Old Lyme Flood & Erosion Control Board
Meeting Minutes
September 20, 2010
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM by Chairman Steve Ross.
Present: Steve Ross, Todd Machnik, Bob Chapman, Dave Roberge - Ex-Officio Member
Absent: Gary Smith, Steve Martino, Ellie Czarnowski - alternate
Guests: Douglas Whalen, OCBA Chairman and Paul Rowean, OLSBA President
1. Correspondence
Steve Ross reported that he had received from Nicole Stajduhar, the Town's Finance Director, a budget request form for fiscal year 2011-2012. This will be discussed under New Business.
2. Approval of July 19, 2010 Meeting Minutes
Todd Machnik moved to accept the minutes for July 19, 2010 as presented. Bob Chapman seconded the motion. The minutes were accepted.
3. Old Business
Sheffield Brook
a. Discussion of options and alternatives for obtaining study funding from the Town
Mr. Ross reviewed the options for obtaining funding for the study of Sheffield Brook which had been discussed at previous meetings.
b. Information from Old Lyme Shores – Paul Rowean
Paul Rowean, OLS, reported that he had approached the Old Lyme Shores Association Board regarding OLS funding one-third of the study. The Board was very reluctant to agree to this without knowing what the cost would be. Mr. Rowean would like to go back to the Board of Finance and request funding from the Town as the flooding is a Town problem. Mr. Rowean stated that the total assessment of the properties at Old Lyme Shores is 67 million dollars, with 12.5 million dollars being paid in Town taxes, and 80% of the 12.5 million dollars going to Regional District #18. To Mr. Rowean's knowledge there is only one child attending a Regional District #18 school from Old Lyme Shores. Doug Whalen, OCB, supports the idea of going back to the Town for
funding.
Todd Machnik stated that in his opinion the flooding would not be remedied easily, and even if a study was done, there would be no guarantee that a grant would be awarded. If grant money were obtained, there would be no guarantee that the problem could be completely solved. Robert Chapman agreed with Mr. Machnik.
David Roberge stated that under FEMA guidelines, the flooding that he has witnessed at OCB and OLS would be considered "minor flooding", and he believes that FEMA would recommend that the affected structures (homes) be raised. Mr. Ross asked Mr. Whalen if he knew how many homes at OCB were affected by the flooding. Mr. Whalen did not know the answer to this question, but would find out.
Mr. Ross asked the FEC Board and the Beach Associations if they want to pursue having a study done and if so, to determine how this study would be financed. It would be wise to present the Board of Finance with the actual dollar amount paid in Town taxes by the property owners at OCB and OLS. Mr. Rowean and Mr. Whalen will get the exact figures of tax dollars paid. Mr. Ross suggested that the property owners of the homes that experience the flooding should be approached and asked if they would be willing to raise their homes as a solution to the flooding problem.
Dave Roberge will put together a one-page handout for homeowners outlining the procedure that they would need to follow as individual residents applying for grant money. Mr. Machnik will speak with Ann Brown, the Town Zoning Officer, regarding Town zoning regulations. Mr. Machnik will contact Torrence Downs of CRERPA looking for additional information. Mr. Ross will forward the minutes of today's meeting to Mary Howley and David Wheeler in order to keep them in the loop of what the group is trying to accomplish. Mr. Roberge and Mr. Machnik will have this for the October meeting.
4. New Business
a. Discuss CGS Statute Sec 25-87 Assessments – Tabled
b. Other New Business
Budget request form received from Nicole Stajduhar: Mr. Ross reviewed the FEC Board Operating Budget for fiscal years 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. The Board agreed to request the amount of $910 for the fiscal year of 2011-2012 for their operating costs. A discussion of the Capital Budget will take place at a future meeting.
c. Comments - NONE
5. Our next meeting will be on Monday, October 18 at 5:00 PM, town hall, second floor meeting room.
6. Adjournment
Todd Machnik moved, and Bob Chapman seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 6:05 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Ellen Garbarino
Clerk
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