The Board of Selectmen held a regular meeting at 4:00 P.M. on Monday, February 27, 2006 at Memorial Town Hall Auditorium. First Selectman Timothy Griswold, Selectman Skip Sibley and Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder were present.
Approval of Minutes: February 6, 2006
Selectman Sibley made a motion to table the approval of the minutes of February 6, 2006 until the next Board of Selectmen’s meeting. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Communications:
Gov. Rell – Window Candles in Support of Troops
First Selectman Griswold received an e-mail from Gov. Rell regarding her Candles in Windows campaign to show support for the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. She is asking Connecticut residents to display electric window candles in their homes as a fitting gesture to recognize the dangerous tasks being carried out by the Connecticut National Guard and all military personnel.
Sen. Andrea Stillman – Marine Patrols
In a letter to First Selectman Griswold, Senator Andrea Stillman explained that she is working with Rep. Marilyn Giuliano to resolve the issue of more marine patrols on the Connecticut River. She further stated that the DEP has limited resources for more manpower but will be doing increased public service announcements to increase the awareness of boating regulations and safety concerns. She referred to two bills passed by the legislation, PA 05-76 and PA 05-203, that should alleviate some of the problems.
First Selectman Griswold stated that marine patrols are available through the State Police for approximately $600 per nine-hour shift.
Rep. Giuliano telephoned First Selectman Griswold to inform him that a bill has been introduced to increase funding for marine patrols.
Sen. Andrea Stillman – Town Woods Phase II – Steap Grant
First Selectman Griswold received letters from Sen. Andrea Stillman and Rep. Marilyn Giuliano regarding their support of the STEAP grants for Town Woods Phase II.
Appointments:
ADA Coordinator – Sherry Meyer (U) – 1 Yr Term to January 07
Selectman Sibley made a motion to approve Sherry Meyer to ADA Coordinator for a one year term ending January 2007. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. Selectwoman Reemsnyder inquired about the responsibilities of the ADA Coordinator. First Selectman Griswold explained that the person filling the position would check the handicap accessibility of public buildings, availability of handicap parking spaces, etc. Ms. Reemsnyder suggested encouraging the ADA Coord. to attend workshops to help understand the responsibilities connected with the position. First Selectman Griswold said that an ADA Committee could be formed. SO VOTED.
Reg. Mental Health Board – Sherry Meyer (U) – 2 Yr Term to April 07
Selectwoman Reemsnyder made a motion to appoint Sherry Meyer to the Regional Mental Health Board for a two-year term ending April 2007. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Old Business:
Information Technology Committee – Update
Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that the Information Technology Committee is still looking into accounting packages. At the next meeting on Thursday, March 9, 2006 at 7:00 P.M. a demonstration will be conducted by Sunguard Systems. In April, it is anticipated that Budget Sense will do a demonstration.
Rogers Lake Dam – Update
First Selectman Griswold reported that the engineering company of Jacobson & Assoc. expects to hire a specialist in soils to do borings on either side of the dam to determine the depth of the gravel material. Jacobson anticipates a general cost estimate will be available by March 15, 2006.
White sand Beach Bath House – Update
First Selectman Griswold has requested surveyor Tony Hendriks to check the distance between the edge of the property line and the bathhouse at White Sand Beach. If the property line is outside of 12 feet, the ZEO can probably approve the renovation. The building will occupy the same footprint, but the attached changing room will be rotated 90 degrees. If the building is within 12 feet of the property line, it is likely the ZBA would be involved.
Cameron Parish Relief Effort – Update
First Selectman Griswold showed an example of the Middle School project of a sheetrock bucket filled with cleaning supplies that can be purchased by residents at Christiansen’s Hardware and Laysville Hardware for $40.00. The buckets will be palletized and driven to Cameron Parish, Louisiana at the end of March. The company that shipped the fire engine is donating the trailer truck box, and it will be attached to the tractor being driven here from Cameron Parish to take the donated items. The elementary school shoebox project will fill shoeboxes with items for the children in Cameron Parish. Also, storage totes can be filled with paper goods, diapers, plastic items, etc. The library is collecting and sending books. Lyme and Old Lyme firemen have collected additional fire equipment to be
included. Selectman Sibley suggested placing the buckets in areas of town as a way of advertising to get public interest.
New Business:
Gov. Rell’s Car Tax Plan – Discussion
Gov. Rell is proposing that the municipal property tax on vehicles (regular plates only) be discontinued on July 1, 2006 and that the State would reimburse the towns using the Indian gaming proceeds. For Old Lyme, the value could be approximately $981,000.
The Connecticut towns are concerned that the State could pull back on funding for special education in a few years.
Lymes Senior Center – 10th Year Anniversary – March 12 at 2-4 P.M.
First Selectman Griswold received a notice that the Lymes Senior Center will be hosting an open house on March 12, 2006 in celebration of its 10th Anniversary.
Public Comment:
None
Other Business:
Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that she received an e-mail from a resident who questioned why Old Lyme had a trash collection on Martin Luther King Day, a celebrated holiday. Ms. Reemsnyder replied to the resident that the trash collection is contracted with a private company who determines their own holiday schedules. Recycling is done by town employees. First Selectman Griswold agreed with Selectwoman Reemsnyder and added that basic services have to operate on holidays.
Executive Session:
None
Adjournment:
Selectman Sibley made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:33 P.M. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen Coffee, Clerk
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