Old Lyme CT - Board of Selectmen Minutes 10/05/2015

Board of Selectmen Minutes 10/05/2015

Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting Minutes October 5, 2015

TOWN OF OLD LYME

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Regular Meeting Minutes

October 5, 2015

The Board of Selectmen held a Regular Meeting at 7:30 pm on October 5th, 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.

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder welcomed Donna Glaras, the new clerk to be doing the Board of Selectmen meeting minutes.

Approval of Minutes: September 22^nd 2015, 3:30pm Special Meeting

A motion to approve the minutes was made by Selectwoman Nosal, seconded by Selectman Sibley. Motion passed.

Approval of Minutes: September 22^nd 2015, 6:00pm Special Meeting

A motion to approve the minutes was made by Selectman Sibley, seconded by Selectwoman Nosal. Motion passed.

Communication: Letter from Parks and Recreation Commission

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder read aloud a letter sent to the Old Lyme Selectmen from the Parks and Recreation Commission, and apologized that it hadn’t been read earlier.

To: Old Lyme Selectmen

From: Old Lyme Parks & Recreation Commission (P&RC)

Date: Aug 12, 2015

Subject: Issues at Hains Park and White Sand Beach due to Selectmen decisions to change

parking rules

For over 20 years the Town rules for parking at both Hain’s Park and White Sand Beach have been: “No parking is available at Hains Park or White Sand Beach for vehicles without stickers.”

Furthermore, with respect to enforcement, the policy has consistently been: Parking Attendants on duty weekends-only starting mid-May, full-time (7 days per week) mid-June – Labor Day, 9:00am-8:00pm. Staffing could be full time earlier…dependent on the weather & the crowds.

In the spring of 2015, due to the contractual commitments made by the Town of Old Lyme in accepting a CT DEEP STEAP grant for the Boathouse/Hains Park Improvement Project, the Town’s Parking Permit policy was adjusted to allow non-residents that were also current members of Old Lyme Rowing Association (OLRA) to purchase parking stickers for Hain’s Park for rowing activities only. P&RC also recommended that non-residents pay a $20 premium over the fee paid by Old Lyme taxpayers, which is in alignment with STEAP grant guidelines.

At the April 6,2015 Selectmen’s meeting, the Old Lyme Selectmen overruled the P&RC fee recommendation, and declared that non-resident OLRA members pay the same parking fee as Old Lyme residents, $25. The Selectmen also dictated an unprecedented change to the parking sticker enforcement, specifically to enable use of the park by individuals associated with OLRA without obtaining parking stickers, by instructing P&RC to limit the checking of parking stickers at Hains Park to 9am – 5pm ONLY during the summer season.

The Old Lyme P&RC now reports that the above decisions made by the Selectmen have created issues with the use of both Hains Park and White Sand Beach, and have resulted in complaints by Old Lyme residents. Some of these issues include, but are not limited to:

it appears the majority of OLRA members using Hains Park have not purchased parking stickers (residents or non-residents)
some OLRA members repeatedly park well beyond 9am and often arrive shortly after 5pm
some rude actions and words by OLRA members, and now disgruntled residents, have been directed towards P&R parking attendants
Old Lyme residents questioning why they should buy parking stickers for Hains Park when most rowers, especially non-residents, do not have parking stickers
at White Sand Beach people are questioning why a parking sticker is required after 5 pm when it is no longer required after 5pm at Hains Park
complaints from residents near Hains Park and that live on Rodgers Lake about the significant increase in parking and rowing activities this year, particularly in the early morning and evening hours.

Going forward, the Old Lyme Parks and Recreation Commission respectfully requests that the Selectmen reinstate enforcement of parking rules that have served the community well over the last 20 years – parking stickers are required at both Hains Park and White Sand Beach - PERIOD. Also, that parking attendants may remain on duty from 9am – 8pm at both parks during the “summer season.” We also recommend that all OLRA members be required to purchase parking stickers for use of Hains Park. If the Selectmen choose to override P&RC recommendations again, please provide an explanation to Old Lyme residents why the Selectmen have awarded OLRA members special privileges.

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder read aloud a letter sent to the Old Lyme Selectmen from the Candace Fuchs, Old Lyme Rowing Association Secretary. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that she was asked to read this letter, after the agenda was posted, and suggested adding this as an agenda item at the end of the agenda.

September 10, 2015

To: Parks and Recreation Commission

Cc: Selectmen Reemsnyder, Nosal and Sibley

Re: Parking Permitting Policies at Hains Park

It has been the intention of Old Lyme Rowing Association, and its program participants to abide by whatever parking policies are put in place by the Town of Old Lyme, in the interest of continuing a fruitful relationship wherein Old Lyme Rowing Association provides rowing programming to the community, and is welcome to use Hains Park to provide that service.

In April 2015, the Old Lyme Rowing Association membership was notified that existing regulations requiring those parking at Hains Park to display an Old Lyme Town beach pass, would be strictly enforced between the hours of 9am and 5pm. Non-residents who were not permitted to purchase a town beach pass would be able to purchase special yellow passes at the same cost ($25).

For the reasons listed below, it was not feasible for Old Lyme Rowing Association to include the cost of the parking pass with the membership.

How would Old Lyme residents be handled? Would the cost of a parking pass be included in their membership, although they may prefer to have a town beach pass which gives them access to all town beaches?
Dues paying members (64) comprise less than 30% of program participants who row on Rogers Lake.
93 of those program participants are in the Middle School Learn to Row program. Would their parents need a sticker just to drop off a child?
52 of those program participants are in the Junior program. The vast majority of these participants do not drive.

Below please see a chart illustrating typical daily rowing related traffic during the months of July

and August.

Time of Day	Program	Number of Participants	Comments
5am	Adult scullers	3	There is a very small number of adult scullers whoes work obligations require that they row very early. They are typically gone by 7am
6am-8am	Junior rowing program	52	Most of these junior athletes do not drive. This program ends 1^st week of August. They are not OLRA members. They are joined by usually no more than 5 adult scullers, who are gone by 8:30 to meet work obligations.
7am- 9am	Adult scullers and women sweep rowers (Sat and Sun)	Approximately 20	These adults are OLRA members, and have purchased passes.
8am- 10am	Middle School learn to row (Mon, Wed, Fri only)	Each 2 wk session has 20-40 participants	These athletes do not drive. They are not OLRA members. It does not seem feasible to charge parents 25$ for a pass so they can drop their child off six times, any more than you would charge a parent to park to drop off at Town Woods.
10am- 5pm	Boathouse is locked during these hours. Any boating going on is not under the auspices of Old Lyme Rowing Association
6pm	Adult learn to row (Mon, Wed, Fri only)	Each 2 wk session has about 10 participants	These athletes are not OLRA members. $25 charge for parking six times during the two week program seems a bit onerous.
6pm- 8pm	Adult sweep women (Tues and Thurs only)	Typically about 14 participants	I have spoken to these women, and they contend that they have purchased their passes.

The chart above illustrates that while OLRA members have purchased parking passes in the 2015 season, and we are willing to consider including that cost with the membership for the 2016 season, this approach may not be equitable, and may not address the concerns of Park and Rec.

It illustrates that over 70% of people who might be classified as rowers are not OLRA members and are not drivers. Many of these participants are involved with 2 week programs.

This description of programs run by Old Lyme Rowing Association suggests that modeling policy to be in alignment with LOL Soccer Club’s use of the Town Woods Facility would result in a more fair in equitable approach. Whatever policy is adopted should be applied equitably to everyone, rowers and non-rowers alike. It should be stated in a clear, unambiguous manner both on the town website, and posted at all parks.

Kind Regards,

Candace Fuchs

Old Lyme Rowing Association secretary

A motion to add this letter to the agenda under New Business: e. was made by Selectman Sibley, and seconded by Selectwoman Nosal. Motion passed.

Appointments:

A motion was made by Selectman Sibley, seconded by Selectwoman Nosal, to appoint Thomas Machnik to a 3 year term expiring Jan 2018. Motion passed.

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that the appointment was approved by the chairman of the Inland and Wetlands Commission.

Old Business:

Boathouse Hains Park Improvements Update

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that there isn’t an update, because there hasn’t been a meeting. The next meeting of the BHPIU is scheduled for this Thursday October 8^th.

Rte. 156 Bikeway/Sound View Improvements

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder recapped, the preliminary design, that was approved by the BOS has been submitted, and they were waiting on comments from the DOT, many which were received today. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder asked Selectwoman Nosal to speak about this at the next meeting.

Selectwoman Nosal stated that last meeting was September 15^th, and the next meeting will be October 19^th at 4:30pm. She restated that they have presented the preliminary design plans to the DOT, and received the final comments today. She stated that their engineer will address these in 2 ways: respond by using the format suggested by BHB, our liaison to the DOT, work on responses with our liaison, and in addition the comments will be part of the final design process, with the exception of the ones received today, which would require more discussion. BHB is hoping to allow us to go forward with final design.

Selectwoman Nosal stated as far as planning, at the last meeting they discussed having 3 working sessions with their engineer to finalize the final design. Zoning officials, Fire Marshal, & Building Official have been asked to weigh in on the preliminary design. Their engineer will be amending their scope of work to reflect the phasing of the project.

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder thanked Selectwoman Nosal for submitting all of the comments in one email, because there were comments from many various departments. She stated that the next meeting on the 19^th they will be reviewing carefully, and their engineers will be addressing the comments.

Selectman Sibley stated that he thought the comments regarding hydraulic & drainage had the most depth and detail, given the fact that we are located in a tidal flood zone, and that these comments need to be taken into consideration.

WPCA/Administrative Order Update

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that there was a WPCA meeting last week, September 29^th. At that meeting she updated the WPCA on the status of the EIE including the fact that she is waiting on a response from the NDDB (National Diversity Database), in order to submit the EIE. This is being submitted at no extra cost to the town. DEEP officials were present to speak to, and answer questions from both the WCPA & the public. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that it was a robust meeting, with numerous comments from the public which will be taken into account by the DEEP officials. At this time there are no changes to the status of the administrative order, the deadline is Oct 30^th to submit the EIE.

Selectman Skip Sibley stated that 2 communities will be affected by this order; Soundview and Hawks Nest, and noted that there wasn’t a lot of discussion regarding Soundview, but a lot of discussion and attendance from residents of Hawks Nest. He learned that residents of Hawks Nest had hired their own engineer to do studies on the levels of pollution/non pollution that are taking place. He stated that there was good dialogue and perhaps reason to re-evaluate whether Hawks Nest in particular should be included in the regional plan.

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that she had a discussion months ago with the DEEP regarding whether or not Hawks Nest should be included, she stated that most people agree that it would be a good solution for Soundview.

Selectman Skip Sibley stated that he had asked a question at the WPCA meeting regarding White Sands being dropped from the study because it was too cost prohibitive, and Denise Ruzicka (DEEP) stood up and said it doesn’t mean that you have a right to pollute. Selectman Sibley stated that he was just trying to understand the economic aspect of it, and her response was that White Sands has “other options”, she suggested that they will probably be able to develop solutions more cost effective within their community. Selectman Sibley suggested that a similar template could fit for Hawks Nest.

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that White Sands was taken out of the study not just because of cost, but because of the difference in soils and elevation of White Sands. She stated that most properties in White Sands have more space from the septic to the groundwater and that is an advantage to them. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder agreed with Denise Ruzicka that they have other options. She stated, they could not only look at compact septic systems but also a community system within them because they have some land available.

Selectwoman Nosal added that the town sanitarian was present at the WPCA meeting, and indicated that he would be willing to compare/evaluate the Hawks Nest private engineering pollution data, compared to his own analysis.

Halls Road Improvements Committee Charge and Appointments

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder reviewed the updated charge, and stated it has not been approved yet, because of discussions about making sure the committee reports to the BOS and BOF with recommendations, and are not actually working on their own. She points out a few bullet points that have been amended.

• Collaborate with the Lower CT River Valley Council of Governments (RiverCOG).

• Advertise the RFQ in collaboration with the Selectmen’s Office.

• Interview respondents and recommend a firm to the Board of Selectmen.

• Approve final plans and designs to be recommended to Board of Selectmen.

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated they added a line “The Board of Selectmen will retain overall responsibility for the project and all project-related decisions. All original project documents are to be kept at Town Hall in project file.”

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that she thinks this addresses concerns that they had at that meeting, and asked for other concerns.

Selectman Skip Sibley suggests that they should remove the part that says “all project-related decisions,” because the board should feel empowered to do their job, and suggested that it should simply read, “The Board of Selectmen will retain overall responsibility for the project.”

A motion was made by Selectwoman Nosal to approve the charge with modifications, seconded by Selectman Sibley. Motion passed.

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that the next thing to do would be to look at the applicants. She asked the Selectmen to pick out their top 9 candidates and discuss. She stated that she would encourage this committee to have subcommittees to include all that applied. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder named: Michael Perks, Diane Birdsall, BJ Bernblum, Barbara Fischer, Bud Canaday, Victoria Lanier, Jim Graybill, Lindsay Eisensmith, and Michael Lech.

Selectwoman Nosal stated that 2 applicants were not town residents, but business owners, and asked if residency was required?

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder replied that town residency was not required, there are many businesses on Halls Rd, the fact that they own a business would be in their favor to serve on the committee.

Selectman Sibley named: Ned Pfeiffer, town historian, since Halls Rd abuts the Historic District he believes that it would be good to have him as a member to interface with the historic commission. Jim Graybill, he owns multiple properties in the Halls Rd area, and has been very involved. Bud Canaday, treasurer of the Big Y shopping plaza, a huge stakeholder. Michael Lech, a real estate developer & economic development commission member, specializing in mixed use projects. BJ Bernblum, a BOF member. Diane Birdsall, business owner and RI School of Design, brings a lot of aesthetics. Michael D’Occhio, member of the Lions Club, and business owner. Lindsay Eisensmith, business owner. Frank Morelli, civil engineer.

Selectwoman Nosal named: Lindsay Eisensmith, Michael D’Occhio, Frank Morelli, Michael Lech, Michael Perks, BJ Bernblum, Barbara Fischer, Jim Graybill, Victoria Lanier.

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder recapped the names in common: BJ Bernblum, Jim Graybill, Lindsay Eisensmith, Michael Lech

The one’s that had 2: Diane Birdsall, Michael Perks, Michael D’Occhio, Bud Canaday, Barbara Fischer, and Frank Morelli.

Selectwoman Nosal advocated for Frank Morelli, she thought it would be good to have an engineer on the board.

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder wanted to advocate for Bud Canaday, involved in the Marketplace, which is a huge stakeholder.

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder advocated for Michael Perks, since he has been instrumental from the beginning on this project.

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder suggests Diane Birdsall, business owner and has arts background.

Selectman Sibley asked the selectmen’s opinion of his selection, Ned Pfeiffer

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that she didn’t think his connection to the historic commission was necessary.

Selectwoman Nosal suggested Michael D’Occhio, due to his business ownership.

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder suggested that they offer Ned Pfeiffer to be ex officio as chairman of the historic district.

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder said they need a connection with the zoning commission, economic development commission, interaction with the historic district, and can offer ex officio to any of the chairmen there.

Selectman Sibley suggested that they send out a letter to the top 9 applicants to confirm their availability and interest.

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder recapped that they made some head way, the charge has been approved, it can be sent with the letter, they will confirm interest, and make appointments at the next meeting.

Solid Waste Recycling Review Committee Charge and Appointments

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder recapped, last meeting they approved the charge with some changes. The main change was “Investigate all means of waste management/waste reduction,” and it wasn’t limited to pay as you throw. The current people that have showed interest on serving on this committee are: Leslie O’Connor, Brenda Moriarty, Thomas Gotowka, and Louis Russo. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that she would be interested in appointing these 4 individuals, and look for a 5^th to serve, and send out letters charging the committee.

Selectman Sibley suggested reaching out to Don Rutty, Ed Adante and Gary Yuknat also.

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that Gary Yuknat was on the Recycling Incentive Committee, and would attend meetings as requested. The charge itself does say that the Public Works Superintendent and Manager of the Transfer Station will serve as ex-officio members. She wants to make sure that Gary Yuknat is invited and kept in the loop.

Selectwoman Nosal suggested that a member of the Board of Finance be a representative on the board.

A motion was made by Selectwoman Nosal, seconded by Selectman Sibley, to appoint Leslie O’Connor, Brenda Moriarty, Thomas Gotowka, and Louis Russo to the Solid Waste & Recycling Committee. Motion passed.

New Business:

Fire Department/EMS Benefits Committee Recommendation

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder gave an overview. When she 1^st came into office, she met with one of the firefighters to discuss the incentive program for volunteer firefighters, and EMS workers. At the time, once the volunteers reached a certain number of points, they received $640 deposited in their retirement account. It remained the same amount for many years. In addition, the volunteers received a $1000 tax abatement, for those who qualify. The volunteers were interested in a regular increase to keep up with the cost of living. Skip BeeBe asked for the BOS to look at the retirement benefit amount, the tax abatement, and other issues such as medical coverage for injury, payments if out of work, and job related death benefits. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that she is pleased to report that they have increased the death benefit payments, and medical coverage for injury, and the retirement benefit has had a regular increase for several years. Also, for those who qualify they have received a catch-up payment. The abatement of $1,000 is valuable for those who own property, but if they rent or live with their parents, it is not always equitable to them. Also, new rules state that the $1,000 benefit is now subject to taxes.

Selectman Sibley stated that he volunteered to help review the incentive program, and to help come up with ways to recruit and maintain members in the fire department, which is strictly volunteer. The Insurance and Incentive Committee put together a PowerPoint document, explaining the benefits to changing the incentive program. (shown below)

Insurance and Incentive Committee

Current Members: Chairman: Skip Beebe, Secretary: Tisha Kirk, Rick Colangeli, Dave Wooley, Bob Jose, Barbara Rozanski, Bob Knauff, Skip Sibley, John Cody

Former Members: Jim Jake, Juan Tirado, Tisha Kirk

Contributors: Bonnie Reemsnyder, Mary Jo Nosal, Nicole Stajduhar

Why the Pension Plan rather than Tax Abatement?

´Regardless of residency or property tax obligation, members will enjoy 100% of the full benefit

´Current annual rate is $1,000 tax abatement, Approx. $800 pension contribution; Full $1,800 would go to pension plan

´The pension contribution is not considered a taxable benefit (no FICA payment, no income tax)

´Under certain IRS guidelines a member can withdraw funds from the pension plan

´All current members are grandfathered in and can choose to stay with the tax abatement OR move to the full pension contribution

Benefits of approving the proposal

´All members will be able to receive the full benefit

´There are many members, including officers, that are currently not able to receive the full benefit

´Current members have the choice to keep things the same as they are today

´However, once a member switches to the pension plan only they can not switch back to the tax abatement

´Only new members after 12/31/2015 would be unable to choose the tax abatement

´An opportunity to fully recognize and reward ALL the volunteers of the Fire Department and the Ambulance and to help recruit and retain members

Current Status

´The Ambulance Association has voted unanimously to approve the proposal to take effect the 2016/2017 budget year

´The committee, Board of Selectmen, and Finance Director support this proposal

´The OLFD voted last year to support the changes proposed at that time, with one exception, whereby the OLFD wanted new members to have the same choice as existing members.

Selectman Sibley stated that the Insurance and Incentive Committee put together a 2 prong approach. The pension contribution, and the tax abatement. The committee tried to come up with an approach that was fair to all of the volunteers, so they could enjoy 100% of the benefit. With the new plan, members could opt out of that $1,000 tax abatement, and instead add that $1,000 to their pension contribution. Pension contribution is currently around $800, so they could put the full $1800 into the pension plan. He stated that this is a great recruitment/retention attraction. Current members are grandfathered in, they could remain with the pension contribution and tax abatement, or they can put the full $1800 in their pension contribution, but once you move over to the full pension contribution, you could not go back to the abatement.

Selectman Sibley stated that Rob McCarthy presented this to the firefighters, and the fire department unanimously approved this option. The ambulance team voted earlier this spring, and they passed it unanimously.

Selectman Sibley made a motion to recommend to the Board of Finance that we adopt the policy as listed for the Old Lyme Fire Department, and Ambulance Association. Seconded by Selectwoman Nosal. Discussion.

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that the Board of Selectmen should be the ones to approve the policy, and they may discuss with the Board of Finance before the BOS approves the policy.

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder suggested that the motion say that the Board of Selectmen approves moving forward with this pending the consensus of the Board of Finance.

Selectman Sibley made a motion that the Board of Selectmen approve moving forward with this new policy for the insurance incentive direction that affects the Old Lyme Fire Department, and Old Lyme Ambulance that will take effect in the 2016/2017 budget year. Moved and Seconded. Motion Passed.

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that the reason they spent so much time on this was because overall it saves the community a great deal of money, to not have a paid Fire Department and Ambulance, and it is important that the community offers some kind of thank you for that volunteerism. $1800 a year in a retirement account is a small amount to pay for the benefit of those first responders.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder reminded the BOS that it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and stated that we all have known someone that has been affected by breast cancer, and that we should be acknowledging it, and looking for a cure.

Safe Futures Tour

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that she recently went on a tour of the Safe Futures facility in New London. Safe Futures is an organization that the town supports with a small stipend each year. They serve the southeastern CT region, and provide safehaven to women who have suffered from domestic violence. She toured their office building & counseling center, and the apartment building for short-term apartments (up to 2 years) for women & families getting away from domestic violence. She urged others to go on the tour, and stated that she was glad that we are a community that supports them.

Army Corps of Engineers, DMMP (Dredging Materials Management Plan)

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder overviewed that the Army Corps of Engineers was charged 15 years ago to perform a study to determine the viability of continuing to allow dredge material to be relocated in Long Island Sound. She recapped that we received a $1.6 million dollar grant to dredge 2 rivers in our community, the material from that has to go somewhere. First priority would be to go to beaches and dunes and marshes, to restore them. The remaining dredged material that does not meet standards, has to be dumped somewhere. For years there have been sites in Long Island Sound where they could bring dredged material. The Army Corps of Engineers have completed the study and it is their opinion that there are 4 location sites that are economically necessary. The present cost of dredging is $30/yard, but if they don’t have these relocation sites in the sound, the cost could go up to $100/yard to relocate it to somewhere else. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that it was her opinion, that keeping these sites open is important for the state, and our community. There has not yet been a final decision.

Selectman Sibley suggested that we reach out to Harbor Management group, and Inlands Wetlands commission.

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that she did reach out to the Harbor Management group, and they are in support of this, but did not reach out to Inlands Wetlands, because the sites are in open water, and would not affect Inlands Wetlands.

Selectman Sibley suggested sending a copy of this letter to the Harbor Management Chair, Inlands Wetlands, EDC and Conservation.

Letter from Parks & Recreation Commission, and letter from Candace Fuchs

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder commented on a few points in the letter from the Parks & Recreation Commission. She stated that the letter brought up no parking without stickers. She stated, that when they discussed this, it was said that parking stickers were not enforced out of season, or before/after hours. Selectwoman Reemsnyder’s stated that it was her mistaken understanding that the enforcement of the stickers were between the hours of 9-5pm. She stated that she wished her error had been pointed out earlier in the season, that the correct hours should have been 9-8pm in keeping with the policy. She stated that she has discussed this with Park & Rec director Don Bugbee, and an adjustment for next year would be in order.

She also pointed out that the letter stated the “Old Lyme Selectmen overruled the P&RC recommendation.” She stated that a recommendation is just that, the BOS can either accept it, not accept it, or make tweaks to it, but the BOS has authority to do that.

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated, being a new policy it is the BOS that would have to approve whether or not to issue parking tickets to nonresidents.

She stated that she has addressed comments of OLRA members parking well beyond 9am and arriving shortly after 5pm, and rude comments made to the P&RC staff with Don Bugbee.

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder also stated that she was not aware of other questions or complaints, but urges the P&RC to share these in writing, so that they could be addressed. She would like to sit down with Don Bugbee and the P&RC chair to review for next year.

Selectwoman Nosal questioned why there was no mention of the Park & Rec Commission’s letter in any of the meeting minutes. And also stated that she would have liked some discussion before a letter like this was written.

Selectman Sibley stated that he attended the September 3^rd P&RC Meeting, that there was a 10 or 15 minute conversation discussing the new stickering policy, they addressed kinks and solutions were presented. He was disappointed that the conversation was not reflected in the meeting minutes at all. He also questioned why the meeting minutes from September 3^rd weren’t posted until 10/5/2015.

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder addressed statements made from the letter from Candace Fuchs. She disagreed with the statement that there are athletes that are not OLRA members, that take place in a 2 week program, and charging them $25 for parking 6 times seems onerous. She stated that many residents pay $25 for a parking sticker, and may only use the beach 2 or 3 times for the year.

She stated that you cannot compare parking at Hains Park with Town Woods, because there are no charges for anyone to park at Town Woods.

Selectwoman Nosal stated that the Old Lyme website has a list of clubs & groups with contact information, and the Old Lyme Rowing Association is not listed there, and should be.

Public Comment:

Bob Dunn, Chair of the P&R Commission

Stated that there is a simple solution, if you park at Hains Park or White Sands Beach,

stickers are required. This includes out of towners at Hains Park that are members of the

OLRA. Any adults part of the rowing association, with their dues would pay $25 for the parking sticker. He also stated that people that are dropped off, or picked up at Hains Park or White Sands do not need a sticker. In addition there is a sign at Hains Park that says stickers are required. He also stated that any issue should first tried to be resolved with Don Bugbee, and only if his answers aren’t suitable, should the P&R Commission be involved. He addressed Selectwoman Nosal’s comment that the memo was not included in the meeting minutes, and stated that it was in the August minutes.

Selectwoman Nosal stated that the letter was not posted.

Bob Dunn stated that it should be posted as an attachment. He also addressed Selectman Sibley’s concern over a conversation not recorded in the September minutes, and asked him to let the commission know what he thinks should be included in the minutes.

Other Business:

Selectman Sibley expressed his concern over the septage transfer permit expiring.

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that progress is being made, she has been in communication with Gary Yuknat, owner of Old Lyme Sanitation, making sure that all haulers are notified that this is going to stop, that she would like an end date of the end of October, they just got a list of all of the haulers from the Health Department. She met with the town attorney to clarify that they don’t need to change the WPCA ordinance to continue requiring the reports from the haulers. But, they will need to amend the ordinance to include enforcement, and fines if the haulers do not submit the reports.

Selectman Sibley stated that the management will hopefully be transferred to Wind River, and that will include transfer of town assets.

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that there will be another update at the next meeting.

Selectman Sibley brought up the leaky roof of the bathhouse at White Sands Beach that was discussed at the last P&RC meeting, and asked about the facilities committee meeting later in September.

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated the comment was valid, and she confirmed it with the Parks & Rec director. He said he will bring it up at the facilities committee meeting, but that meeting was had to be rescheduled, and hadn’t taken place yet.

Selectman Sibley asked if the roof could be patched in the meantime?

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that is something that will be addressed.

Selectwoman Nosal stated that she visited the bathhouse, took photos, and that the leak was evident.

Selectman Sibley suggested that he doesn’t believe there needs to be a meeting to figure out that there is a leaky roof, and suggested that public works could assess how to patch the roof, because water coming into the building is not a good situation.

Selectman Sibley had previously suggested a special meeting between the BOS and the BOF and finance director, on the financial policies, specific for that 1 item. He would like to get that done in the next 4-6 weeks.

First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that they received an email from someone in the soccer league requesting portable lights at Town Woods. She reached out to Bob Dunn, the chairman of P&RC, to set up a meeting for discussion.

Selectman Sibley stated that there had been some missing meeting minutes, and asked to make sure that all meeting minutes are posted on the town website.

Executive Session: None
Adjournment: A motion was made by Selectwoman Nosal, seconded by Selectman Sibley to adjourn at 9:32 pm. Motion passed.

Donna Glaras

10/7/2015