Old Lyme Board of Selectmen
Regular Meeting Monday, July 2, 2004
The Board of Selectmen held a regular meeting at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, July 2, 2004 at Memorial Town Hall Auditorium. First Selectman Timothy Griswold, Selectman Skip Sibley and Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder were present.
Approval of Minutes: June 21, 2004
Selectman Sibley made a motion to approve the minutes of June 21, 2004 as written. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Communications:
Susan Bysiewicz, Sec. Of State – Public Service Awards on Sept 9, 2004
Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz informed the Board that a recognition ceremony for volunteer firefighters will be held at the Jorgensen Auditorium on the UCONN campus in Storrs, Ct.
Appointments:
None
Vacancies are available: ADA Representative, Adelphia, Economic Development Commission, Estuary Transit District, Flood & Erosion, Rogers Lake Authority,
WPCA alternate, Zoning alternate, Estuary Council of Seniors
Selectwoman Reemsnyder made a motion to discuss, vote on and add the Gateway Commission to the agenda. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Selectman Sibley made a motion to appoint Mr. Rudolph Bessier to serve as a delegate for a three-year term on the Gateway Commission from July 2004 to July 2007 and Mr. Frederick T. Crosby to serve a three-year term as an alternate on the Gateway Commission from July 2004 to July 2007. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Old Business:
Town Meeting – Sale of Roche Property – Terms of Bid Process
At the Town Meeting on June 28, 2004 the sale of the Roche property for $381,000 to District #18 did not pass. The property is available for public sale for not less than $400,000, terms to be set by the Board of Selectmen. First Selectman Griswold stated that the inground oil tank on the property at 47 Lyme Street must be removed. The contents of the house and barn must be evaluated to be included in the sale or sold separately. The inspection report will be available to prospective buyers. Interested buyers should make appointments to inspect the property. The bids must be received by Monday, August 16, at 2:00 P.M. along with a bank check equal to10 percent of the amount of the bid. The check will not be refundable from the successful bidder. The closing will occur within
45 days after the bid opening. Town Attorney Marylin Clarke will review the terms.
Town Woods Park – Update
The contracts for both the grounds maintenance and the site work have been executed. The Inland-Wetlands Commission rejected the placement of the building within the 100 foot setback from the vernal pool and, as a result, the building site has been moved approximately 60 feet to the right. The Inland-Wetlands Commission will review the revised survey on July 7, 2004 at 5:30 P.M.
Sound View Design District – Update
Selectman Sibley reported that discussion at the SVDD meeting on June 24, 2004 was on permitted use pieces within the draft. Selectman Sibley will ask Mrs. Krause to draw up a revised draft on changes the committee has agreed to and then proceed with the Zoning application.
Info. Technology – GIS Proposal
Selectwoman Reemsnyder read the recommendation from the Information Technology Committee for technology to be used in town hall.
The GIS system for the 2005 fiscal year will cost $38,941 with an annual support maintenance fee of $7,000 for a total of $45,941. The system will be evaluated annually by the Information Technology Committee.
The implementation of an official town hall website will be $5,750 with an annual support maintenance fee of $3,000 for a total of $8,750. This will give the town hall the ability to have ten users. Each department will update information.
The committee will continue to research the windows-based accounting packages for town finance. A proposal and cost estimate should be ready to include in the fiscal year 2006 budget process.
The committee will continue to meet on a regular basis with the goal of developing a viable, comprehensive training program for town hall employees that will offer long-term training with ongoing resources as well as assessment tools for evaluation purposes.
Charlie Delinks, a computer consultant, stated that the committee should look at the Quality Data system used in the Assessor and Tax Departments because he feels they have antiquated techniques. First Selectman Griswold asked if the support maintenance fees of $7,000 and $3,000 would be proportionate if the training program did not start until October. Selectwoman Reemsnyder will get more information on this. Committee member Ted Crosby stated that if we sign up with Sewall for the GIS contract, the town would be given ownership of the data. At present, Sewall owns the data.
e. Thomas Fox Bridge - Update
First Selectman Griswold had a discussion with three members of the Fox family who maintained they followed the State procedure to name an Old Lyme bridge after their father and received their sign in accordance with that process. They are not inclined to change it. They understand why some townspeople are not happy with the outcome and are willing to assist in the changing of the process. First Selectman Griswold wrote to Sen. Ciotto requesting a meeting with him, Sen. Peters, Rep. Giuliano and DOT Commissioner Korta in an attempt to give affected towns advice and consent powers. There will be more information at a future Board of Selectmen meeting.
Lyme Street Reconstruction – Update
Many of the catch basins have been redone on Lyme Street. The road will not be closed. The Dept of Transportation has not given authorization to bid the project.
g. Regional Household Hazardous Waste Facility – Ribbon Cutting
The Regional Household Hazardous Waste facility had an official ribbon cutting ceremony on June 24, 2004. First Selectman Griswold stressed that neighbors should combine items because there is a cost per vehicle to the town.
h. Receipt of FEMA Snowstorm Grant Funds
The town has received $10,082 from FEMA in connection with the December, 2003 snowstorm.
Sound View Parade – Saturday July 3, 2004
The Sound View Parade is scheduled for Saturday, July 3, 2004 at 10:30 A.M.
New Business:
Inauguration of Gov. Rell
First Selectman Griswold reported that the Inauguration of Gov. Rell was a brief but nice ceremony. Gov. Rell will have a cabinet level ethics person.
Plum Island Animal Disease Center – 50th Anniversary Event
First Selectman Griswold was invited to Plum Island Animal Disease Center to be part of the 50th anniversary in becoming the Dept of Agriculture. They have a duel role between Dept of Agriculture and Homeland Security. Plum Island has a significant role in preparing for potential terrorism problems that could have a devastating effect on the agricultural industry.
Estuary Transit District – Proposed Improved Bus Service
The new director of the Estuary Transit District Jim Rhode met with town officials and reported there will be improved bus service with regular routes that will connect with buses in East Lyme and Old Saybrook. From those points, people will be able to get to New London and New Haven via the train in Old Saybrook. It is hoped the buses of the Estuary Seniors will be combined with the Estuary Transit District. The buses will not be age restricted.
Planning Commission – Public/Private Road Workshop
The Board of Selectmen does not have any proprietary interest in the governance of private roads. The Land Use Dept will handle all roads and be responsible for bonds. The Planning Commission will present a recommendation for handling public and private roads.
Probate Court – Meeting with LOL Judges of Probate
There was a meeting with both Lyme and Old Lyme Judges of Probate and the two First Selectmen. There will be a report out in October concerning the proposed consolidation of the number of courts from 123 to 50.
Change of Insurance Carrier to CIRMA
CIRMA, a partner of CCM and a provider of our workmen’s compensation insurance, quoted $79,000 on liability, automobile, and property insurance. The budgeted amount for Old Lyme is $99,000 and a quote from the current carrier is $108,000. The town would be guaranteed the cost would not increase for three years, provided the town’s criteria remained the same. If rates decreased, our rate could go down. We have switched to CIRMA.
Public Comment:
None
Other Business:
Selectman Sibley asked if the STEAP application for Phase II for the Town Woods Park had been submitted. First Selectman Griswold stated that Lyme First Selectman Koch requested STEAP grants of approximately $295,000 for each town. Selectman Sibley would like to schedule a meeting with the attorneys handling the South Lyme Property Homeowners litigation. First Selectman Griswold stated he is working with Town Atty. Marylin Clarke on that matter. First Selectman Griswold stated that the town has funded the firemen’s incentive retirement plan, which replaced the MONY plan.
Executive Session:
None
Adjournment:
Selectman Sibley made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 11:22 A.M. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen Coffee, Clerk
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