Old Lyme Flood & Erosion Control Board
Meeting Minutes
August 19, 2013
Present: Todd Machnik, Gary Smith, Steve Ross, Ellie Czarnowski,
Dave Roberge (ex-officio member)
Absent: Steve Martino
Guest: Ron Bianca (Hawks Nest Beach Club)
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM by Chairman Todd Machnik.
2. Approval of 15 April 2013 Meeting Minutes
Steve Ross moved to accept the minutes for 15 April 2013 and Gary Smith seconded the motion. The minutes were accepted.
3. Correspondence
a. Memorandum from Bonnie Reemsnyder – to be discussed under Old Business
4. Old Business
a. Rogers Lake Dam Repairs – Ellie Czarnowski
Ellie Czarnowski reported on the Rogers Lake Dam Repairs. She presented photographs of the construction to the Board. Construction is proceeding according to plan and the sheet piling installation is expected to begin this week. ~There are plans in place to supply water to homeowners that experience dry wells due to the lake drawdown.
b. Flood Plain Easement Grant Program – Ellie Czarnowski
Ms. Czarnowski reported on the site visit regarding the Flood Plain Easement Grant Program. The group now has a clearer understanding of the program.
c. Swan Brook Outfall Repairs – Steve Ross and Todd Machnik
Todd Machnik read a Memorandum from First Selectwoman Reemsnyder regarding the deteriorating condition of the Swan Brook outlet and where the responsibility lies. There was a discussion and it was decided that this agenda item be tabled until the October 2013 meeting. Steve Ross and Ron Bianca will determine if Miami Beach is a public beach and a representative from both Miami Beach Association and Hawks Nest Beach Association will be invited to the October meeting.
5. New Business
Dave Roberge reported that the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is offering grant assistance for the restoration of properties listed on, or eligible for listing on, the National Register of Historic Places that were damaged by Hurricane Sandy. The Town’s Historic Commission is aware of this Grant Program.
Ellie Czarnowski reported that as of January 1, 2014 a new CT Law will require owners of thousands of dams across Connecticut to be responsible for making sure their structures are safe and some will have to come up with an emergency plan in case something goes wrong.
A new law passed during this year's legislative session makes the dam owners, not the DEEP, responsible for regular inspections.
Ellie Czarnowski stated that the drains located on the west end of White Sand Beach are full of sand. It was determined that the drains are the responsibility of the White Sand Beach Association.
Dave Roberge reported that the volunteer group that was going to clean up the debris in the marsh by Mile Creek disbanded due to the fact that it would be a dangerous job at this time of year. Hopefully this group will come back together in the colder months when there will be less problems to contend with.
Gary Smith reported and presented photos of recent flooding on Route 156 on the property west of the former Cherrystones Restaurant. There was a discussion.
6. Public Comment – NONE
Our next meeting will be on Monday, 21 October 2013 at 5:30 PM, Town Hall, second floor meeting room.
7. Adjournment
Steve Ross moved, and Ellie Czarnowski seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 6:40 PM.
SO VOTED.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Ellen Garbarino
Clerk
| 
