March 29, 2010
Chairman Thomas Galvin called the meeting to order @ 6:30 p.m. The meeting was taped.
Members Present: T. Galvin, S. Pilat, D. Merriman, T. Graveline @ 6:35P.M. C. Graveline, P.Geary, J. Slapikas, M. Scaviola and R. Doyon
Members Absent: None
Motion made by C. Graveline to Recess @ 6:34 P.M. Motion seconded by R. Doyon. Unanimous.
Fire Protection #6600 (Increase $47.155.00) The Council members observed a presentation of the Prospect Volunteer Fire Department along with a tour. First Lt. William Lauber informed the Council members that a request was made in 2009 for a Grant to replace an aging Fire Truck. W. Lauber advised the cost of the vehicle would be approximately $475,000.00. If the grant is approved, the cost to the Town would be 5%. At present, neither an approval nor a denial had been received for the Grant. W. Lauber presented the proposed PVFD Budget to the Council. W. Lauber stated currently 15 new recruits have joined the PVFD. New gear for each member is $2,500.00. W. Lauber stated the Town receives ratings regarding the shape of the equipment. All equipment is inspected yearly for any defects by an outside company. When a new recruit goes to school and the gear is not updated, the instructors inform the recruit of this. Some of the items the PVFD would like to add to the Department are: new gear, a new smoke machine for training, a backup mobile radio, and computer training DVDs. Motion made by R. Doyon to approve the budget of Fire Protection #6600 as recommended by the Mayor in the amount of $242,500.00. Motion seconded by J. Slapikas. Discussion: M. Scaviola questioned what would be taken away if the recommended budget was passed. W. Lauber stated the majority of the monies would come from the gear for the new recruits. The main objective is to have recruitment and retention which is a selling point for the Department. Motion made by R. Doyon to approve the budget of Fire Protection #6600 as amended for the proposed amount of $252,500.00. Motion seconded by J. Slapikas as amended. 8 Approved/1 Opposed, P. Geary. Motion Passes. Council members questioned the "Seal" program and fundraisers for the Department. P. Geary stated there should be more commitment from the Community.
Truck Lease #7850: Mayor Chatfield advised if the Grant is approved for the Fire Truck, then the monies that are in line item Lease Purchase #7850-04 in the amount of $62,434.00, will be used as the first year's payment to replace a 15 year old Public Works Dump Truck. Otherwise monies would be appropriated for the new Fire Truck. Motion made by S. Pilat to approve the budget of Truck Lease #7850 in the amount of $120,201.00. Motion seconded by C. Graveline. Unanimous.
Benefits Town Employees #6200 (Increase $110,481.00): Mayor Chatfield advised the cost of Medical Benefits is continually rising, Motion made by D. Merriman to approve the budget of Benefits Town Employees #6200 in the amount of $644,750.00. Motion seconded by S. Pilat. 8 Approve/1 Opposed, T. Graveline. Motion Passes.
Open Space #7950 and Land Acquisition #8100; T. Graveline requested monies added to line items Open Space # 7950 and Land Acquisition #8100 in the amount of $ 1,000.00 each. Motion made by T. Graveline to add monies to line items Open Space #7950 and Land Acquisition #8100 both in the amount of $1,000.00 each. Motion seconded by D. Merriman. Unanimous.
Elections & Registrars #5150:
T. Graveline requested an additional $250.00 added to line item Election Workers & Deputies #5150-01. Motion made by T. Graveline to add an additional $250.00 to line item Election Workers & Deputies #5150-01 for a total of $9,750.00. Motion seconded by D. Merriman. Unanimous. Motion made by S. Pilat to convene to an Executive Session @ 8:44 P.M. to discuss Labor Contract negotiations. Motion seconded by R, Doyon. Unanimous. Motion made by D. Merriman to reconvene from the Executive Session @ 8:51 P.M. to the regular meeting. Motion seconded by R. Doyon. Unanimous. No motions made or votes taken.
Adjournment: Motion made by D. Merriman to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by R.Doyon. Unanimous. Meeting adjourned @ 8:52 P.M.