Old Lyme Board of Selectmen UNAPPROVED
Regular Meeting: Monday, 3 October 2011
The Board of Selectmen held a Regular Meeting at 8:00 AM on Monday, 3 October 2011 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 – 19 September 2011
Selectwoman Reemsnyder called for one correction under Snow Plowing at the Beaches referring to the sentence that reads "The selectmen decided to plow [some] of the roads … The word [some] should be added.
Selectman Sibley stated that at the last Selectmen's meeting, there was a question as to whether or not there had been mention about reimbursement for dumping fees for hurricane debris at the previous meeting. People have been submitting their receipts for refunds, but the Selectmen would like to be sure that residents know that refunds are available.
Selectman Sibley mentioned under item number 8 (third sentence) that the part of the sentence that reads "and would not like to see it discarded because of a decision by the School Board." changed to: "and would like more information from the School Board concerning its decision."
There was a discussion of how the minutes are posted with regard to unapproved and approved. First Selectman Griswold will speak to the Town Clerk about the best way to handle this.
Selectwoman Reemsnyder moved to accept the minutes of 19 September 2011 as amended. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
2. Communication
Dr. Osga – LOL Public Schools – Disposition of Observatory Dome
First Selectman Griswold read a letter dated 21 September from Dr. Osga regarding the disposition of the Observatory dome. Dr. Osga stated in the letter that to date, the Board had not received any proposals that it has found acceptable. The Observatory includes three components; the telescope, the dome and the housing. The telescope has been removed, placed in storage and has potential for future use by the District. The dome structure can be removed in a single piece or it can be dismantled. The remaining housing structure is believed to be of little value or interest. It is the dome that must be addressed at this time. Board policy directs that she notify each member town of the availability of the equipment prior to disposing of it or allowing it to be transferred to an
outside recipient. If Dr. Osga does not receive a written reply from the Town within 10 days, she will proceed as directed by the Board.
First Selectmen Griswold stated that he does not believe the Town of Old Lyme has a use for the dome. Selectman Sibley stated that he is pleased that there is a procedure for the disposition of school assets and this is just what he had suggested. He would like to schedule a meeting in order to get accurate and up-to-date information. First Selectman Griswold said that the Town of Old Lyme should communicate back to Dr. Osga stating that, after consideration, the Board of Selectmen does not believe that it is in the best interest of the Town to assume responsibility for the dome, but that we would appreciate an opportunity to learn more about its future at Friday's meeting of the Leadership Committee.
3. Appointments
Selectman Sibley moved to appoint Frank Maratta as an Alternate to the Harbor Management Commission for a 4 year term ending in January 2013. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. First Selectman Griswold has not spoken with the Chairman of the Harbor Management Commission about the recommendation yet and the Selectmen believe this should be done before the appointment is made. Selectman Sibley moved to table this appointment until the next Selectmen's Meeting. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
4. Old Business
a. Snow Plowing of Beach Association Roads – Discussion
A recommendation needs to be made for 2013 and beyond by the Board of Selectmen. Selectwoman Reemsnyder believes that it was too early to make a decision about this matter. She would like to postpone any recommendation until a committee is formed and more information was obtained. A policy for plowing all private roads would be one of the issues discussed. Selectman Sibley would like to include representatives on the committee that live on private roads outside of the beach area. First Selectman Griswold stated that there are 54 private roads, excluding the beach roads, and it would not be possible to put a person from each private road on the committee. Scott Boulanger will present the Selectmen with a list of possible committee members from the Beach Associations.
b. CT River Valley Council of Governments – Land Use Officials and Staff Meeting
This meeting was previously scheduled for last week, but has been rescheduled for 19 October.
c. Duck River Culvert Update
First Selectman Griswold stated that the wire rope guardrails have been installed, making this job complete. The Engineer, the contractor and First Selectman Griswold will do a final inspection this week. The installation of a metal beam rail along the Johnny Cake Hill side of McCurdy Road will be considered for safety reasons.
d. Hurricane Irene
First Selectman Griswold reported that the Town has expended about $82,500 so far for expenses related to the storm which include personnel costs and outside contractors. More expenditures will be made. The expenses are being documented and will be sent to FEMA.
There will be a public meeting in the Town Hall on Wednesday at 7:00 PM and a second meeting will be held in the Sound View Community Center on Friday at 7:00 PM. Community input is needed with regard to Hurricane Irene and the Town's response.
A link to the State website will be added to the Town's website so people may register their cell phone numbers and e-mails for future emergencies. It was suggested that the link be in red and on the homepage.
e. CT Riverway Trail Study Update
The CT Riverway Trail will run from the scenic overlook at the Baldwin Bridge down Route 156 to Ferry Road and the DEEP facility, to the Lt. River boat launch and to the Smith’s Neck boat launch. The plan is to make a pedestrian/bike trail that would be safe and enjoyable, as well as tying in marine access to the points mentioned. The company that will do the study will also help the Town secure funding. This will be done in five segments and, by tying in the Baldwin Bridge, it will allow access for people from Old Saybrook. The Selectmen commended Joe Camean for his continued work to make this trail a reality.
f. Park and Rec Director – Stipend for Sound View Parking Activity Discussion
First Selectman Griswold stated that the Town is eager to identify a company to consult with the Town about employee compensation. Representatives from Park and Rec spoke First Selectman Griswold about Don Bugbee’s hours and responsibilities. Managing the Sound View Parking Lot is a very large time commitment and also a big financial commitment, grossing $80,000 to $90,000 each summer. In truth, this is not a Park and Rec function. Before Mr. Bugbee took over management, the Town received a percentage fee only. The question is, since the Town does not have the consultant recommendation at the moment, should the Board of Selectmen make a recommendation that, after seven years of operating the lot, a stipend be given to Mr. Bugbee for doing such a fine job of running the parking lot.
Selectwoman Reemsnyder requested to see the parking lot financials over the years, the approximation of hours that Mr. Bugbee spends running the parking lot and the employees needed. First Selectman Griswold reminded the Selectmen that Park and Rec provided them with these numbers in May and this summer the numbers are about the same. Selectman Sibley is very supportive of the Town hiring a consultant to review employee compensation. With regard to the Sound View Parking Lot, he really likes the idea of a stipend, treating this as they would any special project. The Town has a history of compensating employees for work on special projects in the form of a stipend.
Selectwoman Reemsnyder is concerned about how people might view this. It may be seen as a bonus and generally a stipend is agreed upon before the special project. She regrets that the Park and Rec did not come to the Selectmen before the budget process. She would like to continue the discussion, settle upon an amount and consult the Board of Finance.
First Selectman Griswold feels that they should not be bashful about recognizing Mr. Bugbee for going above and beyond to make the Parking Lot such a success. This will be on the agenda for the next Selectmen's meeting.
g. CPR Training for Town Employees Update
First Selectman Griswold reported that 22 Town employees have registered for CPR training. The total cost to the Town will be $636 and the Selectmen agreed that this is a wise investment.
5. New Business
a. Approval of $200,000 DOT Grant – Dredging Design for Black Hall and Four Mile Rivers
First Selectman Griswold reported that a $200,000 grant for the dredging design work for the Black Hall and Four Mile Rivers was approved by the State Bonding Commission. The Town will need to put together a group to work on this project.
b. Sound View Parking and Improvements Study Contract
The Sound View Commission has inked a deal with BCS and this firm will be working on two scenarios. The first would be angled parking on the west side of Hartford Avenue and to use part of the existing parking lot for parking, restrooms and picnic area. The other would be for angled parking on the west side of Hartford Avenue and to reconfigure the parking lot for perimeter angled parking, with the center of the parking lot for a picnic area and so forth. Kiosk type parking machines and portable restrooms are being investigated. The fee for this study is $2,500.
c. Electronics Recycling Collection Update
Presently, there is a white pod at the Transfer Station to receive consumer electronics: televisions, computers, printers, etc. As of June 15, the Town collected 5,600 pounds and as of July 8 there was almost 6,900 pounds collected. This is very encouraging.
d. Terri Brodeur Foundation Walk – Saturday October 1
The Terri Brodeur Foundation Walk was a tremendous success and all the participants and organizers were commended.
6. Public Comment
Dimitri Tolchinski spoke to the Selectmen. He spoke at the Selectmen's meeting on September 19 and stated that he did not see in the minutes where a WPCA motion was read concerning community septic systems. The motion requested the Board of Selectmen to indicate if it is in favor of the WPCA’s desire to proceed with a feasibility study of community septic systems.
First Selectman Griswold stated that the Board of Selectmen needs a more clearly defined process. The Selectmen cannot ask the Board of Finance for money unless the Selectmen can explain what is going to happen. Community septic systems could be a good option and the DEEP should consider them along with structural sewers. A presentation should be made to the Land Use boards and commissions. The costs could then be quantified and people could be assigned specific tasks.
7. Other Business
Selectwoman Reemsnyder asked if there was an update about the lights on Olivia Lane. First Selectman Griswold said that they should be working by Friday.
Selectman Sibley read from a memo dated 29 September from Ned Perkins, Chair of the Task Force on the Senior Center. This memo was addressed to First Selectman Griswold and First Selectman Ralph Eno of Lyme. This memo was written in order to update the Selectmen on the progress of the Task Force and to give an idea of the work that lies ahead. Their goal is to have a report and recommendations to the Selectmen in January, in advance of the 2012 / 2013 budget discussions.
This Task Force is comprised of 6 members, 4 from Old Lyme and 2 from Lyme. They first met on 13 May and reviewed the current structure and operations of the Senior Center. They have since gained great insight by speaking with the people and organizations that are involved. The Task Force has now turned its attention to assessing each area of the operation of the Senior Center. The plan is to enable the Senior Center to successfully meet the needs of the expanding senior population of the two Towns.
The next Board of Selectmen's meeting will be held on Monday, 17 October at
7:30 PM in the Meeting Hall of the Old Lyme Town Hall.
8. Executive Session – NONE
9. Adjournment:
Selectwoman Reemsnyder moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:59 AM. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Respectfully submitted, ~
Mary Ellen Garbarino
Recording Secretary
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