July 15, 2008
Chairman Thomas Galvin called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. The meeting was taped.
Members Present: Robert Doyon, Tom Galvin, Theresa Graveline, Stanley Pilat, Charles Mallon, Douglas Merriman, and Carl Graveline @ 7:35 p.m.
Members Absent: Roger Kergaravat, Patricia Geary
Mayor’s Report:
T. Galvin introduced Jane Fowler, the President of Prospect Historical Society. Ms. Fowler gave an overview of her accomplishments at the Hotchkiss House since her presidency began 12 years ago. Ms. Fowler stated she had hoped to become the President of the Historical Society and having done so for these 12 years; she has just learned she is the great-great granddaughter of Chloe Hotchkiss Baldwin; which made her appointment all the more special. Ms. Fowler wished to Thank Mayor Chatfield and the Council for helping with the Hotchkiss House to keep its past alive for many generations to come. T. Graveline thanked Ms. Fowler for her hard work and dedication and the legacy she will leave behind as Ms. Fowler moves on to other endeavors. T. Graveline stated when she was part of the Jaycees in the early 1990’s the committee met at the Hotchkiss House and today it is much different than it was then due to Ms. Fowler’s diligence. Ms. Fowler also advised the Hotchkiss House is mentioned in a brochure “Unwind” from the Northwest Connecticut Convention and Visitors Bureau, in their historical buildings section. T. Galvin thanked Ms. Fowler for all of her efforts.
Transfers – None
Council Resolution & Police Care Lease -
Motion made by D. Merriman to adopt the Resolution of the Town of Prospect Town Council for leasing of the Police Vehicle. Motion seconded by C. Mallon. Unanimous.
Chair’s Report: None
Public Participation:
Bob Hiscox of 224 Matthew St, requested the Open Space Planning Committee to move forward. T. Graveline gave an update advising the Committee has been meeting over the past 2 years and has been meeting quite regularly. T. Graveline advises all research has been done and Planimetrics has been chosen to create the document. B. Hiscox also questioned if an ordinance committee for blight could be established. He expressed his concern that this is on the back burner but this committee would be most helpful with many areas of concern, including some in his area of Zoning. B. Hiscox stated other towns including Waterbury have a very active Blight Committee that is working quite well. T. Galvin stated this would be very beneficial in areas where there is unsightliness.
Approval of June 17th & 23rd, 2008 Minutes:
Motion made by D. Merriman to approve the Minutes of June 17, 2008. Motion seconded by T. Graveline with modifications. Motion made by D. Merriman to approve the minutes of June 17, 2008 as amended. Motion seconded by T. Graveline. Unanimous.
Motion made by C. Mallon to approve the Minutes of June 23, 2008. Motion seconded by S. Pilat. T. Graveline Abstained. Motion passes.
T. Graveline questioned whether or not the Council would be responding to the letters of the June 17 minutes. T. Galvin stated he would call Mrs. Grish regarding the concern for the entrance to Town Hall from the Lower Level for the handicap; as for Richard Misavage D. Merriman did advise that something should be done. There is one No Parking sign and one in disrepair; D. Merriman stated when there is a function at Community School many people come down Church St and in the wintertime this is a concern due to the slope of the street upon entering Rte 68. T. Graveline stated this is unsafe. D. Merriman stated the Safety Committee has requested this to be a one way street coming from Rte 68. T. Graveline also stated the site lane from Cheshire at the top of Rte 68 is very dangerous. D. Merriman stated this should be pursued by both Gene McCarthy and Mayor Chatfield.
Correspondence:
Zoning Inspectors Report, Building Inspector, Electrical Inspector, Plumbing Inspector, and Heating Inspector Reports, Tax Collector Report for the Month of June. Motion made by C. Graveline to place correspondence on file. Motion seconded by R. Doyon. Unanimous.
New Business:
T. Galvin advised the Council there is an opening on the Inland Wetlands Commission for the Republican Party candidate and Mr. David Solato who has experience in Education, may be recommended as an alternate at the August 19, 2008 Town Council meeting.
Old Business:
T. Galvin stated the Ordinance Committee, S. Pilat, T. Galvin, T. Graveline, and C. Graveline, would like to meet again in the fall. T. Galvin inquired of D. Lauber if this would be too late. D. Lauber stated it should not, providing the information was passed on to the Assessor’s office for their timely filings.. D. Lauber also stated for right now the most pertinent ordinance would be the tax freeze for seniors. This freeze is based on income.
T. Graveline stated she has been advised by Mayor Chatfield that before the Open Space Planning Committee could sign a contract there would need to be an agenda for the Town Council requesting this action. T. Graveline stated the Town’s attorneys, Carmody & Torrence would like to meet at 6 P.M. this Thursday evening, July 17, 2008. Motion made by T. Graveline to approve a special meeting of the Prospect Town Council for the approval of the contract between the Open Space Planning Committee of the Town of Prospect and Planimetrics. Motion seconded by D. Merriman. Unanimous.
D. Merriman advised of a meeting on July 22, 2008 at Town Hall with 2 representatives from the State Traffic Commission and the Safety Committee of Prospect regarding a turn lane approximately at Oliver’s Market. D. Merriman advised the Council they were welcome to come. The meeting would take place at Town Hall at 10:00 a.m. and the group would proceed to Oliver’s to observe the traffic at approximately 10:30 a.m. C. Graveline questioned if sidewalks would be considered from Oliver’s Market to Buckmiller’s Funeral Home. D. Merriman stated it had been discussed in the past. D. Merriman stated he would like to see some improvements with the traffic. T. Graveline stated it may be time to look at other means of getting around town. R. Doyon stated the traffic situation may get worse in town when the construction of I84 begins in Waterbury.
T. Galvin advised the next meeting would be Tuesday August 19, 2008 at Town Hall.
Adjournment:
Motion made by D. Merriman to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by R. Doyon. Unanimous. Meeting adjourned @ 7:50 p.m.
Thomas J. Galvin, Chairman
Rosalyn B. Moffo, Clerk