Old Lyme Board of Selectmen
Monday, 21 October 2013
Regular Meeting
The Board of Selectmen held a Regular Meeting at 7:30 PM 21 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 7 October 2013
Selectwoman Nosal moved to approve the minutes of Regular Meeting 7 October 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 the dam repairs are done and the fish ladder is installed. Some of the steel sheets that are around the fish ladder have to be cut down to level. The riprap is yet to arrive. The lake has not been lowered at all for the last three weeks, though it is low at this time because of the drought. Another resident at the lake is out of water and the Town is doing what they can to help out. There is a film on top of the water around the dam, but according to the DEEP this is not oil. It is a bacteriological film due to the water not flowing. Some fencing needs to be installed once the site is cleaned up and seed planted. Last week the Board of Finance approved an additional $15,000 for the installation of a dry hydrant. This work will
be done by Machnik Construction and should be completed in the next few weeks.
The fencing that was around the dam was removed and research had been done as to the installation of a new barrier of some sort. There was a discussion and at this point nothing will be added.
Selectman Sibley asked if there had been an RFP for the installation of the dry hydrant. The Town did receive three quotes on the job with Machnik Construction being the lowest bidder.
b. Rogers Lake Authority and the BOS from Old Lyme & Lyme Meeting
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder reported that she has been communicating with Ralph Eno, First Selectman of Lyme and Dick Smith from the Rogers Lake Authority. She suggested that the Selectmen from Old Lyme and Lyme and members of the Rogers Lake Authority meet prior to the BOS meeting scheduled for 18 November. This was agreeable to all parties and it will take place at 6:00 PM in the Old Lyme Town Hall on 18 November.
c. WPCA Wastewater Study Update
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder reported that there was a meeting of the WPCA on 8 October where Woodard and Curran gave their report. They reviewed their study, explained the options and presented their recommendation. The local alternative has a slightly lower cost than the regional alternative. The WPCA members had the opportunity to weigh in and unanimously they all want to pursue the local alternative. Woodard and Curran will present to the State a detailed report of their recommendation. The DEEP is aware of the report and working with Woodard and Curran at this time.
d. Bike Path / Sound View Improvements Update
Selectwoman Nosal gave an update of the Bike Path / Sound View Improvements. She is hopeful that by the next Committee meeting the Draft of Scope of Work can be finalized. There will be an informational presentation to the public and once all is set this will go before a Town Meeting for the approval of the appropriation of funds.
e. OSHA Inspection Update
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder reported on the OSHA inspection that was done in late August. The Town’s insurance company has gone through the citations and has made sure that abatement has occurred and that the Town shows how that abatement was done with everything documented properly. There is an informal hearing this Friday at 1:00 PM and posted as required by OSHA for all employees to see. Hopefully fines will be reduced that were assessed on the Town. There is a good possibility that these fines will be reduced by 40 – 50 %. Public Works had several citations with fines of $3,700. Town Hall had a fine of $120 and the Transfer Station had a fine of $490. All in total the fines are $4,350 and the Board of Finance is aware of this. The entire process
continues to be very transparent to employees.
5. New Business
a. Revaluation
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder reported that the process of Revaluation has started and Vision Appraisals has been hired. Between 1 October 2013 and 1 October 2014, a physical revaluation will be done. Walter Kent will be overseeing the process. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder will speak with Walter about getting information out to the public about the Revaluation.
b. Kiosk for Fish Ladder
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder reported that the Fish Ladder was installed through a Grant from the Connecticut River Watershed Council. As part of this Grant they would like to see an informational kiosk where people can learn about fish ladders. The kiosk will be installed over by Hains Park. Included in the information will be a statement from the Town regarding our commitment to the environment and ecology conservation. Selectman Sibley asked that this information be shared with the Conservation Commission and the Rogers Lake Authority. Wetlands will be involved with the permitting process.
c. STEAP Grant Agreement for Boathouse
Selectman Sibley reported that the Town is moving along with the new Boathouse plans. The Town owns the boathouse and leases it to Regional District 18. Any improvements, in fairness to District 18, will be shared with the school. A meeting will be set up with the Superintendant of Schools to review this. There is an arrangement or understanding between Old Lyme Rowing Association and District 18 about managing the boat house. Selectman Sibley would like to get some clarity on this arrangement with a formal agreement to be drafted. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder will set up a meeting with the Selectmen and the Superintendant of Schools.
A Committee of about seven people will be formed. Selectman Sibley presented a draft of the Committee’s Charge and the Selectmen offered suggestions for additions and changes to the draft. There was a discussion.
Selectwoman Nosal moved to approve the Boathouse Committee’s Charge with the addition of three bullet points that were discussed. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
6. Public Comment - NONE
7. Other Business
Selectwoman Nosal stated that there will be a Blood Drive in honor of Melissa M. This will take place on 26 October 9:00 AM to 1:45 PM at Christ the King Church in Old Lyme. Melissa is a child in our school district.
Selectwoman Nosal stated that voter registration sessions and deadlines for the upcoming election are on the Town website. On Tuesday, 29 October, there is a session at Town Hall from 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM and on Monday, 4 November, from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The deadline for mailing in voter registrations is 22 October.
Selectman Sibley spoke of Election Day which is on 5 November. He had requested at the last Board of Selectmen’s meeting that contact be made with the Chief of the Fire Department regarding their letter to the Selectmen. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that there is a meeting with the Fire Department tomorrow to review the process.
The next Board of Selectmen's Meeting is scheduled for 4 November at 7:30 PM.
8. Executive Session: To consider action by the Town to enforce its rights concerning the Academy Lane fire dock under CGS Section 1-200 (9)
Selectman Sibley moved to go into Executive Session at 8:40 PM to discuss legal strategy regarding the Academy Lane Fire Dock. Selectwoman Nosal seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
The Board came out of Executive Session at 9:52 PM.
Selectwoman Nosal moved to authorize the attorneys to contact Mr. Angus to accept the terms of the agreement already extended with a response by 15 November 2013. The motion was seconded by Selectman Sibley. SO VOTED.
9. Adjournment
Selectman Sibley moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:54 PM. Selectwoman Nosal seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Respectfully submitted,
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Mary Ellen Garbarino
Recording Secretary
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