Old Lyme Board of Selectmen - Unapproved
Special Meeting Tuesday, July 1, 2008
The Board of Selectmen held a special meeting at 6:30 P.M. on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at Regional School District 18 – Middle School Auditorium. First Selectman Timothy Griswold and Selectman Skip Sibley were present.
Trooper Olsen, Dave Woolley, Andy Russell, Chris Kerr, Scott Boulanger, David Griswold, and Ruth Roach were also present.
1. Federation of Beaches – Beach Utility Vehicle for Police Use
During the summer, between 10 PM and 2 AM there are noise, safety and security problems on the beaches. The Board of Finance discussed allocating $12,000 to the Federation of Beaches for security patrols on private beaches, which are not patrolled by town police.
To enable patrols on the beaches, the Federation purchased a Kawasaki All Terrain Vehicle. The Board of Finance approved funds for police staffing of the vehicle, but did not fund the operating and maintenance costs. The cost of fuel, maintenance and insurance are estimated to be $500-$700 for the year. Selectman Griswold discussed the costs with the Police Department, and they agreed that the fuel and maintenance costs could come out of the police budget, and the insurance could be paid for by the town, so a separate appropriation is not needed. The Federation will pay for the lights, speaker, siren, and lettering needed for the vehicle ($1800).
Selectman Griswold discussed the vehicle with Selectwoman Reemsnyder who agreed that it is needed this summer. The ATV could also be used off-season as an emergency vehicle. Mr. Griswold discussed the vehicle with Attorney Clarke, who recommended that the town lease it from the Federation.
Scott Boulanger, president of the Federation, stated that they would like to use the vehicle in cooperation with the police to increase security at the beaches.
The vehicle would be operated by the police, staffed either with overtime personnel or on a regular shift.
Trooper Olsen stated that the vehicle could be used for emergencies and for patrolling the beaches. The police get many calls about missing children at the beach, and the ATV would make patrolling the beaches easier and faster. It would be a benefit to the town and police department, would improve emergency services and increase safety at the beaches. Other shoreline towns (East Lyme, Groton Long Point) are also using ATVs. Old Lyme has 7 police staff that would be trained on the vehicle. Kawasaki representatives will go over training with the officers, especially on how to safely operate the vehicle on the beach at night.
Selectman Sibley asked if the police would have another officer on back up in a police car when the ATV is being used, especially in response to a problem.
Trooper Olsen replied that back up is always available nearby.
Andy Russell, Board of Finance chairman, thanked the Federation of Beaches for their efforts to improve security at the beaches, and for purchasing the ATV.
Selectman Sibley stated that the town is trying 2 new things this year: allocating $12,000 for the Federation of Beaches to use as needed to increase patrols; and the ATV, which will improve the efficiency of the patrols by getting them out on the beaches. The $12,000 is for the fiscal year 2008-2009, which runs from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009, so it would cover this summer and next spring.
David Griswold stated that some expenditures will be dictated by the weather.
Selectman Griswold recommended that a log be kept regarding the use of the vehicle.
The Police and the Federation will decide the schedule for the vehicle.
Selectman Griswold asked for an end of year report so that the town can see how effective the vehicle was.
Selectman Griswold moved to accept the following resolution:
The Town of Old Lyme will enter into a lease agreement for the ATV with the Federation of Beaches, ending June 30, 2009, which can be automatically renewed unless one or the other party decides against it, and furthermore that if either party wants to discontinue the lease they can do so with 30 or 60 days notice, and that the town will be responsible for maintaining and insuring the vehicle which will be kept at the Police Dept. storage shed.
Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
2. Adjournment
Selectman Sibley moved to adjourn at 7:07 P.M., Selectman Griswold seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha Hansen
Recording Secretary
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