Old Lyme Board of Selectmen
Regular Meeting Monday, December 20, 2004
The Board of Selectmen held a regular meeting at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, December 20, 2004 at Memorial Town Hall Auditorium. First Selectman Timothy Griswold, Selectman Skip Sibley and Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder were present.
Approval of Minutes: December 6, 2004
Selectwoman Reemsnyder recommended changing the word send to sent on pg. 2 b – Lyme Street Reconstruction Update, line 4. Selectwoman Reemsnyder made a motion to approve the amended minutes of December 6, 2004. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Communications:
Old Lyme Affordable Housing – Seeks Donations of Land
The Board of Selectmen received a letter from the Old Lyme Affordable Housing requesting that if anyone has excess land they wish to donate in a tax deductible-type of transaction, the Affordable Housing Corporation would welcome the land as a site for a future home. Contact people are Les Reynolds and Peter Manley.
Adams Builders, Inc. – Acceptance of Olivia Lane
Mr. Adams of Adams Builders Inc. has requested that the town accept Olivia Lane as a road in the new subdivision East Shore Point off Bailey Road. The process requires the planning engineer to review the road construction as well as the approval of the Planning Department, the Board of Selectmen and a vote at the Annual Town Meeting on the fourth Monday in January.
Robert Chapman – Request to Purchase lots in Rogers Lake West Shore Area
Robert Chapman has requested that the town consider selling him a number of small parcels in the Rogers Lake West Shore area. First Selectman Griswold suggested that the Planning Commission consider what alternate use there may be for the property. If none, an appraisal of the property should be done at the purchaser’s expense. Approval by the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance and citizens at a Town Meeting will be necessary.
Selectman Sibley noted that two of the parcels are not attached to Mr. Chapman’s family member pieces and should be considered for affordable housing. First Selectman Griswold stated that abutters should be notified to see if they have interest in the land.
Estuary Council of Seniors – Election of Connie Cliffe and Angela Lufkin to Board
Old Lyme citizens Connie Cliffe and Angela Lufkin have been appointed to the Estuary Council of Seniors in Old Saybrook. The estuary is involved with the Old Lyme nutrition program at the Senior Center, the Meals on Wheels Program, and is involved with part of the Old Lyme senior transportation network.
Appointments
John Forbis (D) - Estuary Transit District – 4 Yr. Term to Feb 05
Selectwoman Reemsnyder made a motion to appoint John Forbis (D) to the Estuary Transit District for a 4-year term expiring in February, 2005. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Status of January Appointments
First Selectman Griswold reported that almost all of the responses from those who are currently serving on boards or commissions have been returned. Lists of those who wish to serve have been distributed to the two town committees. Appointments will be made on January 18, 2005. There are approximately 150 citizens who volunteer for boards and commissions of which 50 to 60 citizens’ terms will expire in January 2005.
4. Old Business:
Revaluation Hearings
Vision Appraisal heard from approximately 12 percent of the Old Lyme property owners about the revaluation notices. There will be an opportunity in February, 2005 for property owners to make appointments with the Board of Assessment Appeals, if they wish. If the decision is still not acceptable to the landowner, the ultimate recourse is to go to court. Previously, revaluation was on a 12-year cycle that started in 2000. A statistical revaluation was to be conducted in 2004 and 2008 when Vision Appraisal Company would look at sales in the town and basically deduce from those sales how different neighborhoods were appreciating. The overall increase throughout the town was 68 percent. If one’s revaluation notice indicated equal or less than 68 percent, taking the current tax situation, the taxes would
be less. If greater than 68 percent, the taxes would be more. The State of Connecticut has since revised the schedule for revaluation from a 12-year cycle to a 10-year cycle. The revaluation process is to apportion the tax burden amongst the homeowners and property owners of Old Lyme.
Lyme Street Reconstruction – Update
Paving on Lyme Street will be done in April during the school vacation. Prior to that time, the catch basins will be adjusted and the remaining curb work will be done around the catch basins. The contractor has been informed that the granite curbs that are temporarily stored on the library property must be moved to another location.
Information Technology Committee – Update
Selectwoman Reemsnyder reported that the town hall is on line at www.oldlyme-ct.gov and the website lists boards and commissions, town information, highlights for ongoing events, etc. Discussion at a recent Information Technology Committee meeting concerned GIS bids for proposal from three companies. The committee narrowed it down to two companies that are capable and user friendly. Following the selection of a GIS provider, the next step will be to consider a new financial package. First Selectman Griswold asked if it were possible to get an idea of the magnitude of the costs for budgeting purposes. Selectwoman Reemsnyder responded that it would be a good idea to schedule presentations in January and February.
Town Woods park Building – Update
First Selectman Griswold recommended that citizens visit the park to view the new field house. Focus will now be on the interior of the building. Completion is scheduled for no later than March 15, 2005. The Building Committee reported that the budget for the operating costs of field maintenance is in good shape. The capital budget for constructing the building is projecting a carryover from Phase I of $135,000 to $140,000. The signage will be put up in the spring. A building dedication ceremony will take place in March, 2005. Selectman Sibley reported that there would be a series of letters being mailed in January to solicit funds for furniture, kitchen equipment, etc. The playground committee is selling bricks as a fundraiser and the playground equipment will be installed in the
spring.
Sound View Design District – Update
Selectman Sibley reported that the SVDD materials have been turned over to the Zoning Commission attorney. The attorney estimates it will take approximately 20 hours (at $145.00/hr) to complete an application to Zoning. Selectman Sibley made a motion that the Board of Selectmen authorize up to $3,000 to be paid to Mark Branse of Branse & Willis for the purpose of refining this regulation so that it may be presented to Zoning in February, 2005. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. First Selectman Griswold stated the request should fit in the Selectmen’s legal line. SO VOTED.
New Business:
Town Audit – Review by Kostin, Ruffkess & Co.
First Selectman Griswold stated that, at the Board of Finance meeting, the FY 2004 town audit was reviewed. The remarks from the accountant were favorable. There is a surplus of $2,380,000 which represents 9 ½ percent of the budget for this year. The tax collection rate is 98%. Money has been put into capital funds for revaluation, landfill closure, and land acquisition. The only debt is the library bond of $500,000. District #18 debt is a contingent liability. The town is in good financial shape with a decent surplus, good collection rate and funding for various future capital programs on a yearly basis. The new budget deliberations will begin in February, 2005.
Household Hazardous Waste Facility Resolutions
The Household Hazardous Waste Facility located in Essex serves nine towns. This year was the first year of operation and was successful. Ralph Eno from Lyme is the person who runs it when the actual collections occur. There were 18 collections during the summer. In an effort to utilize the facility better, there are two concepts listed below.
To Accept Small Quantity Generator Waste
The Essex facility could receive waste from small quantity generators, such as small painting companies, that would have residual hazardous waste. These small companies could help fund the basic cost of the collection day. They may now be using an expensive way to dispose of the waste through the commercial sector.
To Allow Additional Towns to Join
Nine towns are the initial members, but one or two more towns could be approved to join and help defray the cost of operations. The new towns would have to reimburse the system for the costs of constructing the facility. Those funds would go into a sinking fund for future improvements that will be required down the line.
Selectman Griswold read two resolutions regarding the above items for the Board of Selectmen to consider. Selectman Sibley made a motion to accept the small quantity generator waste resolution as read by First Selectman Griswold. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Selectwoman Reemsnyder made a motion to accept the resolution to allow additional towns to join as read by First Selectman Griswold. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Connecticut East – Tourism District Meeting
First Selectman Griswold recently attended a breakfast for municipal CEO’s and legislators concerning Connecticut East, a non-profit organization encompassing five tourist districts that include 42 towns. Their interest is destination marketing for this portion of the state. They distribute Mystic Places and Quiet Corner. Tourism in this area is a 10 billion-dollar industry and employs 13.4 percent of our citizens. The organization makes the point that funding marketing is very important, even in lean economic times. There was discussion on the room occupancy tax that generates approx. 70 million dollars and goes to the general fund. They are hoping that 2 percent of that 12 percent tax would be used for marketing. Connecticut ranks 45th in per
capita spending for tourism. Much focus has been on the New York market. Selectman Sibley remarked that some of the 70 million dollars that is generated should go to the DOT to improve I-95 to accommodate cars to encourage tourism in southeast Connecticut.
Tribute to Karl Kotzan – Inland Wetlands Member
Members of the Inland Wetlands Commission presented Karl Kotzan with a placque at a ceremony recognizing him for 30 years of dedicated voluntary service. First Selectman Griswold read his remarks that were given at the ceremony.
Public Comment:
None
Other Business:
Selectman Sibley thanked Chief Rob McCarthy, Skip Beebe and other firemen for inviting the Selectmen to their Christmas party.
Executive Session:
None
Adjournment:
Selectwoman Reemsnyder made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 P.M. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen Coffee, Clerk
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