The Board of Selectmen held a regular meeting at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, March 19, 2007 at Memorial Town Hall Auditorium. First Selectman Timothy Griswold, Selectman Skip Sibley and Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder were present.
Approval of Minutes: February 16, 2007
Selectwoman Reemsnyder made a motion to approve the minutes of February 16, 2007. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
5. b. Reg. Dist. 18 – High School Plan – Dan Hagan
Dan Hagan introduced Regional District #18 Building Committee members Tim O'Neill, Nina Peck, and Peter Cable, Board of Ed member Nan Salvino, and Ken Biega, pre-construction manager from O&G Industries. Mr. Hagan stated that his reason for attending the Old Lyme Board of Selectmen meeting this evening was to answer any questions and to get the support of the OL Selectmen. Mr. Hagan, who is chairman of the school building committee, summarized the meetings and work accomplished during the past year toward the high school building and renovation project. The project cost is estimated at $53,963,000. Mr. Hagan stated he met with the following groups that unanimously endorsed the project: Lyme Republican and Democratic Town Committees, the Lyme Board of Selectmen, the Lyme Board of
Finance, and the Old Lyme Board of Finance. The Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee did not have a quorum so were unable to take an official vote, but the straw vote taken at the meeting was 7 to 2 in favor. Selectwoman Reemsnyder encouraged citizens to attend a presentation for information. First Selectman Griswold stated that he supports fixing the high school and feels the renovation project price is too high. Selectman Sibley read an email from Dennis Melluzzo, President of Sound View Beach Association and member of the District #18 building committee, in which he states that he believes the plan is the most cost effective and was asking for public support. Selectman Sibley stated he wanted the plan to pass in May, but he was concerned about the cost. Mr. Sibley also stated that there was no discussion about a plan B and that he would like more diligence done to look at all options to minimize the impact to the taxpayers.
In response to Selectman Sibley, Mr. Hagan stated there is no backup plan. He further
stated that the committee developed a critical needs list for the school district and community must develop a project that will address those needs at the lowest possible cost.
Selectwoman Reemsnyder made a motion to endorse the Regional District #18 High School Building Plan. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. More discussion followed by the Selectmen. All in favor – 2 Selectman Sibley and Selectwoman Reemsnyder. All oppose – 1 First Selectman Griswold. SO VOTED
Communications:
OLFD – Use of 50 Lyme Street for Fire Dept Training
The Old Lyme Fire Department requested in writing the use of the property at 50 Lyme Street for fire training. First Selectman Griswold wrote back allowing them to use the building.
Reg. Dist. 18 – Bus Barn Engineering Report
First Selectman Griswold is waiting for a response to a letter sent to Regional District #18 on February 21st concerning the bus barn engineering report. Mr. Griswold indicated that he had received the bus barn site feasibility analysis plan from Jim Otis of Anchor Engineering. The report details a step-by-step process that will take 14 to 16 months to complete. Mr. Griswold would like to schedule a meeting with District #18 to see if they are willing to proceed. The initial professional fee is $16,000 to $21,000 range. The professional fees (permitting, etc) are in the $35,000 to $55,000 range.
VFW – Help with Sound View Flag Pole Light
The VFW has volunteered to help with the Hartford Avenue flag pole illumination project. Selectman Griswold sent a letter to the Post Commander thanking the VFW for its interest and financial support. In conjunction with installing a water line from Hartford Avenue to the Beachcomber Restaurant, the electrical conduit line could be installed in the same trench and be hooked up to Mr. Noe's building. There is also interest from Sheila Wertheimer to work on the design of the plantings at the base of the flagpole.
Duck River Garden Club – Urge Use of Organic Pesticides
First Selectman Griswold reported that the Duck River Garden Club urged the town to embrace the use of organic pesticides on town land. Mr. Griswold stated it would be helpful to host a gathering of people who know the information on organic vs. non-organic pesticides.
Harbor Mgt. Comm. – Survey of Pilgrim's Landing Request
A letter was received from Steve Ross of the Harbor Commission on his inspection of the town-owned locations that provide public access to the waters of the Town of Old Lyme. The purpose of the inspection was to determine if any improvements can be made to these locations, and he stated that Pilgrim's Landing could be improved. The Harbor Commission is asking permission to do a survey. First Selectman Griswold stated that he will ask for more details.
Appointments:
Conservation Comm. – Paul Dean from Alt to Reg – 3 Yr Term to Jan 10
Selectwoman Reemsnyder made a motion to appoint Paul Dean, an alternate member on the Conservation Commission, as a regular member for a 3-year term ending in January 2010. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Harbor Mgt. Comm. – Alt – Thomas Karhl (R) – 4 Yr. Term to Jan 10
Selectman Sibley made a motion to appoint Thomas Karhl (R) as an alternate member of the Harbor Management Commission for a 4-year term to January 2010. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
WPCA – Michael Dickey (R) from Alt to Reg – 4 Yr Term to Jan 11
Selectwoman Reemsnyder made a motion to appoint Michael Dickey (R), an alternate member of the WPCA, as a regular member of the WPCA for a 4-year term to January 2011. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
WPCA – Aimee Eberly (R) from Alt to Reg – 4 Yr Term to Jan 11
Selectwoman Reemsnyder made a motion to appoint Aimee Eberly (R), an alternate member of the WPCA, as a regular member of the WPCA for a 4-year term to January 2011. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
WPCA – Alt – Angus McDonald (R) – 4 Yr Term to Jan 10
Selectman Sibley made a motion to appoint Angus McDonald (R) as an alternate member of the WPCA for a 4-year term to January 2010. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Old Business:
Town Woods Park – Phase II – Passed. Next Steps
The funding for the Town Woods Park phase II was approved at the special Town Meeting. An advertisement has appeared in local newspapers and trade journals to
seek interested people to bid on the job. Work could begin on the fields in May. The Board of Finance agreed that, $51,250 of the $101,250 that is Old Lyme's portion, could come from the Sound View parking lot fund and the remaining $50,000 would be funded by surplus or the budget.
Town Hall Expansion
50 Lyme St. Asbestos & Demolition
Bid Process
Project Timing
There are two contracts for the removal of asbestos, one for the building at 50 Lyme Street and the other for the town hall at 52 Lyme Street. The committee is anticipating the town hall renovation work will start on or about May 3, 2007.
Alternate Office Space
Some offices in the town hall will be moved in mid-April to two storefronts in the Old Lyme Shopping Center.
Information Technology – Document Imaging Presentation
The Information Technology Committee has decided upon an accounting package, the electronic payment system and the town hall website. The committee is now looking at document imaging that involves scanning, storing, and backing up paper documents on the computer. Once fully implemented, paper records will not be necessary.
Rogers Lake Dam – Delay in Timetable
First Selectman Griswold stated that the work on the Rogers Lake Dam will not occur this summer. The town project will not receive funding until the DEP receives its funding after July 1. Mr. Griswold has notified the State representatives, the Rogers Lake West Shore and the Connecticut Watershed Council about the delay.
5. New Business:
Four Ponds Meadow Subdiv.–Old Stagecoach Rd Improvements – Atty Diglio
Atty Diglio and Mr. Lorenza spoke to the Board of Selectmen concerning access to the proposed Four Ponds subdivision from the Boston Post Road using Old Stagecoach Road. Old Stagecoach Road is an unimproved town road in this area. Atty Diglio presented a full set of plans that showed 28 single family homes to be built on 83 acres of land owned by the Foster family. The developer is seeking town approval to improve the existing gravel road and construct a road to town specs. First Selectman Griswold asked if there would be a provision for a Y intersection for use by other landowners who abut Old Stagecoach Road in the future. Atty Diglio answered that it could absolutely be a possibility. Atty Diglio added that the cost of the improvements made to the town-owned (Old Stagecoach
Road) section of the road would be borne by the developer and the future maintenance would be borne by the developer and, eventually, the homeowners' association. First Selectman Griswold requested a letter summarizing the plans.
c. Distribution of Recycling Bins for Paper
The recycling bins for paper are being delivered to residents this week or next week. Informational flyers will be placed in the bins. The beach area property owners will receive the bins in May. Selectwoman Reemsnyder volunteered to speak with the Art Department head to have students do a project on getting the word out on the value of recycling.
d. Flooding in Rogers Lake – Status Report
First Selectman Griswold, Selectwoman Reemsnyder and John Roach met with Peter Chamberlain on White Oak Trail and other residents about flooding issues. Some of the problems occur during heavy rains when the water pools in a lower area that is below catch basins. Selectwoman Reemsnyder questioned whether the Land Use Dept has any input on the negative impact to a property owner when a neighbor raises the level of his land. Ms. Reemsnyder also stated that the possibility of installing drains and pipes on Lone Pine Trail should be considered.
e. Flooding on Rte 156 at Windward La – Status Report
First Selectman Griswold stated that the flooding on Route 156 at Windward Lane has been a problem three separate times following the failure of a private dam on adjacent property. Mr. Griswold said it will be necessary to speak with the DOT and the DEP. Selectman Sibley said there was conversation with Rep. Marilyn Guiliano, since this involves private land, a State road, Amtrak, and the DEP. Selectman Sibley showed photos of a Craig Road residence where there is also a flooding problem that has been discussed at a Board of Selectmen meeting previously.
f. Proclamation – 95th Anniversary of Girl Scouting
First Selectman Griswold read a proclamation honoring the 95th anniversary of Girl Scouting. The week of March 11 through March 17 was proclaimed as Girl Scouts Make the World a Better Place week.
Public Comment:
None
Other Business:
Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that Regional District #18, the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts and the Lyme-Old Lyme Youth Service Bureau are working together on the Regional District #18 art show for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. There is a reception on Friday, March 23, 2007 and the show will run for ten days.
Selectwoman Reemsnyder spoke about an issue that the Board of Selectmen dealt with last summer concerning a Columbus Road resident unable to get her mail on a public road. First Selectman Griswold stated that the mail issue has been solved. Atty. Clarke is researching Liberty Street to determine ownership of the street. Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that the paperwork she has shows the gates are on the wrong side of the street. First Selectman Griswold believes this may be so, but the Board will wait for a letter from Atty. Clarke confirming whether the gates need to be moved. A letter should then be sent to the owner of the gates.
Adjournment:
Selectman Sibley made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:59 P.M. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen Coffee, Clerk
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