December 7, 2010
Chairman Tom Galvin called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. The meeting was held at the Town Hall, lower level conference room.
Members Present: S. Pilat, D. Merriman, R. Doyon, T. Graveline, M. Scaviola, C. Graveline, J. Slapikas, P. Geary and T. Galvin.
Members Absent: None
Mayor's Report: None Mayor Robert J. Chatfield requested a moment of silence to remember the men and women who served our Country during World War II.
Mayor Chatfield requested a moment to approve a grant from the Connecticut State Library for the Town Clerk's Office to purchase one On-Line Public Indexing Search Station. Motion made by J. Slapikas to approve the 'Resolution to empower Mayor Robert J. Chatfield to execute and deliver in the name and on behalf of the municipality a contract with the Connecticut State Library for the Historic Documents Preservation Grant.' Motion seconded by P. Geary. Discussion. Unanimous.
Mayor Chatfield advised the Agreement between the Borough of Naugatuck and the Town of Prospect will be discussed at a future meeting. Mayor Chatfield also advised he met with Judge Mariano, the new Judge of Probate and advised of the following; all old Probate cases would be considered in Southington and as of January 5, 2011, the new cases would be considered in Naugatuck. The Mayor also advised he would be in contact with the insurance company regarding the shingles that were removed from the Town Hall's roof during the storm of Wednesday, December 1st. Mayor Chatfield noted an update of the revenue sheet and stated that the totals were as of November 1, 2010. Mayor Chatfield also made reference to canceling the Town Council meeting of December 21, 2010 and meeting on December 14, 2010.
Mayor Chatfield advised the Council of the Wind Power Application received by the Town Clerk's office dated November 17, 2010. The Mayor advised of the Town bus trip made on November 27, 2010 to Falmouth, MA to observe the town's Wind Turbines. The Mayor also advised a letter was sent to the Siting Council requesting a Public Hearing in Prospect.
Chair's Report: T. Galvin requested a motion to cancel the meeting of December 21. 2010 and move the meeting to December 14, 2010. Motion made by D. Merriman to move the meeting to December 14, 2010 and to cancel the meeting of December 21, 2010. Discussion. D. Merriman withdrew his motion.
T. Galvin requested a sub-committee to be formed of 3 or 4 Council members for the Wind Turbine Project. The sub-committee would be asked to recommend a resolution to voice the concerns of the Prospect residents. Council members, S. Pilat , P. Geary, T. Graveline and J. Slapikas will form the sub-committee.
Guests: None
Public Participation Prospect residents attended the meeting to voice their concerns on the Wind Turbine Project.
Bob Accetura, 38 Woodcrest Dr., expressed his concerns of the ice shed area and liability. Mr. Accetura also stated that the set-back for the turbines should be 1.2 miles. Mr. Accetura requested of the Council to take the time it needs to make a decision.
Richard Sargeant, Jr., 3 Radio Tower, expressed his concerns for the safety of his family. Mr. Sargeant advised he lives 1500 ft. from the site and stressed that the Wind Turbines, at this distance, would not be safe in anyone's neighborhood.
Katie Lanquotte, 19 Lee Road, stated that she had a medical condition which gave her set-backs with light and noise sensitivity. Ms. Lanquotte advised currently, with medication, she is able to go out, shop, see her son's soccer games, but if the turbines are built, her quality of life will again become diminished.
David Trotman, 223 New Haven Road, stated he lives 1,000 feet from the proposed site of the Wood Turbines. Mr. Trotman gave to the council, 'The Acoustic Ecology Institute' handout. Mr. Trotmam advised of some of the effects noted in the handout: an annoyance' of sound, health isssues sleep disorders.
Marilyn Bonyai, 18 Woodcrest Drive,. expressed her concerns for the children and motorists on Rte 69 with the ice shed from the turbines.
Mr. Hurley, 4 George St., commented on home sales reduced by 40% in areas that Wind Turbines could be seen. Mr. Hurley also stated that the State of Connecticut does not have a regulation regarding Wind Turbines and wondered how they would make a decision of this magnitude.
Bob Moore, 31 Woodcrest Dr., expressed his concern for health and safety for the residents in the area of the turbines. Mr. Moore asked the Council and Mayor Chatfield to take a stand for the residents of Prospect.
John Mulrooney, 33 Woodcrest Dr., advised his concerns were with the property values.
Dick Sargeant, Sr., 1 Radio Tower Road, expressed his concerns for disturbing the area and the constant noise of the running of the Wind Turbines. Mr. Sargeant asked the Council and Mayor Chatfield to protect the Town.
David Bento, 40 Stephen Court, stated his company makes its own energy from Natural Gas. Mr. Bento suggested the Town purchase the land to make their own energy. Mr. Bento advised this would be a big savings for the Town.
Greg Ehrhardt, 11 Woodcrest Dr., expressed that she is strongly opposed and it is wrong for the neighborhood.
Helen Plante, 5 Rosewood, expressed her concerns for the entire Town. Ms. Plante advised the Town of Prospect should have a voice of what is to be built in Town and asked Mayor Chatfield to use his influence with other State Officials.
John Lamontagne, 224 New Haven Rd., advised the area is not large enough for two Wind Turbines to be built. Mr. Lomontagne suggested looking to Planning and Zoning for regulations for a project of this scale to be built.
Joshua Walker, 29 Lee Rd., shared his concerns for a young boy, Tyler who lives on Lee Road with medical issues. Mr. Walker stated Tyler would be affected by the 'Flicker Effect' and may have set-backs that could cause seizures among other problems.
Tim Reilly, 17 Woodcrest Dr., shared his concerns:
Paul Valillo, 36 Colonial Dr., commented that everyone has a right to speak and asked the Council to listen to all the facts.
Ken Aubertin, 15 Hemlock Rd., stated the set-backs for the Wind Turbines should be 1.5 miles and advised that four states including the countries of England and Wales had adopted the 1 mile set-backs.
Joe Hawthorne, 5 Cambridge Dr. advised this Project deserves priority as it does not affect just 1 neighborhood, but will set precedence for the state and the whole country.
Discussion
Motion made by P. Geary to approve a 10 minute recess. Motion seconded by C. Graveline. Unanimous. The recess commenced @ 9:15 P.M.
The meeting reconvened from a recess @ 9:28 P.M.
Approval of November 16, 2010 minutes: Motion made by D. Merriman to approve the minutes of November 16, 2010 Motion seconded by R. Doyon. Discussion. Motion made by D. Merriman to approve the minutes of November 16, 2010 as amended with corrections. Motion seconded by R. Doyon. 8 Apoproved/1 Abstained, J. Slapikas. Motion passes.
Correspondence
Save Prospect Corp. dated December 3, 2010
The Acoustic Ecology Institute Wind Energy Noise Impacts
Wind Turbine Pictures
Wind Turbine Pictures
Area impacted by Wind Turbines (Prospect Map)
Wind Turbine Citizens of Prospect Petition
SOS Project
Town Clerk's Grant Approval/Resolution dates December 1, 2010
Picture of Town Hall Roof - Shingles
Revenue Sheet as of November 2, 2010
Prospect Police Patrol Report November 2010
Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Heating Inspector's Reports November 2010
Town of Woodbridge - Real Estate Property dated 11/23/10
Motion by J. Slapikas to place correspondence on file. Motion seconded by C. Graveline. Unanimous.
Refunds - None
Transfers - None
Resignations - None
Appointments - None
Old Business
Sub-Committee Reports - None
Discussion:
T. Galvin mentioned the trip to Falmouth and E. Templeton MA. T. Galvin advised he had experienced both areas. T. Galvin stated the Wind Turbines of E. Templeton were quieter and one could hear the traffic over the Wind Turbines. T. Galvin encouraged the Council to take a road trip to experience the turbines. Discussion.
Adjournment:
Motion made by D. Merriman to recess the meeting until December 14, 2010 at 7 pm at Town Hall. Motion seconded by R. Doyon. Unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 10:12 pm.