Old Lyme Board of Selectmen
Regular Meeting Monday, November 3, 2003
The Board of Selectmen held a regular meeting at 4:00 P.M. on Monday, November 3, 2003 at Memorial Town Hall Auditorium. First Selectman Timothy Griswold, Selectman Skip Sibley and Selectman Robert Sevieri were present.
Approval of Minutes: October 20, 2003
Selectman Sibley made a motion to approve the minutes of October 20, 2003 as written. Selectman Sevieri seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Communications:
a. CT River Coastal Conservation District – Cert. Of Appreciation
A letter was received from Exec. Director Jane Brawerman of the CT River Coastal Conservation District in recognition of Old Lyme’s contribution and support of the district activities. Old Lyme’s contribution will help the district maintain the services municipalities depend on to balance land use needs with the protection of natural resources.
b. MADD – Donation of Unwanted Vehicles
The Eastern Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving organization has a tow program for unwanted vehicles. Any citizens who would like to donate an unwanted vehicle should contact the MADD program in Gales Ferry, CT.
Appointments:
a. James Bechtel (U)-Regular Member-Historic Dist. Commission-5 Yr. Term to Jan 07
Chairman O’Connell recommended James Bechtel (U) be appointed as a regular member of the Historic District Commission filling the vacancy of Stanley Schuler who recently died. Mr. Bechtel has been an alternate member of the commission. Selectman Sevieri made a motion to appoint James Bechtel as a regular member of the Historic District Commission for a 5-year term ending in January, 2007. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sibley. SO VOTED.
Resignation of John Rafal from the Pension Committee
First Selectman Griswold received a letter of resignation from John Rafal of the Pension Committee stating there would be a conflict of interest if he were a member and submitted a bid to be the financial manager of the fire and ambulance funds.
Old Business:
Town Meeting – Monday, November 3 @ 7:30 P.M. – Middle School Auditorium
The special Town Meeting tonight is to consider the purchase of the Ames property on Whippoorwill Road consisting of approx. 70 acres for the sum of $700,000 of which up to $150,000 will be paid from the town’s Open Space fund and the balance from the town’s unreserved undesignated surplus fund. Steven Ames will also place a 36.9 area parcel into an irrevocable trust, subject to a conservation easement, at no additional cost. Mr. Ames will have a lifetime use of the 36.9 acres during his lifetime and the property will revert to the town upon his death. This property fits into a greenbelt which encompasses the McCulloch and Fairfax properties.
Chamber of Commerce Banner – Gov. Rowland & Lt. Gov. Rell
The Chamber of Commerce banner was taken to the State Capitol by Russ Gomes for Lt. Gov. Rell’s signature to be added to the many other signatures. The banner is ready to be taken to Iraq and given to Old Lyme citizen Cory Gillette who is stationed there.
I-95 Feasibility Study Meeting – Update
At the I-95 Feasibility Study meeting it was learned that plans are still in the design stage for work on interchanges and creating three lanes in each direction from the Connecticut River to the Thames River. The consultant estimated the current cost of the work, excluding environmental litigation and cost of rights of way, is approx. $191 million. The same work from Branford to Rhode Island is estimated to be $782 million. There will be public information meetings in January relative to Old Lyme’s area of the project. Shoreline east, other modes of transportation, and tourism are being discussed.
Town Woods Park - Status
The Town Woods Park Building Committee is meeting on Thursday, November 6 at 8:00 P.M. The most recent discussion has focused on the location of the proposed building. There is no commitment to build a building until the voters approve the plan at the town meetings in Lyme and Old Lyme.
e. Landfill Closure - Status
Engineering work is continuing and the utility is working to put three-phase power on the property so we may have compactors to do the recycling of cardboard and paper. A final design will soon be presented to Zoning after which the discussion will be the cost and decision of when the scale and the transfer station will be constructed.
New Business:
Regional District #18 – Evacuation Exercise
Regional District #18 had a successful evacuation exercise as the students from the Mile Creek School were transported to Lyme. This was done in conjunction with a Millstone emergency event as well as any technological emergency happening.
Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 4, 2003
The Municipal Election will be held at the South End Firehouse on Cross Lane on Tuesday, November 4, 2003 from 6:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. First Selectman Griswold thanked Selectman Sevieri who has now fulfilled the interim period serving as Selectman after the resignation of Selectman Bice.
6. Public Comment:
David Woolley asked about whether there was another meeting scheduled regarding the technology status in the town. First Selectman Griswold stated that a chairman and the formation of a committee will be the next step.
7. Other Business:
Selectman Sibley commented that it is necessary to get the information regarding Town Meetings out to the public. First Selectman Griswold stated there was an article in the DAY newspaper, it was mentioned at the televised Selectmen’s meeting, and the Open Space members have talked about it.
Executive Session:
None
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Selectman Sevieri and seconded by Selectman Sibley to adjourn
the meeting at 4.45 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen Coffee, Clerk
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