Old Lyme Flood & Erosion Control Board
Meeting Minutes
June 15, 2009
The meeting was called to order at 5:05 P.M. by Chairman Steve Ross.
Present: Steve Ross, Bob Chapman, Gary Smith
Absent: Tom Penfield, Todd Machnik, (Dave Roberge, Tim Griswold - Ex-Officio Members)
Guests: List attached
1. Correspondence
Steve Ross reported that he had received an e-mail from Nicolle Burnham asking permission to speak at this meeting with regard to applying for FEMA money. Steve also stated that he received an e-mail from Paul Capotosto (CT DEP) stating that the permit application to the state of CT is close to being completed for work to be done on Mile Creek. Paul is waiting on letters of permission from property owners.
2. Approval of May 20, 2009 meeting minutes
Correction: Mary Howley stated that Paul Graml was not a guest at the May meeting.
Gary Smith moved, Bob Chapman seconded, to approve the April 2009 minutes as corrected. The motion was unanimously approved.
3. Sheffield Brook – Draft Request for Proposal (RFP)
Steve Ross stated that he feels that the RFP has ballooned to a larger scope than intended. Bob Chapman agreed. Gary Smith, as a board member and an engineer agreed and stated that he had submitted a draft. Paul Rowean (VP, Old Lyme Shores), corrected Gary Smith and stated that Dave Wheeler is an interested party and a resident of OLS not OCB.
Steve Ross strongly suggested that a sub-committee be formed tonight. This sub-committee would be responsible for drafting the final RFP. Steve stated that we have all spent a tremendous amount of time on this, have gathered many ideas, and now we need to write a finished product ASAP. Joe Wren (Indigo Land Design) had e-mailed late this afternoon to the board members his ideas in a simplified outline for the RFP.
Paul Rowean (OLS) asked that everyone take a step back and consider that we need to work quickly to get this RFP completed. He is in favor of the approach that Joe Wren has taken with the intention to complete phases 2 and 3 of the previously identified 3 phase approach (with phase 1 having been completed already). He feels there are two important issues at stake; to stop the flooding as much as possible, and to get back on schedule. Steve Ross said that in order for us to get on track, we need to form a sub-committee
that will focus on completing the RFP. The final approval of said RFP will come from the FEC Board and the assigned representative from each beach association. Gary Smith suggested that there be at least two members from the FEC Board and one member from each beach on this sub-committee. Steve stated that both beach associations have committed to funding the project but we need to define the project and have estimated amounts before any commitment can be finalized.
Bill Randazzo (property owner, OLS) again voiced his concerns, as he did at the last meeting of the FEC Board, as to the process that the FEC board, the beach associations, and the town are using to solve this problem. A lengthy discussion followed with the conclusion that the FEC Board and the beach associations would continue on the same track that we are presently on. Steve Ross assured Bill that the awarding of the bid will be signed by the people who will be paying for it. The board and the residents of the beaches are well aware that these problems have been around for over 40 years, and that the FEC Board will continue to work alongside with the two beach associations to find a solution.
Steve Ross suggests the following people to be members of the sub-committee: Gary Smith (FEC Board), Todd Machnik (FEC Board), Paul Graml (OLS), Doug Whalen (OC), and Dave Wheeler (OLS – unofficial party). It is Steve's hope that this sub-committee will meet before the July FEC meeting. Steve Andrejewski (WMC Engineering), presented the idea of this option; each interested engineering firm should submit an RFP for approval. The board agreed that they did not want to do this.
Nicolle Burnham (Milone & MacBroom) addressed the group with information that would be helpful in applying for FEMA funds, as she has experience in this. She explained the process, and stated that the grant application should be submitted by November 1, 2009. Paul Rowean asked if she could provide him with information on figuring benefit vs. cost, something that is needed for the application. Nicolle stated that she would be happy to assist him.
Steve Ross reminded everyone that the scope of this project has to be designed around the amount of money available. Joe Wren agreed, again stating that the present scope is way too big and would be much too costly. Bill Randazo (OLS) suggested that two proposals be made, one with the beaches paying for everything and one that would encompass the cost of applying for grant money. Steve Ross stated that he had made a similar statement at a previous meeting, that sometimes it is less costly for interested parties to pay for the work, than to pay for the studies needed to apply for grant money. He reminded everyone that his statement was not well received at that time. David Wheeler (OLS) created a document after the May meeting stating that the beaches need
a funding strategy (grant or no grant), pricing strategy; the price for each piece of the work, and they need to be sure where the funds are available.
4. Old Business - none
5. New Business
Steve Ross explained that the FEC Board is in need of three alternates and asked if any person was interested or if anyone knew of a person who might be interested. If so, this person must go to the town hall and obtain a form.
Steve Ross will contact Todd Machnik, Paul Graml and Doug Whalen with regard to serving on the sub-committee.
6. Our next meeting will be on July 20, 2009 at 5:00 PM, town hall, second floor meeting room.
7. Adjournment
Gary Smith moved, Bob Chapman seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 6:15 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
Charles Galetta 45 Sea Spray Road, Owner
Joe Wren, PE Representing OLS and OCB
M.K. Howley 60 Sea Spray Road, Owner
Bill Randazo 40 Sea Spray Road, Owner
Janet Montano 43 Gorton Avenue (OCB)
Thomas Lally, Jr. 54 Seaspray Road, Owner
Thomas J. Lazzy 64 Sea Spray Road
Paul Rowean 29 Billow Road, VP OLS
Guest
| 
