Old Lyme Board of Selectmen
Regular Meeting: Monday, May 3, 2010
The Board of Selectmen held a regular meeting at 7:30 PM on Monday, May 3, 2010 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 – April 19, 2010
Selectwoman Reemsnyder moved to accept the minutes of April 19, 2010 with the correction of a grammatical error under Old Business (a) changing the word "to" to "will" in the sentence referring to the involvement of FEMA. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
2. March of Dimes Motorcycle Fundraiser – Carrie Fuller, March of Dimes State Director, and Norm LeBlanc, an organizer for the Motorcycle Fundraiser, spoke to the Board about reconsidering their decision to deny permission for the charity's motorcycle ride from Portland, CT to Sound View Beach on Sunday, September 12, 2010. The Selectmen appreciated their enthusiasm for the fundraiser, but felt that this was not in the best interest of the Town and certainly not the residents of Sound View Beach. The Selectmen agreed to solicit feedback from the beach residents and get back to Ms. Fuller.
3. Communications – Census Bureau Canvassing has Commenced
First Selectman Griswold reported that he had received a letter from the Census Bureau stating that the Census Workers are now in the community visiting the homes of the people who have not sent in their Census Forms. First Selectmen Griswold reminded Town Residents to send in their Census Forms, if they had not already done so.
4. Appointments
Conservation Commission: Monica Buccheri (D), Alternate, 1-year term, expiring January 2011.
Conservation Commission: Lauralyn Lewis (D), Alternate, 1-year term, expiring January 2011.
Selectwoman Reemsnyder moved to accept these two appointments to the Conservation Commission, Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Harbor Management Commission: Robert Falaguerra (R), Alternate, 4-year term, expiring January 2011. Selectman Sibley moved to accept this appointment to the Harbor Management Commission, Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
First Selectman Griswold reported that the Connecticut River Gateway Commission presently has a delegate and an alternate vacancy. This Commission is comprised of several towns up the CT River. If any person would like to be considered to fill one of these vacancies, please contact the Selectmen's Office.
5. Old Business
a. Flood Damage – FEMA Presidential Declaration
First Selectman Griswold reminded everyone that President Obama has denied Connecticut's request for individual assistance to those affected by the March storm. The President did approve the State's request for a major disaster declaration, which allows financial assistance to the State and Local Governments. The State is trying to appeal the decision that denied assistance to individuals, and has set up a 211 telephone number for individuals to call and register their personal damages.
b. Town Budget – Town Budget Meeting, 7:30 PM, 17 May, Middle School
The Town Budget Meeting will be on May 17, at 7:30 PM at the LOL Middle School. The Board of Finance will present the Town budget. First Selectman Griswold stated that an ordinance amendment for the WPCA will be considered as part of this meeting.
c. Bus Barn Update – First Selectmen Griswold reported that the Bus Barn project is moving ahead nicely. The Committee made a decision to purchase and install a larger fuel tank. The modular building will be delivered soon. Connecticut Carpentry, who was the low bidder, has withdrawn its action against the Town.
d. Church Corner Update – First Selectman Griswold stated that the Town is awaiting word from the contractor’s attorney as to whether the revisions that our Clerk of the Works and our Engineer have worked on are acceptable. Selectman Sibley reported that the Selectmen received a letter from the Historic District Commission regarding the bollards and connecting chains that have not been installed along the Town Green. First Selectman Griswold responded to the Historic District Commission stating that the installation of bollards and chains was not part of the original contract with American Industries, but the expectation is that they will be installed once we are sure the budget is adequate.
e. Open Space Committee Forum –7:00 PM, 22 May, Town Hall
First Selectmen Griswold reported on the Land Use Workshop held to discuss the proposal that the Open Space Committee become a Commission. There was a long discussion at this workshop about the legal process, but no decision was made. First Selectman Griswold thought that this could be resolved in one to two months. Selectman Sibley was unable to attend the forum, but had interviewed some of the people who attended. He understood that there was quite a bit of push back from certain Conservation Commission members. Selectman Sibley would like a maintenance plan to be formulated, using professionals to maintain trails, etc.
f. CT Siting Council Hearing Update – First Selectman Griswold reported that he and Dave Roberge attended the CT Siting Council meeting on April 20. They were allowed to ask questions of both T-Mobile and the Siting Council. First Selectman Griswold asked T-Mobile if they would be willing to construct a tower with a minimum 160 foot height at the Self Storage Site so that the Town's Emergency Management equipment could be placed on the tower. T-Mobile stated that it would. The next question was what would be involved in going from a 110 foot tower to 160 or 170 foot tower. The concrete base would have to be bigger, and T-Mobile committed that they would do that. The next question was about the actual tower. T-Mobile's present
plan is to construct a 110 foot tower. It they go to a taller tower, this will have to be brought before the community again, thus slowing down the process. T-Mobile’s cost estimate for the items the Town is requesting, such as a generator, small building to house the generator, the wire and antennae, is $45,000. T-Mobile asked the Town if it would be able to pay the $45,000 when the time comes, which could actually be several years from now. First Selectman Griswold said he believes the Town will be able to secure grants and/or appropriate funds to cover the cost. It was agreed the Town will update the Siting Council within 30 days. In the meantime, T-Mobile will move ahead with the 110 foot tower, and will agree to build the higher tower when the Town commits to the $45,000 equipment cost. First Selectman Griswold further explained that there was testimony from a Point O'Woods resident about the proposed tower at the Laundromat
Site. There are 10 houses that are within 500 feet of the tower, and First Selectman Griswold and Dave Roberge reminded the Siting Council of the Town's zoning regulations, which require a 500 foot separation. There should be a decision in June.
Selectwoman Reemsnyder asked if the tower's height were to increase to 160 feet, could another cellular carrier(s) be added. First Selectman Griswold replied yes. He explained that there are three proposed towers, and if any of them were made taller it would not lessen the need for three towers. The proposed Buttonball Tower would provide for two T-Mobile antennae plus two other carriers. However, at this time no other carriers are interested. The proposed tower at the Self Storage Site could support several carriers with the increased height. The proposed tower at the Laundromat Site would provide for T-Mobile only. First Selectman Griswold’s concern is that once this is all done, will there be sufficient coverage in the primary beach area?
Selectman Sibley asked if it would be wise to put the proposed $45,000 cost on the call of the Town Budget Meeting this month. Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that Town residents need to be kept informed about a taller tower at the Self Storage Site. First Selectman Griswold will update the Town's Website with an Executive Summary of the Siting Council Meeting.
6. New Business
a. WPCA Ordinance Amendment – First Selectman Griswold reported that the WPCA is proposing new rules with respect to cesspools, steel septic tanks and other components in December 2012. This ordinance amendment will be discussed in detail at the Town Budget Meeting. The Board of Selectmen will request that Tom Risom meet with them to discuss the ordinance before they can make any decision.
b. Village Estates Planning Commission Recommendation – First Selectman Griswold reported on a letter received from the Planning Commission regarding required work to be done in preparation for the Town's acceptance of the road at Village Estates, located off of Route 156. There is remaining work to be done on the drainage basin, and the Planning Commission is asking the Board of Selectmen to send out an RFP for said work. The Town’s engineer, Tom Metcalf, estimated the cost of this work at $39,480. First Selectman Griswold will ask the Planning Commission for more details on this request and report back.
c. Sound View Parking Lot Possible Reconfiguration – Selectman Sibley reported on the Sound View Beach Formation Committee meeting. The Committee is concerned with the overcrowding on Sound View Beach, and suggested the Town reduce the number of parking spaces in the Town Parking Lot, along with possibly raising the parking fees to help make up the lost income from less spaces. Selectwoman Reemsnyder was concerned that when people cannot park legally, they will park illegally. First Selectman Griswold spoke to Don Bugbee and Mr. Bugbee's concern is just that. The Board agreed that there is a problem of overcrowding, and that reducing the number of spaces by 20 would make a statement. First Selectman Griswold suggested that the study
approved by the Board of Finance be done before anything is changed, and he was adamant that the Board of Selectmen speak with Mr. Bugbee before any changes are made. Mr. Bugbee has done an excellent job of running the parking lot for many years, and it is important to get his input. There was discussion about the fee structure, private parking lots and better enforcement of any illegal parking lots. Selectman Sibley stated that he has spoken to Mr. Bugbee at length about converting the whole parking lot into a park, leaving just a few spaces. He said Mr. Bugbee is all for it. Selectman Sibley moved to reduce the number of spaces at the Town Parking Lot by 20 spaces as long as Don Bugbee is in agreement. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED. First Selectman Griswold will meet with Don Bugbee to get his feedback.
d. CRERPA Seeking Part-time Help with AMTRAK Train Count – First Selectman Griswold reported that CRERPA is undertaking a study of train bridge openings. Niantic Bridge in particular is a sore spot, and as more trains are added to the Amtrak schedule, there will be more bridge openings. CRERPA is attempting to do a detailed analysis, and they are looking to hire part-time people over the summer to count the number of vessels that are held back by the bridge openings at the Connecticut River Bridge, the Niantic Bridge and the Shaw's Cove Bridge. These shifts would be 6 hours and the pay will be $12 an hour. Anyone who is interested in finding out more about this work should call Torrance Downes at CRERPA at 860-388-3497.
7. Public Comment – Lina Tuck thanked First Selectman Griswold for attending the CT Siting Council Hearing. She felt that the photos presented at the hearing of the proposed Laundromat cell tower location were rather one-sided and she is sending new photos to the Siting Council. Ms. Tuck is hopeful that the application for the construction of a cell tower at the Laundromat location will be denied.
Frank Pappalardo, Chairman of the Sound View Beach Formation Committee, spoke to the Board about the overcrowding at Sound View Beach during the summer. He would like the Board to consider cutting down the number of parking spaces in the Town Lot by 30 or one-third. He felt that the Town's parking lot fees are rock bottom compared to what other beaches charge in the State, therefore making it acceptable to raise the parking fees. Discussion followed with the main concern being that the overcrowded conditions at Sound View Beach do not provide a safe environment. Miami Beach takes on overflow from Sound View Beach and that is a real problem for Miami Beach. Selectman Sibley felt that the Town could do a better job of policing the area and we must look at the bigger picture. Cutting down
of the number of parking spaces this summer would be a start.
8. Other Business – First Selectman Griswold requested to add to the agenda the recommendation to hire a sixth Town Police Officer. Selectwoman Reemsnyder moved to add this item to the agenda and Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
First Selectman Griswold reported that Trooper O'Donnell said that the interview process went well. The ranking was: ex-trooper Martin Lane was number one in the process, and ex-trooper William Flanagan was number two. Mr. Flanigan wants to be considered only for the part-time position. Accordingly the recommendation is to hire Mr. Lane as a full-time Old Lyme Police Officer and Mr. Flanagan as a part-time Old Lyme Police Officer, subject to their successful completion of the remaining processing requirements. The Selectmen hope to have Mr. Lane begin work in the latter part of May and Mr. Flanagan in July. Selectwoman Reemsnyder moved to appoint Martin Lane as a full-time Town of Old Lyme Police Officer and William Flanagan as a part-time Town of Old Lyme Police Officer, subject to
certain criteria being met. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
First Selectman Griswold reported that he had received a letter from Gerry Vowles, owner of the Carousel Shop at Sound View, requesting permission to have field trips for the third grade students from Duffy Elementary School in West Hartford on June 4 and special education students from Conrad High School in West Hartford on June 8. The buses would park in front of the Carousel Shop. Selectman Sibley made a motion to approve the dates, as described in the letter from Mr. Vowles. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Selectman Sibley inquired if there were any Town Hall building updates. First Selectman Griswold stated that there was not much new to report. First Selectman Griswold stated that the Town does not yet have a resolution with the contractor. Small issues are being worked on, and the Town has been in discussion with the Clean Energy folks about the grant program. The issues with the HVAC have not been resolved.
The next Selectmen's Meeting will be held on May 17, 2010 in the Old Lyme Town Hall Meeting Room at 4:00 PM.
First Selectman Griswold reported that he will schedule a hearing at 3:45 PM on May 17, for the Florence Griswold Community Action regarding the Neighborhood Assistance Act.
9. Adjournment – Selectwoman Reemsnyder moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:55 PM, Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Respectfully submitted, ~
Mary Ellen Garbarino
Recording Secretary
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