September 2, 2008
Chairman Thomas Galvin called the meeting to order @ 7:00 p.m. The meeting was taped.
Members Present: Robert Doyon, Tom Galvin, Theresa Graveline @ 7:25 p.m., Stan Pilat, Pat Geary, Charles Mallon, D. Merriman and Carl Graveline.
Members Absent: Roger Kergaravat
Mayor's Report:
The Council received a resignation letter from Robin E. Wright of the Board of Education. T. Galvin advised there were more inquires to the position than expected for the vacancy. T. Galvin also advised that a term on the Board of Education extends for 4 years and if someone leaves within the first 2 years, then the new appointee takes the term for 2 years. P. Geary inquired if the person that is appointed would be eligible for a longer term on the Board of Education. T. Galvin advised that person would need to run at election time.
Chair's Report: None
Guest's: None
Public Participation: None
Approval of August 19,2008 minutes:
Motion made by P. Geary to approve the minutes of August 19,2008 with corrections. Motion seconded by C. Mallon. 7 Approve/1 Abstained: D. Merriman. Motion Carries.
Correspondence:
Letter of resignation from Robin E. Wright and Board of Recreation Minutes. Discussion: P. Geary commented on the report in the Citizens News regarding the new skate park. P. Geary stated that it would seem there would be some difficulty hi policing the skate park and to motivate the children to wear their gear for skating. T. Galvin commented on peer pressure. T. Galvin also noted that the skate park parents group had mentioned in the past they would rotate between the parents for policing the park. T. Galvin mentioned that on one occasion he noticed grocery carts in the skate park area, bui since that time the carts have been removed. C. Mallon mentioned there have been bicycle tracks on the ice rink which could harm the ice rink as the rink has been sealed for the year. C. Mallon also mentioned that because of this problem a request for fencing of the ice rink may be in the future. D. Merriman noted longevity would be the sign of success for the skate park. Motion made by P. Geary to place correspondence on file. Motion seconded bv D. Merriman. Unanimous.
Refunds:
T. Galvin noted the tax refunds in the amount of $634.79. Motion made by D. Merriman to approve the tax refunds in the amount of $634.79. Motion seconded by C. Graveline. Unanimous.
Resignations: Already mentioned
Appointments: None
Old Business:
Sub Committees: T. Galvin advised he had spoken with Vinnie Leone and Diane Lauber to set a date to meet with the Ordinance Committee. They had suggested a morning date of September 12, 2008. T. Galvin consulted with the Ordinance Committee: T. Graveline, C. Graveline, and S. Pilat if this date would be convenient. The date of September 12, 2008 has been set.
T. Galvin advised the Council of a letter received from the town's attorney which was received from the Inland Wetlands Commission. The Inland Wetlands Commission requested from the town's attorney an opinion to levy fines on people follow along with the compliance once an application has been received. This will hopefully get peoples attention to comply with the town's requests. T. Galvin commented on a problem that is currently happening in a part of town where a large amount of material is being transported from Naugatuck through Prospect without any permits.
T. Galvin mentioned he had some answers to the questions that P. Geary had asked at the previous Town Council Meeting regarding surplus after the tax freeze of last year. T. Galvin Stated the Fire Marshal's office gave approximately 10% while other departments gave 1% or less of the surplus. P. Geary inquired as to the Registrars of Voters and also to the Town Clerk wages for the referendums. P. Geary was given information by Bill Stowell the Business Manager for Region 16 regarding the referendums. The information showed there were referendums on dates of 5/6/08 with no payment for either the Town Clerk or Assistance Town Clerk, on 5/28/08 the Town Clerk was paid $186.00 and the Assistant Town Clerk was paid $109.00, and on 6/10/08 the Town Clerk was paid $208.00 and the assistant Town Clerk was paid $122.00; which showed a different wage for each date. P. Geary questioned why there was a difference in the range of pay if the hours were the same. T. Galvin advised he would check into it.
T. Galvin stated Mayor Chatfield has proposed a question to Katie and Kathy the Registrar of Voters; to think about where to hold voting if the machines were to be taken out of the schools. Some of the things to be taken into consideration would be floor space, machine sites, parking, and handicap accessibility.
T. Galvin also stated Region 16 will hold a referendum on October 7, 2008 to consider the land purchase for Algonquin School. T. Galvin advised the Council and the town hopefully will be giving its full support.
A discussion took place regarding the newspaper and media coverage of the vandalism and robberies that have currently taken place in town, P. Geary stated this was a good thing and that the town, especially areas where this is happening, could be alerted through the town's emergency system. T. Galvin stated the town should be made more aware. T. Graveline advised the acknowledgement in the newspaper and media does not happen very often and should.
Adjournment:
Motion made by D. Merriman to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by R.
Doyon. Unanimous. Meeting adjourned @ 7:30 P.M.
Thomas J. Galvin, Chairman
Rosalyn B. Moffo, Clerk