Old Lyme Board of Selectmen
Monday, 2 March 2015
Regular Meeting Minutes
The Board of Selectmen held a Regular Meeting at 7:30 PM on 2 March 2015 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 17 February 2015 - Selectwoman Nosal moved to approve the minutes of 17 February 2015. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion.
Selectman Sibley requested that a letter from David Prickett which was read at the Meeting be attached to the Minutes of 17 February. He also requested an addition to New Business a. (WPCA Update), paragraph 4, following sentence 3, as follows: “Selectman Sibley was most concerned about two amendments requested by the DEEP and totaling $110,000 and $40,000. He asked when First Selectwoman Reemsnyder was first made aware of the letter from David Prickett. She said she was not aware of it until the day of the meeting.” SO VOTED.
2. Communications – NONE
3. Appointments
George Finley (D) – Harbor Management Commission, alternate – 4 yr term to Jan. 2018
Selectman Sibley moved to appoint George Finley to the Harbor Management Commission as an Alternate to complete a 4-year term expiring January 2018. Selectwoman Nosal seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Selectwoman Nosal moved to move Agenda Item New Business a. (Girl Scout 103rd Anniversary Proclamation) to this point in the agenda. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
5. New Business:
a. Girl Scout 103rd Anniversary Proclamation - First Selectwoman Reemsnyder invited Girl Scout Mackenzie Machnik and her mother Darlene to join the Selectmen at the conference table. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder read a Proclamation signed by the Board of Selectmen acknowledging the role of Girl Scouting in the lives of 2.8 million active members and volunteers, and celebrating March 12 as Girl Scout Day.
4. Old Business:
- Boathouse/Hains Park Improvement Cte. Update
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder reported that there has been no BHPI Committee meeting since the last Board of Selectmen meeting, but a dock system has been ordered. She and the Committee co-chairs met with a representative from Regatta Docks at a site visit. The Regatta Docks representative recommends adding a gangway to the connect-a-dock system which will make the dock handicapped-accessible. BHPIC co-chair Paul Gianquinto has met with the Inland Wetlands Commission to open an application. A decision is expected by March 31.
Selectman Sibley reported that an additional $5,000 donation for the Boathouse project has been received. The next meeting of the BHPIC is scheduled for March 12.
- Rte. 156 Bikeway/Sound View Improvements Update
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder reported that the most recent meeting of the Rte. 156 Bikeway/Sound View Improvements Committee took place at 4:30 today (March 2). The Committee discussed a possible parking study and the bathrooms planned for the park at the end of Hartford Avenue.
Data points to be evaluated through a parking study were presented by the BSC representative. Selectwoman Nosal acknowledged Jean Davies from RiverCOG who helped the Committee identify goals. Although the Committee has not yet voted to do a parking study, the consensus is to move forward with one. A study would likely take 4 weeks. The next Rte. 156 Bikeway/Sound View Improvements Committee is scheduled for March 24 at 4:30pm.
- Solarize Lyme and Old Lyme Workshop Update –
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder reported that the second Solarize workshop, which had been rescheduled several times, was as well attended as the first meeting when the Meeting Hall was filled to capacity. The second workshop featured a number of vendors on hand to answer specific questions.
The April 10 deadline for the 18 week program has been extended for two weeks due to weather issues.
Since the program began, 116 people have visited the online site for information; 84 site visits have taken place; 10 contracts have been signed with 5 different companies.
This is the 5th Solarize Connecticut program. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder said the previous programs involved an RFP process and the selection of a single vendor for each participating municipality. The current one involves multiple vendors who have all been vetted through the process.
A Solar Week for Lyme and Old Lyme will begin on March 22 and will include 5 or 6 activities, including a display of electric cars, a presentation for young adults at the OLPGN Library by local electrician and solar installer Ray Zelek, and a tour of local “solar” homes.
- Town Meeting Update – 2014 Citizen of the Year, Lynn Fairfield-Sonn
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder acknowledged Board of Finance Chair Andy Russell, who presented an overview of FY 2014 at the Annual Town Meeting. The Annual Town Report edited by Michele Dickey was accepted at that meeting, and Lynn Fairfield-Sonn was announced as the 2014 Citizen of the Year. Ms. Fairfield-Sonn was recognized for her contributions to Old Lyme through volunteer efforts on the Historic District Commission, OLPGN Library Board, Habitat for Humanity, and the Regional District 18 Board of Education which she served as Chair for 8 years.
- Resolution for RPIP Grant, Nutmeg Network app –
The availability of a RPIP Grant (Regional Performance Incentive Program) for $15,700 to cover the cost of installing the Nutmeg Network system was announced at the previous BOS meeting. The Nutmeg Network was originally the Connecticut Education Network and was made available to schools in the state at no charge. The Network was subsequently made available to public safety agencies and was made available to municipalities two years ago. At the last meeting, Selectwoman Nosal asked for time to review the proposal.
The Lyme Street schools are connected to the Network and the Fire Department is looking into connecting. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that the cost to participate in the State’s Nutmeg Network has decreased as municipal participation has increased. A Resolution from the Board of Selectmen is necessary to apply for the Grant.
Selectwoman Nosal said she had left a message for Tammy Noyes at District 18 about the Network and has not heard back. She asked why it has taken two years for the program to move forward. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder believes the delay is due to the time it takes to physically install the fiber optic cable.
Selectwoman Nosal moved to approve the Resolution to apply for a RPIP grant for installation of the Nutmeg Network. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Resolution of Endorsement
The Board of Selectmen of the Town of Old Lyme met on March 2 and adopted a resolution by the vote of 3 to 0 which endorsed the Regional Performance Incentive Program proposal for $15,700 to install the Nutmeg Network.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder reported that the Board of Finance will consider budgets under General Government, Boards and Commissions, and Valley Shore Communications at their March 3 meeting.
Two additional Budget review meetings will take place after that.
Valley Shore is the 911 dispatch service used by Old Lyme and 9 other towns. Executive Director Rick Daren recently spoke to several First Selectmen, including First Selectwoman Reemsnyder, about a current proposal to change the state funding formula for dispatch services. The current formula is based upon the number of towns served with no regard for the number of calls received. Our region, for example, handles many calls for incidents occurring in the I-95 corridor, although Valley Shore’s state funding is 33% lower than funding for some other services not covering an interstate area.
The funding formula change, if approved, is not likely to impact the budget this year, but will impact budgets going forward.
5. New Business:
b. Flat Rock Hill Rd. Construction schedule
Selectwoman Nosal has confirmed through the Conn DOT engineer that construction on the Flat Rock Hill bridge over I-95 should be completed by July 1, 2015. The project has been underway for three years and was initially scheduled for completed by April 2015. There have been some weather-related delays.
Selectman Sibley asked if the State will be reviewing a recent accident at the Lyme Street overpass. A tractor-trailer body was crushed when it struck the underside of that bridge. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder said she believes snow was a factor in the incident: the truck’s rear tires drove over a snow bank, elevating the roof of the truck. She believes the incident has already been reviewed, with Emergency Management Director David Roberge reporting that there was no damage to the bridge.
c. Eversource Energy Tree Maintenance Plans
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder, Emergency Management Director Roberge, Tree Warden Tom Degnan, and members of the Tree Commission met with representatives from Eversource Energy (formerly CL&P) to discuss the utility’s tree maintenance plan.
Lucas Tree has been contracted by Eversource to perform tree trimming in Old Lyme beginning in mid-March. Lucas Tree will request permission from residents before doing any work on private property. The tree trimming, expected to continue through mid-summer, will include trees on Routes 1 and 156, Mile Creek Road, and both sides of Rogers Lake.
Because of resident concerns about tree limbs left behind after previous utility tree trimming, Town officials requested an agreement from Eversource that all limbs will be removed two weeks following the trimming. This will give residents an opportunity to pick up wood desired for home use.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder said that no power outages have been reported during this winter’s snowstorms, and that might be attributed to the utility’s aggressive tree maintenance program, initiated after Hurricanes Irene and Sandy.
d. Asst. to Finance Director – Welcome, Amy Jensen
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder welcomed Amy Jensen, Assistant to the Finance Director, to the Town Hall staff. Applications for the part time position were received from over 100 candidates.
6. Public Comment:
Board of Finance Chair Andy Russell stated that he is waiting for a written report with answers to questions requested from the WPCA six weeks ago. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder said she has the report and will provide it to Mr. Russell after the meeting.
7. Other Business:
Selectwoman Nosal reported that construction work taking place at the Cross Lane concession stand by Old Lyme Little League had begun with no Town permit in place. In early February she learned that no permit had been obtained for the work. She subsequently learned the Parks & Recreation Commission was aware of the project. Parks & Recreation Director Don Bugbee has said that he will be responsible for necessary permit compliance going forward. Selectwoman Nosal said that a permit application has now been submitted to the Zoning Enforcement Officer.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder added that she has made it clear to the Parks & Recreation Commission chair that all work on town property requires the approval of the First Selectwoman.
Selectwoman Nosal congratulated Don Bugbee on his selection as Shoreline League Coach of the Year for his work with the Lyme-Old Lyme High School Girls’ Basketball Team
Selectwoman Nosal announced that the Lyme-Old Lyme High School Robotics Team (Techno Ticks 236) were gold medal winners in the recent New England District competition, where they were also awarded the Motorola Award for design quality.
Selectman Sibley said he had assembled information about the WPCA wastewater project and budget. He distributed a summary of highlights from WPCA meetings from May 13, 2014 through January 13, 2015, as well as a WPCA budget summary dated February 25, 2015.
He questioned a June 16 deadline mentioned on June 10, 2014 by engineer David Prickett, and noted no mention of engineering expenses of $110,000 and $40,000 in the meeting minutes.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder said the June 16 date referred to a DEEP deadline for 2 beach associations under a DEEP Consent Order.
Selectman Sibley asked about a reference in the September 9, 2014 minutes to the First Selectwoman’s contact with a Bond Counsel.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder said that she had met with project engineers to understand the bonding requirements and had spoken with Regional District 18’s Bond Counsel to further her understanding of bonding a project through Clean Water Funds.
Selectman Sibley’s WPCA budget summary detailed the approved WPCA budget of $181,100, of which $152,321 has already been expended. The Finance Director estimated additional expenditures of $138, 267 by the end of the fiscal year. Selectman Sibley said he is concerned about the taxpayers’ money, and the Finance Director also has concerns about the WPCA budget.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder said she anticipated that a Town Meeting would be called to approve all wastewater project costs, including the additional work already performed by Woodard & Curran. She did not think it reasonable to convene Town Meetings to approve incremental expenses that are part of one project. The First Selectwoman said that Woodard & Curran performed additional work in response to requests from DEEP for more information, including lot by lot analyses and soils analysis. Additional testing done now would not need to be done again later in the project.
She said she understands Selectman Sibley’s concerns, but the additional costs incurred by Woodard & Curran complying to DEEP requests are still less than 1% of the estimated cost of the anticipated total wastewater project.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder said the additional Woodard & Curran compliance costs are eligible for 55% reimbursement through the Clean Water Fund and have been submitted. She added that she anticipates an order from the DEEP to resubmit the plan that is now on hold.
Selectman Sibley questioned if waiting for payment is acceptable to Woodard & Curran. He said the Finance Director told him the Woodard & Curran invoices need to be booked for the current fiscal year.
Selectwoman Nosal said she had also asked for budget figures from the Finance Director, but the data she received differed from that presented at the meeting by Selectman Sibley. She would like to continue gathering data.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder said the WPCA Chairman had also submitted a budget spreadsheet to the Finance Director requesting clarification. She believes the wastewater project is a complex issue and asked the Selectmen to remember that the Town’s board & commission members are all volunteers. She would like to keep working toward a resolution.
8. Executive Session: To discuss current litigation regarding Doreen Day
Selectwoman Nosal moved to go into Executive Session to discuss current litigation regarding Doreen Day with Attorney Marylin Clarke at 8:51pm. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Selectwoman Nosal moved to come out of Executive Session at 9:07pm. Selectman Sibley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Selectman Sibley moved the following:
It is hereby moved that:
- The owner of 24 Grandview Avenue shall make all those certain improvements to the roadway described in the January 20, 2014 letter from Stuart Fairbank, P.E. (on behalf of Angus McDonald/Gary Sharpe & Associates, Inc.) to Bonnie Reemsnyder, First Selectwoman, or shall post a performance bond satisfactory to the First Selectwoman prior to a building permit being issued by the Old Lyme Building Official. Certification from Mr. Fairbank that the road improvements described in his Jan. 20, 2014 letter have been performed shall also be required prior to the building permit being issued. A copy of Mr. Fairbank’s letter is attached to this motion for reference.
- The owner of 24 Grandview Avenue shall be a member of Black Hall Lake Shores Homeowners Association, Inc. as described in its Connecticut certificate of incorporation dated March 13, 1987 and recorded in Volume 174 at Page 523, Old Lyme Land Records.
Selectwoman Nosal seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
9. Adjournment:
Selectman Sibley moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:10pm.
Selectwoman Nosal seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
Submitted by
Catherine Frank
Attachments are posted separately
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