Old Lyme Board of Selectmen
Regular Meeting: Monday, 20 December 2010
The Board of Selectmen held a Regular Meeting at 7:30 PM on Monday, 20 December 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: 6 December 2010
Selectman Sibley moved to accept the minutes of 6 December 2010, and Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
2. Communications – None
3. Appointments – January Appointments
First Selectman Griswold stated that letters have been sent to Board and Commission members inquiring if they wish to be considered for re-appointment in January. Most people have responded. Selectwoman Reemsnyder reminded residents that would like to be considered for an appointment to a Town Board or Commission to fill out a form which is available on line or at the Town Hall.
4. Old Business
a. Special Town Meeting – Actions Taken
First Selectman Griswold reported that all items on the agenda at the Special Town Meeting had passed.
b. Probate Court – Draft Agreement
First Selectman Griswold reported that the four towns that make up the new Probate Court in East Lyme are reviewing a draft agreement outlining each town's responsibilities. Each town will be responsible for a percentage of the operating costs, which is determined by the percentage of each town’s census population of the total census population. At this time, Old Lyme would be responsible for about 15% of the operating costs, buy that could change when the new census figures are available. The share of the expenses for capital items going forward will be based on the same calculation. The question of insurance liability had not been resolved yet. The Board of Selectmen will ratify the agreement once it is approved by the four First Selectmen/Mayor.
c. Discussion with Bond Rating Agency: Financing of High School Building Project
First Selectman Griswold reported on the workshop and conference call regarding the bond rating for the School District debt for the High School project. The bond rating should be determined by Moody’s between Christmas and New Year’s and bond offering will be on January 5th.
d. Visit to the Town Of Branford – Use of Organic Pesticides
First Selectman Griswold reported on the trip made by interested parties from Town to the Branford Parks and Recreation playing fields to see firsthand how successful organic pesticides have been for them. The group met with the Branford Parks and Recreation Director and the contractor who applies the organics to the fields. Branford has been using this treatment, which is basically composted leaves, for several years. First Selectman Griswold reviewed the process and stated that, in his opinion, the fields observed in Branford are of lesser quality to the fields in Old Lyme. The Selectmen discussed forming a committee of five people to study the use of organic pesticides on the Parks & Rec. fields in Old Lyme. The Committee will report its findings back to the Selectmen. First
Selectman Griswold suggested testing the organic treatment on a small portion of the fields first, before making a major commitment. The First Selectman will draft a memo outlining the Committee's assignment.
5. New Business
a. Discussion about Possible Regional Health Insurance Fund
First Selectman Griswold reported on a presentation to the Lower CT Valley Selectmen's Assoc he attended, which was presented by USI Insurance Services,. If ten to twelve entities join a health insurance fund, there could be substantial savings in health insurance costs. Each Town could have its own insurance carrier, just as it does now. The Towns and Schools involved were asked to gather certain information for USI Insurance Services. Once this is done, USI Insurance Services will get back to the Selectmen's Assoc. with a proposal. Hopefully this will be done in February 2011.
b. Town Employees – 2011 Holiday Schedule Approval
The Town Employees' 2011 Holiday Schedule was reviewed. Selectman Sibley moved to accept the Town Employees' 2011 Holiday Schedule as presented by First Selectman Griswold. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
c. Board of Selectmen – 2011 Meeting Schedule Approval
The Board of Selectmen's Meeting Schedule for 2011 was reviewed. Meetings will be held on the first and third Mondays of each month beginning at 7:30 PM. Modifications to meeting dates and times will be made on an as-needed basis. Selectman Sibley moved to accept the Board of Selectmen's 2011 Meeting Schedule as presented by First Selectman Griswold. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
6. Public Comment - None
7. Other Business
The Selectmen discussed whether Town Employees should have early dismissal on Thursday, December 23. It was decided that if Town Employees want to take time off on that day, they will need to use their vacation time.
Selectman Sibley reported that Dick Moll had spoken to him regarding Mr. Moll’s concern that the stone wall marking a boundary on Four Mile River Road has not been put back to its original position. First Selectman Griswold responded that the property owner who had moved the wall has been contacted by the Town and asked to put the boundary back. First Selectman Griswold scheduled a meeting with the property owner and Ann Brown, ZEO, but the property owner did not attend the meeting. If said property owner does not comply with the request, the Town will have the work done and bill the property owner for the work. First Selectman Griswold will contact the property owner again.
Selectman Sibley thanked First Selectman Griswold for requesting responses from the Health Dept. and the Land Use Dept. concerning the questions raised by the Federation of Beaches Group during the October meeting.
Selectwoman Reemsnyder inquired about a tree in need of removal on Meeting House Lane. First Selectman Griswold reported that it has been slated for removal soon. Selectwoman Reemsnyder requested that First Selectman Griswold double check on that, as the tree is dangerous in its present condition.
The next Board of Selectmen's meeting will be held on Monday, 3 January 2011 at 7:30 PM in the Meeting Hall of the Old Lyme Town Hall.
8. Adjournment
Selectman Sibley moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 PM, and Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Respectfully submitted, ~
Mary Ellen Garbarino
Recording Secretary
Edited by Tim Griswold
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