Old Lyme Board of Selectmen
Regular Meeting January 6, 2003
The Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, January 6, 2003 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 December 16, 2002 as written. Selectman Bice seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
2. Communications:
a. Atty. Gen. Blumenthal – Clean Air Act
Atty. Gen. Richard Blumenthal wrote a letter asking for the Selectmen’s consideration to join his legal challenge of the proposed changes to the Federal Clean Air Act Regulations. First Selectman Griswold stated that, since the Selectmen did not have enough opportunity to discuss the matter, he would investigate and obtain more information before signing the letter of intent.
b. National Maritime Foundation – Funding Request
The National Maritime Foundation is requesting financial support from various towns in the area for the coming visit of the SS John W Brown, the last surviving liberty ship in operation on the East Coast. First Selectman Griswold stated that the Town of Old Lyme does not have funds of this sort other than miscellaneous. He will check with personnel from the Coast Guard for more information.
c. Hon. Nick Mullane – Anti-casino Resolution
A letter was received from North Stonington First Selectman Nick Mullane concerning whether or not neighboring towns would pass a resolution stating that the town opposes the expansion of casinos anywhere in the State of Connecticut and would support legislation proposed by the Connecticut Attorney General and the Connecticut Alliance Against Casino Expansion to ban casino nights. First Selectman Griswold said that if the Board of Selectmen thinks this is worthwhile, he would check with Old Lyme Town Atty. Marylin Clarke about circulating a resolution.
d. Letter to District #18 – Anthem Demutualization
First Selectman Griswold sent a letter to the Chairman of the Board of Education Lynn Fairfield-Sonn and Superintendent David Klein concerning Anthem demutualization proceeds in which he stated that the insurance commissioner and the company set up criteria which, if met, the state proceeds would be vested with the employer. If the criteria were not met, the proceeds would go to the employees. Mr. Klein indicated that there was an arbitration award in Ansonia, Ct. that ruled in favor of sharing the proceeds with the employees who paid part of the premiums.
3. Appointments:
a. January Appointments
Motion was made by Selectman Bice and Selectman Sibley and seconded by Selectman Bice and Selectman Sibley to appoint the names on the attached recommendation list to the indicated Boards and Commissions. SO VOTED.
b. Town Woods Building Committee
Selectman Sibley recommended adding Maggie Ward’s name to the Town Woods Building Committee. She is Business Manager at the Williams School where a construction project, including athletic fields, was recently completed. He also recommended Phil Neaton, superintendent at Black Hall Club and Bob Dunn.
Selectman Bice made a motion to expand the Town Woods Building Committee to nine members with the additions of Robert Dunn, Maggie Ward and Philip Neaton. Seconded by Selectman Sibley. SO VOTED.
4. Old Business:
a. Reg. Dist. School Governance – Committee Recommendations
The Regional District School Governance Bipartisan Committee’s financial report listed four conclusions: 1) Do nothing. 2) First Selectman would be an ex-officio member. 3) Establish an Advisory Regional Board of Finance. 4) Set up a Regional Board of Finance. Senator Melodie Peters stated this report would be examined by a variety of committees of the legislature. Senator Peters and Representative Guiliano will keep the Board apprised of new information. Selectman Bice suggested advising the Senator and the Representative as to where the Board stands on this issue. First Selectman Griswold stated that it could be brought up at the leadership meeting of District #18 Board. Selectman Bice also suggested discussing the topic between the Towns of Lyme and Old Lyme and come up with a
creative satisfactory alternative.
b. Towns Woods Park - Update and Future Steps
Vollmer Associates wants to meet with the Town Woods Park committee soon. According to OPM, any expenses that the towns incur after the grants were approved are eligible for grant payment. One of the questions discussed at the Annual Town Meeting will be regarding the two towns merging on this project. Once the specifications are agreed upon between Vollmer and the committee, there will be a bid process. Construction will commence in the spring. The Lyme appraisal figure is not available at this time. Lyme First Selectman Koch will check on this.
c. Affordable Housing – 102-1 Mile Creek Road - Update
The Board of Finance approved appropriating $6,000 to the Affordable Housing line in the budget which would fund a survey, a topographical map and wetlands flagging as well as an environmental review which has been performed. The environmental firm recommended doing limited testing on the property. If the cost exceeds $6,000, the Affordable Housing Inc. has volunteered to pay the over amount. Eric Fries will
give the approval for the soil scientist to proceed with the second stage. This activity should be completed within a month. The next step would be completing a ZBA application for the entryway variance. Turning the property over the Affordable Housing
would require a Town Meeting.
d. Library Lane Stop Signs & Crosswalk - Reminder
First Selectman Griswold reminded residents that the Board of Selectmen approved the installation of stop signs and a crosswalk on Lyme Street at Library Lane. Initially, battery operated lights will be used to alert citizens until pedestrians and motorists become accustomed to the changes. Selectman Bice asked whether discussion was held on this situation between the Fire Dept. and police. First Selectman Griswold will check with Trooper Todd to see if this was carried out.
e. Revised Board of Selectmen Meeting Schedule
First Selectman Griswold distributed a revised Board of Selectmen meeting schedule. The previous schedule listed conflicting dates with either the Board of Finance or the Board of Education.
5. New Business:
a. Visit with Senator Melodie Peters
Senator Melodie Peters visited the town hall and discussed the I-95 activity including toll booths. She will try to provide information regarding what funding the State would lose by imposing tolls and the cost of constructing tollbooths with easy pass, etc. There was also discussion on the State budget especially the impact on the Town of Old Lyme ($90,700 cutback). Sen. Peters favors the resolutions that have been passed by regional planning agencies regarding unfunded mandates. Sen. Peters asked whether there are any additional State parcels in Old Lyme that might be acquired for open space. She is willing to work hard to keep the open space funding in tact.
b. Refuse Container Video
First Selectman Griswold congratulated Russ Gomes for taking the initiative to make a video regarding the new trash containers. The video shows the size of the containers, how they will be positioned on the street, and how they can be moved easily. Adelphia Cable will show the video on TV at a later date. The containers will be delivered to residents in April, 2003. They are now on display in the town hall and will be on display in the library. Selectman Bice suggested putting the containers on display at the Old Lyme Marketplace.
6. Public Comment:
Selectman Bice noted that the Hartford Avenue Task Force would be concluding activities before May, 2003.
First Selectman Griswold stated that the Sound View Parking Committee is meeting on Thursday, January 9, 2003. Draft letters regarding parking lots permit fees will be going out to the parking lot owners and residents to review and review the minutes.
7. Other Business:
None
8. Executive Session:
None
9. Adjournment:
A motion was made by Selectman Bice and seconded by Selectman Sibley to adjourn at
8:35 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen Coffee, Clerk
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