Old Lyme Board of Selectmen
Regular Meeting Monday, May 16, 2005 APPROVED
The Board of Selectmen held a regular meeting at 4:00 P.M. on Monday, May 16, 2005 at Memorial Town Hall Auditorium. First Selectman Timothy Griswold, Selectman Skip Sibley and Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder were present.
Approval of Minutes: April 22, 2005
Selectwoman Reemsnyder amended the minutes of April 22, 2005 to correct the spelling of Selectman Sibley’s name under item 7. Other Business. Selectwoman Reemsnyder made a motion to approve the amended minutes of April 22, 2005. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Communications
Memo to Planning re: Lord’s Woods Water Tank
First Selectman Griswold corresponded with Harold Thompson, Chairman of the Planning Commission, regarding the discussion at the last Board of Selectmen’s meeting on ownership for the proposed water tank at Lord’s Woods and the ownership of future water tanks, if they become more common.
Appointments:
None
Old Business:
Abandonment of a Portion of Ben Franklin Road
Selectman Sibley forwarded a letter to the Planning Commission that he received from Ned Pfeiffer who explained that the historical significance of Ben Franklin Road goes back to the earliest stages of Old Lyme linking Old Lyme to other colonial societies to the east along the shore. Mr. Pfeiffer recommended that the road should remain public and not be turned over to abutting landowners. However, if the town does not want to take direct responsibility for the parcel and its historical and cultural resources, Mr. Pfeiffer recommended it should be offered to the Old Lyme Conservation Trust for their protection and preservation. Selectman Sibley said the landowners are asking for an easement. First Selectman Griswold stated that the town does not own the land described as Ben Franklin Road, but is
considering extinguishing the right of way. He will have a conversation with Ned Pfeiffer regarding the archeological value of the land.
Lyme Street Reconstruction Project – Update
Black top and/or concrete is being applied to the driveway aprons on Lyme Street. The final course of pavement will be applied on Wednesday, May 18 and the Library Lane intersection will be finished. Grass seed will be spread between the curbs and sidewalk areas. Some of the sidewalks will be improved. Selectman Sibley suggested improving the sidewalk area between the Firehouse and the Grange. Selectwoman Reemsnyder suggested improving the sidewalk between the Grange and LYSB.
Town Woods Field House – Update
The completion of the field house at Town Woods Park is expected to be this weekend. The Playground Committee approached the Inland-Wetlands Commission concerning the desired placement of the playground that is within 100 ft. of the vernal pool. When the playground decision is made, the landscaping will be completed. The VFW has agreed to assist with the funding of a flagpole near the building.
Church Corner – Possible State/Fed Funding in FY07
First Selectman Griswold received a call from the Regional Planning Agency concerning the possibility of available funds in the 2007 fiscal year that could be applied to the Church Corner project. The maximum amount is $370,000.
Sound View Design District – Update
Selectman Sibley distributed copies of the proposed regulations of the Sound View Design District at a meeting with the Federation of Beaches on April 30, 2005 and to the Planning Commission at a meeting last week. A Zoning public hearing regarding the SVDD will be held on June 27, 2005 at 7:30 P.M. in the Middle School.
Jadon Drive Bus Barn - Discussion
The five-year contract has been signed between District 18 and the First Student Bus Company. Superintendent David Klein indicated that the filtering of the buses would be a costly proposition. There will be a meeting on Monday, May 23, 2005 with Dr. David Brown who is a co-author of a book on diesel fuel. Resident Ted Crosby stated that the Connecticut legislature is presently hearing and creating a bill to deal with diesel emissions specific to school buses.
g. Town Budget Meeting – 7:30 P.M. Monday May 16, 2005 Middle School Auditorium
The annual Town Budget meeting will be held on Monday, May 16, 2005 at the Middle School at 7:30 P.M.
New Business:
ARIA LLC – Offer to Sell 40 Acres
Aria LLC offered to sell to the town 40 acres of land at $10,000 an acre off the Boston Post Road near Stone’s Ranch Military Reservation. The Open Space Committee and the Conservation Commission endorsed the purchase of this land and it will be recommended to the Planning Commission and the Board of Finance. Money from the Open Space account and Old Lyme Conservation Trust would finance the purchase as well as either borrowing or the use of town surplus. Selectwoman Reemsnyder made a motion that the Board of Selectmen recommend the approval of the matter to Planning and, if approved,
recommend it to the Board of Finance and a Town Meeting. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Black Hall Club/Town of OL – Possible Purchase of Adjacent Land to Club
Discussion is going on regarding 41 acres of land owned by the Roger Griswold family that could be purchased by the town together with the Black Hall Club. The land is along the eastern side of Buttonball Road and Route 156.
Rep. Giuliano – Possible Funding for Academy Lane Fire Dock
The office of Representative Giuliano called with the prospect of trying to secure a grant for the Town of Old Lyme to rebuild the Academy Lane fire dock.
d. White Sand Beach Bathroom Facilities - Upgrade
First Selectman Griswold and Selectwoman Reemsnyder visited the White Sand Beach bathroom facilities with Don Bugbee, Director of Park & Recreation, and found them to be lacking in amenities. They have agreed to work to upgrade the fixtures, paint the building and do necessary carpentry work. Don is obtaining anticipated costs for the project from outside vendors. Selectman Sibley stated that, in the future, Don Bugbee will include amounts in his Park & Rec budget to cover facility expenses at White Sand Beach, Haines Park and other locations.
Public Comment:
Kate Abbott, of the newly-formed group called Sound View Business Owners Association, stated they would like to see a sign identifying that there are shops in the Sound View Beach area. The cost of the 3-ft. sign with the fence and mulch and shrubs is estimated to be $800. They want to be a non-profit group so as to be eligible for State grants. Another request is the installation of bathrooms and showers in the town parking lot at the end of Hartford Avenue. First Selectman Griswold stated that would involve big maintenance and would require strict supervision. First Selectman Griswold suggested she contact Don Bugbee for his imput.
Other Business:
Selectman Sibley suggested having promotional materials prepared by the Middle School regarding the recycling. Selectman Sibley proposed having a contest by the students by submitting promotional flyer-type information.
8. Adjournment:
Selectman Sibley made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:22 P.M. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen Coffee
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