Old Lyme Flood & Erosion Control Board
Meeting Minutes
March 16, 2009
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 P.M. by Chairman Steve Ross.
Present: Steve Ross, Todd Machnik, Bob Chapman, Dave Roberge (Ex-Officio Member)
Absent with Notification:
Absent: Tom Penfield, Gary Smith, Tim Griswold (Ex-Officio Member)
Guests: List attached
1. Correspondence
Steve Ross reported that he had sent an e-mail to Tim Griswold requesting that the public works department attend to two drain pipes at Hawks Nest Beach.
2. Studies & Projects in beach areas- discussion continued
Info regarding updating 1987 study
Steve Ross stated that there are numerous problems causing the flooding of Sheffield Brook, with many factors contributing to the flooding. It is important that we work together to get the most remediation with the most cost-effective approach. In order to obtain grant money, we need to inform the government what the problem is, and how we propose to address it. Steve would look to engineers to come up with a proposal. This entire problem falls on private property, and it is unlikely that town tax dollars can be used at all. It is this board's (FEC Board) intent to gather representatives from the beaches involved to work along with the board to find a solution. Steve addressed any guests to speak at this time.
Paul Graul (President, Old Lyme Shores) spoke on behalf of OLS. Paul stated that the residents of OLS are committed to work with OCB to do what is needed to invest in an engineering study that could aid the FEC Board with gaining grant money from the government.
Doug Whalen (President, Old Colony Beach) stated that past work had been done in three phases. 1- re-route drainage with 30” pipe below Gorton to area of brook south of the synagogue 2 - clean out brook between Broughel and Hartung, clear blockages in the brook, and check plunge pools (plunge pools were working at that time), 3 - correct drainage outlet that flows into the sound. RE: 3 – were under the assumption that they would need to enlist the help of the Army Corp of Engineers for this phase. Phase 1: Completed and paid for by OCB, Phase 2 and 3: Never started.
Dave Roberge asked Doug Whalen and Paul Graul to supply the FEC Board with all of the prior engineering studies done for the project. Doug and Paul will get the studies to the board.
Charles Galetta, (property owner, OLS) questioned the plunge pools. He stated that only two exist and are located on Maple and on Pearl. They were designed to catch water from OCB and not water from the brook as they are now. He has searched the town records and cannot find any documentation on these plunge pools in the 100 year study. Steve Ross asked if any documentation had been brought to town authorities about the problem and violations, and if so, the board would like copies. The board could then follow up with Zoning and Inlands Wetlands.
Mary Howley, (property owner, OLS) stated that clear cutting had been started on Sea Spray Road and was never completed and the culvert pipe on the Sahlin property was completely blocked. Jason Sahlin, (property owner, OLS) confirmed that this pipe is blocked causing major flooding on his property. Steve Ross questioned if we would need permission from the Army Corp of Engineers. Doug Whalen (OCB) said that he was under the impression that it was needed. Shawn Getman, (property owner, OLS) was told by relatives that had lived in the area for a long time that the problems started after the drainage pipes were installed. Jason Sahlin (OLS) stated that his family had been fighting the problem since the 60s.
Steve Andrejewski (WMC Engineering), stated that his firm was involved with the 1986 study of Swan Brook. They were asked in the fall of 2008 to study Swan Brook with some time committed to the study of Sheffield Brook. About five recommendations were made in 1986, but he feels it should be studied again. Steve Ross mentioned that at the December 2008 FEC Board meeting, the study was shifted to Sheffield Brook in order to determine what can best be done to impact the flooding problems in a simple manner for a reasonable amount of money. We are aware that there are multiple causes for the problems and the board would like to address each problem based on its priority, one at a time. We feel we can get better results getting a lot done on one project at a
time rather than only a little on many projects.
Todd Machnik said that after listening to both sides, we need to bring the two beach associations together in order to present the engineering firm with a list of items to include in their proposal. We all need to come together in order to move on. The cost of an engineering study should be agreed on by both associations. Dave Roberge stated that the FEC Board acknowledges that OLS and OCB have agreed to work together to find a solution, and the FEC Board needs to go into executive session in order to move in the right direction. Steve Ross acknowledged that OLS and OCB are willing to work together and the approach should be to take it one problem at a time and correct each problem. Dave Roberge suggested that each association submit a letter of intent to the
board, and include any documentation for review at the same time. Steve Ross added that each letter should include a contact person from that association.
Mary Howley (OLS) asked Steve Ross if it would be necessary for a survey to be done. Steve said it would be in order to apply for grant money or permits.
Doug Whalen (OCB) will be happy to work with Dave Roberge with regard to gathering all information needed to apply for grant money. He will work with the town's Inland Wetlands Commission, and if residents of OCB are causing some of the problems, he will make sure this is taken care of. Steve Ross asked Doug to copy the FEC Board on any correspondence or findings, and stated that the two most important action items are to request information for a proposal and to hire an engineer.
Doug Whalen (OCB) asked if the cost of the study and designs could be added to the grant application. Nicolle Burnham (Milone and MacBroom Inc.) stated that some grants will pay for that, but to her knowledge, most will not.
Joe Wren, PE, (representing OLS and OCB) spoke of behalf of OLS and OCB with regard to his engineering firm that redesigned drainage at the beaches in 2005 – 06. They re-routed drainage, which allowed for very little grey water to be discharged into the sound. This new drainage runs under Gorton Avenue using 30-inch pipe with 36-inch pipe sections at the outlet. Water quality testing was done initially and upon completion, and the water quality improved tremendously. He mentioned that the DEP has streamlined its permit processing and it is taking less time to get them approved than a year ago. He feels that permits may have to be filed with the Army Corp of Engineers.
Steve Ross mentioned that once the board has all the information gathered, we can proceed. We might consider if a study costs (for example) 50K and the repairs cost 30K, why not think of just doing the repairs. It will be important to get the cost nailed down for a study.
Nicolle Burnham, (Milone and MacBroom Inc.), suggested that a consultant be selected based on their qualifications for this particular area of expertise. After a consultant is chosen, let this person help the board craft a scope of what is needed to lead us to the next step.
Mark Phelan (OLS) asked Doug Whalen (OCB) if when the last study was done by OCB, did it include both beaches? Doug said it did, and that all work done was on file with the Inlands Wetlands Commission. Dave Roberge asked him to send it to the FEC Board and Steve Ross will request a copy from the OL Town Hall.
Steve Ross said that once the scope of issues are made clear, the board will meet and stay in contact with both beach associations to define what we are asking for. The objective is to reduce the frequency and the impact of flooding in the Sheffield Brook area. Joe Wren, PE, wanted everyone to be aware that no matter what corrections are made, the flooding will not be completely eliminated. Steve Ross said that the board was aware of that.
The board asked that all requested documentation be available to the board by the April 20th meeting, if that does not work for everyone, then for the May meeting.
3. Presentation of draft language for grant – Dave Roberge – tabled
4. New Business – no new business
5. Approval of December and January meeting minutes
Bob Chapman moved, Todd Machnik seconded, to approve the December 2008 and January 2009 minutes as presented. The motion was unanimously approved.
6. Our next meeting will be on April 20, 2009 at 5:00 PM, town hall, second floor meeting room.
7. Adjournment
Bob Chapman moved, Todd Machnik seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 7:20 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Ellen Garbarino
Clerk
Old Lyme Flood & Erosion Control Board
Guests Association
Steve Andrejewski WMC Engineering, Newington
Nicolle Burnham Milone and MacBroom Inc, Branford
David E. Wheeler 65 Sea Spray Road, Owner
Doug Whalen 41 Old Colony Road, President, OCB
Sally Haveran 61 Sea Spray Road, Owner
Shawn Getman 16 Sea Spray Road, Owner
Paul Graul OLS President
Laura and Jason Sahlin 69 Sea Spray Road, Owner
Charles and Loretta Galetta 45 Sea Spray Road, Owner
Joe Wren, PE Representing OLS and OCB
Mark Phelan 77 Sea Spray Road, Owner
Thomas Lally 54 Sea Spray Road, Owner
M.K. Howley 60 Sea Spray Road, Owner
Guest
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