Old Lyme Flood & Erosion Control Board
Meeting Minutes
November 15, 2010
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM by Chairman Steve Ross.
Present: Steve Ross, Todd Machnik, Steve Martino, Ellie Czarnowski – alternate,
Dave Roberge – Ex-Officio Member
Absent: Bob Chapman, Gary Smith
Guests: NONE
NOTE: Ellie Czarnowski was seated in place of Gary Smith.
1. Correspondence - None
2. Approval of October 18, 2010 Meeting Minutes
Todd Machnik moved to accept the minutes for October 18, 2010 as presented. Steve Martino seconded the motion. The minutes were accepted.
3. Old Business
Sheffield Brook
a. Structure Elevation Information from FEMA
Mr. Ross presented a handout to the Board members. It was reviewed. This handout is attached.
b. Classification of Flood Damage Information
Dave Roberge presented a handout of an online form available on the Town Website where residents may fill out to report storm damage. This handout is attached.
c. Basic Criteria to Qualify for Funds to Elevate and How to Do
Mr. Ross presented a handout obtained from the FEMA Website that defines the criteria to qualify for funds to elevate buildings due to flooding. It pertains to FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation and Pre-Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs. This handout is attached.
In summary, in order for a home to qualify for FEMA funding, the home would have to be a primary residence used year-round. This alone would exclude most of the thirteen homes on Sea Spray affected by flooding. Todd Machnik stated that the damage to the homes would be considered minor by FEMA guidelines. Mr. Ross stated that the flooding mostly affects the homes on Sea Spray Road, and most would not be eligible for FEMA money, therefore having a study done on Sheffield Brook would not help to obtain a FEMA Grant.
Mr. Ross reported that Dave Wheeler had sent a letter to the thirteen homeowners on Sea Spray asking them about their willingness to raise their homes. Mr. Wheeler said that there was very little response.
Mr. Ross asked the Board if they felt it would be worthwhile to investigate adding a second drainage pipe. Mr. Machnik stated that the Board has done as much as they could to help private property owners. The property owners need to step up and help themselves. The other Board Members agreed. The consensus was that unless the property owners have new concerns with Sheffield Brook that the Flood and Erosion Control Board has done all that they can. The FEMA guidelines will be included with these minutes.
4. New Business
a. Special meeting of the Board of Selectmen with the Beach Associations
Mr. Ross had emailed the FEC Board Members the minutes of a Special Meeting between the Board of Selectmen and the Beach Associations. There was a discussion.
b. Other New Business
Mr. Ross stated that he will be stepping down as Chairman of the Flood and Erosion Control Board, and that an Election of Officers will take place at the January 2011 meeting. He asked that Board Members let him know if they are willing to fill the positions of Chairman and/or Vice Chairman. Board Members may contact Mr. Ross to let him know of their willingness to do so. Mr. Ross will continue to serve as a Board Member.
Mr. Ross suggested that the Board should set its focus for next year at the January meeting. Repairing the Rogers Lake Dam would be something that should be addressed soon.
Mr. Roberge reported that due to the storm of March 30 there were 70 initial claims made to FEMA, with 39 receiving funding. A total of $83,000 was granted. In order to have received this money, the home had to be a primary, year-round residence.
Mr. Ross noted that under Hawk's Nest Beach there are two pipes that drain Swan Brook. They are both under water at high tide. After a recent storm, there was three to four feet of sand over the top of said pipes which the Public Works Dept cleaned out. The west pipe has not flowed in over two years as there is a blockage and it also had a breach. The breach was repaired in September by Public Works, but there must still be an obstruction blocking the flow. Mr. Ross has asked First Selectman Griswold to budget money to be put in next year's budget for Public Works to scope the pipe and clear the blockage.
c. Comments – None
5. Our next meeting will be on Monday, January 24, at 5:00 PM, town hall, second floor meeting room. There will be no December meeting.
6. Adjournment
Todd Machnik moved, and Steve Martino seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 5:35 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Ellen Garbarino
Clerk
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