Old Lyme Board of Selectmen
Regular Meeting November 18, 2002
The Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, November 18, 2002 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 November 4, 2002 as written. Selectman Bice seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
2. Communications:
a. Carol Mahier – National Hospice Month
A letter was received from Carol Mahier, Executive Director of Hospice of Southeastern Connecticut, stating that November is National Hospice Month. The organization of Southeastern Connecticut cared for 395 patients throughout the New London county this year which was a six percent increase over the previous year. Hospice care is important in preserving the comfort, care and dignity of the patient.
b. John Beatty – General Questions
A concerned taxpayer, John Beatty, raised the following questions: Have the results of the District #18 bonding been completely felt or will there be additional mill rate increases as the bonds are paid back? First Selectman Griswold answered that this coming year the major impact of the bonding will be in place.
Will District #18 stay within the bonded budget and not come back for more? First Selectman Griswold stated that as far as this project is concerned, the district will stay within the bonded budget.
Is a new water tower system part of the current bonding or is this a new expense that will need to be funded? First Selectman Griswold said the water tower is included within the expenses of the project.
Do we really need to provide our high school students with a TV network? First Selectman Griswold stated that Project Distance Learn has been funded in great part by the Adelphia Cable Company. It has provided a great service to the district.
Is the purchase of the house next to Center School part of anyone’s long-term plan? It appears all are anxious to buy it but what then? First Selectman Griswold answered that this topic will be debated by the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance and the Board of Education.
Does anyone remember the purchase of the Branmore and the underutilized bocci court? The townspeople voted against buying the Sound View bars. If the study committee will present a wish list, that will do nothing but increase the mill rate. If the bars and their patrons are not violating any laws, let them be. If the property owners are concerned about values, let them upgrade the area. First Selectman Griswold said that, at this time, there is no proposal to buy the beach bars. It had been suggested as an alternative and was defeated a few years ago. One of the bars is under contract to be purchased by a private party.
The townspeople voted twice to disapprove the Park & Rec. dream for Town Woods Road. No one ever designated the plan as a road map for the future. First Old Lyme was paying, next Lyme would kick in, next the State was giving money, next the Old Lyme Day Care would build us a building. Will Old Lyme net a profit from the project? Does anyone believe the soccer fields will not impact the mill rate for construction, ongoing upkeep and salaries? First Selectman Griswold stated that the Town Woods facility was presented and defeated. Since then, the Towns of Old Lyme and Lyme have obtained two STEAP grants that greatly help on the funding. It is proposed as a phase project so that the impact would be lessened and only one phase at a time would be done. The fact
that the State has invested $950,000 in this project is emblematic of its value to the State. The Board of Selectmen recently received a letter from the Old Lyme Day Care indicating they are withdrawing their proposal to co-venture the building.
Closing the landfill will be costly. Are there any State grants for the closing of the landfill and the start up of the required transfer station? First Selectman Griswold is not aware of any grant proceeds available for this. The town has voted to purchase a large piece of open space (Fairfax property). A mill here and a mill there adds up quickly. First Selectman Griswold stated the $418,00 that the town is committing is a small portion of the entire amount of the purchase price of $1,300,000. Once the closing occurs, this property will be off the market and the 50 condominiums that were planned behind the Old Lyme Inn and other residential lots planned on the other 204 acres will not occur. While acquiring open space costs money initially, the payback is over the long term. When considering all
the services that would be required for a great number of houses and condominiums, open space will win out in the long term.
Will the Point O’Woods decision to hook up to the East Lyme sewer systems eventually cost the town money either by some requirement to share the cost with the DEP or by DEP requirements to extend the system? First Selectman Griswold said that at the moment, the Point O’Woods decision will be funded entirely by Point O’Woods and the operating costs of that system would be borne by the users in Point O’Woods. We cannot predict the future. The town believes that the sewers are not necessary and the problem can be dealt without a structural sewer. Point O’Woods is a separate municipality in the eyes of the State and can make these decisions unilaterally and, as long as they pay for the cost, that is what they have chosen to do.
c. Letter to Westbrook – Skating Rink
First Selectman Griswold responded to the Westbrook First Selectman that the skating rink concept is agreed upon by the Old Lyme Board of Selectmen. Mr. Griswold circulated his letter to the other Boards and the school system.
3. Appointments:
a. Resignations from Lymes Senior Center
First Selectman Griswold received resignation letters from Pat Roser and Flo Hurley of the Lymes Senior Center. Old Lyme First Selectman Griswold and Lyme First Selectman Koch will meet to discuss the issues at hand of the Senior Center Board. First Selectman Griswold has given the Selectmen a revised appointment memorandum dated November 18, 2002. A complete list of all positions will be given to the two Town Committees.
4. Old Business:
a. Town Woods – Planning Commission Approval, Information Meeting
The Old Lyme Planning Commission considered the proposal to sell to the Town of Lyme 25 percent undivided interest in the Old Lyme property on Town Woods Road for an amount to be finalized. This is necessary because the Planning Commission must weigh in on the buying or selling of town property. The Town of Lyme Planning Commission will also need to vote in the affirmative to purchase the property. The Town of Old Lyme appraisal values the property at $400,000. An appraisal from the Town of Lyme is required. An informational hearing is planned for next Monday, November 25th at the Middle School auditorium at 7:30 P.M. for interested citizens of Lyme and Old Lyme. Vollmer, the design consultants, will present the plan and answer questions. A press release will be issued.
A town meeting will be scheduled regarding the 75% - 25% sharing of the property arrangement subject to an agreed upon purchase price and will not involve approving funds to proceed with the project. Approval is necessary by the various boards and commissions and town meetings in both towns before construction can begin. The Conservation Commission has already approved two fields, the road and parking. There will be enough money for a third field with the funds from the STEAP grants and from Lyme. Approval would be necessary from the boards and commissions for a third field.
b. Hartford Avenue Task Force – Update
Selectman Bice reported that the Task Force is at a critical junction. Two developers are
interested in purchasing property and have contracts underway. The question now is
what is the Task Force roll? That will be discussed at the next meeting.
Sound View Beach President Dennis Melluzzo reported that since the last Board of Selectmen meeting, there has been a septic inspection at 39 Hartford Avenue by Shoreline Sanitation. It is necessary to add the cost of a new system. In order to close on the building, $140,000 is needed for the purchase price and the inspection. Repairs on the building will be approx. $130,000. Letters for donations have been sent to all federation members of thirteen beaches. A request for funds from the Sound View parking lot revenue will be presented to the Board of Finance. The Sound View Beach Association would be the owner and the realty committee would run the building and report back to Sound View Beach Association. The realty committee would do the renovations, the books, and the
rental of the hall.
First Selectman Griswold said that the parking lot fund is a town account with proceeds being used to approve the area such as for the sidewalks, flag pole, etc. The funds could be used for any municipal purpose. There is a balance of about $90,000 due to an accumulation of parking lot revenues over the years. This fund could be used for a community center that would benefit not only residents in the beach area, but the whole town. The Board of Finance agrees that those funds should be used for improvements in the area. Selectman Sibley made a motion that the Board of Selectmen endorse the project and would like the Board Of Finance to provide funding in the amount of $20,000 to go toward the building purchase. Selectman Bice seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
c. Library Lane Crosswalk - Approval
A 3-way stop sign at Library Lane seems to be a popular solution to a safety problem. A crosswalk at Library Lane and across Lyme Street would have a positive affect on slowing traffic. Selectman Sibley made a motion to implement a 3-way stop at Library Lane and Lyme Street and the implementation of a crosswalk. Selectman Bice seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
d. District 18 – Zenon Septic System
The Selectmen attended a meeting at the school, which discussed the Zenon septage treatment system. It was reported to have superior operating characteristics. Assistant Building Official John Flower will send a follow up memo outlining his understanding of it.
e. Roche Property
Superintendent David Klein spoke on the Roche property at 47 Lyme Street, which is contiguous to the school property. His first concern was public safety in a congested area. This property might allow a multi-directional driveway to be created for pickup and drop off purposes. Secondly, the property might be used to relocate the parking lot for Center School Staff and, thereby, create future opportunities for additions to Center School. His third consideration was as a central school office location. He feels the property has potential value to the district and the community, but the timing is poor. The district is going into a budget year with a fixed cost of 5.8% for debt service which will make an impact this year. Although Zoning has been supportive, the Historic District Commission
has not because of concerns of traffic congestion, the amount of pavement proposed and the possible changing of the size of the dwelling and/or character of Lyme Street. It has been suggested that perhaps the Board of Finance and the Board of Selectmen should purchase the property that would give the district more time. The estate would like to close on the property by the end of the year. If the district decided to forgo the option to buy the property, the town could sell it to an interested buyer. This will be discussed at the Board of Finance meeting tomorrow.
First Selectman Griswold stated that a possible option for the property would be some of the town hall offices. The town would have to either take a one-year note or use surplus for the acquisition of the property. It could be resold if necessary.
Selectman Sibley made a motion to recommend to the Board of Finance to consider the Board of Selectmen’s unanimous recommendation to proceed with the purchase of the property upon approval at a town meeting. Selectman Bice second the motion but added that the principal reason for doing this is because we believe that what exists now constitutes a safety hazard that is unacceptable and something must be done. If the planning that the district goes through for options finds no other option is feasible, then the Board of Selectmen is in opposition to the view of the Historic District Commission. SO VOTED.
f. I-95 Advisory Committee - Update
The State of Connecticut is working on a 60-mile stretch of I-95 from Branford to the Rhode Island line including 40 interchanges. The advisory committee will be meeting every six months. More information will follow.
5. New Business:
a. Sound View Beach Assoc – Funding Request for the Community Center
Previously discussed under Old Business b. Hartford Ave. Task Force Update
b. Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program - Discussion
The Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program is state and federal monies to help fund various projects. A pedestrian/bicycle lane along Rte. 156 would be desirable for safety reasons. A sidewalk from the Art Association on Lyme Street to the Bess Eaton Donut Shop on Halls Road would provide safety as well as possibly tying into the scenic overlook. First Selectman Griswold will submit applications to the program.
c. District 18 – Veterans Day Recognition
First Selectman Griswold attended a Veterans Day Recognition program at the Middle School auditorium. Congressman Simons was in attendance as well as veterans from Old Lyme and an Honor Guard from the National Guard. There was also a program at the Lyme/Old Lyme High School and Center School. The schools are to be commended.
d. Optical Scan Voting Machine – Cost Savings Realized
The new voting machines the town is now using have eliminated two machine mechanics at a cost savings of $820, seven machine tenders at $728, and four absentee ballot counters at $225 for a total savings of $1773. The results of the vote are tallied much more quickly. Democratic Registrar of Voters Pat McCarthy said they were very pleased. The machines take up very little space for storage.
6. Public Comment:
Eric Fries, a member of the Board of Directors of the Old Lyme Affordable Housing, inquired about the possibility of transferring the property at 102-1 Mile Creek Road to the Old Lyme Affordable Housing Authority. This is a 1.8-acre parcel of land owned by the Town of Old Lyme since 1932. At least one variance will be necessary since it fronts on Mile Creek Road through a 15-foot deeded right of way. Part of the property is in a flood hazard zone adjacent to Black Hall River. Engineer and licensed surveyor Tom Metcalf referred to surveyor Dick Gates to prepare a proposal to support a variance. An A-2 survey is required. There are issues with boundaries and setbacks that will have to be well thought out. A boundary survey would be $2,250, wetlands flagging $325, and a topographical map
would cost $2,000. The Town of Old Lyme’s part of preparing a variance would be about $5,000. There could be an issue about what may have been dumped on the property over time although he did not see any noticeable problems. Selectman Sibley made a motion that the Board of Selectmen recommend to the Board of Finance an expenditure not to exceed $5,000 to pay for the necessary maps and studies proposed on the property at 102-1 Mile Creek Road. Selectman Bice seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Jack Alexander asked what has transpired with regard to high speed Internet access via the SNET route? With Adelphia in bankruptcy, is the Board of Selectmen inclined to give advice to the Cable Advisory Committee about declining to support Adelphia re-franchising in order that Old Lyme may get a company that will offer that service? The Adelphia Advisory Cable Committee is meeting on Thursday, November 21, 2002. First Selectman Griswold said he spoke with the contact at SNET and was assured that a business plan has been submitted for the capital expenditures required to implement the service in the service area. If Adelphia were not to re-emerge from bankruptcy, a different company would be a successor. The Advisory Council may have more knowledge on what clout we have in refranchising.
For the purposes of getting DSL, SNET looks to be the best option. The council is following very closely. First Selectman Griswold stated that the fire chief brought in a document which is called Statewide Fire Rescue Disaster Response Plan from the State Fire Administration. It is a memorandum of understanding regarding the participation in the State of Connecticut Statewide Fire Rescue Disaster Response Plan for emergency support functions. It outlines a mutual aid agreement between the town, the fire chief and the State. Town Attorney Marylin Clarke looked at it and suggested that the town execute this. The Board will look at the agreement and, if in agreement, will sign and send it back to the fire department.
7. Other Business:
None
8. Executive Session:
None
9. Adjournment:
Selectman Sibley made a motion to adjourn at 9:31 P.M. The motion was seconded by Selectman Bice. SO VOTED.
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen Coffee, Clerk
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