Minutes of the Board of Finance meeting held on Tuesday, March 06, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at the Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall.
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Present: Regular Members:~ Andrew Russell, H. P. Garvin, III,
Christopher Kerr, Janet Sturges, David Woolley
Alternate Members:~Anne Coburn, David Kelsey, Bob Jose
Bonnie A. Reemsnyder, ex-officio, Nicole Stajduhar, Finance Director
Mary Jo Nosal, Selectwoman
Absent Regular Members:~ Wayne Devoe
Alternate Members:~~
Guest: Mike Blake, Applied Geographics
Michele Giorgianni, Applied Geographics
Diana Atwood-Johnson, Chairman, Open Space Commission
Meg Parulis, Planning & Zoning, Town of Westbrook
Mary Seidner, Director, Lyme Youth Service Bureau
Diana Atwood-Johnson, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts
Debra Petke, President, Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts
Wendy Masse, Treasurer, Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts
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~Mr. Russell called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.~
GIS Buy Up
Mr. Blake of Applied Geographics stated that this buy up option means that the town would be paying for an improved foundation base map layer. Subsequently, any future data development will be done using a 6” resolution, 100-scale digital product. It is a good foundation and at a great price of $10,239 that the town wouldn’t get otherwise. The reason it is a good price break is due to four surrounding towns that are participating in the 70 mile contiguous area. This will allow features to be visually identified from the 2012 orthos and mapped with a horizontal accuracy of +/- 2 feet. It will not only improve the visual quality of the mapping for end users, it will be the reference data for future data creation and maintenance. This is especially important as a base map for the
mapping of features such as: Drainage systems (catch basins, outfalls, headwalls, culverts, drain lines, etc.); Updates to existing data such as buildings and other structures (decks, patios, pools, etc.); Mapping of road features (driveways, parking lots, bridges, guard rails, etc.); Identification of critical infrastructure such as utility poles and power lines, transformers, cell towers, fire hydrants, etc.; Parcel boundaries – updates and alignment/placement of parcels to an accurate base map where small features that are identified on surveys (rock walls, fences, buildings, etc), can be identified on the high resolution ortho and used for accurate parcel boundary placement. Ms. Atwood-Johnson and Ms. Parulis spoke in favor for the reasons listed above. Should the town choose to participate, the decision would need to be made within the next few weeks.
Board of Finance Meeting March 06, 2012
A motion was made by Mr. Woolley, seconded by Mrs. Sturges to approve $10,239 to be taken out of the R-10 fund to participate in the flyover. Mr. Kerr opposed the motion. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Woolley to have Mrs. Coburn vote for Mr. Devoe in his absence. Motion carried.
Mr. Russell stated that he would like to change the agenda to accommodate guests. Therefore, a motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Woolley to move minutes to the end of the meeting to accommodate this evening’s guests. Motion carried.
206-0610 Lymes' Youth Service Bureau
Ms. Seidner, Director of the Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau, presented the LYSB proposed budget. Contributions in all areas to LYSB are down this year, including community campaign and holiday parties fundraiser. They have implemented reduced hours for counseling and some spending freezes. Ms. Seidner stated that the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year includes a 2% raise for staff with one part-time position eliminated in 2009. There is a slight increase in maintenance of the three buildings. LYSB has partnered up with the schools, the police, the library and Child and Family Agency, which brings many resources and assistance with alcohol and drug prevention. In conclusion, the LYSB is requesting $72,000 from the town.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Woolley to approve $72,000. Mr. Garvin abstained. Motion carried.
211-1100 Other Associations
7002 Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts
A request was made from the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts for a grant in the amount of $15,000 for the upcoming fiscal year, up from $10,000 this year. Their request for $15,000 represents a one-time $5,000 increase over previous budget requests of $10,000 to assist with the installation of a “Lecture Hall Smart Classroom”. The college enrollment has remained flat since 2008, so the administration keeps moving forward with technology programs, through building websites and the use of Facebook.
Board of Finance Meeting March 06, 2012
Graduate artists are frequently re-enrolling for technology upgrades to their careers. Also a new illustration major has been added to the curriculum. Dormitory construction (“Southwick Commons”), to meet an ongoing need of a lack of student housing, will soon be met. A developer has been engaged to construct two dormitory buildings to house six units in each building. The College has dedicated 12 acres across Lyme Street from the present campus. All permits have been approved with the developer presently seeking financing. Final testing of water resources is underway. The College will be responsible for 90 year lease with options to purchase every five years. Tax revenue from the property will accrue to the Town. The road entering this project, will afford
acreage for another 12 unit dormitory and a future gallery and classroom.
It was decided to add the $5,000 request to next week’s Capital Requests. Therefore, a motion was made by Mr. Kerr, seconded by Mrs. Coburn to approve $10,000 for the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts. Motion carried.
7003 Florence Griswold Museum
Mr. Russell stated the requested amount of $10,000 for the upcoming fiscal year, is the same as last year.
A motion was made by Mr. Kerr, seconded by Mrs. Sturges and passed unanimously to approve $10,000 for the Florence Griswold Museum. Motion carried.
7004 Lyme Art Association
The Lyme Art Association requested a grant in the amount of $4,000 for the upcoming fiscal year.
A motion was made by Mr. Kerr, seconded by Mrs. Sturges and passed unanimously to approve $4,000. Motion carried.
7005 Old Lyme Affordable Housing
Mrs. Sturges reported that Les Reynolds, (Executive Director of Old Lyme Affordable Housing) moved from Old Lyme to Chester, CT last year. The Board felt that it was important to continue to award grant money to Old Lyme Affordable Housing in order to show the town's commitment to this organization. However, funds will only be released based on invoices.
A motion was made by Mr. Kerr, seconded by Mrs. Sturges and passed unanimously to approve $500 for the Old Lyme Affordable Housing. Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting March 06, 2012
7006 Old Lyme Historical Society
Mrs. Sturges stated that the Old Lyme Historical Society requesting grant money in the amount $3,500.
A motion was made by Mr. Kerr, seconded by Mrs. Sturges and passed unanimously to approve $3,500 for the Old Lyme Historical Society. Motion carried.
Minutes of February 14, 2012
The minutes of February 14th were reviewed. Corrections were noted on page 4, under Estuary Services, a donation of $2.50 a meal should be changed to $3.00 per meal. On page 4, under Fireworks, after the motion, add the words “approve $10 to hold the line” for Fireworks.
On page 5, under Other Business, 3rd paragraph, 1st sentence, change the word “replacing” to “replaced”. Within the same section, 4th paragraph, capitalize the word “Ansel”
There being no other changes noted, a motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Woolley to approve the minutes as amended. Motion carried.
213 Sanitation and Recycling
1300-0560 CT Resource Recovery Authority (CRRA)
Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority (CRRA) tipping fee will be $69 per ton for municipal solid waste (MSW) through November 15, 2012 and $60.50 from November 16, 2012 through June 30, 2013. MSW volumes statewide are down slightly, but Old Lyme will budget 3,600 tons next year.
A motion was made by Mr. Kerr, seconded by Mrs. Coburn and passed unanimously to approve $235,000 for Sanitation CRRA MSW/Tipping Fees.
01-211-1200 Private Beach Associations
7007 Point O Woods
Mr. Russell stated that Point O’Woods amount requested is $20,600.
Board of Finance Meeting March 06, 2012
7008 Old Lyme Shores
Mr. Russell stated that Old Lyme Shores has requested no increase in the Town’s assistance from last year. Therefore, the request is $13,500.
7009 Old Colony Beach
Mr. Russell stated that Old Colony Beach has requested an increase from $13,500.
7010 Miami Beach
Mr. Russell stated that Miami Beach is requesting $20,000. He explained the funding is used for extra security due to the toll that the parking lots in Sound View (both town-owned and private) bring to Miami Beach with regard to people using the beach and the issues associated with this.
7011 White Sand Beach
Mr. Russell stated that White Sand Beach budget request is $16,500, the same as last year. He stated that White Sand Beach has its own security, and will continue using the same security company.
7012 Rogers Lake West Shores
Mr. Russell stated that the amount allocated for Rogers Lake West Shores Association is $5,100.
7013 Hawks Nest Beach
Mr. Russell stated that Hawks Nest Beach is requesting the same allocation as last year which is $3,100.
7014 Federation of Beaches
Mr. Russell stated that the Federation of Beaches is requesting $9,000 this year. He stated that the Old Lyme Police patrols with the Ford Explorer, as well as the ATV. This funding to the Federation is to primarily help with the expense of security.
Board of Finance Meeting March 06, 2012
Beach Association Discussion
Mrs. Reemsnyder reported that the Board of Selectmen voted on recommending that the Town not plow any private roads, including the beaches within the Town. The Board of Selectmen discussed ending this practice since other private roads do not have Town plowing.
In light of the possibility that the Town will stop plowing the private beach association roads, there was discussion that the individual beach association’s allocation may increase to compensate for this.
A motion was made by Mr. Kerr, seconded by Mr. Garvin and passed unanimously to approve $101,300 for the beach associations with the breakdown as follows.
Point O’Woods $ 20,600
Old Lyme Shores $ 13,500
Old Colony Beach $ 13,500
Miami Beach $ 20,000
White Sand Beach $ 16,500
Rogers Lake West Shores $ 5,100
Hawks Nest Beach $ 3,100
Federation of Beaches $ 9,000
$101,300
Mr. Russell stated that the next Board of Finance meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Russell stated that Regional School District 18 Board of Education representatives are scheduled to come to next week’s meeting to discuss the school budget. Budgets for Other Associations-PGN Library, Capital Expenditures, Revenues, Salaries, General Government-Special Deductions, Boards and Commissions-Sound View Commission and Town Woods Park are scheduled for discussion.
Mr. Russell stated that he has been in communication with the Town of Lyme Finance Board Chair to assure that both towns are on the same page on three issues that involve the two towns: Town Woods Park, Lymes’ Senior Center, and the Rogers Lake Authority weed removal request, as well as the Rogers Lake Patrol and the boat request.
Mrs. Reemsnyder spoke about Town Woods Park..
Board of Finance Meeting March 06, 2012
Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that the newly formed Safety Committee has met twice and plans to meet quarterly to address the safety of the employees, buildings and various aspects of the town in general. The Safety Committee is mandated by State Statute to meet quarterly.
Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that a Facilities Committee is going to be formed to investigate and keep track of the many areas of the town’s buildings and grounds. She has learned that the two furnaces and five air conditioning units have not been serviced since 2008. Maintenance and cleaning should be performed on an annual basis in order to maintain their efficiency. She has received a quote to clean the furnaces for $500 each, for a total of $1,000. The quote for the air conditioning is $225 for each of the five air handlers for the first cleaning, for a total of $1,175, and $150 each unit annually thereafter. Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that a Facilities Committee can track the maintenance of equipment, roof and gutter needs, investigate fuel prices, cleaning services, and general building
maintenance situations that arise.
Mrs. Reemsnyder received a letter from the Rogers Lake Authority requesting $260 towards the purchase of a bench to recognize Fred Holth for all his years of service which would be placed at Hains Park. They are requesting $260 each from Lyme and Old Lyme. After discussion, Mrs. Stajduhar stated that the funds could be taken from Hains Park Capital Beach Improvements line.
A motion was made by Mr. Woolley, seconded by Mrs. Sturges to approve $260 in cooperation with the Town of Lyme for the purchase of a bench for Hains Park. Motion carried.
A motion was then made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Kerr and passed unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michele Hayes-Finn
Secretary
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