Unapproved
Old Lyme Board of Selectmen
Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 18, 2005
The Board of Selectmen held a regular meeting at 4:00 P.M. on Tuesday, January 18, 2005 at Memorial Town Hall Auditorium. First Selectman Timothy Griswold, Selectman Skip Sibley and Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder were present.
Approval of Minutes: January 3, 2005
Selectman Sibley made a motion to approve the minutes of January 3, 2005 as written. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
5.c. Sylvia Peterson – Discussion of Probate Court System
A motion was made by Selectwoman Reemsnyder and seconded by Selectman Sibley to change the order of the agenda to provide for Judge Peterson to be next. SO VOTED.
Probate Judge Sylvia Peterson and Attorney Jane Marsh appeared before the Board of Selectmen to explain the changes in the services and costs in the Connecticut Probate system, especially in small courts such as in Old Lyme, if Probate Judge Administrator James Lawlor’s plan for reorganizing the system goes through. Presently, there are 123 Probate Courts and, under the new plan, those courts would be maintained or divided into three groups: Urban, Local and Modified Probate Courts. Urban Courts would serve a population of 50,000 or more with all expenses paid by Probate Administration funds. Local Courts would serve a population of less than 50,000 and the cost would be shared by Probate Administration funds and the town. The Modified Local Court would be a consolidation of no fewer than
five courts with a population of 10,000 and the Probate Administration fund would pay the costs. Under the new plan, all user fees brought into the court would be sent to Probate Administration that would initially send money back in the amount of $5.00 per head starting in 2007 and the town would be required to contribute $1.00. In the years of 2008, 2009, 2010 Probate Administration would decrease its contribution by $1.00 each year. If the costs of operating the Local Court exceeded $6.00 per head, it is assumed the town would have to pay the overage. Urban and Modified Probate judges would have to be attorneys. Regional judges would help with administration in the larger consolidated courts. Specialty court judges would handle unique cases with special training. Old Lyme would become a Local Court unless Old Lyme was able to consolidate with four other towns to be called a Modified Local Court. At the Local Court, the budget would change from
$3,400 per year to at least $7,500 the first year. Judge Peterson stated that the $7,500 and the money funded by Probate Administration would not be enough to support the Old Lyme Court. In the past our court has supported itself and has contributed $57,000 to Probate Administration. Attorney Jane Marsh added that the plans have not been approved, but the Administrator is very determined it will happen. There is great support for the small Probate Courts serving local citizens. The small towns are being asked to finance the court system. Attorney Marsh stated that she feels the local citizens should be aware of the issues so they can be participants in the legislative system. Selectman Sibley suggested a meeting with Judge Peterson, Attorney Marsh and local citizens who want to voice concerns. He also suggested that First Selectman Griswold correspond with CCM to alert other small towns. First Selectman Griswold stated he
discussed this topic recently with Rep. Giuliano and Sen. Stillman and also discussed this topic at a Regional Selectmen meeting in Old Saybrook.
Communications:
Elizabeth Brouillard – Thanks to Public Works
First Selectman Griswold received a letter from Elizabeth Brouillard thanking the Public Works Department for quickly reinstalling her mailbox that had been knocked down during a recent snowstorm.
Appointments:
Refer to Appointment Recommendation memo Dated January 18, 2005
There was discussion as to whether the town can impose a term for the Fire Marshal. This appears to be the only position that does not have a term. It was agreed First Selectman Griswold would confirm whether or not a term could be imposed. If so, it will apply to the Fire Marshal appointment.
Motion was made by Selectwoman Reemsnyder to table the Adelphia Cable appointments because the terms end in June 2005 and to approve the recommendations for appointments as read earlier from the ADA Coordinator down, with the correction to the Historic District term (Jan 10) and the Fire Marshal term. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sibley. SO VOTED. (Memorandum attached)
Old Business:
a. Information Technology Committee - Update
Selectwoman Reemsnyder reported that the next step is for the Technology Committee to go before the Board of Finance for approval of $18,500 to fully fund the Applied Geographics GIS proposal. An informative GIS and town website demonstration will be provided at the Annual Town Meeting on Monday, January 24, 2005 at 7:30 P.M. in the Middle School cafeteria.
Sound View Community Center – Town Parking Lot Agreement
First Selectman Griswold read a memo that he addressed to Town Attorney Marylin Clarke regarding a request by the Community Center for parking on town-owned property at the town parking lot on Hartford Avenue. The proposed SVDD zoning regulations provide that the parking requirements imposed on small parcel properties may be satisfied by arranging for off-site, off-street parking. The town cannot be permanently bound to provide parking because it must have the flexibility to use the parking lot property for whatever purpose it may choose. The principal concern is whether the town should provide parking for a commercial tenant of a public center. A copy of the memo was sent to Don Bugbee, who is chairman of the parking lot committee, requesting a recommendation.
Rogers Lake Authority – Weed Control Public Meeting
The consultant, who prepared the Rogers lake weed study, provided a three-year estimate for weed control at a recent meeting held by the Rogers Lake Authority. The first year would be a herbicide treatment, the second year would be either herbicide or mechanical treatment and the third year would be a herbicide treatment. The cost ranges between $15,000 and $34,000 per year. The citizens who attended were split between those who favored chemical treatment and those who favored mechanical treatment. The Rogers Lake Authority will hold a meeting on Saturday, June 25, when a larger group of citizens will be able to attend to discuss the issue again.
Formation of Town of Old Lyme Safety Committee
The new safety committee members are David Roberge and Kathy Hall from the Old Lyme Town Hall, Res. State Trooper Todd and another police officer, John Roach and Brian Lorentsen from Public Works, Don Bugbee from Park and Rec, Jane Bysko and Judy Galbo from the Ambulance Department, two members from the Fire Department and one or two members from District #18. Our representative from CIRMA, the insurance company for the Town of Old Lyme, will facilitate the first two meetings and suggested electing officers at the first meeting in February.
Stone Wall Agreement – Timothy & Chris Dennison – 78 Lyme Street
First Selectman Griswold read a draft of an agreement for a stone wall on town property at 78 Lyme Street. The Board of Selectmen of the Town of Old Lyme grants Timothy & Christine Dennison, owners of property at 78 Lyme Street, permission to erect a stone wall in front of their residence at 78 Lyme Street subject to the following conditions:
The Dennisons and their successors are responsible to maintain the stone wall at their expense.
The Dennisons and their successors are responsible to provide insurance for the stone wall and hereby indemnify the town from any and all claims related to the stone wall.
The Dennisons and their successors acknowledge that the stone wall is on town property and that the town has the right to require its removal in the future.
The draft will be sent to Town Attorney Marylin Clarke for her approval.
New Business:
Repair of Landfill Payloader – Recommendation to Board of Finance
Tyler Equipment of Prospect, Connecticut quoted $28,744 for the transmission repair of the payloader at the landfill. They recommended that the town allocate a sum not to exceed $35,000 that would enable other work on the machine, such as brakes, while the machine is there. Tyler has a trade-in payloader from the Town of Southington with 12,000 hours for a cost of $35,000. The Old Lyme payloader could be sold in its present condition at auction. Selectman Sibley suggested that Tyler takes the Old Lyme payloader as a trade-in. The recommendation is to the Board of Finance and to the Town Meeting to authorize the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $35,000 to repair the town’s L90 payloader or to purchase a replacement L90 loader. Selectwoman Reemsnyder made a motion to approve the recommendation to the Board of
Finance and to the Town Meeting. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Rogers Lake Dam Study Expense – Recommendation to Board of Finance
Approximately $97,000 has been set aside in the budget for the study and repair of the dam at Rogers Lake. Jacobson & Assoc., the engineering firm, reported that the study for the dam repair would cost $43,810 and the fishway study portion would be $24,620. If the fishway is included, there will be 100 percent funding from other sources. This topic will be discussed at the Board of Finance meeting.
Town Forum – Wednesday, February 16, 2005?
After discussion on the best month to hold the Annual Town Forum, the end of April was agreed upon by the Board of Selectmen depending on what activities may already be on the town hall calendar. First Selectman Griswold will check the calendar.
Visit to Superior Court
First Selectman Griswold was invited to attend an informational session at the Superior Court in New London. Information was given on Civil Court, Family Court, Juvenile and Criminal Court. Civil Court in New London handles 3,500 cases per year. The Family Court, based in Norwich, is the third busiest in the State of Connecticut. Criminal Court has 600 to 800 cases per year with 23 pending murder cases now.
Public Comment:
None
Other Business:
First Selectman Griswold stated that the Annual Town Meeting is Monday, January 24, 2005 at 7:30 P.M. in the Middle School cafeteria. The agenda will include accepting the Annual Report, Citizen of the Year, and the payloader request as previously discussed.
First Selectman Griswold read the following letter of resolution that he is proposing to send to the underwriter working on behalf of Old Colony Beach for bonding. The Board of Selectmen met on January 18, 2005 and passed the following resolution. The appropriation and bond authorization in the amount of $260,000 was approved at the annual association meeting of the Old Colony Beach Association held on the 8th of January, 2005 for engineering, surveying, permitting, insurance costs and administrative fees in connection with the completion of the Sheffield Brook piping project. The piping will travel down Gorton Avenue to approximately 100 feet south of the Brougel property where it will connect to an existing open stream. There will also be road improvements to Gorton Avenue between Rte.
156 and Maple Avenue, and to Brookside Road from Rte. 156 to the Brougel property that includes regrading and installation of storm drains. First Selectman Griswold quoted Section 7-372 of the Connecticut General Statutes. There will be no financial obligation on the part of the town in connection with this authorization. Selectman Sibley made a motion to approve the resolution as read by First Selectman Griswold. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Intell-Energy, working on behalf of CL&P, inspected the lighting in the town buildings to determine if a grant of 75% of the cost to upgrade the lighting could be obtained from CL&P. After the survey, the results were that the municipal buildings were eligible at the 75 % level, the Boughton Road Fire Station at a 63% grant, and the Lyme Street Station at 47 %. The total job to do all the lighting in all the buildings including all new fixtures would be $31,029. The town would pay $9,930 and CL&P would pay $21,100. These grants were approved and the town needs to make a commitment by the end of the month. First Selectman Griswold recommends to the Board of Finance to expend an amount not to exceed $10,000 to do the lighting upgrade. Selectman Sibley made a motion to recommend to
the Board of Finance an amount not to exceed $10,000 to accomplish the lighting upgrades. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Selectman Sibley reported that Attorney Mark Branse will have a report regarding the SVDD before the next Selectmen’s meeting in February.
Selectman Sibley stated that the Town Woods Fundraising Committee is finishing three letters that will be mailed out soon in Old Lyme and Lyme. A budget of $2,500 total will be needed for the mailing, even though Brian Cole of Quality Printers has donated his design time and other work at cost. The cost may be divided between Lyme and Old Lyme and checks could be made out to Town of Lyme and/or Town of Old Lyme.
The next Board of Selectmen’s meeting on February 4, 2005 will be rescheduled to Friday, February 18, 2005 at 3:00 P.M.
Executive Session:
None
Adjournment:
Selectwoman Reemsnyder made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:05 P.M. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen Coffee, Clerk
MEMORANDUM
DATE: 18 January 2005
TO: Board of Selectmen
FROM: Timothy C. Griswold, First Selectman
SUBJECT: Appointment Recommendations for Boards/Commissions
Board/Commission Term(expires) Incumbent Party Option Recommendation
Adelphia Cable Adv. 2 yrs (Jun 07) VACANT R, D or U Vacant
2 yrs (Jun 07) VACANT (Clements (R) R, D or U Vacant
ADA Coordinator 1 yr (Jan 06) VACANT R, D or U Brian Kyle (R)
Comm.on Aging 3 yrs (Jan 08) Phyllis Shepard-Tambini(R) D, R, U Shepard-Tambini (R)
3 yrs (Jan 08) Kelli Boothman (R) D, R, or U Boothman (R)
3 yrs (Jan 08) VACANT (Manley (R) D,R,U Diane Simpson (R)
Assessor 2 yrs (Jan 07) Walter Kent N/A Walter Kent
Conservation Comm 3 yrs (Jan 08) Michael Silberberg D, R, U Silberberg (U)
3 yrs (Jan 08) VACANT(Conniff (D) D, R, U Tom Sherer (D)
Conservation Alternate 1 yr (Jan 06) David McCulloch(D) D,R, or U McCulloch (D)
1 yr (Jan 06) Tom Sherer(D) D,R,U Martha Rumskas (R)
1 yr (Jan 06) George James (R) D,R,U James (R)
CRERPA 2 yrs (Jan 07) Alan Bayreuther (U) D, R, U Bayruether (U)
(must be appointed by Planning Commission by Jan 2005)
Economic Dev. Comm. 5 yrs (Jan 10) John Stratton (R) D, R, U Stratton (R)
5 yrs (Jan 10) VACANT D,R,U Frank Oliveira (R)
5 yrs (Jan 09) VACANT (Petrillo R) D,R,U Vacant
Emergency Management 2 yrs (Jan 07) David Roberge n/a Roberge
Estuary Transit District 4 yrs (Feb 09) John Forbis (D) D,R,U Forbis (D)
Fire Marshal 2 yrs (Jan 07) David Roberge (acting) Roberge
Flood & Erosion Control 2 yrs (Jan 06) VACANT D, R, U Vacant
Harbor Management 4 yrs (Jan 09) Michael Moran (R) D ,R,U Moran (R)
4 yrs (Jan 09) Charles Delinks (R) D,R,U Delinks (R)
4 yrs (Jan 09) Robert Doyen (D) D,R,U Doyen (D)
4 yrs (Jan 06) VACANT (Yuknat R) D,R,U Michael Magee (U)
Harbor Alternate 4 yrs (Jan 09) David Zita (D) D,R,U Zita (D)
4 yrs (Jan 08) Michael Magee (U) D,R,U Vacant
Historic District Comm 5 yrs (Jan 10) Kenneth Levin( R) D, R, or U Levin (R)
Historic Alternate 3 yrs (Jan 08) Elizabeth Chamberlain (R) D, R, or U Chamberlain (R)
Inland Wetlands 3 yrs (Jan 08) David McCulloch (D) D,R,U McCulloch (D)
3 yrs (Jan 08) Janet Bechtel (U) D,R,U Bechtel (U)
3 yrs (Jan 08) Martin Griswold (R) D,R,U Griswold (R)
3 yrs (Jan 07) Carl Kotzan (U) D,R,U Agnes O’Connor (D)
Wetlands alternate 3 yrs (Jan 08) Agnes O'Connor (D) D,R,U Donald Willis (R)
3 yrs (Jan 07) VACANT D,R,U Robert Linde (U)
Open Space 1 yr (Jan 06) Ted Crosby (R) D, R or U Crosby (R)
1 yr (Jan 06) Blair Hoxby (R) D, R, or U Hoxby(R)
1 yr (Jan 06) Evan Griswold (R) D, R, or U Griswold (R)
1 yr (Jan 06) Jennifer Hillhouse (R) D, R, or U Hillhouse (R)
1 yr (Jan 06) George James (R) D, R, or U James (R)
1 yr (Jan 06) D. A. Johnson (R) D, R, or U Johnson (R)
1 yr (Jan 06) Connie Kastelowitz (R) D, R, or U Kastelowitz (R)
1 yr (Jan 06) Ted Kiritsis (R) D, R, or U Kiritsis (R)
1 yr (Jan 06) David McCulloch(D) D, R, or U McCulloch (D)
1 yr (Jan 06) VACANT(Tolchinski (R) D, R, or U
Vacant
Parks & Recreation 3 yrs (Jan 08) Glynn McAraw(R) D, R, or U McAraw (R)
3 yrs (Jan 08) Robert Dunn (R) D, R, or U Dunn (R)
3 yrs (Jan 08) Roger Zito (R) D,R,U Zito (R)
Pension Committee 3 yrs (Jan 08) John Bysko (R) D,R,or U Bysko(R)
Planning Alternate 1 yr (Jan 06) Robert Pierson(R) D, R, or U Pierson (R)
1 yr (Jan 06) Alan Bayreuther (U) D, R, or U Bayreuther (R)
1 yr (Jan 06) Nancy Strohla (R) D, R, or U Strohla (R)
Regional Mental Health 2 yrs (April 07) VACANT(Colvin (R) D, R, U Vacant
Rogers Lake Authority 3 yrs (Jan 08) Roger Breunig (R) R, D, or U Breunig (R)
Shellfish 3 yrs (Jan 08) David Redfield (R) R,D,U Redfield (R)
Social Services Coordinator 2 yrs (Jan 07) Kay Mannetho N/A Mannetho
Tree Commission 3 yrs (Jan 08) Joanne DiCamillo (U) D, R, or U DiCamillo (U)
3 yrs (Jan 08) Pat Moll (R) D,R,U Moll (R)
Tree alternate 1 yr (Jan 06) Joan Flynn (U) D,R,U Flynn (U)
1 yr (Jan 06) VACANT D, R, U Vacant
Tree Warden 1 yr (Jan 0r) Thomas Degnan (U) D, R, or U Degnan (U)
WPCA 4 yrs (Jan 09) Luisa Grogan (D) D,R,U Grogan (D)
4 yrs (Jan 09) Roger Breunig (R) D,R,U Breunig (R)
4 yrs (Jan 09) Mervin Roberts (R) D,R,U Roberts (R)
WPCA Alternate 4 yrs (Jan 09) Stephen Dix (R) D,R, or U Dix (R)
4 yrs (Jan 06) VACANT D, R, or U Vacant
Zoning Alternates 1 yr (Jan 06) Steven Ames (D) D, U Ames (D)
1 yr (Jan 06) John Johnson (R) R, D, or U Johnson (R)
1 yr (Jan 06) Howard Tooker (R) R, D, or U Tooker (R)
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