The Board of Selectmen held a regular meeting at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, December 19, 2005 at Memorial Town Hall Auditorium. First Selectman Timothy Griswold, Selectman Skip Sibley and Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder were present.
Approval of Minutes: December 5, 2005
Selectman Sibley made a motion to approve the minutes of December 5, 2005 as written.
Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Communications:
Rep. Giuliano – Funding for Marine Enforcement
In a letter to First Selectman Griswold, Rep. Marilyn Giuliano thanked him for his past support of legislative initiatives in the lower Connecticut River Valley. She intends to engage again with the DEP in legislative initiatives to increase marine enforcement funding and promote a quieting and slowing down of boat traffic in the Connecticut River Valley. First Selectman Griswold explained that the Town of Old Lyme’s authority stops at the mean high water mark and he feels it is the responsibility of the State of Connecticut to help with the situation beyond that mark. Selectman Sibley added that State Senator Andrea Stillman has pledged her support to help as well.
Appointments: Comment on January Appointments
First Selectman Griswold stated that the Board of Selectmen would be considering the boards and commissions appointments at the second meeting in January. A spreadsheet detailing recommendations will be available at the first meeting in January.
Old Business:
Information Technology Committee – Update
Selectwoman Reemsnyder reported that E-Tran is moving forward having a target date of January, 2006. Citizens will be able to pay taxes online through E-Check or debit card. In January, 2006, citizens may not be able to schedule future payments but that service will happen in the near future. The meeting on December 8 was cancelled. The next meeting will be held on January 12, 2006 at 7:00 P.M. to look at several packages in the town’s price range. The next GIS meeting is Friday, December 23, 2005 at 9:30 A.M.
Selectman Sibley suggested inviting Lynn Warren from District #18.
b. Church Corner Engineering Services Contracts – Recomdtn. to Board of Finance
At the meeting of the Board of Finance that will take place on Tuesday, December 20, there will be a formal request for a funding recommendation. First Selectman Griswold explained that there are two engineering activities going on. The first is the actual drafting of the plans and specifications that would be sent to the DOT. The second is a traffic safety analysis of the plans that the Church Corner Committee has worked on to be sure the technical aspects are in proper order. Adding the two together, the cost for the engineering services is $23,300. The previous estimate approved by the Board of Finance was $13,500 for the engineering services of the plans and specifications only. Therefore, it is recommended that the Board of Finance recommend to the Annual Town meeting the approval of $9,800
for engineering services.
c. Rogers Lake Authority – Meeting Update
At the last meeting of the Rogers Lake Authority, it was suggested that the lake be lowered eighteen inches during the winter in an effort to expose the weeds and discourage weed growth. First Selectman Griswold requested the Authority to recommend a contractor for the harvesting operation by February, 2006. Selectman Sibley stated that the committee spoke about additional patrols at varying times and the posting of speeding rules on the lake.
Cameron Parish Relief Committee Update
Toys, gift cards, and checks were trucked to Louisiana by the Cameron Parish Relief Committee to help the victims of Hurricane Rita.
New Business:
Annual Town Meeting – Agenda Items
The Annual Town Meeting will be on January 23, 2006 at the Middle School auditorium.
Items of discussion will be the acceptance of the Annual Report, the announcement of the Citizen of the Year, a document for the discontinuance of a portion of Ben Franklin Road, the Wetlands ordinance on enforcement, the WPCA ordinance on septic system pump outs and penalties, the Parking Ordinance on illegal parking lot fines, Open Space rules for parcels in town and Planning Commission acceptance of Machnik Drive (near Hatchet’s Hill Road) and Briar Hill Road.
State Police Interviews – Replacement for TFC Howes
A five-person board interviewed six State police candidates for the resident State trooper position that will be vacated by Judd Howes at the end of the year.
Ambulance and Fire Dept Banquets
First Selectman Griswold attended the banquets of the Ambulance and Fire Departments.
Mr. Griswold complimented the members for doing their jobs well and said how fortunate the town is to have such dedicated volunteers. Selectman Sibley mentioned that their safety record of no injuries during their 300-plus calls a year is outstanding.
Grange 100th Year Anniversary Celebration
Selectwoman Reemsnyder attended the Old Lyme Grange celebration of their 100th anniversary. There was an interesting presentation of historic minutes.
Meeting Schedule for 2006
The Board of Selectmen meeting schedule for 2006 includes some meetings on Tuesdays instead of Mondays and some at 4:00 P.M. instead of 7:30 P.M. due to conflicts.
Public Comment:
None
Other Business:
First Selectman Griswold sent a letter to Mr. Garvin, Chairman of Flood and Erosion, suggesting that there be a meeting to talk about concerns raised by Dennis Melluzzo,
Chairman of the Federation of Beaches.
Selectwoman Reemsnyder would like to see an Ethics Committee formed and she feels the town should renew the commitment to affordable housing. Selectman Sibley added that the biggest hurdle is to get land. He requested George James to see what town-owned land is available.
Selectman Sibley reported that he has received calls on the number of signs on Halls Road. First Selectman Griswold stated a letter should be sent from the ZEO to the owner of the properties.
Executive Session:
None
Adjournment:
Selectman Sibley made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 P.M. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen Coffee, Clerk
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