Old Lyme Board of Selectmen
Regular Meeting April 1, 2002
1. Approval of Minutes:
None
2. Communications:
a. OPM – KI Pills
The State Office of Policy and Management has an initial stockpile of 450,000 potassium
iodide (KI) tablets which is a drug that protects the thyroid gland from potential harm caused by exposure to radioactive iodine. They will probably be distributed first to State workers and emergency personnel. The State will inform us as to the distribution of them.
b. DEP – Landfill Transfer Station Permits
A letter was received from the DEP regarding the unpermitted transfer station on Four Mile River Road. In November, an inspector noted that the town is permitted to operate a bulky waste landfill, but the permit does not include the operation of a transfer station for batteries, used oil, recyclables, scrap metals, refrigerators, etc. First Selectman Griswold
noted that inspections have been going on for twenty years, and there has never been a notification of the absence of a permit. John Roach will be working with the DEP to rectify this situation.
c. Hospice of SE CT – CT Hero Cup
The Hospice of Southeastern Connecticut is announcing a Hero Cup by inviting teams from local organizations to show their support of hospice care by participating in a Hospice Walk in the Parks 2002. The team that raises the most money for the cause will be presented with the Hero Cup at a special reception on Wednesday, May 22 in Uncasville. The three-mile walk-a-thon will take place in two locations: Ocean Beach Park in New London on Saturday, April 27 and at Mohegan Park in Norwich on Saturday, May 22, 2002. Teams may send participants to either, or both, locations. Information is available in the Selectmen’s Office.
d. OLFD Thanks Dr. Graves
The Old Lyme Fire Department sent a letter of thanks to Dr. Jay Graves who has been giving annual physicals to the firemen for a number of years. For his service, the Fire
Department has made him an Honorary Member.
e. LOL Jr. Women’s Club – 5K Run
The Lyme/Old Lyme Junior Women’s Club is planning to sponsor a 5K Road Race and Fun Run. This is a fundraiser to benefit the Lyme Youth Services Bureau Counseling
program. The event will take place on Saturday, July 20, 2002 starting at 9:00 A.M.
The course will start at the Middle School.
3. Appointments:
None
4. Old Business:
a. Landfill Closure Status
The landfill has approximately two to three years before it will close. The closure will
involve capping off the landfill as well as construction a transfer station. When that takes place, we will no longer be able to dispose of materials for free. Some money has been set aside in the annual town budget. During the next fiscal year, preliminary engineering studies will be started to determine the layout needed to locate a transfer station, scale and the recycling operation.
b. Town Woods Park – Design RFPs due April 19, 2002
The Design Request For Proposals for the Town Woods facility are due April 19, 2002
at 2:00 P.M. at the Town Hall. This is for design firms who wish to submit proposals to be considered by the committee. There have been packets sent to firms expressing an interest in the project. It was advertised in the newspaper explaining that packets are available in the Town Hall. Selectman Bice inquired as to whether the design encompassed the possibility of a day care center. First Selectman Griswold responded
that the design does not describe a building of a particular size. The concern is to understand the square feet needed for a day care facility and the square feet needed for a Park & Rec building.
c. DSL Service – Adelphia
First Selectman Griswold previously met with representatives from SNET concerning DSL internet hookup. Adelphia Cable called to explain that they would be offering cable modem service for approximately $50 per month and full service including all premium TV options and cable modem for approximately $99 per month. First Selectman Griswold stated that the cable company might be a good resource for those who are not within the service of the switching station area.
5. New Business:
a. DEP – Open Space Grant Awards
The Selectmen received an invitation to an Open Space Grant ceremony to be held on Thursday, April 4, 2002 in the Wallingford Town Hall.
b. LYSB – To Submit $100,000 Drug & Alcohol Free Coalition Grant
Deb Gray of the Lyme Youth Service Bureau is taking the initiative to submit for a
$100,000 Drug and Alcohol Free Coaliton Grant. The purpose of the 18-month grant is to unite the LYSB, the schools, the town, social services, police, park & rec., library in a coordinated community effort to work with the youth to curtail underage drinking and substance abuse.
c. Millstone – Evaluated Exercise on May 1, 2002
On May 1, 2002 the town will participate in a bi-annual Millstone Nuclear Preparedness Exercise. Every two years there is an evaluated exercise, and on the off years there is an unevaluated exercise. The State Emergency Management personnel set up a drill on events simulating a deteriorating condition of the Millstone Plant and those who participate have to react.
d. DECD Grants in Old Lyme in Fiscal Year 2001
First Selectman Griswold received an annual report from the State of Connecticut Dept
of Economic and Community Development which stated that Old Lyme has received
$1,344,000 in the last year. The Florence Griswold Museum was awarded $1,000,000
for site restoration. The Lyme Art Academy of Find Arts was awarded $332,000 and Shoreline Affordable Housing was awarded $12,000. We are grateful to the State for those grants.
e. Green Circle Award Program
The State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection has a Green Circle Program that recognizes businesses, institutions, civic organizations and individuals who have undertaken pollution prevention, waste reduction or other projects promoting
natural resource conservation and environmental awareness. Brochures are available in the Selectmen’s Office to anyone who would like to nominate an individual or group for this award.
f. Karin Crompton – DAY Newspaper Reporter
Welcome to Karin Crompton of the DAY newspaper.
6. Public Comment:
Jack Alexander reported that there is a CRRA legislative hearing on Thursday, April 4, 2002 at 10:00 A.M. He stated that approximately $60,000,000 went to a non-project venture fund, taking it out of the Connecticut operation that we fund and using it for new entrepreneurial projects. He feels that the Selectmen should attend the hearing and ask for that money to be applied to the reduction in the tipping rate. The small towns need to be represented.
Selectman Bice sent a memo to the Board of Selectmen regarding a Contingency Fund in the Social Services Department. He believes it would be useful to discuss this in a public forum. For a number of years a volunteer effort has supported the Fund, and it has been administered through the Social Services Dept. It provides short term emergency relief for Old Lyme families who encounter tragic situations. Over the past few years, the contributions have lessened. Selectman Bice stated that the Board of Finance has provided a line item in the Social Services budget that can be drawn upon as needed if
the fund balance falls below a certain amount. Mark Diebolt offered to assist in fundraising activities. Kay Mennetho is primarily the one who evaluates the need. Selectman Bice asked Connie Pike to suggest volunteers.
Selectman Bice stated that the Tax Abatement Ordinance was meant for Old Lyme residents only. There is one fireman who lives in the Rogers Lake area but is technically in Lyme. He suggested that the ordinance be relaxed to allow persons in this circumstance be included. First Selectman Griswold reported that our plan cannot help volunteers who live out of town but that Lyme may be instituting a Tax Abatement Program as well which could handle cases such as this one.
7. Other Business:
None
8. Executive Session:
None
9. Adjournment:
A motion was made by Selectman Bice and seconded by First Selectman Griswold to adjourn at 8:15 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen Coffee, Clerk
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