Old Lyme Board of Selectmen
Monday, 7 October 2013
Regular Meeting
The Board of Selectmen held a Regular Meeting at 7:30 PM 7 October 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.
1. Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting 16 September 2013
Selectwoman Nosal moved to approve the minutes of Regular Meeting 16 September 2013. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
2. Communications - NONE
3. Appointments - NONE
4. Old Business
a. Rogers Lake Dam Update
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder reported that most of the repairs to the dam portion are just about completed. The fish ladder will be completed within a couple of weeks. Unfortunately the lake level remains low. The Fire Department has rendered the present dry hydrant as unusable. In this year’s budget $35,000 was included for the installation of a new dry hydrant which was an estimate from last year. A more recent quote for this is $49,500. This additional funding request is on the Board of Finance’s agenda for next week. A discussion followed.
b. Business Breakfast Meeting Update
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder reported on the Business Breakfast Meeting which was held on 25 September and co-sponsored by the Town and the Old Lyme Chamber of Commerce. There were about 30 people in attendance including representatives from the Economic Development Commission. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder thanked Barbara Crowley, owner of The Chocolate Shell, for doing such a great joy as the guest speaker. Ms. Crowley spoke about social media and how to use it to transform businesses. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder asked the business owners what a business friendly town looks like. There was a very comfortable conversation and a questionnaire was handed out. This will hopefully be a semi-annual event as it is a great way to stay in touch with businesses.
c. Veterans’ Lunch Update
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder reported on the Veterans’ Lunch which was held on 1 October at the Senior Center. The food was delicious and the turnout was great. This will most likely be an annual event. Thanks to Stephanie Lyon, Senior Center Coordinator for organizing this.
d. Rogers Lake Authority / BOS Lyme / Old Lyme Meeting
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder reported that she had sent an email to the Lyme Selectmen suggesting that the Boards of Selectmen get together to discuss the problem of the weeds at Rogers Lake. She had suggested that this initial meeting take place at the next meeting of the Rogers Lake Authority on 13 November. It is important for this to be addressed as a group with as much information as possible to be in hand before going forward.
e. WPCA Wastewater Study Update
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder reported that there will be a WPCA meeting tomorrow night where all the information of the study will be presented and a recommendation will be made by the engineering firm.
f. Bike Path / Sound View Improvements Update
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder reported that a scope of work has been created by the engineering firm. The next item will be to negotiate a price. Selectwoman Nosal reviewed what has happened so far and what is to be expected in the future. The Town is eligible for 80% reimbursement from the State of CT for this project. Before any agreements are signed permission for the expenditure must be granted at a Town Meeting.
g. Bayberry Update
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder reported that each of the departments in Land Use, the contractor doing the work, the Bayberry Motel owner and she met. Various departments were able to do inspections and actually see what was being planned on the inside. There was talk about requirements for fire separation. If used as apartments, a change of use will have to go through zoning. If used as a motel there are other requirements that must be met. Each department requested that the owner put into writing what his intentions are for the use of the building. He has done this and First Selectwoman Reemsnyder read his statement aloud. His intention is to keep this as a motel. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder has sent Stacy Winchell a letter to update her and will welcome a meeting with the
neighbors.
5. New Business
a. Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. There are many activities going on in various communities acknowledging this and urging women to take care of themselves.
b. Budget Process for FY 2015
The budget process for Fiscal Year 2015 has begun. It starts with each of the departments, boards, commissions and agencies getting a letter from the Town’s Finance Director asking for their budget numbers by the end of October for the FY 2015 Budget.
c. Flags on Lyme Street by the Fire Department
The Fire Department purchased the hardware and the flags which will be displayed on Lyme Street from Memorial Day through Veteran’s Day. Thanks to the Fire Department for their work. Most of the feedback was positive and people are happy to see this on Lyme Street. There is a solution in the works to have a light on each flag and the Fire Department will take care of maintaining and replacing the flags.
Selectwoman Nosal moved to add to the agenda (item d under New Business) Resolution for STEAP Grant for the Boat House. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
d. Resolution for STEAP Grant for the Boat House
Selectman Sibley moved to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that Bonnie A. Reemsnyder, First Selectwoman of the Town of Old Lyme be and hereby is authorized to execute on behalf of this municipal corporation a Personal Services Agreement with the State of Connecticut for financial assistance to complete the construction of a boathouse and associated improvements at Hains Park, STEAP 2014-03.
IN ADDITION, that Bonnie A. Reemsnyder, First Selectwoman is hereby authorized to enter into such agreements, contracts and execute all documents necessary to said grant with the State of Connecticut.
IT IS FURTHER CERTIFIED that Bonnie A. Reemsnyder, First Selectwoman, was elected First Selectwoman. Her term of office began on November 22, 2011 and will continue until November 3, 2015. As the First Selectwoman, Bonnie A. Reemsnyder, serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the Town of Old Lyme and on October 8, 2013 had both the authority and the office to sign on behalf of the Town of Old Lyme a personal Services Agreement for financial assistance to construction of a boathouse and associated improvements at Hains Park.
Selectwoman Nosal seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
6. Public Comment
Jay Ranelli, a resident in the Rogers Lake area, voiced his concerns about the maintenance of Rogers Lake including the water level, a correct solution to getting rid of the weeds, the debris at the Town Boat Launch, the dry hydrant which has been recently rendered as unusable, and the new plans for the boat house.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that she would share Mr. Ranelli’s concerns at the meeting with the Roger’s Lake Authority. She also stated that any plans for the boathouse would be available to the public and comments will be most welcome. Said plans are not complete at this time.
7. Other Business
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that this Wednesday at 5:30 PM in the Town Meeting Hall, a new Organization in town called the MCCD (Mentoring Corps for Community Development) will have its first public presentation meeting. MCCD was formed in 2012 and their mission is to encourage and empower those with needs by drawing into service volunteer mentors with special talents and expertise; thereby creating a more vital and engaged community. As an example, members were a huge help to victims of Storm Sandy in guiding them through the recovery process. The public is encouraged to attend the presentation.
Selectwoman Nosal thanked the volunteers who attended the Lyme-Old Lyme Education Foundation Road Race and for presenting the information on the Sound View Improvements and Bike Way.
Selectman Sibley referred to a letter from the Fire Department after last year’s Presidential Election regarding the heavy turnout and overcrowding at the Cross Lane Fire House. He would like the Selectmen to consider the process in upcoming elections such as relocating some of the fire apparatus and to get back to the Chief. A discussion followed.
The next Board of Selectmen's Meeting is scheduled for 21 October at 7:30 PM.
8. Executive Session - NONE
9. Adjournment
Selectman Sibley moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:39 PM. Selectwoman Nosal seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Respectfully submitted,
~
Mary Ellen Garbarino
Recording Secretary
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