moschella.
Motion unanimous.
Motion made by T. Graveline to come out of Executive Session at 7:29 p.m. No votes or motions were made during Executive Session. Motion seconded by R. Kergaravat.
Motion unanimous.
Mayor Chatfield discussed the 5 year Proposed Capital Plan and the improvements proposed for town roads. Mayor Chatfield also discussed the emergency repair done on Terry Road. T. Graveline asked for a clarification between Terry Road and Terry Drive. F. Harkins mentioned the bathrooms at Hotchkiss Field and the damage to them. F. Harkins was also wondering why the bathroom facilities have not been opened yet. The Mayor stated that they are waiting for electricity. T. Graveline asked about Caplan Park and if there has ever been a football game there. The Mayor stated that the field has been used for practices but is not sure whether or not games have taken place there yet.
Mayor Chatfield proposed that there be a bond for roads and for the Senior Center parking lot. He proposes a $500,000 road bond, and a $175,000 bond for the Senior Center. The Senior Center’s back parking lot has to be raised about 8-10 feet, drainage needs to be brought in along with curbing, paving, lighting, interior furnishings, and outside landscaping. The Mayor stated that this would take place over a 10 year period. The interest rate for the bond is 4.15- 4.40 and the bond rating is A3. This money would be combined with the other $300,000. T. Graveline asked about the extra $300,000. Mayor Chatfield stated that it would be easier to combine the 2 bonds rather than trying to roll it over. The $300,000 is from road repair for 2004, which has already been spent. Mayor Chatfield proposed having a July 3rd Town Meeting at the Senior Center. P. Geary asked for clarification regarding the combining of the bonds. She also asked what the interest rate is for the $300,000 from the 2004 road repair. Mayor Chatfield stated that it is between 2.75-3% but that bond rate expires in August, which is why the Mayor is proposing to combine the two. The Mayor stated that this is a municipal bond and this is the town’s bond rating.
Motion made by D. Moschella to hold a Town Meeting on July 3rd at 7:00 p.m. at the Senior Center for a road bond for $500,000 and the senior center bond for $175,000. Motion seconded by D. Merriman.
T. Graveline, P. Geary and R. Kergaravat opposed; D. Merriman, R. Doyon, D. Moschella, J. Commendatore, & F. Harkins were in favor. Motion carried.
Mayor Chatfield read a letter discussing Police Officer training for the Town of Prospect.
Chairs Report:
Chairman Commendatore received a call from Toll Brothers requesting to be added to the agenda but they are not present.Chairman Commendatore stated that there are two Inland Wetlands Commission alternate vacancies and the appointment should come from the Republican Town Committee. A letter will be sent to both Town Committees in order to try and fill both vacancies.
Guests: none
Public Participation: Ann Stein mentioned the brochure developed by the Prospect Land Trust, regarding open space that was in the Prospect Pages. They are trying to raise awareness regarding open space. Mrs. Stein submitted a map to the Council regarding conservation areas and preserving open space. Mrs. Stein mentioned Ridgewood Club which is currently on the market. She feels that it would be a great opportunity for the Town to purchase this piece of property. It can be used for recreation, a green way, a nature/environmental center, or a camp. Chairman Commendatore asked how much the Ridgewood Club is on the market for. Mrs. Stein stated that currently it is on the market for $750,000 but she believes negotiations can be made.Motion made by T. Graveline to approve the minutes of the June 6, 2006 meeting with corrections. Motion seconded by D. Moschella.
R. Kergaravat abstained. Motion carried.
Theresa Graveline excused herself from the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
Correspondence: Board of Recreation minutes for June 14th, 2006; letter from State of Connecticut regarding training for the Police Department; 5 year Capital Plan; the Mayor’s Expenditures; Board of Rec. letter Re: the playground at Canfield Park; Resolution for Town Meeting for the purchase of the Volvo Wheel-L70E Front End Loader; map of Ridgewood Property on Cook Rd.; the proposed land use plan map from the Plan of Conservation and Development.
Motion made by P. Geary to place the correspondence on file. Motion seconded by R. Doyon.
Motion unanimous.
New Business: Transfers: none Refunds: none Resignations: none Appointments: none
Old Business: Sub-committee report: none
Motion made by R. Doyon to adjourn at 8:16p.m. Motion seconded by D. Merriman.
Motion unanimous
_____________________________Joseph F. Commendatore, Chair