February 5, 2008
Chairman Tom Galvin called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. The meeting was taped.
Members Present: Robert Doyon, Tom Galvin, Patricia Geary, Carl Graveline, Theresa Graveline @ 7:01 P.M, Stanley Pilat, Roger Kergaravat, Charles Mallon, and Douglas Merriman.
Members Absent: None.
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Chatfield mentioned that Region 16 School Superintendent, James Augostine will be at the next meeting. The Mayor then introduced the Town Auditor, Michael Battista, who reviewed the Annual Report for the Fiscal year ending June 30, 2007. Mr. Battista stated that the town ended the year with a surplus of $416,989.00, an increase of $214,318 from the previous year. The surplus puts the Town favorably within the GASB34 recommended guidelines Mr. Battista also stated that by incorporating the Peachtree Accounting system, Prospect is now in the 21st Century, making Prospect a “model for other small towns”. Mr. Battista answered questions raised by the Council and then made the following recommendations:
Mayor Chatfield submitted to the Council the proposal for Code Red. The Mayor stated that the cost of the first year ($7,500.00 less 10% - $6,750.00) can be paid for with a Homeland Security Grant the Town will be receiving in the 2008-2009 budget year. The annual cost thereafter would be incurred by the Town. A letter from Dick Mortensen of the Emergency Management Council was received recommending that the Town Council empower the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Code Red. T. Graveline stated that it will be important for the Code Red management board to keep accurate records on what the system is used for, how it is used and how often. She also encouraged strong public relations to educate the public. Mayor Chatfield stated that Code Red would be used strictly for emergencies. C. Graveline stated he was not totally convinced of the need for the alert system and questioned whether the Town would be spending the Homeland Security Grant money wisely. T. Galvin reiterated the recommendation received from the Emergency Management Council to support the expenditure. Mr. Mortensen from the Emergency Management Council was asked what other expenditures his Council expected to incur. Mr. Mortensen stated that besides cabinets, a new computer, which will be reimbursed by a state grant. Mr. Mortensen also stated that Code Red could be used for Amber Alerts and that small towns do not have the people or facilities to act separately. Mr. Mortensen also advised that the town would need to be part of Code Red as it is put together on a regional basis and to work properly all towns need to be a part of it. Motion by R. Kergaravat to empower Mayor Robert Chatfield to enter into an agreement for the purchase of the Code Red Alert System. Motion seconded by T. Graveline. Unanimous.
Motion made by T. Graveline to add to the agenda’ Executive Session’ for legal issues. Motion seconded by P. Geary. Unanimous.
Motion made by T. Graveline to go into ‘Executive Session’ for legal issues and to invite Mayor Chatfield to be included. Motion seconded by D. Merriman. Unanimous.
The council members came out of ‘Executive Session’ at 8:07 P.M. Motion by T. Graveline to continue with regular meeting agenda. Motion seconded by D. Merriman. Unanimous.
Public Participation: Diane Lauber presented to the Council documents containing four new ordinances that residents would like the Council to consider:
Correspondence: Code Red Emergency Communications Network Cost Proposal: Letter from Alberto Mimo the Chairman of the Open Space Planning Subcommittee stating that the 47 Acres of land that was used for Paint Ball should be promoted as a School Site; A letter from Gregory Zupkus resigning from the Region 16 Board of Education; A letter from Milone & Mac broom regarding a predisaster plan; Mayor’s expenditures for October and November 2007; The Volunteer Fire Department of Prospect, Inc.2007 report; A letter from the Emergency Management Council regarding Code Red; Town of Cheshire ‘Elderly Tax Relief Ordinance Amendment’; Documents for Council’s consideration of Four Ordinances. Motion made by R. Doyon to place correspondence on file. Motion seconded by P. Geary. Unanimous.
Approval of January 15 meeting minutes: Motion made by D. Merriman to approve the January 15, 2008 minutes as amended. Motion seconded by R. Doyon. Unanimous.
Approval of January 30 meeting minutes: Motion made by D. Merriman to approve the January 30, 2008 minutes. Motion seconded by P. Geary. The vote on the motion was 6 in favor/C. Graveline, R. Doyon, and R. Keragavat abstained. Motion carried.
New Business:
Old Business:
Adjournment: Motion made by D. Merriman to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by R. Doyon. Unanimous. Meeting Adjourned @ 8:42 P.M.
______________________Thomas J. Galvin, Chairman
_____________________Rosalyn B. Moffo, Clerk