Proclamation – Kristen Cody – Girl Scout Gold Award
Selectwoman Reemsnyder read the Board of Selectmen’s proclamation that congratulated Kristen Cody who received the Girl Scout Gold Award. This achievement is the highest award in Girl Scouting and was last given to a Girl Scout in Old Lyme in 1993.
Approval of Minutes:
Selectwoman Reemsnyder made a motion to approve the minutes of July 5, 2005. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Communications:
George Anderson – Lyme Street & Town Woods Park
First Selectman Griswold received a letter from resident George Anderson expressing how pleased he was regarding the Lyme Street project and the Town Woods Park.
Letter to EPA Regarding Clean School Bus USA Grant (Emissions)
First Selectman Griswold read a letter in support of the grant which District #18 is submitting to the EPA in an attempt to obtain funding for the filtration of the 23 school buses. District #18 and the town would like to switch to ultra low sulfa diesel fuel. The letter will accompany the grant application to the EPA. Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that it is anticipated the grant will be between $200,000 to $300,000.
Appointments:
Adelphia Cable Advisory Council – Brian Kyle (R) – 2 Yr. Term to June 2007
Selectman Sibley made a motion to appoint Brian Kyle (R) to a 2-year term on the Adelphia Cable Advisory Council to June 2007. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Old Business:
a. Lyme Street Reconstruction Project - Update
The misaligned concrete panels have been leveled on Lyme Street. Ongoing sidewalk work is being completed in the ice cream shop and library areas. Selectman Sibley asked about drainage work on Beckwith Lane. First Selectman Griswold answered that one area on the south side of the street that needs attention. John Roach of Public Works will put in a dry well or a small catch basin.
Halls Road Sidewalk – Completed
The Halls Road sidewalk has been completed. Selectman Sibley was concerned about painting the curbing on the new sidewalk for safety.
Town Forum – July 20 7:30 P.M., M/S Auditorium – Church Corner
First Selectman Griswold reminded the residents that a Town Forum would be held in the Middle School Auditorium on July 20, 2005 at 7:30 P.M. Certain chairmen of Boards and Commissions as well as certain employees will talk about their areas of responsibility. The Church Corner Committee’s presentation will show the current plan for the Church Corner.
Church Corner – Recommend $15,000 Appropriation for Engineering
First Selectman Griswold stated that in order to get State/Federal funding, it is necessary to work on engineering plans for the Church Corner and submit the plans to the DOT for evaluation. To create the detailed plans for approval by the DOT, it is estimated that $15,000 would be needed for engineering costs. Selectman Sibley made a motion that the Board of Selectmen recommends to the Board of Finance the appropriation of $15,000 for the purpose of engineering for the Church Corner. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Darian Sheffield – Offer to Purchase Town Land
Resident Darian Sheffield is seeking to purchase 153 square feet of town land on Four Mile River Road to make his lot compliant for Zoning. Selectman Sibley reported that Mr. Sheffield applied at one time to ZBA and was denied, but that the reasons for denial have probably been corrected. Selectman Sibley recommended that Mr. Sheffield apply again to ZBA and, if denied again, he could appear before the Board of Selectmen to request to purchase the land from the town. First Selectman Griswold will communicate this information to Mr. Sheffield.
New Business
Rep. Giuliano – Bus Pollution Funding
First Selectman Griswold met with Rep. Marilyn Giuliano and a representative from the DEP to discuss, among other topics, funding for the filtration system for the Old Lyme school buses.
Homeland Security Grant – Board of Selectmen Authorization
Last year and this year the State of Connecticut and FEMA awarded grant money to the town. The Board of Selectmen needs to pass resolutions for 2004 and 2005 that would authorize the First Selectmen to execute a memorandum of understanding regarding grant money. The grant money in 2004 was by the Department of Public Safety and 2005 is Department of Homeland Security. Selectman Reemsnyder made a motion to authorize First Selectman Griswold, on behalf of the Town of Old Lyme, to execute a memorandum of understanding for 2004 and 2005. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED. Town Clerk Irene Carnell will prepare the resolutions for 2004 and 2005.
Selectman Sibley made mention of grant money of $118,000 received by First Selectman Eccard of Waterford that will be shared with neighboring towns, including Old Lyme.
Open Space Recommendation – Black Hall Woods LLC
At the Open Space Committee meeting, a proposal was considered in which the Town of Old Lyme and the Black Hall Club together would acquire 41 acres of land near the Black Hall Golf Course on Buttonball Road and Rte. 156. The Open Space Committee listened to a presentation and was favorably impressed with the prospect of the land becoming open space. This property is near other open space land. The Open Space Committee decided unanimously to pursue acquiring the property.
d. Mid Summer Festival and Town Band Concert/Fireworks
The annual Mid Summer Festival will be held on Friday and Saturday, July 29 and July 30, 2005. A concert will be held on the lawn of the Florence Griswold Museum on Friday night. On Saturday morning, the Lyme Academy, Florence Griswold Museum, and the Lyme Art Association will have activities. In the evening, the town band will have its 30th anniversary concert behind the Middle School followed by fireworks.
e. Veterans’ Services Officer in Town Hall 1st. Wed. of Month Noon to 3:00 P.M.
A representative from the State Veterans’ Organization will be in the Old Lyme Town Hall on the first Wednesday of the month from noon to 3:00 P.M. and will be available to help veterans with any needs and to answer veterans’ questions.
Public Comment:
Jack Alexander referred to a letter he had sent to the Board regarding non-uniformities in appraisals by Vision Appraisal (the town’s revaluation firm) in the Lord’s Meadow development. He asked if there was anything that could be done about the lack of uniformity in the appraisal data he supplied. Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that she is withholding responding until she acquires more information from other sources. First Selectman Griswold said there should be a discussion with the Board of Assessment Appeals about the methods used. Mr. Alexander suggested a quality control check on the appraisals by someone who is independent of the Board of Assessment Appeals. Selectman Sibley suggested that Mr. Alexander obtain an independent appraisal done on his property for comparison.
Other Business:
Selectman Sibley reported that the Sound View Village District was on the Zoning agenda for July 11, but it came to the floor very late in the evening. Another Zoning meeting will be held on July 25 and the SVVD is the only item on the agenda.
Adjournment:
Selectman Sibley made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:38 P.M. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen Coffee, Clerk
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