Old Lyme Flood & Erosion Control Board
Meeting Minutes
April 18, 2011
The meeting was called to order at 5:01 PM by Chairman Todd Machnik.
Present: Steve Ross, Todd Machnik, Steve Martino, Bob Chapman
Absent: Gary Smith, Ellie Czarnowski – Alternate, Dave Roberge – Ex-Officio Member
Guests: David Wheeler (OLS), Mark Mongillo (MBA), Stephanie Sacco (MBA)
1. Correspondence – Email from Mark Mongillo, Miami Beach Association
The Board reviewed email correspondence between Mr. Machnik and Mark Mongillo, President of the Miami Beach Association. Mr. Mongillo's email addressed the flooding in the Miami Beach area. Mr. Machnik reported that he and Anne Brown had walked the area in question on April 7. Mr. Mongillo was out of town at that time and could not go. Mr. Machnik stated that he had asked the Selectmen for direction on this matter as the area in question is on private property. At the Selectmen's meeting on April 11, the Selectmen did discuss the issue and are presently gathering information regarding the history of the drainage pipes and responsibility for the maintenance of said pipes. Steve Ross felt that the Town cannot be responsible for the natural course of water flow, and
they cannot build retention ponds on private property. In his opinion it is crucial for property owners, whose property abuts the brook, to keep the brook clean of debris. It is best for the brook to run fast and not be slowed down by debris in the brook. He would like to see Miami Beach Association Board Members educate the residents on the importance of this. It was the Flood and Erosion Control Board's (FEC Board) understanding that the pipes may have been installed many years ago by the Town. Public Works does clean out the pipes about once a month.
Mr. Mongillo (MBA) and the Board reviewed suggestions for eliminating the problem. Stephanie Sacco (MBA) did not feel that property owners keeping the brook free of debris would help the situation. She stated that since 1987 the construction in the south end of Town had caused additional water flow to be directed to the brook. The Board did not agree with Ms. Sacco. Mr. Mongillo stated that he contacted the Board looking for ideas to help the residents of Miami Beach solve the problem. He did not expect the Town to fix it.
Mr. Ross stated that he felt that the two main problems with the brook are one, the lack of height / pitch to drain the water and two, the tidal action of Long Island Sound. Ms. Sacco stated that last summer the FEC Board stated that they would review a Swan Brook study done in the 80s, and she inquired if they had done so. Mr. Ross informed her that the FEC Board had reviewed the old study and it was of no help. The matter had been directed to the Selectmen at that time. It will be determined by the Selectmen where responsibility lies at this time and going forward.
2. Approval of January 24, 2011 Meeting Minutes
Steve Ross moved to accept the minutes for the January 24, 2011 meeting as presented. Steve Martino seconded the motion. The minutes were accepted.
3. Old Business
Flooding Miami Beach Area
Discussed under Correspondence
4. New Business
Mr. Machnik spoke to the Board about the updated FEMA flood maps. These may be found on the FEMA website and suggested that everyone take a look.
Mr. Machnik stated that he will inquire at Town Hall about the status of the STEAP Grant earmarked for repairs of the Roger's Lake Dam. Bob Chapman will remind residents that live in the area of Roger's Lake that experience flooding issues due to drainage problems on the Town roads to write to the Board of Selectmen informing them of the problem, and to send a copy to the Flood and Erosion Control Board.
b. Other New Business – None
c. Comments – None
5. Our next meeting will be on Monday, July 18, at 5:00 PM, Town Hall, second floor meeting room.
6. Adjournment
Steve Ross moved, and Steve Martino seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 5:40 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Ellen Garbarino
Clerk
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