Old Lyme Flood & Erosion Control Board
Meeting Minutes
March 31, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 4:00 PM by First Selectman Tim Griswold.
Present: Robert Chapman, Todd Machnik, Tom Penfield, Steve Ross.
Absent: Gary Smith
Guest: Dave Roberge
Tim: Outlined areas of concern for the Board: Windward Lane (dam broke & flooded Shore Rd), Old Colony Beach & Sheffield Brook (needs another pipe in addition to existing), Miami Beach (floods due to filling of wetlands years ago), Mile Creek (mouth at LIS silts in frequently & floods marsh).
Also, pointed out the CGS Chapter 477, Section 25-69 and Section 25-84 that deal with Flood & Erosion Control Boards. Dave Roberge was asked to send the link to each Board member for these statute sections.
Dave Roberge: Indicated that flood mitigation funds are available from FEMA.
Tim: Suggested taking an inventory of areas that flood.
Todd: Stated that he is willing to stay on the board and assist but may have to step down when appropriate if bidding on related work. He then provided info based on his experience. Storm of 1982 the worst in his memory due to heavy rains for extended period and snow melting. Jettys on each side of flow path are most effective like in Charleston, RI. Amtrak culverts are usually minimally sized for today’s needs since they were built when there was much less development. Pipes supported by piling, like in Bride Brook, work well because the discharge point is well out into the water and stays open.
Steve: We should identify & prioritize the areas of concern.
Dave Roberge: Culvert under RR restored to 5’ in 2007 (near Windward Lane).
Bob: Several roads in Rogers Lake area flood on occasion.
Dave Roberge: Named brooks in beach areas: 3 Mile, Sheffield, Swan, Mile Creek.
Tim: Discussed the Sound View drainage.
Steve: Asked about problems with debris in brooks reducing flow.
Todd: Yes, the homeowners abutting the brooks throw debris in them.
Dave Roberge: Suggested getting the beach associations to agree to a program of cleaning the brooks. Also suggested working through the Federation of OL Beaches. Discussion followed regarding the role of the federation and beach associations.
Todd: Talked about the use of Vortek units to trap sediment.
Dave Roberge: FEMA has a Natural Hazard Mitigation Program that is run by DEP in CT. Approximately $500,000 available to towns that have enrolled, which includes Old Lyme. None of the money has been applied for as yet. Possible uses are: Education for the community; Mitigation aspects for corrective action to prepare for the future; Property procurement. Also, pcould be applied for to conduct a study of areas in town that have flooding and/or erosion problems.
Steve: Would rather use funds, if obtained, for a project that will yield results instead of a study. Let’s accomplish something visible and meaningful.
Tom: Let’s prioritize #1 Old Lyme Shores/Old Colony and #2 Mile Creek.
Todd: Have to make sure we consider ramifications off the fix.
Dave Roberge: Feels we need the Federation of OL Beaches involved.
Steve: Commented on his experience as Treasurer and Board member of the Federation and stated that it would be more complicated to deal with the Federation rather than individual associations of which there are 13.
Todd & Steve: Feel we only need cooperation of the beach association involved in a project. The Federation does not play much of a role unless there is a particular issue of widespread interest.
Tim: Who do we contact to get started with funds request?
Dave Roberge: Jean Davies at CRERPA.
Tim: Would like someone from Docko to attend the next meeting. He will also contact Jean Davies.
Next meeting scheduled for April 14 @ 4 PM in Christ the King Church.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 5:30 PM
Submitted by Steven A. Ross, Acting Secreatary
Approved by unanimous vote May 6, 2008
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