Old Lyme Flood & Erosion Control Board
Meeting Minutes
July 21, 2014
Present: Todd Machnik, Gary Smith, Ellie Czarnowski, Steve Martino,
Don Willis (alternate), Dave Roberge (ex-officio member)
Absent: Steven Ross
Guests: Mary Jo Nosal (Selectwoman), Ron Bianca (Hawk’s Nest Beach Club), George James (Conservation Commission), Rocco Todaro (Hawk’s Nest Beach Club), Joe LaPenta (Miami Beach Association)
Don Willis was seated for Steve Ross
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:31 PM by Chairman Todd Machnik.
2. Approval of Minutes
Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting 21 April 2014
Gary Smith moved to accept the minutes for the Regular Meeting of 21 April 2014 and Don Willis seconded the motion. The minutes were accepted.
3. Correspondence
Todd Machnik stated that he received correspondence from George James of the Conservation Commission asking to speak to the Flood and Erosion Control Board about Ogle’s Pond and Dam. George James will speak to the Board at this meeting under New Business.
4. Old Business
a. Swan Brook Update
1. Photos of Yard Debris and Collapsing Wall from Ellie Czarnowski
Ellie Czarnowski presented photos of yard debris in Swan Brook and a collapsing retaining wall along the Brook. These were reviewed and discussed.
2. Steven Ross’ Email to the FEC Board Regarding Street Drains on Biscayne and the Condition of Swan Brook
Steven Ross was not able to attend this meeting, but had emailed the Board reporting that “It doesn’t matter what the situation is at the outflow because the brook is so clogged with debris and growth that the flow is just a trickle. Miami Beach Association will address the problem when it becomes a crisis, not before.” There was a discussion.
Guest Ron Bianca (Hawks Nest Beach Club) reported on a trench that had been dug to drain wetland into a storm drain that drains into Swan Brook. This was done by property owners. The Board agreed that Mr. Bianca should take this matter up with Inland Wetlands.
5. New Business
a. Ogle’s Pond and Dam – George James, Conservation Commission
George James spoke to the Board regarding a proposed farm zone that would prevent the development of 500 acres which would greatly reduce runoff into Ogle’s Pond and ultimately Roger’s Lake.
6. Other New Business
Ms. Czarnowski reported a rain gauge and flood gauge will be installed at the Rogers Lake Dam. These will provide historical data as to the level of the lake throughout the year thus keeping the water level better regulated. The level of the lake affects the water level in private wells. Information panels will be installed at Hains Park after the project at the Park is completed.
7. Public Comment
Mr. Bianca asked it the Board had any other ideas for federal or state funding to address the issues of Swan Brook. Dave Roberge stated that in the future there may be more funding options because of the development of a new Hazard Mitigation Plan. He also stated that private organizations cannot receive funding from the government. Mr. Bianca stated that there is public access to Miami Beach. Todd Machnik suggested that Mr. Bianca speak with Keith Rosenfeld at Town Hall about this.
8. Adjournment
Gary Smith moved, and Don Willis seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 6:15 PM.
SO VOTED.
Our next meeting will be on Monday, 20 October 2014 at 5:30 PM, Town Hall, second floor meeting room. Ellie Czarnowski stated that she will not be able to attend this meeting.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Ellen Garbarino
Clerk
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