Old Lyme Board of Selectmen
Regular Meeting April 7, 2003
The Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, April 7, 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 Bice made a motion to approve the minutes of February 3, 2003, February 26, March 17, 2003, March 27, 2003 and April 1, 2003 as written. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
2. Communications:
a. Old Lyme Ambulance Banquet
The Old Lyme Ambulance Annual Banquet was held at Cherrystones Restaurant. They responded to approximately 230 calls during the year, and First Selectman Griswold thanked the members for all their volunteer hours. The Association has increased its membership.
b. Sound View Parking Lot Owner/Operator’s Letter
First Selectman Griswold read a draft of a letter that will be mailed to the parking lot owners and operators in the Sound View area. The letter states that the Sound View Parking Committee made 15 to 20 recommendations that were adopted by the Board of Selectmen for improving conditions in Sound View. The annual fee for a parking space has increased from $5 to $10 for the 2003 season. The enforcement staff will inspect the permitted parking lots for deficiencies during the summer. The existing permitted lots will be allowed to continue operating subject to the terms and conditions of the parking ordinance even if there is a change in ownership. No new lots will be authorized. One-way traffic patterns or street closings will be implemented by the police as needed. Parking in the town lot will
increase from $8 per weekday to $10, and from $10 per weekend or holiday to $15. Motorcycles will be required to park in designated vehicle spaces rather than clustered and will be charged the same as automobiles. Out-of-state vehicles will be charged the same as in-state vehicles. The minimum charge for a parking violation will increase from $20 to $40. Hartford Avenue will be designated as a tow zone. There is a hearing process for contested tickets. The parking time limit on Hartford Avenue will remain two hours. The parking enforcement staff will inspect coolers to ensure that alcoholic beverages are not brought on the beach. Under age violators will be arrested.
c. Sound View Resident’s Letter
The residents of Swan Avenue, Portland Avenue and Hartford Avenue will also be mailed a letter concerning weekend and holiday congestion, traffic patterns and uniform signage in Sound View, supervision of permitted lots, enforcement against illegal parking lots, beach cleaning and other items. The Board of Selectmen believe these recommendations will improve public health and safety, will control crowds and improve the quality of life in Sound View.
3. Appointments:
a. Resignation of Carole Moore (U) – Lymes Senior Center Board
Carole Moore did not accept her appointment to the Lymes Senior Center Board because of time constraints.
b. Resignation of Gerard LaFleur (D) – Lymes Senior Center Board
Gerard LaFleur will resign from the Lymes Senior Center Board effective June 1 to moving to Florida.
c. Resignation of Brad Ficken (R) Alternate – Board of Finance
Brad Ficken submitted a letter of resignation as a alternate member of the Board of Finance. The Board of Finance will fill the position.
d. Appt. of Sharon Colvin (R) – Reg. Mental Health Bd–2-year Term to Apr 2005.
Sharon Colvin (R) has expressed a desire to continue serving on the Regional Mental Health Board for a 2-year term ending in April, 2005. Selectman Bice made a motion to appoint Sharon Colvin (R) to the Regional Mental Health Board for a 2-year term. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
4. Old Business:
b. Town Woods Park – Resolution of Town’s Issues
At the Old Lyme Town Meeting in January, 2003 the Town of Old Lyme approved funding the Town Woods Park with State grants received by Lyme and Old Lyme in the total amount of $950,000. The grants will be the first money into the project and the remaining costs will be funded 75%-25% by the two towns. Lyme was of the opinion that the State money would be invested in a proportion to the town money allowing $350,000 of the $500,000 to be invested in the first phase and $150,000 for the second phase. However, we might lose the $150,000 if the second phase was not started within a three-year period. Lyme has now agreed to invest its State money in its entirety in the first phase of the project and the balance of the construction will be paid on the 75%-25% basis by the two towns. The Town of Lyme
requested the construction of a pond on the property be added to the memorandum of understanding. This was agreed to on a best-efforts basis depending on the suitability of the pond material for the project. If the permitting were denied by town, State or Federal jurisdiction, that would not impact the progress made on the original proposition of the first phase. If the timing were protracted not allowing permitting to occur in conjunction with the construction of phase one, that would also not have an impact.
Inland-Wetland Officer Ann Brown indicated on a recent outing to the project site that, if the wetlands are impacted by the pond, it will slow the project down because approvals will then be required by the town, the DEP and, perhaps, the Army Corps of Engineers. Digging test holes will be the first step. The pond could be used as an auxiliary water supply to water the fields during a dry summer as well as a skating pond in winter. The liability aspect would have to be carefully considered. The building committee is working with Vollmer Associates on the bid packages.
a. Hartford Avenue Task Force – Final Report (Joseph Camean)
Joseph Camean, Chairman of the Hartford Avenue Revitalization Task Force, gave a brief summary of a report that he submitted to the Board of Selectmen. The report included a proposed Sound View Development District zoning regulation and two suggestions for updating two existing regulations. The goal of the Task Force has been to bring new life to the Sound View neighborhood. The proposed zoning regulation defined the boundaries of the Sound View district, specified permitted and prohibited uses, and set up design standards including building forms and materials, landscaping, signage, lighting and parking and sidewalk requirements. The report also included proposed changes in existing regulations concerning nonconforming lots and the definition of substantial improvement in a flood plain district. He thanked the ten men and women who made up the Task Force and, especially Selectman Tom Bice, Linda Krause and Larrye DeBeare for their time and expertise.
Selectman Tom Bice added his thanks to Larrye DeBeare, Joseph Camean, Bob Pierson, Ted Kiritsis, Linda Krause, Jane Bysko and the entire Task Force. Selectman Bice reported there is activity on Hartford Avenue. The Ocean Spray owners have submitted applications to Zoning for permits to renovate. The El Morocco and the Arcade closed last week and, if they undergo revitalization, that will improve the appearance of the street. Selectman Bice has received calls from developers interested in other parts of the street. The owners of the Ocean Spray said that the property values are going up.
Selectman Bice stated the results of the Task Force are in four parts. Joe Camean’s cover letter has recommendations that does not appear elsewhere. The Sound View Development District language is a proposal for a new zone in Old Lyme. Linda Krause will supply Old Lyme with recommendations on flood plain improvements and improvements on non-conforming lots. There is also a recommendation on noise pollution. These are recommendations that the Board of Selectmen will need to review and revise and submit to Ann Brown, Health Dept, Economic Development Commission, Planning, etc. When they are returned to the Board of Selectmen, the revisions will need to be re-revised. Selectman Bice proposed that a public hearing be held after which the recommendations would be revised again
and would be submitted formally to the Economic Development Commission, WPCA, Planning, etc., to review and revise again. The recommendations would be presented to the Zoning Commission for its approval on May 12, 2003. Selectman Bice feels that the Board of Selectmen should appoint a person in a non-authoritative position who will assist people expressing interest in developing the area to expedite preliminary reviews and to report back to the Board of Selectmen items which deal with town-owned property.
c. DSL via SNET is in Operation
The high speed Internet is available in Old Lyme. First Selectman Griswold read the SNET release which stated that the DSL service is available to more than 1,000 homes and businesses in Old Lyme. Old Lyme residents can call 1-866-SBC-YAHOO or visit sbc.yahoo.com to determine if DSL is available to their homes or businesses.
Selectman Bice asked whether Adelphia would also provide service. First Selectman Griswold answered they will sometime in the future.
d. Refuse Containers - Update
The new refuse containers should be in Old Lyme in mid-April and will be delivered at the end of April and beginning of May. The truck driver will place a chalk mark on the ground where the container should be placed and instructions will be attached to the can.
e. Landfill Closure – Update
The Board of Selectmen met with the consultant Anchor Engineering and discussed possible traffic patterns at the landfill. Paper compactors may be installed soon for newspapers because they have a large capacity and will keep the paper dry. Currently, the paper becomes due to rain and, therefore, the town is charged more. Closing of the landfill is estimated to occur in August, 2006. The bulky waste transfer system may be implemented before that time.
f. “Real Choice” Grant - Update
The Town of Old Lyme is submitting a grant application to be considered as one of three towns in the State that would receive a three-year $25,000 per year grant. The purpose is to focus on the creation and implementation of a clearinghouse outreach effort to provide information and build awareness of our community in how all members, including those with disabilities, can participate in all aspects of community life. A task force will be set up and must include a representative from three of the following: a member from the town, the school, elderly social services, public transportation, public housing, consumer organization that works directly with people with disabilities, persons with disabilities or parents of children with disabilities. Individuals interested in participating are Old Lyme
ADA Coordinator Greg McMahon - director of Self Determination for the State Dept of Mental Retardation; Alison Zack Darrell - Executive Director of High Hopes Therapeutic which deals primarily with children with disabilities; Ellen Maus - represents District #18 as the nursing coordinator at the high school and has a 19-year old child with disabilities; Kay Mannetho - Social Services Coordinator and Director of the Senior Center; Gretchen Knauff - community member who works for the Connecticut Office for the Protection and Advocacy for Persons with disabilities, Joe Elnisky - wheelchair bound with MS and has been a High Hopes rider for 12 years and past member of the town ADA committee for 4 years and wife Sandy Elinsky ; Deb Gray - LYSB Director and First Congregational Church liaison to the Council of Churches, Christine Semenza - behavorial optomotrist and represents LOL Chamber of Commerce; Tom Clements - Veteran and representative to the Cable Advisory Board and
active member of the LOL Lions Club; Tammy Flynn - Florence Griswold Museum public relations and represents the arts organization; Joe and Julie Migliaccio - parents of a child with disabilities. Selectman Sibley made a motion to appoint the task force as listed. Selectman Bice seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
g. Library Lane Crosswalk - Update
The crosswalk at Library Lane will be installed during the month of April, 2003.
5. New Business:
a. Roche Property Committee – Appointment of Members
First Selectman Griswold read a memo concerning the formation of a Roche property committee. The Town of Old Lyme purchased the Roche property, directly across the street from the Old Lyme Town Hall, on February 25, 2003. The property could be sold to District #18, it could be used as an annex for the Old Lyme Town Hall or it could be sold as a single-family residence. The following citizens are appointed to the Roche property committee: Historic District Commission member James Bechtel, CPA John Bysko, builder Robert Chapman, Member of the Board of Education Russ Gomes, First Selectman Timothy Griswold, District #18 Director of Facilities John Rhodes, and Board of Finance Chairman Gail Roth. John Forbis, resident at 43 Lyme Street with an architectural background, will serve as a resource to the committee. The committee will consider the use of the property as a District #18 resource and as a town resource taking into consideration such matters as child safety, impact on Lyme
Street, use as school administrative offices, use as town hall offices, historic district impact, cost of renovation, etc. The committee will be requested to report its findings and recommendations to the Board of Selectmen by June 15, 2003.
Selectman Bice added that, at the town meeting where this purchase was approved, the understanding was that the Board of Selectmen would demonstrate that the current situation constitutes serious public hazard and District #18 would examine all other possible options of their current property for reconfiguring parking. These points need to be addressed before the committee meets.
b. Town Budget – Status
The Board of Finance will meet on Tuesday, April 8, 2003 with final recommendations on the town budget. The hearing is April 21, 2003 and the vote will be in May. If Old Lyme uses $425,000 of the town’s surplus to help next year’s budget, the increase will be ¾ of a mill. If the surplus is not used, the increase will be 1.4 mills. The school has an accumulated surplus and the Town of Old Lyme will benefit $670,000 from that surplus.
c. FEMA Grant for February Blizzard
Towns in Connecticut are eligible to apply for Federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency because of the blizzard on February 17 and 18, 2003. Old Lyme applied for $15,173 that included labor of $7,300, equipment use of $3,000, materials such as salt $4,100, outside contractor $400.
d. Joseph Ensulo – Insurance Coverage Proposal
Town employee Joseph Ensulo is currently on disability with serious medical issues. He is not eligible for Medicare and, because he is on disability, is not eligible for town medical benefits. First Selectman Griswold questioned whether the Board of Selectman might request the Board of Finance to continue Joe’s coverage for medical until April, 2004 at which time he would receive Social Security benefits. The total cost is approximately $6,000. He has worked for the town over 30 years. Selectman Bice made a motion to recommend the Board of Finance provide a bridge of assistance, not to exceed one year, to assistance employees (excluding dependents) with 25 or more continuous years of service to the town who require medical assistance because of their needs. Selectman Sibley
seconded the motion. SO VOTED. Selectman Sibley stated that the town insurance should be reviewed.
e. New Full-Time Staff – David Roberge, Deputy Fire Marshal & Susan Bartlett-Land Use Administrative Assistant
As of April 1, 2003 David Roberge was hired as full-time Deputy Fire Marshal. He starts at an annual compensation of $40,000 and, providing the budget is passed, is due for a 3.75% increase effective July 1, 2003. Also, on April 1, 2003 Susan Bartlett was hired as full-time Land Use Administrative Assistant and starts at an hourly rate of $15.76 which is level N5-3 and is due for an increase of 3.75% effective July 1, 2003. The new rate will be $16.35/hr. Susan is a clerk to the Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals,
and WPCA. She requested her hours be 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., working through the lunch hour making it more flexible to keep the office open throughout the day. She attends Boards and Commission meetings at night. Selectman Bice said that the decision of flexible hours should be okay if approved by Susan’s supervisor, Ann Brown. Selectman Sibley said the first consideration is legality. He questioned whether there is something in the labor laws that prevent employees giving up the lunch hour and having no break. Selectman Sibley also stated that the town hall gets busy at the end of the day when citizens are trying to conduct business before closing hour at 4:00 P.M. A good compromise could be that on the days of the nightly meetings she attends, she could leave
early.
f. Arbor Day April 30, 2003 – Center School Program
April 30, 2003 is Arbor Day and a program is being designing for the Center School students to involve them.
g. National Volunteer Week – April 27 – May 3, 2003
National Volunteer Week is from April 27, 2003 to May 3, 2003. The Board hopes to send a letter to town volunteers in recognition of the week and in appreciation of their work.
h. GIS System
Selectman Bice stated it is important to make a decision whether the town will be using GIS software, etc. versus other plans. He suggested forming an information systems committee that would include people with various expertises to do informal needs assessment, recommend the initial scope of work to be done, and recommend consultants, and/or vendors to do the implementation. After the committee makes the necessary decisions, the town should hire a temporary person to help collect historical data from the various systems and input the data into whatever system that is developed. He further suggested the town install Windows and Office 2000 on the Land Use, Fire, and Health Department computers and that the town have a floating lap top computer available to do the data entry work.
6. Public Comment:
Jack Alexander asked whether Shoreline Sanitation will haul away the old garbage cans. First Selectman Griswold answered that Shoreline will. Mr. Alexander also asked if the CRRA tipping fee was raised from $57.00 to $63.75. First Selectman Griswold answered it will be in FY 2004. Mr. Alexander feels the Board should take an interest in how much cost savings is really going on in CRRA because that is an exorbitant increase.
First Selectman Griswold mentioned that Lyme-Old Lyme High School is sending a number of representatives of the Old Lyme Technoticks to Houston, Texas where NASA will be hosting a super bowl of robotic competition. Lyme-Old Lyme distinguished itself by winning a recent competition in New Hampshire and also won the Chairman’s Award. First Selectman Griswold prepared a proclamation which Russ Gomes, who will be accompanying the students and is a member of the Board of Education, will give to representatives of NASA. The students will also present a poster from the Florence Griswold Museum which they will autograph.
Selectman Bice added that the Chairman’s Award is especially prestigious because only one is given in the United States.
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 9:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen Coffee, Clerk
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