Old Lyme Board of Selectmen
Regular Meeting: Monday, 17 October 2011
The Board of Selectmen held a Regular Meeting at 7:30 PM on Monday, 17 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 – 3 October 2011
Selectman Sibley moved to accept the minutes of 3 October 2011 as presented. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
2. Communication
Frank Maratta – Sound View Boat Lane
Mr. Maratta spoke to the Selectmen about the possible relocation of the boat lane which comes in from Long Island Sound to the shore just to the east of the extension of Swan Ave. This proposal moves the boat lane about 50 to 75 feet further to the west onto the Pavillion property. This means that the swim area would expand on the east side of the relocated boat lane. Mr. Maratta explained that it is the Town that would need to approve moving the boat lane. Old Colony Beach is the permittee of the swim area at its beach. First Selectman Griswold pointed out that the Condominium Association has a permit for a 30 foot swim area between the Old Colony buoys and the boat lane, so Mr. Maratta’s proposal would add a swimming area to the west of that swim area.. First Selectman Griswold asked Mr.
Maratta if he had run this plan by the Sound View Commission. Mr. Maratta stated that he had not, as that Commission is not the permittee and that, in his opinion, what the businesses want in Sound View is not what the Sound View Commission wants. The Selectmen stated that it was necessary for the Sound View Commission to be included in this matter. First Selectmen Griswold asked that Mr. Maratta submit a written request to the Board of Selectmen with a copy of the signed petition that he discussed at this meeting.
3. Appointments
Frank Maratta (R) – Alternate - Harbor Management Commission - 4 Yr. Term to Jan 13
First Selectman Griswold stated that, as a matter of disclosure, the Harbor Management Commission does supervise moorings in Long Island Sound, some of which are in front of the Pavilion (owned by Mr. Maratta). First Selectman Griswold has spoken with Steve Ross, Chairman of the Harbor Management Commission, and Mr. Ross has no objection to having Mr. Maratta appointed to the Commission. Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that she has received communication stating that there is some concern about Mr. Maratta being on the Commission, as this could present a conflict. She would like to table this appointment until the next Selectmen's meeting. Selectman Sibley suggested that they include the Harbor Management Commission and the Sound View Commission in this discussion about the boat lane move.
Selectwoman moved to table this appointment and Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
4. Old Business
a. Snow Plowing of Beach Association Roads – Committee Formation
First Selectman Griswold has received information from the Land Use area that there are about ten miles of private subdivision roads in town. These 10 miles consists mainly of paved roads as opposed to dirt roads. First Selectman Griswold has emailed Scott Boulanger, President of the Federation of Beaches, requesting two names to serve on a new Committee that would study the plowing of private roads issue and come back to the Selectmen with a recommendation. The Selectmen realize that the members of the Beach Association pay a lot of taxes and that they do not consume as many services as residents on other private roads do. The beach association private roads total about 13 miles, including Point O' Woods, and Rogers Lake would add another 2 miles. Plowing a private road is more difficult
than plowing a typical town road as they are, for the most part, short, narrow and unlit.
First Selectmen Griswold suggested that a two representatives from the beach associations serve on the Committee, along with two from other private associations and two living on town roads. Selectwoman Reemsnyder reminded the Board that the Committee would also discuss other issues than just the snow plowing. When the Selectmen consider appointing outside people to the Committee, these people should be willing to remain on the Committee to discuss all other outstanding issues as well. Selectman Sibley would like all the private roads to be included in the new clearly defined policy.
Scott Boulanger spoke to the Selectmen. He suggested that a core group of about 6 people serve on the Committee. Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that, in her opinion, there should be someone from the town, but outside of the beach area, serving on this Committee, plus a representative from the Board of Finance. Selectman Sibley suggested that two committees be formed; one for the snow plowing issue and one for the remaining issues, as defined by the Beach Associations. First Selectman Griswold suggested that the Committee have 3 representatives from the beach associations, 2 representatives from other private associations, 1 representative residing on a Town road, and a Board of Finance member. All expressed satisfaction with this structure. Mr. Boulanger will review the names submitted
by the beach associations and get back to First Selectman Griswold this week. These Committee members will need to be people who can meet during the next two months.
b. CT River Valley Council of Governments – Land Use Officials and Staff Meeting
This meeting will take place on Tuesday afternoon at 5:30 PM in the Town Hall. Depending on the outcome of this meeting, the Selectmen should be able to make a recommendation to a Special Town meeting at their next meeting.
c. Duck River Culvert Update
The work is complete and the engineer has done a final inspection. The Town has signed a form confirming substantial completion that will be reviewed by the CT DEEP. Payment to the contractor has been authorized, less the retainage. Installation of the beam rail (metal guard rail) on the Johnny Cake Hill side of McCurdy Road will be a separate project. This would be installed for safety reasons.
d. Park and Rec Director Stipend for Sound View Parking Activity Discussion
First Selectman Griswold stated that Don Bugbee reminded him that he has run the Sound View Parking Lot under the direction of the Parks and Recreation Department for 12 years, not 7 years, as stated at the previous Selectmen's meeting. First Selectman Griswold said that the Selectmen need to determine if Mr. Bugbee should receive a stipend at this time. Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that, even though the Selectmen realize that Mr. Bugbee works very hard, she is concerned about giving him a stipend during the budget year after the budget has been approved. If the Selectmen make a recommendation to the Board of Finance and it is approved, the money would come out of surplus. Selectman Sibley referred to the Parks and Recreation Commission memo dated May 23, 2011 which asked for a stipend for
Mr. Bugbee in the amount of $10,000. This memo was received after the budget was settled on. Selectman Sibley stated that he felt that this was something that should have been requested during the budget discussions because running the parking lot is above and beyond the normal duties of a Parks and Recreation Director. He would be in favor of a much smaller stipend at this time.
Selectman Sibley moved that the Town award Don Bugbee a stipend of $1,500 for his work managing the Sound View Parking Lot over the last 12 years. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. Discussion followed. First Selectman Griswold stated that the new compensation consultant will provide guidance about the best way to compensate Mr. Bugbee going forward. Over the past 12 years, Mr. Bugbee was not specifically compensated to manage the parking lot and First Selectman Griswold thinks that $5,000 would be a better amount for all the past years. In the future, the payroll consultant can recommend the best way to handle this. He believes $1,500 is too small an amount to compensate for 12 years of parking lot management. Selectman Sibley stated that the Parks and Recreation Department
only brought this to the Selectmen’s attention in May of this year and it was not fair to have to go back 12 years. He feels that in looking at this past summer of 10 weeks of running the Parking Lot that $150 per week as a bonus would be fair. Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that she is still uncomfortable in giving a Town employee an increase in the middle of a budget year. She felt that it was most important to determine if the Town needs more help, as no person should work this many hours a week. First Selectman Griswold agreed that this should have been addressed before now and thinks that Mr. Bugbee has been undercompensated all these years.
First Selectman Griswold moved to amend the motion to increase the stipend to $5,000. There was no second to this motion. The present motion is to recommend to the Board of Finance that Mr. Bugbee be paid a stipend of $1,500. First Selectman Griswold and Selectman Sibley voted for the motion and Selectwoman Reemsnyder voted against the motion. SO VOTED.
5. New Business
a. Randi Frank – Proposed Compensation Consultant
First Selectman Griswold reviewed a proposal from Randi Frank, a payroll consultant that has been recommended by Nicole Stajduhar, Finance Director. Ms. Frank has been a payroll consulting for many years and has worked for numerous CT municipalities. If hired, Ms. Frank will interview Town employees regarding their job descriptions. She and her associate will survey towns that are similar to Old Lyme, comparing salaries and job descriptions to our Town employees. Town employees, along with their supervisors, will verify their job description. The surveys will then be reviewed and compensation amounts will be recommended. The Town will then review the findings and make adjustments to an employee's compensation, if needed. This will be about a 12 week process. The cost is $425
per position and there could be as many as 28 positions in the study. There is $8,000 in the budget which will cover a good portion of this expense. This matter will be discussed at the Board of Finance meeting tomorrow nightr.
b. Library Lane and Part of Town Wood's Road Paving is Complete
The repaving of Library Lane and part of Town Wood's Road is complete. The contractor also did some repair work on Buttonball Road, north of the Black Hall Club, to paving that he performed last year, at no cost to the Town.
c. Controlled Substance Take Back - Saturday 29 Oct., 10AM to 2PM - Lyme St. Firehouse
The Drug Enforcement Administration, in conjunction with the Old Lyme Resident Trooper's Office and the Old Lyme Volunteer Fire Department, will conduct a one day collection of potentially dangerous, expired, unused or unwanted controlled substances from residents’ homes. This initiative will provide an opportunity for the public to dispose of controlled substances and other medications to law enforcement officers for destruction. Residents should bring their controlled substances to the Firehouse on Saturday October 29, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
First Selectman Griswold recognized Trooper Gary Inglis as our recently-appointed Resident State Trooper and the Selectmen welcomed him.
d. Dedication of the Pike Children’s Room at the Library
First Selectmen Griswold remembered Connie and Bill Pike who were long-time residents of Old Lyme. The Pikes were well known for their philanthropy and dedicated volunteerism. The Library dedicated the Constance and William Pike Children's Room to honor them. The ceremony took place on October 2.
6. Public Comment
Frank Pappalardo, Chairman of the Sound View Commission, spoke to the Selectmen about the Commission's responsibility to the Town. The Commission offers recommendations and guidance to the Selectmen in an effort revitalize the Sound View area. It works closely with the Sound View businesses and has had several meetings with them. He thanked the Selectmen for referring Mr. Maratta’s proposal to relocate the boat lane and the swim areas to the Sound View Commission. The Commission will properly research this and make a recommendation, based on what is best for the community.
Jim Lampos, a resident of Sound View, spoke to the Selectmen about Mr. Maratta's proposed relocation of the boat lane which, in his opinion, would reduce the public swim area. Mr. Lampos voiced his concern about enforcement within the boat lane and he asked that the Town not be shy about enforcing any pertinent environmental laws.
Joan Byer, of 61 Breen Avenue, spoke about the ongoing problem of Sheffield Brook flooding. She requested that the Board of Selectmen push harder to get this problem fixed, either through a Town Commission or the DEEP. Selectman Sibley reviewed what has happened so far and stated that the Selectmen will keep moving forward on this issue. First Selectman Griswold stated that this gets tricky because the brook runs through private property. The Flood and Erosion Control Board has worked on this, along with Dave Roberge, Emergency Management Director. First Selectman Griswold suggested that she speak with Steve Ross, former Chairman of the Flood and Erosion Control Board, or Todd Machnik, the present Chairman, to find out what has been done up to this point.
Edgar Butcher, of Hartford Avenue, reported that he has received a letter from the CT Water Company stating that it will turn off his water service in November. He contacted the Company about this and was told that, until the Town notifies the Company that the home is year round, the water must be turned off. The Selectmen will speak to the Health Department about this and asked Mr. Butcher for a copy of the letter.
7. Other Business
Selectman Sibley presented a draft of an application form to be completed by residents who wish to become members of the to-be-formed Anti Blight Committee. It is very similar to what was drafted for the Sound View Beach Commission Formation Committee. Selectman Sibley referred to this new committee as the Anti Blight Organizational Investigation Committee (ABOIC). This application will be placed on the Town Website and a copy will be sent to Frank Pappalardo.
Selectmen Sibley referred to a previous Selectmen's meeting where the WPCA Chair spoke and the Selectmen were going to get in touch with Open Space Committee about evaluating possible open space parcels for community septic systems. A discussion followed. Selectwoman Reemsnyder would like to bring this to the Board of Finance tomorrow evening.
First Selectman Griswold pointed out that the next scheduled date for the Board of Selectmen to meet is November 7th, the evening before Election Day. The Selectmen decided that the date will remain as is, but the meeting will be held at 8:00 in the morning instead of the evening.
First Selectman Griswold stated that he would like the Board to go into Executive Session to discuss something that was brought to his attention today regarding the potential purchase of a piece of real estate. Discussion of the terms of a potential real estate purchase are exempt from FOI.
The next Board of Selectmen's meeting will be held on Monday, 7 November at
8:00 AM in the Meeting Hall of the Old Lyme Town Hall.
8. Executive Session
Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder moved to add to the agenda that the Selectmen will go into Executive Session to discuss the terms of a possible real estate purchase. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Selectmen Sibley moved to go into Executive Session at 9:36 PM for the purpose of discussing the possible purchase of real estate and to invite into Executive Session Robert Pierson and Thomas Swaney, representatives of the Old Lyme Fire Dept. Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Selectmen Sibley moved to exit Executive Session at 10:22 PM and Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
9. Adjournment:
Selectmen Sibley moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:23 PM and Selectwoman Reemsnyder seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Respectfully submitted, ~
Mary Ellen Garbarino
Recording Secretary
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