The Board of Selectmen held a regular meeting at 7:30 P.M. on Tuesday, September 6, 2005 at Memorial Town Hall Auditorium. First Selectman Timothy Griswold, Selectman Skip Sibley and Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder were present.
Approval of Minutes: August 1, 2005
Selectman Sibley made a motion to approve the minutes of August 1, 2005 as written.
Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Communications:
Ltr. To Robert Genuario, OPM - $20,000 STEAP Grant for Playground
First Selectman Griswold summarized a thank you note he sent to Robert Genuario, Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, for the $20,000 STEAP grant the Town of Old Lyme received for the Town Woods playground.
Ltr. To Lynn Fairfield-Sonn – Desig. Of Mark Diebolt as Union Negot. Observer
A letter was sent to Lynn Fairfield-Sonn, Chairman of the Board of Education, informing her that Mark Diebolt of the Board of Finance has agreed to represent the town when the school and the two bargaining units start negotiations this fall. As the Old Lyme representative, Mr. Diebolt cannot play an active role in the negotiations, but he can relate input from the town as well as report information from the executive session to the Boards of Selectmen and Finance.
Ltr. To David Klein – Crossing Guard
A letter was sent to Superintendent David Klein in reference to the hiring of Salvatore Lentine of Niantic as the crossing guard on Lyme Street. The school has agreed to sustain the cost of the crossing guard this year.
Judy Archer – Fireworks
In a letter from Judy Archer of Library Lane, she stated the fireworks terrorized her dog and the smoke was offensive. She suggested finding another place to set off the fireworks. First Selectman Griswold sent Ms. Archer a letter explaining the rationale behind the school location and the growing importance of the event. There were also letters from those who enjoyed the fireworks.
Appointments:
Resignation of Eric Fries from Zoning Commission
Zoning Commission – John Johnson (R) – Bal. Of 5-Yr Term to Nov 08
Chairman Ted Kiritsis suggested appointing alternate John Johnson to fill the term of Eric Fries. Selectwoman Reemsnyder made a motion that the Board of Selectmen appoint John Johnson to the balance of the 5-year term to November 2008 on the Zoning Commission. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
c. WPCA Alternate – Aimee Eberly (R) – Bal. Of 4-Yr. Term to Jan 06
Selectwoman Reemsnyder made a motion that the Board of Selectmen approve Aimee
Eberly to the WPCA as an alternate for the balance of the 4-year term ending in January 2006. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Old Business:
Lyme Street Reconstruction Project – Update
The remaining jobs in the Lyme Street Reconstruction Project consists of a few broken sidewalk panels, the installation of the sidewalk from the LYSB to the Center School driveway, granite work on top of some of the catch basins and drainage issues near Beckwith Lane and near the ice cream shop. Selectwoman Reemsnyder inquired about the possibility of a crosswalk near the LYSB and the Day Care. Ms. Reemsnyder will ask the opinion of the two directors as to whether a crosswalk would be useful. Selectman Sibley suggested painting the entire curb yellow at the southbound stop sign near Library Lane so no one will obstruct the sign by parking too close. He also suggested a silent policeman stop sign on the southbound side of that same area.
Information Technology Committee – Update
Selectwoman Reemsnyder reported that the Information Technology Committee had a pilot demonstration by Applied Geographics in August. At the next meeting, the committee will be looking at other options regarding E-Tran (electronic transactions through town). On October 13, there will be a presentation on an accounting package.
Sound View Parking Committee – Reformation
First Selectman Griswold read a memo addressed to the Sound View Parking Committee regarding an informal meeting on August 15 that was to discuss the formation of a new committee to deal with any number of issues that relate to the beach area in general. Rather than discuss the issues that needed attention which were beyond the scope of the Parking Committee and the possible makeup of a new committee, the group decided on a new name, The Beach Improvement Committee, and conducted an election of a chairman and set meeting dates into the future. Mr. Griswold continued to say that the reformation of the parking committee should be done by the First Selectman and/or the Board of Selectmen. All members of the parking committee and Dennis Melluzzo, who was elected chairman, have been informed that the votes
taken on August 15 are without substance and the matter will be taken up at the next Board of Selectmen meeting on September 6, 2005. First Selectman proposed the following list of representatives to be appointed to the new committee: First Selectman Griswold/Selectman Sibley, Land Use Kim Groves, Police David Todd, Sound View Beach Assoc. Gail Fuller or Dennis Melluzzo, Miami Beach Assoc. Kate Abbott, Permitted Parking Owners Seb Bartolotta, Sound View Business Representative Jerry Vowles. He also listed eight issues that the new committee needs to address.
Selectwoman Reemsnyder made a motion to have Public Comment on the agenda now regarding the above item for purposes of public feedback. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Gail Fuller, Vice President of Sound View Beach Association, stated it is an excellent idea to have a Beach Improvement Committee. She would like to see a member of the Finance Board be a member of the new beach committee. After some discussion, the Selectmen decided against a Board of Finance representative.
Jerry Vowles, businessman in the beach area, agrees with the idea of a new beach committee.
Selectman Sibley stated he would like to see a member of the Economic Development Commission on the committee.
Selectwoman Reemsnyder made a motion that the Board of Selectmen create the new Beach Improvement Committee and appoint the people as listed with the addition of a representative from the Economic Development Commission. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Ben Franklin Road – Abandonment of ROW West of Meeting House Lane
The law firm of Hudson & Kilby is working on a draft of a document that would create a conservation easement making the Old Lyme Conservation Trust the gatekeeper for those who wish to use the Ben Franklin right-of-way to gain access to the property for historical and research purposes. At the intersection of Meeting House Lane and Johnny Cake Hill Road, there is a small stretch of Ben Franklin Road heading to the west (not in the historical section) that abuts three property owners. The well of one of the homeowners is in the right-of-way. The suggestion from Atty. Clarke is to proceed to abandon this section of the right-of-way and present this matter at a town meeting. The three property owners are agreeable to a payment of $3,000. Selectman Sibley suggested checking with Ned Pfeiffer to be sure
the area of the well is not an historical site. First Selectman Griswold will call Mr. Pfeiffer.
Rogers Lake Meeting – Sept 13, 7:00 P.M. @ Rogers Lake Clubhouse
First Selectman Griswold reminded residents that the Rogers Lake Authority would be meeting on September 13, 2005 at the Rogers Lake Clubhouse at 7:00 P.M. to discuss the weed issue. This is an opportunity for those who oppose the chemical treatment of the weeds to present their case.
New Business:
Potential Closing of Plum Island
First Selectman Griswold received an e-mail that the Federal government is analyzing whether the Plum Island Animal Disease Center should be closed in favor of a new and larger facility.
Joe Martino Parcel (10’ x 20’) to Sound View Beach Association
In a letter from Atty. Marylin Clarke, she stated that, in the will of Joe Martino, the town was given the option of acquiring a small rectangular portion (10’ x 20’) of Joe’s property that has a flagpole and a stone monument dedicated to Joe’s father, William. If
the town chooses not to accept the small piece of land, it was to go to the Sound View Beach Association. In a letter from Sound View Beach Association President Dennis Melluzzo, he stated that the topic was discussed at the Sound View Beach Association membership meeting in September and the entire Board of Directors and members would accept this parcel of land if the town did not accept it.
First Selectman Griswold presented a statement for the Board of Selectmen to sign as follows: On behalf of the Town of Old, this is to notify Probate Court that the Town of Old Lyme wishes to decline Mr. Martino’s offer to devise the Portland Avenue property described in Mr. Martino’s will to the town. We believe it is more appropriate that the Sound View Beach Association take title to this property. Selectman Sibley made a motion that the Board of Selectmen accept the letter that First Selectman Griswold wrote declining Mr. Martino’s request to accept the 10’ x 20’ piece of property and turn the rights over to Sound View Beach Association. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Rogers Lake – New Crew Docks
The Rowing volunteers have built a new dock at Rogers Lake and a smaller dock will soon be built. The DEP let the Town of Old Lyme use one of its police boat, which has been tied to one of the docks. When asked if the boat could be moved to another place, the DEP replied that the boat would have to stay tied to a dock or they would remove it. The solution was to construct a new dock at a cost of $1300 in materials.
Millstone Exercise
At the last non-rated exercise, all nine towns in the emergency planning area conducted a drill from 8:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Old Lyme had representation from fire, police, ambulance and three school students.
Library Tour for BOS and BOF Members
The library had a tour for the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance to see the library operations.
Public Comment:
None
Other Business:
The President has requested that all U S flags be flown at half-mast until September 20, 2005 out of respect for the victims of the hurricane Katrina.
First Selectman Griswold received an e-mail from Lyme resident Hercy Lord who informed that the website Craig’s List is the medium for anyone interested in sheltering hurricane victims from Louisiana, Alabama and/or Mississippi.
The Red Cross, Salvation Army, First Congregational Church and New Haven are places that are offering assistance. Gov. Rell is encouraging towns to hold local collections.
Items needed are bottled water, easily opened non-perishable foods and snacks, blankets, tarps, batteries and tents.
First Selectman Griswold announced the resignation of Social Services Coordinator Kay Mannetho who is moving to New Hampshire. The Board wishes her well.
Selectman Sibley announced the fundraising for the Town Woods facility has netted $28,000 from Lyme and Old Lyme. A plaque design and trophy case will be needed. First Selectman Griswold stated there would be an October event thanking the people who worked on the playground and field house.
Selectwoman Reemsnyder made a motion to adjourn the Board of Selectmen’s meeting and to go into Executive Session at 9:07 P.M. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion.
SO VOTED.
Executive Session: To Discuss the Police union Contract & Possible Land Acquisition
Executive Session ended at 10:35 P.M.
Adjournment:
Selectwoman Reemsnyder made a motion to adjourn the Executive Session at 10:36 P.M.
Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen Coffee, Clerk
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