Old Lyme Board of Selectmen
Regular Meeting: Monday, August 16, 2010
The Board of Selectmen held a regular meeting at 7:30 AM on Monday, August 16, 2010 in the Meeting Hall of the Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall. First Selectman Timothy Griswold, Selectman Skip Sibley and Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder were present.
1. Approval of Minutes: 21 June 2010, 15 July 2010 (special) 19 July 2010
2 August 2010, 12 August 2010 (special)
Selectwoman Reemsnyder moved to accept the minutes of June 21 with two additions (below) and the minutes of July 15, July 19, August 2 and August 12 with no changes or additions. Changes for the June 21 minutes: Under Other Business Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that she had received a call from a citizen asking about an orange car parked on Halls Road that had a "for sale" sign on it. First Selectman Griswold had mentioned that there had been several calls and Zoning was looking into it. The second item was that a citizen had reported that people were bringing coolers onto Miami Beach. The selectmen believe that this is an issue between Miami Beach and Sound View Beach. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Selectman Sibley moved to place Agenda Item 4d before Agenda Item 2. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
4. d. Sound View Commission Proposal – Frank Pappalardo, Chairman of the Sound View Beach Commission Formation Committee, reported that the two informational meetings held on August 8 and 10 were well attended. Overall, nobody took issue with the formation of, or scope of, the proposed Commission. A few questions were raised for which the Committee will have answers at the next public meeting on August 23 at the Community Center in Sound View. Mr. Pappalardo stated that the Town Commissions that he has spoken with are supportive. Miami Beach has expressed support and he believes that Old Colony Beach is also in favor of the Commission. He had not heard from a representative of Old Colony yet. First Selectman Griswold has not received feedback from the Town
Attorney yet but will follow up with her this week. He will also ask her about a timeline to move this along. The Selectmen would like to see this come to vote during a September Town Meeting, but it is important to follow procedures correctly and not rush things. Selectwoman Reemsnyder suggested that the Committee put together a FAQ document as soon as possible and post this on the Town Website, along with the schedule of future meetings.
2. Communications
a. Census Bureau Thank You – First Selectman Griswold reported that the Town had received a letter from the Department of Commerce thanking the Town for its generous donation of time and facilities during the 2010 Census.
b. AMTRAK Right of Way Maintenance – First Selectman Griswold read a letter from AMTRAK stating that they are continuing maintenance activities on the right of way of the Northeast Corridor in the towns of Old Lyme, Westbrook and Old Saybrook over the next three months. Work involves trimming and removing trees and clearing trash and debris. This work will be done safely and respectfully of the neighbors along the rail lines.
c. Letter to East Lyme Business Park Association Signage – First Selectman Griswold stated that the East Lyme Business Park on Colton Road, across from Hatchett's Hill Rd., asked if they could put up a business directory sign at the beginning of Colton Road, where it intersects Four Mile River Road. The Town has given them permission, subject to the sign conforming to the Town's zoning regulations. First Selectman Griswold wrote the Association stating that it would be the Association's responsibility to maintain the sign and not to allow other signs (temporary or permanent) to be placed at the west end of Colton Road.
3. Appointments – None
4. Old Business
a. Bus Barn Update – First Selectman Griswold stated that he and John Flower, Clerk of the Works of this project, met with Mike Beebe, president of M&J Bus Inc. and worked out the issue as to who is responsible for paying the utilities – mainly the electric. The bus company will pay utilities this year and the parties will review the lease agreement next year. There was mention of a ribbon cutting event to be held on the property in the near future. Selectman Sibley suggested that First Selectman Griswold contact Betty Osga, Superintendant of Schools to bring her up-to-date with the progress of the project. Selectman Sibley was very impressed with the facility and is pleased that there is now a safe, environmentally compliant
and efficient Bus Barn.
b. Church Corner Tentative Agreement – First Selectman Griswold reported that both the Town's Attorney and American Industries' Attorney have come up with an agreement concerning the remaining work to be done. The bluestone sidewalks will be done first and hopefully before the 100th anniversary celebration of the Congregational Church on September 19. The other work should be completed before the end of November.
c. Town Hall Expansion HVAC Update – First Selectman Griswold reported that there had been further talks with Van Zelm, the Town’s HVAC consultant, to identify the deficiencies and to identify the responsible party for each. Four recommendations (3 thermostats and a damper change) will be remedied soon. It was decided that the Town will enter into a two-year maintenance contract with ABS, the company that installed the HVAC system. First Selectman Griswold reported that the HVAC seems to be working better and that a local contractor has been very helpful in correcting issues with the equipment.
Selectman Sibley stated that the photovoltaic system has been installed, but inquired where the Town is in the process of getting it up and running. First Selectman Griswold stated that the Building Dept. has provided CL&P with an inspection report, so it should be activated soon. Cathy Frank is working with the Clean Energy Program people to obtain the grant funds for the installation. The Town will re-visit what else needs to be done with regard to paperwork and future reimbursements.
d. Sound View Commission Proposal – Agenda item moved
e. T-Mobile CT Siting Council 60-day Extension – First Selectman Griswold stated that the CT Siting Council asked permission to extend the process 60 days (to October 10, 2010) and T-Mobile agreed to this extension. First Selectman Griswold will contact the Director of the Siting Council to determine when a decision will be rendered. There are no additional hearings scheduled at this time. During an earlier Siting Council hearing, the Town asked T-Mobile to build a higher tower at the South Shore Landing location to accommodate emergency management communications equipment. T-Mobile agreed to construct a bigger concrete base and erect a larger tower up to the 100 feet level. T-Mobile has agreed to increase the height of the tower to
at least 160 feet in order for the Town to place its communication equipment on the tower, however the Town then must fund about $45,000 to pay for its equipment. As part of the FY 12 budget preparation, Valley Shore and Dave Roberge will be asked it they recommend that the Town push for this. If so, a budget request will be made for the funds.
5. New Business
a. Robert Ross Property Line Revisions (Lt. River Lane) Tony Hendriks
Tony Hendriks was not in attendance so this agenda item will be included in the next Selectmen's meeting agenda in September.
b. Town's FY 30 June 2010 Preliminary Results – First Selectman Griswold reported that the fiscal June 30, 2010 results are preliminary, but the Town’s financial results were very good. Revenues came in about $246,000 better than budget, and expenditures were $620,000 under budget. This is a favorable variance of $866,000, before the Board of Finance approves any carryover items. Contributors to this were superior tax collection rates, capital being under-spent by $103,000, the transfer of $56,000 from the Town Woods Phase II account, the Town Clerk hitting her revenue budget and some things that the Town thought would be of greater concern, but were not. There will be a more detailed discussion of the results at the Board of
Finance meeting tomorrow. First Selectman Griswold explained that the Town’s surplus may increase from 8.6% to 11%, which is a positive thing, given the upcoming High School construction project and to guard against unforeseen problems. Selectwoman Reemsnyder commented that is important that the Town keeps a good surplus because the rating agencies like to see surpluses over 10%.
Selectman Sibley commented that Nicole Stajduhar, the Town's Finance Director, has done a fantastic job. The financial reports have improved tremendously and he appreciates the written monthly comments that Nicole provides to the Selectmen and the Board of Finance. The Selectmen agreed.
c. Landfill Material from Willimantic Waste – First Selectman Griswold reported that he had received a call from Willimantic Waste about their bringing crushed glass material (dirty glass) to the Town's Landfill to fill the voids. The Town has agreed to accept this benign material and will be paid $15 per ton by Willimantic Waste, with approximately 1,500 tons expected. Surveying costs will be paid by Willimantic Waste and Anchor Engineering will advise the Town on the procedure.
6. Public Comment – Russ Carlo, a property owner and resident of Sound View Beach,
requested that the Town do something about the large tractor owned by Frank Maratta that has been parked on the Town’s beach at the end of Swan Ave. for some time. The area is public beach and this equipment should not be there. First Selectman Griswold will speak to Land Use and a letter will be sent to Mr. Maratta stating that the equipment is parked on Town property and it must be moved immediately.
Selectmen Sibley asked Mr. Carlo if he felt that the level of noise had lessened. Mr. Carlo did not believe so. Selectman Sibley stated that the police had told him that the manager at The Pavilion is receptive to turning the music down. Mr. Carlo stated that both bars are at fault. Mr. Carlo feels that it is unjust that the taxpayers have to foot the bill for the large amount of police needed at Sound View because of the bars and asked why the bar owners are not asked to pay for this.
7. Other Business – None
The next Board of Selectmen's meeting will be held on Tuesday September 7 at 4:00 PM in the Meeting Hall of the Old Lyme Town Hall.
8. Executive Session – None
9. Adjournment – Selectman Sibley moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:37 AM and First Selectman Griswold seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Respectfully submitted, ~
Mary Ellen Garbarino
Recording Secretary
| 
