Old Lyme Board of Selectmen
Regular Meeting August 5, 2002
The Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting on Monday, August 5, 2002, at 7:30 P.M. at Memorial Town Hall Auditorium. Those present were First Selectman Timothy Griswold, Selectman Tom Bice and Selectman Skip Sibley.
1. Approval of Minutes:
Selectman Sibley made a motion to approve the minutes of July 22, 2002. Selectman Bice seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
2. Communications:
a. District 18 – Letter to ZBA Regarding Water Tower
Regional District #18 sent a letter to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding a 57’ water tower which they would like to install on top of east hill near the high school parking lot. This would provide storage for the campus-wide water system being installed as part of the Middle School and Center School building project renovation. In times of power loss or emergencies, the main campus buildings will have water. Insulation costs are approx. $150,000 less than an underground tank system and the long-term operating and maintenance costs are less because there are fewer pumps with the gravity fed system. No action was taken by ZBA at this time. It was continued until the September meeting.
b. Letter to Pictorial – New Refuse Containers
The Pictorial Gazette printed an editorial criticizing the size of the new refuse containers. The article did not mention that there are three sizes of containers available. In addition to the 95-gallon container, there are 60-gallon and 35-gallon containers. In a letter that Shoreline Sanitation President Gary Yuknat will be sending to the Pictorial, he will be pointing out that this new system is a cost saving for the town and will forestall the advent of staff and a third truck. At the town forum to be held at the Lyme-Old Lyme High School cafeteria on August 14, 2002, containers will be on display and Gary Yuknat will give a presentation.
c. Siren at Rogers Lake
In a letter to Dale Malcarne, President of Rogers Lake West Shore Association, First Selectman Griswold explained that the siren at Rogers Lake is under the jurisdiction of the Fire Department. He suggested that she, Chief Speirs, and President Skip Beebe discuss the matter.
d. Audrey Montanaro – Thanks for Old Lyme Government Award
A letter was received from Audrey Montanaro, a graduating senior of Lyme-Old Lyme High School, thanking the Town of Old Lyme for her Government Award.
3. Appointments:
a. Resignation of Joseph St. Germain (D) from ZBA dated June 30, 2002.
b. Bruce Abraham (D) ZBA alternate is available to fill the remainder of the 5-year term ending in November, 2006. Selectman made a motion to appoint Bruce Abraham for the ZBA opening. Selectman Bice seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
4. Old Business:
a. Landfill Closure and Design Bid Opening
There were four responses to the previously solicited landfill closure request for proposal. The work will involve helping the town close out the landfill by putting a two foot cover over the existing landfill and designing a transfer station for bulky waste material which will be weighed and shipped out of Old Lyme. The plan will describe the existing conditions at the landfill, prepare a closure plan with documents for firms to do the closure, construction administration, operating and maintenance plans for the post closure, obtain DEP and local permits. The bids ranged from $69,400 to $101, 662. Evaluation of the components in the RFP bids is needed to be sure the criteria are met. During the next week or two, the engineering consultant and others will be asked to review the bids
making sure they are all inclusive and consistent to make a final determination. Selectman Sibley suggested the formation of a small committee for evaluation. First Selectman Griswold agreed. Selectman Bice suggested that the review panel be presented the substance of the proposals without viewing the cost estimates or names of the bidders. After the information is evaluated, the proposed bids would be revealed.
b. Town Woods Design Status
Later this week a final design proposal from Vollmer Associates will be reviewed. At a recent meeting, five or six possible designs were revealed. A combination of two designs appealed to those attending the meeting. There will be a meeting at which a presentation will be made of a fusion of those ideas. There was discussion and mixed feelings about the Day Care participation since it is a non-profit organization and would be given an advantage above other potential for profit operations that would provide a similar service. Input from a representative of the Conservation Commission resulted in changes around the vernal pools. The Town of Lyme is interested in being a part of this plan. At the next Selectmen’s meeting, a building committee should be appointed.
c. Town Forum Aug 14, 2002 H.S. Cafeteria –Drainage/Paving &Trash Containers
The Town Forum will be held on Wednesday, August 14, 2002 at the Lyme-Old Lyme High School cafeteria. There will be reports from various employees and board members. There will be a public information session on the Lyme Street drainage improvements and reconstruction which is necessary in conjunction with the grant application as well as good public information. The second presentation will be given by Shoreline Sanitation President Gary Yuknat regarding the new refuse containers.
d. Sound View Task Force
Selectman Bice informed the Board of Selectmen that sub committees were formed at the last Task Force meeting to look into more specific details on the Haviland report. Information by the sub committees will be given at the next meeting on Tuesday, August 6, 2002 at 7:00 P.M. at the Cross Lane Firehouse regarding the beach front, Hartford Avenue south of the bocci court, the Shore Road extending from Portland Avenue to Swan Avenue and the corridor connecting McCurdy Road to that area. Also, Linda Krause of CRERPA will present an overview of her review of the proposed PPD ordinance and make improvement suggestions. Selectman Bice, Gail Fuller and Sen. Melodie Peters will walk the area. Sen. Peters is interested in obtaining help from the State. She will attend the next meeting.
e. DSL Status
A letter with an enclosed postcard was mailed to citizens living within the service described by SNET asking whether they would subscribe to the service. To date, there have been 148 affirmative responses out of the necessary 170 in order for SNET to install the capital improvements for this service.
f. Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day – Sept 14, 2002 LOLHS
The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day will be held on September 14, 2002 at the Lyme-Old Lyme High School junior parking lot from 9:00 A.M. until noon. This is for Old Lyme residents only.
g. Successful Mid-Summer Festival and Fireworks
First Selectman Griswold reported that the Mid-Summer Festival was well attended. The fireworks were a great display and lasted approx. 27 minutes. Thanks to the Ambulance and Fire Department and other volunteers for a successful program.
5. New Business:
a. Secretary of State – Public Service Awards
The Secretary of State has requested each town to identify deserving individuals to receive public service awards. Old Lyme submitted a list of 11 recipients and a student representative. They will be recognized on Tuesday, August 6, 2002 at UCONN. Those selected were Ted Crosby, Jennifer Hillhouse, Connie Pike, Dyanne Rafal, Tom Clements, Russ Gomes, George James, Gail Roth, Dave McCulloch, Tom Risom, and Carl Kotzan. The youth representative was Christie McNeil.
b. District #18 – Bonding
As part of the $34 million construction project, the borrowing will be an amount not to exceed $26 million. District #18 has used $10 million for Mile Creek School and Lyme School. On Friday, August 9, 2002 District #18 will be accepting bids for the next $10 million. An analyst at Moodys requested that the school comment on their budgeting process, collective bargaining agreements, employee benefits, current progression and what future facility needs exist outside of the building plan and future budget growth. First Selectman Griswold was asked, on behalf of the town, about the overview of the community, the local economy, the revaluation, fund balances, and money put aside for future large projects. The representative was favorably impressed about management at the school and in the Town of Old
Lyme.
c. S.V. Parking Lot Permit Transfers - Policy
First Selectman Griswold was approached by a couple who had purchased property in Sound View which has been a permitted parking lot for 20 cars. They inquired as to whether they could take over the parking lot permit. The parking ordinance reads that the issuance of a permit or renewal shall not obligate the town to issue any further permit or renewal. The Board of Selectman has jurisdiction over parking. First Selectman Griswold feels that these parking lots are contributing to a situation that is dangerous and, when the land changes ownership, the permits should not be renewed. Selectman Bice stated that the appropriate zoning is the decision of the Zoning Commission. The issuance of permits is the responsibility of the Board of Selectmen, which should come up with the maximum
number of permits that ought to exist in that community and issue no more. There would be no necessary assurance that permits would be granted from year to year. Selectman Sibley added that the town lot with 92 spaces could be contributing to the problem. Selectman Bice made a motion that the Board of Selectmen interpret the non-transferability of permits to mean that a parking permit does not transfer with the sale of appropriately zoned property. Non-transferability means that an existing permit does not transfer to the new owner. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
First Selectman Griswold will inform the new owner that it is necessary to apply for a permit to operate a parking lot on his property. The Board of Selectmen has the option of issuing the parking lot permit. First Selectman Griswold is against issuing the permit because he believes that the property owner should be given a yes or no at the time of applying for the permit. The application will be considered at either an interim meeting or the next Board of Selectmen meeting.
6. Public Comment:
Scott Boulanger, a board member of Miami Beach Association, asked why there is parking and who is to say how many spaces are allowed. Those who have parking lots are making a profit and are influencing what goes on in Miami Beach. The traffic is more of the problem than the parking spaces. He would be available to be part of any future committee regarding the beach problems. Russ Carlo of Swan Avenue in the Sound View Beach area agrees with First Selectman Griswold and believes parking lots could be eliminated through attrition. He feels that every parking lot should be scrutinized every year. Those with complaints should not have their permits renewed.
Resident Jack Alexander asked how many currently seasonal homes would become available for year-round occupancy upon completion of the Point O’Woods sewer project. First Selectman Griswold responded that he did not know whether every house in the Point O’Woods area would be eligible for year-round status. There are health and building codes that pertain beyond sewers. Mr. Alexander also asked if there is a procedure for year-round conversions and whether the Board is comfortable with the procedures, which will govern areas of Old, Lyme that do sewer conversions. He feels the Board should be concerned with the effects caused by sewers.
In regard to parking lots, Mr. Alexander suggests keeping a file on each parking lot and keep any issued warnings on file. What position is the Board going to take on the unauthorized lots? First Selectman Griswold stated that the Board is working with the Town Attorney on an appeal procedure for fines issued for violations. Selectman Bice feels this is a major project that should handle policing the area, penalties, enforcement, and appeal procedures.
A resident asked whether the First Selectman checks the renewal for parking lots. First Selectman Griswold answered that there is an inspection for striping in the spring.
7. Other Business:
None
8. Adjournment:
Selectman Bice made a motion to adjourn at 9:40 P.M. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sibley. SO VOTED.
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen Coffee, Clerk
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