Old Lyme Board of Selectmen
Regular Meeting Monday, April 6, 2009
The Board of Selectmen held a regular meeting at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, April 6, 2009 in the Meeting Hall at the Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall. First Selectman Timothy Griswold, Selectman Skip Sibley and Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder were present.
1. Approval of Minutes: 13 March 2009 (Regular)
The minutes of the regular meeting on March 13 were reviewed.
Selectwoman Reemsnyder moved to accept the minutes as presented and Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
2. Tim Londregan: Huntley Wind Cooperative Presentation
Tim Londregan, of the Huntley Wind Cooperative, presented a proposal to install two 300 foot wind towers: one in the Lieutenant River marsh behind the Hideaway Restaurant and the other on hard ground near the end of River Bend Rd. Mr. Londregan pointed out there would be significant tax revenue from the $7.7 million investment and that it will be developed and owned by local people. He said the technology uses no fuel and presents a number of social and environmental advantages. These towers would be the first in CT and Old Lyme could be the leader in the State for this technology. He said a poll indicates 75% of people support the concept of wind power. The towers would require the same identification lighting (for airplanes) as cell towers. When
asked about noise and the impact on birds, Mr. Londregan replied that the noise would be masked by the traffic noise from I-95. He also stated that very few birds would be impacted by a tower’s blades.
The Board of Selectmen does not have jurisdiction over this matter and, therefore, this was an informational presentation to the Board. Mr. Londregan’s proposal must be presented to the Inland Wetlands, Planning and Zoning Commissions as well as the DEP. The ultimate decision may be made by the CT State Siting Council, similar to cell phone towers.
3. Communications:
a. LOL Educational Foundation – 12 Sept. 09 Road Race Approval
The LOL Education Foundation has permission from the DOT for the race and is cooperating with the Sound View Beach Association concerning parking and facilities.
Selectman Sibley made a motion, seconded by Selectwoman Reemsnyder, to approve the LOL Educational Foundation’s September 12, 2009 Road Race. SO VOTED.
b. Letter to Anastasia Muckle – Donation to Animal Shelter
Miss Muckle requested that, instead of birthday presents for her 11th birthday, donations be made to the Animal Shelter. About $80 was donated to the shelter, benefitting the animals. First Selectman Griswold sent her a letter thanking her for her thoughtfulness.
4. Appointments: None
5. Old Business:
a. Town Budget & State Budget – Status
The Board of Finance will be meeting tomorrow to finalize the budget. The proposed budget decreases the General Government budget by 0.5 % (about $43,000). The Capital Budget will increase by $72,000, mostly related to road work. The General Government and Capital budget will increase 0.35%, about $30,000. The School budget will increase about 1.7%. Old Lyme’s share of that is 1%, about $225,000. When both budgets are combined, the increase is 0.83%, about $255,200. The town’s Grand List growth this year was only 0.13%. Last year it was 0.6% and the year before that 0.8%. We are budgeting for a tax collection rate of 98%, down from 98.7% in the current budget. Considering the economic times, the lower collection rate will add flexibility to the
budget, especially taking state cuts into account which could be as much as 15% or $150,000. The town’s main problems are that town revenues are down by about $350,000 (interest on investments is down by $200,000, and building department, town clerk, and land use business are all down) and the town is also receiving about $50,000 less from the State, for a total reduction of $400,000 next year. This constitutes two-thirds of next year’s tax increase. The current mill rate of 19.0 will increase to 19.5, a 2.5% increase. The School budget vote will be on May 5th and the Town budget vote will be on May 18th.
b. Bus Barn – Update
The Town is submitting applications for the Bus Barn facility to the Land Use departments: Planning, Zoning and Inland Wetlands. Depending on the timing and outcome of the public hearings, the approvals should occur in May or June. If approvals are secured, then approval of an appropriation must be secured from a Special Town Meeting and then the project can go out to bid. While the funds would need to be approved at a town meeting, the cost will be repaid over time by the rent charged to a bus company selected by District 18. The District has agreed to require the busses be located at the Four Mile River location for a minimum of 10 years. The goal is to begin construction in mid to late summer and finish before winter.
c. Church Corner Project – Update
A pre-bid meeting was held and attended by several contractors. Six or seven sets of plans have been sold, so there is real interest in the project. The project was advertised twice to increase the level of interest. The bids must be submitted on May 1st. The drainage work will be done this spring, but the rest of the work (curbing, sidewalks and paving) will not start until after the White Elephant Sale in mid-July.
d. Community Resources Roundtable
The Roundtable met on March 19th and over 50 people from 29 different community and social service agencies attended. The “frontline” organizations will be educated on the services provided by all the social service and community agencies and groups. A list will be drawn up categorizing all available services and listing providers. Community organizations and others will help identify residents in need and will help with funding, etc.
e. Public Works Garage Committee – Status
The renovation specs are ready and the RFP will be distributed shortly. The committee members are moving forward with different aspects of the project and are identifying various contractors able to do the work. The large garage doors will be improved but not replaced.
f. Animal Control – Update
Sandra Bannon-Rankin has been hired as the Acting Animal Control Officer. Liz Gode, of Clinton, may serve as an assistant.
g. Sound View Beach Committee – Update
The Committee has met twice and is working on a list of issues. The CT Conference of Municipalities (CCM) has provided some information on how other towns with Beach and Park Committees handle issues.
6. New Business:
a. Consent to Rezone School Campus Property to the School District Zone
A request has been received by District 18 to change the school campus property zoning from a Residential Zone to a School District Zone. The Town of Old Lyme owns a portion of the High School road so the Town has been asked to support the zone change. The proposal has been presented to the Zoning Commission so Ann Brown has asked the Board of Selectmen to vote on the change.
Selectman Sibley moved to authorize Tim Griswold as First Selectman to sign paperwork supporting the District’s request to change the zoning of the school campus from Residential Zone to School District Zone. SO VOTED.
b. World War II Veterans Recognition Ceremony- Discussion
First Selectman Griswold reported that Old Lyme has about 96 World War II veterans. The list will be given to the Secretary of State’s office, which will issue invitations to a Recognition Ceremony. Veterans in the Town of Lyme will also be included. Lyme First Selectman Ralph Eno referred Selectwoman Reemsnyder to Mr. Beers to obtain a list of Lyme veterans but she has not heard back from him. Selectman Griswold will try contacting him.
c. Silver Star Banner Day – 1 May 2009
First Selectman Griswold read a proclamation declaring May 1, 2009 as Silver Star Banner Day, which honors those wounded in the armed forces.
d. FEMA Funded Tree Inventory
FEMA will be funding a tree inventory for Old Lyme. The inventory is a record for FEMA to use when funding replacement of trees lost to severe storm damage. The inventory will be performed in May by qualified CCSU students and the town police staff will be so informed.
e. Sound View Parking Lot Permit Fee – Discussion
When parking permits are issued for permitted lots, the Town receives $10 per space. The fee has not been changed in a long time, although the parking fees the operators charge the public were raised recently. The matter will be presented to the Beach Improvement Committee and the Sound View Beach Improvement Committee for input.
f. Eagle Scout Court of Honor – Evan Anway
Congratulations from the Board of Selectmen to Evan Anway who has attained the rank of Eagle Scout. A ceremony was held at Christ the King Church honoring Evan’s accomplishment.
g. Lyme Academy College – Youth Art Show
The Lyme Academy College had a Youth Art Show with works from Old Lyme students in grades K through 12. The Academy also has a summer program for high school art teachers.
7. Public Comment- none
8. Other Business
Selectwoman Reemsnyder congratulates the Girls Varsity Basketball Team on their State Championship victory and Coach Don Bugbee, who was named Coach of the Year.
Selectwoman Reemsnyder asked about the Bus Ordinance for Sound View. Selectman Griswold has spoken to Attorney Clarke who will have the ordinance finished shortly.
Selectwoman Reemsnyder moved, seconded by Selectman Sibley, to go into Executive Session at 8:50 PM to discuss the Public Works Union Contract Negotiation. SO VOTED.
9. Executive Session: Discussion of Public Works Union Contract Negotiations
Selectwoman Reemsnyder moved, seconded by Selectman Sibley, to go out of Executive Session at 9:45 PM. SO VOTED.
10. Ratification of Public Works Union Contract
Selectman Sibley moved, seconded by Selectwoman Reemsnyder, to ratify the Public Works Contract. SO VOTED.
11. Adjournment
Selectwoman Reemsnyder moved, seconded by Selectman Sibley, to adjourn the meeting at 9:47 PM. SO VOTED.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha Hansen
Recording Secretary
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