Town of Prospect-Boards & Commissions

Prospect Town Council

Approved Minutes

February 20, 2007

The Town Council meeting was called to order by Joseph Commendatore, Chairman at 7:00 p.m.

Members Present: Joseph Commendatore, Robert Doyon, Theresa Graveline, Frederick Harkins, Douglas Merriman, and Dominic Moschella.

Members Absent: Patricia Geary, Roger Kergaravat, and Dominick Mirabelle.

Mayor’s Report: Mayor Chatfield was not in attendance.

  • Assessor’s Report- Vincent Leone discussed the 2006 Grand List with the Council.
  • Diane Lauber, Tax Collector, discussed the U.S. Cap property. She contacted Attorney Knott and asked what the Town’s liability is on this property. Attorney Knott stated that the Town does not own the property therefore we have no liability. Diane Lauber read the letter submitted by McAllen Building & Remodeling from Hughes Insurance Agency stating that liability insurance can not be purchased for the property unless you own the property. McAllen Building and Remodeling will submit an Option Agreement & Tax Abatement Agreement packet before the Council and then send it to Town Meeting. The McAllen’s attorney is hesitant in allowing them to work on the property unless the assignment of liens is approved at a Town Meeting.
  • The Council discussed a letter from the Prospect Land Trust to John Kaufman regarding purchasing 76 Mountain Road for $20,000.00. This issue will be placed on the next agenda.

  • Chair’s Report: none

    Guests: none

    Public Participation:

  • Lisa Degoes of 22 Apple Hill Drive mentioned the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities letter. She feels that it is important that people have knowledge of things that are going on. The Council should speak to the legislatures and make sure the decisions they make are better for our town and our schools.

    Approval of February 6, 2007 Minutes:

    Motion made by D. Merriman to approve the minutes of the February 6, 2007 meeting. Motion seconded by R. Doyon. J. Commendatore abstained.

    Motion carried.

    Correspondence:
    Letter from Hughes Insurance Re: Coverage for 214 New Haven Road; Assessor’s Report; Certificate of Liability Insurance; Connecticut Conference of Municipalities Proposed State Budget; Letter from Vicki Nardello Re: Electricity; Building Inspector’s Report; Electrical Inspector’s Report; Plumbing Inspector’s Report; Heating Inspector’s Report; Letter from Land Trust to John Kaufman; Letter from Dr. Shook Re: Teachers Contract; Copy of Teachers Contract; Map of acreage of 76 Mountain Road; Town Council Appointments; Mayor Appointments.

    Motion made by T. Graveline to place the correspondence on file. Motion seconded by F. Harkins.

    Motion unanimous.

    New Business:
    Transfers-none
    Refunds-none
    Resignations-none
    Appointments –

  • T. Graveline stated that it seems that there are at least three committees that have been formed by the Council that are no longer necessary: The Prospect Historic Commission, The Town Hall Building Committee and The South Central Regional Water Authority Study Committee.

    Motion made by T. Graveline to disband the Prospect Historic Commission, the Town Hall Building Committee and the South Central Regional Water Authority Study Committee with a letter of thanks for service sent to the members of the committees from the Town Council Chairman. Motion seconded by D. Moschella.

    Motion unanimous.


  • T. Graveline also mentioned the Safety Committee. It is made up of 4 democrats. There needs to be a balance according to the Town Charter. D. Merriman is the clerk for that committee. He stated that he doesn’t see anything wrong with people who are interested in serving on a committee being able to serve no matter what their political affiliation is. He considers the Safety Committee to be non-political. He knows that the charter says there should be a balance of both political parties but if there are people interested it shouldn’t matter what their political affiliation is. There was a general discussion. T. Graveline noted that nominations for appointments by Town Committees are considered appointments by that party, for Charter purposes, regardless of an individual’s voter registration designation. She also stated that the Council has a responsibility to adhere to the Charter. T. Graveline indicated that the respective town committees should be notified to possibly make recommendations for people willing to serve regardless of their party affiliation in order to get endorsements from a particular political party.

    Old Business:
    Sub-committees Reports-
    There will be an Ordinance Committee meeting immediately following tonight’s Council meeting. The Council also discussed holding a Land Use Committee Meeting sometime next week.

    Adjournment:
    Motion made by D. Merriman to adjourn the meeting at 7:36 p.m. Motion seconded by R. Doyon.

    Motion unanimous.

    _____________________________

    Joseph F. Commendatore, Chair\


    Heather R. Anderson, Clerk