The Board of Selectmen held a regular meeting at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, October 17, 2005 at Memorial Town Hall Auditorium. First Selectman Timothy Griswold, Selectman Skip Sibley and Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder were present.
Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder attended a meeting on September 22, 2005 at the VNA of Southeastern Connecticut in Waterford about Breast Cancer Awareness. She explained that one of the topics discussed was the correlation between diet and breast cancer. Ms. Reemsnyder emphasized early diagnosis, awareness of the signs of breast cancer and treatment are essential to be a survivor. A quilt made by Pat Chadwick, a breast cancer survivor, has been hung in the Old Lyme Town Hall Town as a reminder for all women to be tested. A basket with breast cancer literature is also available. The breast cancer site, www.thebreastcancersite.com, encourages the user to visit the site daily and press the pink rectangle. It offers mammograms free of charge for those who cannot afford them.
Approval of Minutes: September 19, 2005
Selectman Sibley made a motion to approve the minutes of September 19, 2005. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Communications:
Sen. Fasano – Broadwater Project Hearings
First Selectman Griswold received a letter from State Senator Leonard Fasano who is chairman of the Long Island Sound Liquid Natural Gas Task Force. Gov. Rell created this task force in order to make sure that Connecticut has a voice in the proposed Broadwater project. Sen. Fasano explained that there would be several informational hearings at which experts will testify in all aspects of the project that will affect Connecticut. There will be hearings in two shoreline communities enabling those living in the affected areas to have a chance to voice their concerns on safety and security issues, maritime and energy natural resource issues. First Selectman Griswold suggested that the Board of Selectmen write a resolution to be presented at the next Board meeting. Selectwoman Reemsnyder attended
a public informational meeting presented by the Coast Guard on September 20, 2005 after which she invited John Ritko, Senior Vice President and Regional Project Director of the Broadwater project, to come to our area to speak on the issue. He has not responded to the invitation.
Atty. McGarry – Bus Barn Relocation
First Selectman Griswold received a letter from Atty. Tom McGarry who represents the owners of the bus barn location. The owners are concerned about the potential of being denied a long-standing use of their property that is also a source of income for their retirement years. The property owners feel the bus operator is in full and complete compliance with all Federal and State regulations regarding the operation of this facility including the cold weather starting procedure and the warm-up time to allow the buses to get to the proper operating and interior temperature. On the reported fuel spill, the bus owner notified DEP when it happened and they were onsite directing a cleanup before the complainant had any knowledge of it. The air quality test performed by the town shows no violation of any
law or regulation. The proposal to relocate the bus garage to town property at the dump raises a conflict of interest situation. It would appear that the town is attempting to gain a financial advantage from a property that would otherwise have little or no economic value for the town. Selectman Sibley stated that the Board of Education felt it was premature to commit to something that is not yet built. If in fact the town has a facility to accommodate the buses at the end of the five-year contract period, the school board could specify in the next bid that parking would be at the town fill area and that would be part of the specification package. Any bidder would have the same opportunity. First Selectman Griswold will ask Atty. Clarke to respond to Atty. McGarry.
Paula Ferrara (Congressman Simmons) – EPA Grant
First Selectman Griswold received an e-mail from Paula Ferrara of Congressman Simmons staff stating that the decision on the EPA grant application for the bus filters and for paying the differential on the fuel will not be available for another month.
Sound View Beach Assoc.-Funding Request to State of CT
First Selectman Griswold received a copy of a letter to Sen. Andrea Stillman and Rep. Marilyn Giuliano from the Sound View Beach Association requesting an additional sum of $24,233 to help with the Sound View community center. They have received a grant of $52,000 for septic system and installation of heat, ventilation and air conditioning.
Appointments:
Resignation of Richard Ward – Parks & Rec Commission
A resignation was received from Richard Ward of the Parks & Recreation Commission who stated that family and his work schedule interfered with his attendance at the meetings.
Old Business:
Information Technology Committee – Update
Selectwoman Reemsnyder reported that, at the meeting in September, the Information Technology Committee recommended a service agreement with E-Tran to provide services to the town of Old Lyme. There is no cost to the town and transactions online will be done with electronic transfer of funds from an account that will cost the user 50 cents. Credit card service will not be available at this time.
Selectwoman Reemsnyder made a motion to enter into a contract with the company of E-Tran to provide electronic transaction services for the Town of Old Lyme. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Selectwoman Reemsnyder reported that at the CCM meeting in May, there was a demonstration by Admins, a company that works with municipal accounting packages. They did an overview presentation of the package. The committee will look at other companies as well.
Social Services Coordinator/Senior Center Director Position – Update
Nine resumes have been received as a result of the advertisement for a Social Services Coordinator/Senior Center Director position. The next step is to interview the applicants.
The position will, at some point, be the coordinator for both Lyme and Old Lyme Social Services.
Ben Franklin Road – Conservation Restriction Draft
First Selectman Griswold received information from Atty. McCauley who is the attorney for the Old Lyme Conservation Trust. She has drafted a conservation restriction for the strip of land over which the town proposes to abandon its right-of-way. The restriction would control the access to the property for persons desiring to do historical research, etc. and would provide insurance for the allowed activities. The next step will be to review the draft.
Rogers Lake Engineering Services Contract Selection
There was discussion in the past about the need for additional estimates, in addition to the Jacobson proposal, to design, attain the permitting and conduct the bidding of work on the dam at Rogers Lake and provide for a fishway. Also needed is a selection process for construction services for the firm to work with the ultimate successful bidder. The Jacobson fishway estimate was $23,720 and the dam work was $44,710 for a total of $68,430. By having the fishway included in the original engineering work, the DEP would assist the town in identifying external funds. The bid received from Anchors is twice the cost of Jacobson.
Selectwoman Reemsnyder made a motion to allow public comment on this particular point before making a motion. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Public Comment: Rogers Lake Engineering Services
Lynn Pekkanen from Concerned Families stated that Rogers Lake of Old Lyme has become a critical area with dozens of families losing water over the summer and flooding during a torrential rain. She further stated that the town has ignored the letter sent by the Connecticut DEP in 2000 directing the town to repair the dam and that the affected weed area, of which there is a proposal to use hazardous chemicals, has increased over the summer. She stated that a retired gentleman repaired the dam using plywood from the dump. Ms. Pekkanen questioned how the two firms were selected for bids and what is the timeframe.
Christopher Oliviera stated that he has communicated with State Rep. Marilyn Giuliano
about the dam and weed situations. She informed him that First Selectman Griswold had already been in communication with her some time ago, and they are working in partnership with the State of Connecticut to address both issues. He expressed his confidence that the Board of Selectmen will act with speed and fairness to resolve the issues.
David Woolley questioned why there was not a third or fourth bid for the repair of the dam. Mr. Woolley urged the Selectmen to move quickly on this project.
First Selectman Griswold stated that the original letter from the DEP highlighted the need for the repair of the dam, but it did not say that the dam was unsafe.
Selectwoman Reemsnyder asked for the date of the letter from the DEP and if they recommended a firm to do the repairs. First Selectman Griswold stated he would check on the date of the letter and he does not recall that the DEP ever specified vendors.
First Selectman Griswold reported the results of engineering costs by Jacobson previously at a Board meeting. He also appeared before the Board of Finance and they requested the bidding be opened up. The town has used Anchor Engineering on the Lyme Street project. McDonald and Sharpe of Old Saybrook was also contacted. Jacobson’s bid was the low bid.
Selectwoman Reemsnyder made a motion to accept the Jacobson proposal for final design, post final design, civil engineering services for the fishway and repairs to Rogers Lake dam. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
First Selectman Griswold stated that the engineering work will be done over the winter and the town will get a request for proposal for contractors to submit bids in the spring.
Selectman Sibley stated that the dam has been leaking since the 1970s so he does not think there is danger involved. He does not see a connection between the dam problems and the weed control issue.
Ms. Pekkanen stated that the broken dam is directly related to the weed problem and that the town should take care of health and safety issues.
5. New Business:
Lymes Senior Center – Generator Installation Proposal
Emergency Management group has obtained a donated 80kw generator from a corporation, which they would like to locate at the Senior Center. Zelek Electric has submitted a quote of $15,298 for the installation. First Selectman Griswold will get another quote and have the generator tested to be sure it is in good condition. Selectwoman Reemsnyder will request a generator company to look at it.
Meeting with William Smith – Provost of Inverness Scotland
On a recent visit to Inverness Scotland, First Selectman Griswold met with Provost (Mayor) William Smith where there was an exchange of a proclamation from the Town of Old Lyme and a pictorial guide of Inverness from the Provost.
c. Essex Savings Bank - $1,000 Grant to Town of Old Lyme for Beautification
The Essex Savings Bank has given to the nine towns of the lower valley $1,000 each to be used for a beautification project. The project is to be determined.
Public Comment:
Democrat Registrar of Voters Pat McCarthy announced special voter making sessions on Saturday, October 22, 2005 from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. and Tuesday, October 25, 2005 from 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. (the last day to register to vote). After that date, only
those turning 18 years of age, new U. S. citizens or recently moved to town may register. They have until noon the day before the election. Ms. McCarthy stated that she registered 49 students at the high school. Eleven are eligible to vote this year.
David Woolley commented that people are upset regarding the Broadwater project. He feels that this natural gas facility, located 11 miles off the coast, is scary in terms of the danger in the event of terrorist attack, the consideration of more facilities located in Long Island Sound, and the ecological value. He stated that the Old Saybrook Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to approve a resolution voicing its opposition to the proposed Broadwater project and any other future facility. He suggests the Old Lyme Selectmen voice similar opposition. He quoted the Providence Journal as stating there is opposition by the Town of Jamestown, R. I. of plans for a natural liquid gas facility near Newport. One is also being considered in Narragansett Bay near Providence and another in the
harbor of New Bedford, R. I.
Mr. Woolley also stated that, as a member of the Board of Finance, he has worked with the seniors on the Senior Center budget. A more satisfactory budget for the Senior Center was worked out where Lyme and Old Lyme are paying more to maintain the building. Mr. Woolley spoke with the Senior Center Board and suggested selling tickets to a chowder cookoff to be held possibly in January, 2006 to benefit the Senior Center. Mr. Woolley has spoken with several area restaurants to see if they would donate the chowder.
Christopher Oliviera, Chairman of the Republican Town Committee, feels that Old Lyme has a long-standing bi-partisanship tradition in selecting members for the boards and commissions, unlike some of the larger towns that have become more partisan. He commended the Board of Selectmen for working well together and for appointing the good members to the Rogers Lake Commission that is looking into all possible remedies dealing with the weed problem at Rogers Lake.
Lynn Pekkanen stated that there is a crisis at Rogers Lake. No solution has been done here today yet and directions from the State have been ignored. It is an issue that people are concerned about and has to be looked at.
Other Business:
On Sunday, October 23, 2005, Subway Restaurant intends to donate the profit of their sales to the Red Cross for the Katrina relief effort.
At a meeting earlier this week between Superintendent David Klein and First Selectman Griswold, Leon Just was identified as someone who is an Old Lyme resident that is active with the Red Cross helping the victims of the hurricane Katrina. This gentleman and resident Peter Cable will be invited to the next meeting to hear first-hand accounts of the storm. The book bag effort by the students has been successful.
Selectwoman Reemsnyder mentioned there is a Rogers Lake Authority meeting on November 1 at 7:00 P.M. at the Rogers Lake Community Center.
Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that she would like to be part of the search committee to replace the Social Services Coordinator/Senior Center Director. She feels it is important to better identify job qualifications for this position and any changes should be made before hiring anyone.
Selectman Sibley stated that the storm this past weekend led to flooded roads in Old Lyme and some people in the beach area needed evacuation. Mr. Sibley thanked Fire Chief Rob McCarthy, Skip Beebe, Fire Marshal Dave Roberge, Ambulance Department Jane Bysko, Barbara McCarthy, police department, Public Works, Red Cross workers, District 18 John Rhodes and others involved in the evacuation.
David Woolley stated that he too was at the evacuation scene in the middle of the night and that the people living in the beach area were very appreciative of the town’s services.
8. Executive Session:
None
9. Adjournment:
Selectwoman Reemsnyder made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:19 P.M. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen Coffee, Clerk
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