Old Lyme Board of Selectmen
Monday, 5 August 2013
Regular Meeting
The Board of Selectmen held a Regular Meeting at 7:30 PM on 5 August 2013 in the Meeting Hall of the Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall. First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder, Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal and Selectman Skip Sibley were present.
Request to Add Two Items to Agenda
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder requested a motion to add two items to the Agenda: Request from Harbor Management and STEAP Grant. Selectman Sibley moved to add the items to the agenda. Selectwoman Nosal seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting 15 July 2013
Selectwoman Nosal moved to approve the minutes of Regular Meeting 15 July 2013. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder acknowledged the attendance of some in the audience and requested a motion to move the Harbor Management and Heidi Dinino Request(s)
up. The motion was made by Selectwoman Nosal and seconded by Selectman Sibley. SO VOTED.
5 c Harbor Management
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder recognized Steve Ross and Ned Farman Chair and Vice Chair respectively of the Harbor Management Commission. Mr. Farman, of 311 Ferry Road, stated that the Harbor Management Commission was in the process of a three phase Navigable Waterways Study. The Town was awarded a $200,000 Grant from the State of Ct DOT for the study. Mr. Farman summarized the project to date.
Phase 1, an analysis of the Black Hall and Four Mile Rivers, is nearing completion. The analysis is being performed by Coastline Consulting for $19,000. Mr. Farman reminded the Board of Selectmen that Coastline’s bid for Phase I was significantly lower than other bids submitted in response to the RFP. Both Chairman Ross and Mr. Farman expressed their pleasure at the work completed by Coastline
The Harbor Management Commission is requesting that the Board of Selectmen approve an additional $64,000 from the $200,000 Grant for Coastline Consulting to undertake Phases II (dredging) and III (regulatory permitting) of the project.
Mr. Farman noted that it is consistent with State DOT practice to continue working with a satisfactory firm during multi-phase projects.
Mr. Ross added that he anticipates that a portion of the $200,000 Grant for the study will be available for use in the dredging itself, but additional funding will also be needed. He does not expect any Town funds to be needed for the project. He stated that the economic climate in the State is favorable now for maritime projects. The Harbor Management Commission would like to move forward while additional state funding seems likely.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder concurred that it makes sense to continue working with the firm that is working diligently.
Selectman Sibley moved to approve an additional $64,000 to the Harbor Management Commission for Coastline Consulting to undertake Phases II and III of the project. Selectwoman Nosal seconded the motion. First Selectwoman confirmed that no additional approvals were necessary because the project as a whole had been approved at a Town Meeting. SO VOTED.
5 a.Heidi Dinino – request to address Selectmen
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder recognized Heidi Dinino Field of Hartford Avenue, who said she would like to read from a Report by KWH Enterprise, LLC on the new parking format on Hartford Avenue. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder noted that the study had not been commissioned by the Town and that the Board of Selectmen had not received a copy of the report.
According to Ms. Dinino, the Report states that angled parking on Hartford Avenue presents a threat to public safety and does not follow DOT guidelines.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder responded that many discussions took place before the parking configuration was changed. A committee has interviewed six applicants and the Town is in the process of hiring an Engineering Firm to develop plans for Soundview and Hartford Avenue, including reconfigured parking. Feedback from residents and businesses will be considered during the development of those plans.
Ms. Dinino said the current configuration has led to children in street; no wheelchair access to sidewalk; no foot traffic on the opposite side of street; and people tripping over bumpers, among other concerns. She also said the parking is not convenient for delivery trucks.
She asked why commercial parking spaces had been reduced or eliminated in the current plan. Business has declined this summer, she said.
She also stated the street is not being cleaned. She said there are no trash cans, weeds are knee high, and she understands the Town will not be able to plow the street. She added that there is still some confusion about the parking regulations, especially late in the day. Ms. Dinino asked if the kiosks can offer an hourly rate?
She stated that trash cans cannot be picked up unless they are placed in the street, but some residents are not present to move the cans back and forth.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder reiterated that all concerns will be considered. The Town wants to make the area as safe as possible for all.
Ms. Dinino asked that the Board of Selectmen appoint an additional Sound View Commission that will focus on business concerns. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder explained that forming new commissions is a lengthy process and said the Town does have an Economic Development Commission.
Selectman Sibley thanked Ms. Dinino for her comments and added that Sound View is a “work in progress.” Selectwoman Nosal said additional public meetings on the Sound View project will be scheduled and that business owners should participate in those meetings.
Communications - NONE
Appointments
Selectwoman Nosal moved to appoint Robert DiPianta, Luisa Grogan, and Roger Breunig to the WPCA Hearing Panel for 1-year terms ending July 2014. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
4. Old Business
a. Rogers Lake Dam Update
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder reported on the progress of the Rogers Lake Dam repairs and the new fish ladder: a coffer dam has been built; a bypass pipe was installed; and forms have been set around the sluice gate, which needs concrete repairs. A summary of work completed will be posted on the Town website.
Letters have been mailed to Lake area residents informing them that the repair work requires the lowering of the lake. Although it could be lowered as much as 18”, the contractor hopes it will be around 10”. Some residents have expressed concern to the First Selectwoman about the work being done during the summer months. She has explained that the Dam repairs have been planned for 10 years. The construction materials require that the work be done during warm weather and before the Fall storm season.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder attends a project meeting every other Tuesday. The contractor will work as quickly as possible and expects the project to be completed by end- September.
b. Route 156 Bike Path / Sound View Improvements
Selectwoman Nosal reported on a recent project meeting that was run by the consulting engineer. The project committee is working with the DOT consultant to develop a Scope of Work that will be finalized with the selected project firm, the BSC Group. The next step will be cost projection. A Public Information Session will be scheduled to provide a project update.
c. WPCA / WWM Study and Public Information Meetings - update
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that the Wastewater Management Task Force officially met as the WPCA at their last meeting. On July 30, the WPCA held a Public Information Session to report on the progress of the Wastewater Management Study. Engineers from Woodard & Curran have been collecting data for the last 6 weeks. Their next step is to analyze the data & estimate project costs.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder expressed thanks to the Sound View Association for permitting the WPCA to be at the Shoreline Community Center on August 3 to answer questions about the project in a casual setting.
Final data, including costs, will be presented at an August 27 Information Session.
d. Bayberry Motel – Summary of Meeting
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder has requested summaries from each of the Town departments that met recently with the new owner of the Bayberry Motel. Representatives of the Zoning, Health and Building Departments, as well as the Fire Marshal met with the new owner to review his building plans and Town permit regulations. She has received written summaries from all but one and will forward those summaries to participants.
There is still a Stop Order in place on electrical work and a roofing application.
e. Midsummer Festival/Fireworks
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder attended the concert at the Florence Griswold Museum on Friday, July 26 & reported that Lyme Street and Halls Road were very busy
on Saturday, July 27.
The Town-sponsored Fireworks took place Saturday night for the first time in 3 years and were well received. The Old Lyme Town Band played before the fireworks. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder thanked the Board of Finance for including Fireworks funding in the Town budget.
5. New Business
b. Request for Golf Carts
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder said she has received a request from Frank Siena to use the Fire Lane on Hartford Avenue for golf carts egress.
A request to allow golf carts on Hartford Avenue came before the Board of Selectmen four years ago when new state legislation was passed allowing municipalities to regulate the use of golf carts on town streets. Liability was discussed as a major concern by the Selectmen at that time.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder has now received a letter from the Sound View Commission asking that a sub-committee of the Sound View Commission be formed to explore the use of golf carts on Hartford, Swan, and Portland. Police Officer Tom Heinssen said he would wait for a report from the sub-committee before commenting.
Selectman Sibley said he would like the Board to approach the issue cautiously. Although it is an interesting idea to use the alley as a travel route, the carts would still have to use cross streets. He recalls the Board’s original discussion & the many reasons why their decision was made.
The Selectmen concurred that they would like to discuss the issue further before the Sound View Commission forms a sub-committee.
d. STEAP Grant
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder reported that the Town has been approved to receive $478,000 in STEAP (Small Town Economic Assistance Program) Grant funding for the expansion and renovation of the Rogers Lake Boathouse. Selectman Sibley will be the Board of Selectmen liaison on the project. The Town is waiting for the actual STEAP agreement before proceeding.
6. Public Comment
Dino Dinino, 69 Hartford Ave, asked what is criteria to allow a bus on Hartford Avenue? He said he understands the Town does not allow buses, but it seems that some exceptions have been made.
He also requested that a study be done to calculate how many people per square feet can be accommodated on the beach.
Mr. Dinino stated that he had conducted a survey of residents on the three streets and the majority do not like the new angled parking or restrictions to parking.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder explained that the Town’s Bus Ordinance clearly states that requests for exceptions to bus prohibition must be made in writing to the Board of Selectmen.
Frank Pappalardo, Chair of the Sound View Commission, stated that the Commission
welcomes residents to its meetings and encourages comments on Sound View area issues.
It is important for residents and businesses to come to the Commission so that all concerns can be addressed, he said. Mr. Pappalardo added that the Commission does pass along information it receives to the Board of Selectmen.
Funding for a study on the Gateway to Sound View has been included in the current budget, he said.
7. Other Business
Selectwoman Nosal has investigated the possibility of signage to honor our returning veterans. She would like the Board to keep this issue on future agendas.
Selectman Sibley asked if the seaweed removal issue had been resolved. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder spoke with Sue Bailey of the State DEEP. According to the DEEP, anything below the high water mark is considered State of CT property; above the high water mark is private property. The seaweed in question was definitely not the Town’s jurisdiction, according to the State. Ms. Bailey also stated that it was unlikely that State would remove seaweed below the high water mark -- they would most likely wait for it to be washed out.
Selectman Sibley asked that First Selectwoman Reemsnyder share this information with Old Lyme Shores Beach President Paul Rowean.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder commended new Senior Center coordinator Stephanie Lyon for doing a wonderful job. She described a Senior Center newsletter that Ms. Lyon has arranged to have published at no cost to the Center. She asked that people complete the questionnaire in the newsletter and return it to the Town Hall.
Selectwoman Nosal stated that the State has scheduled a meeting at the OLPGN Library on August 6 on funding available for storm damage to historic properties.
Selectman Sibley moved to enter into Executive Session at 8:51 PM for the purpose of discussing the proposed Public Works Union Contract, and possible land acquisition. Selectwoman Nosal seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
8. Executive Session
Selectman Sibley moved that The Board of Selectmen came out of Executive Session at 9:36 pm. Selectwoman Nosal seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
9. Ratification of Public Works Union Contract
Selectman Sibley moved that the Public Works Union Contract which has been ratified by the union be approved and that First Selectwoman Reemsnyder be authorized to sign on behalf of the Town. Selectwoman Nosal seconded the motion. SO VOTED
9. Adjournment
Selectman Sibley moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:37 PM. Selectwoman Nosal seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
The next Board of Selectmen's Meeting is scheduled for 19 August at 7:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
~
Catherine Frank
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