Prospect Town Council

January 16, 2007

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, Roger Kergaravat, Douglas Merriman, Dominick Mirabelle, and Dominic Moschella

Members Absent: Frederick Harkins

Mayor’s Report:

Mayor Chatfield mentioned pictures he submitted of 49 Talmadge Hill Road after the buildings were demolished.

Mayor Chatfield discussed the fire in the shed at the back of the Public Works Garage on January 11th, 2007 at 3:15 p.m. Mayor Chatfield submitted a list of items that were in the shed. Approximately 25% of the items were salvageable and the rest were not. The cause of the fire was a short in the air compressor. The building had full coverage and the insurance companies’ contractors are going to clean the inside of the garage and replace the shed. The Mayor also discussed replacement costs on the vehicles. The garage had to be washed out by an environmental company along with the vehicles that were salvageable. The Mayor met today with the head insurance adjustor. They rented a portable storage container to store items in until the shed is re-built which should be by the end of March. Mayor Chatfield discussed in detail some of the items that were destroyed in the fire. There was approximately $100,000.00 worth of damage; they probably won’t have the final amount for a month or so. T. Graveline asked about insurance coverage and whether or not there is a need for upgrading any of the items that were lost in the fire. Mayor Chatfield discussed necessary upgrades.

Region 16, Bill Stowell – Teacher Contract:
Mr. Stowell submitted Region #16 Teacher Contract Settlement (2). He discussed the contract in detail. The Town Council has the right to reject this contract and send it to arbitration. If the Town Council does not act on the contract within 30 days of filing with the Town Clerk the contract is automatically approved/ passed. Mayor Chatfield has the right to send it to referendum also. Mr. Stowell discussed increases and different steps, cost sharing, and changes in co-pays for medical & prescription drug plans. D. Moschella asked for clarification on the combined state average. P. Geary stated that there are 14 steps in the contract and anyone who has been there for 14 or more years gets the 2.6%.

Chair’s Report:

Council Budget:
Motion made by D. Merriman to approve the Town Council Budget. Motion seconded by D. Mirabelle. P. Geary mentioned eliminating some of the items that had monies left over last year such as the seminars and conferences as well as the subcommittee expenses. There was general discussion. J. Commendatore, R. Doyon, D. Moschella, R. Kergaravat and D. Merriman in favor. P. Geary, T. Graveline and D. Mirabelle opposed. Motion carried.

Action on the Open Space Planning Committee Budget was tabled.

Guests: none

Public Participation:

Diane Lauber, the Prospect Tax Collector, asked about creating a subcommittee for the Elderly Tax Freeze. The Council mentioned the Ordinance Committee discussing this issue. They should look into whether or not the seniors can be on both the Elderly Homeowners Program and the Elderly Tax Freeze Benefit if the Town incorporates that.

Lisa Degoes of 22 Apple Hill Drivementioned the 49 Talmadge Hill Road property. She also mentioned a property at 439 Matthew Street. She has driven by the house and it seems very unsafe. Chairman Commendatore stated that the Town and the Mayor are well aware of this issue and there is no one currently living there.

Approval of January 2, 2007 Minutes:
Motion made by D. Merriman to approve the minutes of the January 2, 2007 meeting. Motion seconded by T. Graveline. D. Moschella and J. Commendatore abstained. Motion carried.

New Business:

Correspondence: Item List Back Garage; Tax Collector’s Report November & December; Tax Refunds January 16, 2007; Region #16 Teacher Contract Settlement (2); Town Council Budget 2007-2008; Open Space Planning Committee Budget 2007-2008; Transfer January 11, 2007; Mayor’s Appointments to the Conservation Commission; Pictures of 49 Talmadge Hill Road; Zoning Inspector’s Report December; Building Inspector’s Report December; Electrical Inspector’s Report December; Plumbing Inspector’s Report December;

Motion made by T. Graveline to place the correspondence on file. Motion seconded by P. Geary. Motion unanimous.

Old Business:

Adjournment:
Motion made by D. Merriman to adjourn the meeting at 7:49 p.m. Motion seconded by T. Graveline. Motion unanimous

Joseph F. Commendatore, Chair