TOWN OF OLD LYME
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Regular Meeting Minutes
January 4th, 2016
The Board of Selectmen held a Regular Meeting at 7:30 pm on January 4th, 2016 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 stated that there are many guests in the audience, and asked for a motion to move several items up in the agenda including: Old Business d. Resolution for Multi-town Grant application for Valley Shore Communications, New Business a. Presentation on boat by Fire Dept and Police Dept, and b. Recommendation for transfer of funds by Senior Center Board. Moved by Selectwoman Nosal, seconded by Selectman Sibley. Motion Passed.
4. Old Business:
d. Resolution for Multi-town Grant application for Valley Shore Communications
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder summarized that Old Lyme is a member of Valley Shore Communications, which handles dispatch for emergency services for 10 towns. She stated that the 10 towns are applying for a grant, the Intertown Capital Equipment Purchase Incentive Program, (ICE). It will be for a multi-site UHF simulcast system to provide enhanced communications for the volunteer firefighters and medical technicians. She stated that it does have to go to a town meeting for approval, and that the BOS will approve it tonight, to go on the agenda of the next town meeting of Jan. 25th. She invited Tom Risom, chief of the OLFD to speak on behalf of the Fire Department and EMS.
Tom Risom distributed an information packet to the BOS including: an overview written by Valley Shore, ICE grant, public act that enables the ICE grant, grant application filed by Valley Shore, and Essex Fire Department’s resolution identifying the need to join the 10 towns under the ICE grant. He overviewed that the grant would enable new IP CAD stations to not just broadcast from the tower out of their town, but have the ability to broadcast from any tower in the system, to their town. He stated currently they broadcast primarily from the Mile Creek tower, but if they go across the river they will not hear those dispatches because they are not coming across from Mile Creek, once they move to the combined system they will be able to hear that dispatch
off the neighboring towers, and get back to their town. He stated that if the grant is approved it will cover 60% of the cost, and the other 40% will come out of Valley Shore capital. There will be no direct cost to the town. He stated that the Fire Department and EMS are completely behind it, and hopes that it will go to town meeting.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that this resolution will go to a town meeting, but there will also be an inter-municipal agreement between the 10 towns because it is actual equipment. The agreement will state that Essex is the lead, the equipment will be housed at Valley Shore, and their insurance will cover the equipment.
Selectwoman Nosal thanked Bonnie and Tom for responding to their questions from the last meeting, and stated that it is a much needed enhancement to the services that they have.
Selectman Sibley asked since Old Saybrook is self-sufficient, and doesn’t use Valley Shore, will they be tied in?
Tom replied that when Old Saybrook needs Old Lyme, they go to Valley Shore to request services, and vice versa, that that will not change, and it would be seamless.
Selectman Sibley suggested making a formal presentation with slides at the Town Meeting, and Tom Risom replied that they could put something together.
Selectman Sibley made a motion to recommend this to a Town Meeting. Seconded by Selectwoman Nosal. Motion Passed.
5. New Business:
a. Presentation on boat by Fire Dept. and Police Dept.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that in this year’s budget there is a line item for $85,000 for a boat. She stated that the fire department and police department have said that they would be able to work together with one boat, and has done so with The Privateer, but there is concern with the safety of that boat: problems with the hull and the transom, and so they started to look at purchasing another boat. Tom Risom came to Bonnie stating that they found a boat that they believed would fit, gave her information, and met with members of the police department. She stated that Tom would like to present a boat that he feels is a good fit. It is above the $85,000 that is in the budget, approximately $200,000. She suggested
that they could put the difference into a budget for the upcoming budget process, and if approved it would be available as of July 1st, or spread it out over the next 2 budgets. But, as stated, that there is a concern over the safety of the boat going out this summer, and there are safety concerns regarding policing on Sound View. So she asked Tom to come present the boat, and then they can decide if they want to go to a special meeting, or go through the budget.
Mike McCarthy and Tom Brown joined Tom Risom for the presentation. Tom Risom stated that he asked Mike McCarthy about a year ago to put together a specification for a boat to replace the 1985 Privateer that was donated to the department. They needed a boat that could patrol the waters of LI Sound on the shoreline, and the CT River. Mike McCarthy put together a handout, which was distributed to the selectmen, and Tom Brown has extensive experience with commercial boats/military spec boats/aluminum structures. Tom Risom said that the BOS indicated that they need a boat for: law enforcement on the coast, and CT River, and for search & rescue for the Fire Department. He stated that a marine surveyor in 2012 determined the
Privateer to be at the end of life: transom waterlogged, fuel tanks porous, batteries and wiring worn out and engine at end of predicted life. They were looking for a boat that fit the town’s needs, no more, no less. They have met with the police department, EMS, and harbor commissions, and are in consensus. They wanted to have a military spec vehicle that would stand up to the tasks, have a long lifespan, and be complimentary to mutual aid. With the boat they are proposing, he believes that they would get 15 years on the engines, and 20 on the hull. They would like to develop a Memorandum of Understanding between all potential users for operator training and certification, budgetary accountability, as well as weekly, monthly and annual maintenance. They are planning on duplicating the training package that the Mystic Fire Department uses for their regional boat which requires training, and re-training, of the operator, and
passengers. Tom Risom proposed a 25’ SafeBoat Fire Rescue Platform, which is a former homeland security boat, refurbished by a company in Pensacola, FL. He stated that it is purpose built for their needs: aluminum hull, aluminum deckhouse, rigid foam collar made of ballistic material, heated deckhouse, working area. He stated that one is being held for the 2016 season for them, and it will cost approximately 1/3 of what the neighboring towns have spent. He stated that the boat will come without engines; they have talked to Atlantic Outboard about procuring them, which is included in the price, the only thing that would need to be added is a CT State Police radio. He would like to take the $85,000 in the 2015/2016 budget, and put that towards the $200,000, and present to the BOF, and get on an agenda for a special town meeting, and if approved by town, work with the vendor to have it put in service by May/June of 2016. He suggested moving quickly
because the boats are a find, and since there is no money down, they will not hold it for long. Also included in price is a pre-procurement inspection, and pre-delivery inspection. He stated that the boat comes with a trailer, and they priced out a few options for getting the boat to Old Lyme, and their delivery price of $3100 was the best.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that this was only brought to her in mid-December, that it needs to go to the BOF and give them time to ask questions, and getting it on the agenda for the Jan. 25th Town Meeting is rushing it too much. She suggested taking their time, even if it meant missing out on this boat. She stated that she spoke to Gary Inglis earlier about the boat, he has expressed a concern about resources for the summer, and feels that there needs to be a police presents on the water on the weekends, specifically at Sound View. She stated that Gary feels that it is more of a boat that the police would need, but, Bonnie feels that if it is to be used by several departments, that it would still be less expensive than 2 or 3
separate boats. She recommended that this presentation be made to the BOF next, and they can talk about a special meeting at a later date.
Selectwoman Nosal asked if the boat is decommissioned. Mike McCarthy replied that it is 100% decommissioned.
Tom Risom stated that they did scour the used boats market extensively, but did not find anything that met their needs.
Selectman Sibley asked if the engines from Atlantic Coast Marine would be shipped to Florida for mounting. Mike McCarthy replied that the boat would come up without engines, and have them mounted at the dealer in Westbrook because you want to use a dealer that is local for warranties and repairs.
Selectman Sibley asked if they are talking about 2 trips to Florida with 3 guys, and if the boat still needs a fair amount of work? Mike McCarthy replied yes, and the boat as it sits today is basically stripped, they will completely refurbish.
Selectman Sibley asked about manning the boat, specifically on the weekends, he questioned, if they require a minimum of 2 people on the boat, how they envision operation? If the EMS or the Fire Department are planning on supporting the police. Tom Risom replied yes, that there are several operators that are already trained, and they hope to have half a dozen operators available at any moment.
Selectman Nosal asked where the boat would be housed. And would it be shrink-wrapped in the winter. Tom Brown replied that the boat would be stored at the DEEP dock in the summer, and would be shrink-wrapped in the winter.
Selectwoman Nosal asked about permitting, and fees associated with licensing. Mike McCarthy replied that there is no permitting, and they might be faced with DEEP registration, but that will not be in addition, it will be instead of registering the Privateer.
Selectman Sibley stated that he supports Bonnie in her decision to take it to the BOF 1st, and then a special meeting in February, but asks if they could put down a refundable deposit on the boat, to hold it until they get the decision from the town meeting. Mike McCarthy replied that he will ask the vendor, and thinks that would be a great idea, so that they wouldn’t lose out.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder asked that when he talks to him to make sure he knows the process that it has to go through a special town meeting. She stated that she likes the model in regard to police services having 1 operator, and 1 police officer, and also likes that there will be a MOA for the maintenance & scheduling. She stated that safety is one of her biggest concerns, and appreciate that they are addressing the safety of the boat they are using, as well as the safety of the public in the summer. She stated that the next step is bringing it to the BOF on Jan. 19th.
b. Recommendation for transfer of funds by Senior Center Board
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that in the fall, a resident bequeathed to the “Old Lyme Senior Center” a gift of $125,000 from his estate. The will was filled out prior to the formation of “Friends of the Lymes’ Senior Center”, a nonprofit organization that supports the programming for the benefit of Lymes’ Senior Center. The Lymes’ Senior Center is an organization that is supported both by the town of Lyme and Old Lyme. Since the bequeath was written to the “Old Lyme Senior Center”, it has caused a bit of confusion. The Board of Directors has requested that out of that $125,000, $100,000 be transferred to the Friends of the Lymes’ Senior Center, to put into a fund to invest for programs. Ralph Eno has objected
to this because he believes that part of it is his purview because it was given to the Senior Center, which pre-dated the “Friends” organization. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that she put in a call to the town attorney, that also handled the will, and asked her what the intention of the bequeath was. The attorney agreed that the bequeath was to benefit the Lymes’ Senior Center, even though it did say the Old Lyme Senior Center on the check and in the will. She stated that First Selectman Eno feels very strongly that the money should not be transferred to an organization that didn’t exist at the time the will was written, and the Lymes’ Senior Center board feels very strongly that this is money that should go into the “Friends” organization. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that she did briefly speak to the chairman of the BOF regarding this, and the BOS will share this with the BOF so they can also weigh in on the disposition of the
money. She invited Bob Pierson (former member of the board and former treasurer) and Diane Blackwell (Board of Directors for the Lymes’ Senior Center, and Chair of the Friends of the Lymes’ Senior Center) to the table to speak to that.
Bob Pierson stated that when he was the treasurer, they had an account to pay for programs with Essex Savings Bank, but they were paying a lot of taxes, so he spoke with the Finance Director who said that other commissions had accounts that were their own, but underneath the town of Old Lyme. He was told that the account would be theirs, controlled by them. He stated that they have moved money from that account into the account of the “Friends” organization to get it going, and also, that he knew the deceased, and believes that the money was intended for the members of the senior center.
Diane Blackwell stated that she wanted to resolve the ownership of the $125,000 donation. She stated that the initial notification of the gift went to the president of the Lymes’ Senior Center, and when the check was released, the treasurer of the Lymes’ Senior Center was notified, and received the check for $125,000. She stated it was clear who the money was intended for. She requested closure from the BOS that the ownership of the money is solely for the Lymes’ Senior Center under the direction of the board of directors. She stated that according to the 1994 agreement that the 2 towns are responsible for the infrastructure and nothing in their constitution and bylaws indicate that the town has any right to the money. She stated
that their Board of Directors has a right to oversee investments for the Lymes’ Senior Center, they voted to have the “Friends” take on that responsibility, and take $100,000 transfer it for investment, and leave $25,000 in the town account for the Lymes’ Senior Center because it take approximately that much annually to run the programs at the Senior Center. She stated that there is nothing in any of their legal documents that indicate that the towns have a right to step in and take funds.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that the fact that the board of directors were notified of the bequeath is why it is difficult, because the board of directors are appointed by the towns. She clarified that nobody from Old Lyme is trying to take the money, but she feels that if they cannot turn the money over to the “Friends” organization, she believes that the Board of Directors should be in charge of the decision making on how the money is spent, that they would come in front of the BOS and possibly BOF to recommend what they would like to do with the money. She invited BJ Bernblum to the table as a consultant to the senior center.
BJ Bernblum stated that he helped form the “Friends” organization, and several weeks ago he was called by Diane Blackwell regarding the issue with the donation. He stated that he understood that one of Ralph Eno’s objections was the transfer of the money from the senior center to the “Friends” corporation, and asked Bonnie what the 2nd objection was. Bonnie replied that Ralph Eno believes that this money should be used for capital expenses until it is exhausted, that he is willing to compromise, but is adamant that it shouldn’t be turned over to the “Friends” organization because then there is no town authority over the money. Bonnie believes that they could look at restrictions to the money that the “Friends” agrees
to, but she does not believe that the money should go to capital expenses; she believes that the towns should fund those. BJ Berblum stated that the senior center has been established as an independent entity, to be managed pursuant to the constitution and bylaws, that states that the duties of the board of directors is to prepare an annual budget, and authorize all expenditures. He stated as he reads it, the towns exert their control over the senior center by their appointment of members to the board of directors, and that is all the towns do. He believes that the senior center is governed by its board, and they have the discretion to do what they wish with their funds. He also questions whether future donors would be discouraged to donate to the senior center, if the money is taken away for the towns’ own purposes.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder replied that she disagrees with BJ’s opinion that the senior center is an independent entity because it is funded by the towns. She also stated that she is not arguing that the town should have control of how the money is spent, the question is, does the town have a right to write a check to an independent organization for money that was bequeathed to the Old Lyme Senior Center, which was the senior center that existed at the time of the will, and “Friends” did not exist. She stated that it needs to be brought to the BOF, and a discussion needs to be had with Lyme. She urged that any future donations be made out to the “Friends of the Lymes’ Senior Center” so that there is no confusion.
Selectman Sibley asked if the account from Essex Saving was rolled into the “Friends” account? Bob Pierson replied no, that has been put into the town account to save sales tax.
Selectman Sibley asked since this is not the 1st time they received a donation, how the previous checks were written out. Diane Blackwell replied that some were made out to the senior center, some to the Friends of the Lymes’ Senior Center. Selectman Sibley asked, if the checks made out to the Lymes’ Senior Center would go into the town’s account, and the one’s made out to “Friends” go into the “Friends” account? Diane replied yes.
Selectman Sibley asked if there was a circumstance where there has been a transfer of funds from the senior center’s account, under the town’s umbrella, to the “Friends” account. Bob Pierson replied that they have done that twice without objection.
Selectman Sibley stated that he believes that the gift was intended for the Senior Center, and as long as there is precedent for the Board of Directors to take that money that they are free to transfer the money as they see fit. He recommended that they first present to the BOF, get another attorney’s opinion, and move forward. He stated that he believes the only reason this is getting so much attention is because of the amount of the check, but the principle shouldn’t change.
Selectwoman Nosal stated that she believes that the money was intended for the senior center, and not for tax relief. She also agreed with Bonnie, that the checks need to be made out to the “Friends” account so that they don’t need to revisit the same issue in the future. And that they need to have further discussion with the town of Lyme.
Selectman Sibley asked if the check received could be reissued to the “Friends” group. BJ Bernblum stated that he believes it is too late for that.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that she felt it was important to wanted to bring this to the Selectmen and BOF to hear their opinions. The next BOF meeting is January 19th. She stated that it sounds like the selectmen are in agreement, that they would be comfortable with the check written out to the “Friends” organization for $100,000. She asked for documentation that donations have been made to the Lymes’ Senior Center that have been put into the account and then checks written to the “Friends” to show precedence.
Selectman Sibley asked what kind of check & balances they had in place to access funds. Diane Blackwell replied that there is a 2 signature requirement. Selectman Sibley suggested a more stringent check & balance, because of the amount of money in the account.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder re-stated that the next step is to bring this to the BOF.
- Approval of Minutes: November 16th 2015, Regular Meeting
Selectman Sibley made a motion to approve the minutes of November 16th 2015 as amended, seconded by Selectwoman Nosal. Motion Passed.
Approval of Minutes: December 21st 2015, Regular Meeting
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder made the following corrections:
Page 4: remove the last line “and the BOS will attend the P&R Commission meeting Jan 7th to
further discuss the plan.” Because it is later correctly stated that “the 2 chairs will be
meeting with P&R on Jan. 7th”
Page 5: reads: “raised, mounted, curvy and flush”, and should read “raised, mountable and flush”
Page 7: reads: “First Selectwoman Reemsnyder made a motion”, and should read, “First
Selectwoman Reemsnyder asked for a motion”
A motion to approve the minutes as amended was moved by Selectwoman Nosal, seconded by Selectman Sibley. Motion Passed.
- Communication: None
- Appointments:
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that she received an application for the Solid Waste/Recycling Review Committee, there are currently 4 members on the committee, and there are openings for 5. She stated that Thomas Unger sent in his application, that she was impressed by his qualifications, that she did not run it by the committee, but she feels comfortable appointing him. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder asked for a motion to appoint Thomas Unger to the Solid Waste/Recycling Review Committee for a 2-year term endng Jan. 2018. Moved by Selectman Sibley, seconded by Selectwoman Nosal. Motion Passed.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that many of the volunteer positions end in January of each year, and the following is a list of appointments.
Selectwoman Nosal made a motion to appoint Valerie Goncalves, ADA Coordinator for a 1-year term expiring Jan. 17. Seconded by Selectman Sibley. Motion Passed.
Selectman Sibley made a motion to appoint Cliff Johnson, regular member to Commission on Aging for a 3-year term expiring Jan. 19. Seconded by Selectwoman Nosal. Motion Passed.
Selectwoman Nosal made a motion to appoint John Flower, Building Official, for a 4-year term expiring Jan. 20. Seconded by Selectman Sibley. Motion Passed.
Selectman Sibley made a motion to appoint Susan Baehr, regular member of the Conservation Commission, for a 3-year term expiring Jan. 19. Seconded by Selectwoman Nosal. Motion Passed.
Selectwoman Nosal made a motion to appoint Robert Jose and Heather Gagnon to the EDC Commission, for 5-year terms each expiring Jan 21. Seconded by Selectman Sibley. Motion Passed.
Selectman Sibley made a motion to appoint Steve Ross, Gary Smith and Todd Machnik, regular members to the Flood & Erosion Control Board, for 2-year terms each expiring Jan 18. Seconded by Selectwoman Nosal. Motion Passed.
Selectwoman Nosal made a motion to appoint Donald Willis as an alternate to the Flood & Erosion Control Board for a 1-year term expiring Jan. 17. Seconded by Selectman Sibley. Motion Passed.
Selectman Sibley made a motion to appoint William Harris, regular member to the Harbor Management Commission, for a 4-year term expiring Jan. 20. Seconded by Selectwoman Nosal. Motion Passed.
Selectwoman Nosal made a motion to appoint Jeff Cooley as an alternate to the Historic District for a 3-year term expiring Jan. 19. Seconded by Selectman Sibley. Motion Passed.
Selectman Sibley made a motion to appoint Christian Tompkins and Evan Griswold as regular members to the Inland Wetland Commission for 3-year terms each expiring Jan. 19. Seconded by Selectwoman Nosal. Motion Passed.
Selectwoman Nosal made a motion to appoint Robert DePianta to the Inland Wetland Hearing Panel for a 1-year term expiring Jan. 17. Seconded by Selectman Sibley. Motion Passed.
Selectman Sibley made a motion to appoint Don Tapper, Municipal Agent for the Elderly for a 2-year term expiring Jan 18. Seconded by Selectwoman Nosal. Motion Passed.
Selectwoman Nosal made a motion to appoint Amanda Blair, Peter Cable and Bruce Baratz to the Open Space Commission for 3-year terms each expiring Jan. 19. Seconded by Selectman Sibley. Motion Passed.
Selectman Sibley made a motion to appoint Tim Gavin and Missy Colburn, regular members of the Parks & Recreation Commission for 3-year terms each expiring Jan. 19. Seconded by Selectwoman Nosal. Motion Passed.
Selectwoman Nosal made a motion to appoint Donald Willis, Barbara Gaudio and Todd Machnik as alternates to the Planning Commission for 1-year terms each expiring Jan. 17. Seconded by Selectman Sibley. Motion Passed.
Selectman Sibley made a motion to appoint Richard Smith to the Rogers Lake Authority for a 3-year term expiring Jan. 19. Seconded by Selectwoman Nosal. Motion Passed.
Selectwoman Nosal made a motion to appoint Harry Plaut and Joanne Reis Lishing to the Sound View Commission for 3-year terms each expiring Jan. 19. Seconded by Selectman Sibley. Motion Passed.
Selectman Sibley made a motion to appoint Sandra Ziemba as an alternate to the Sound View Commission for a 1-year term expiring Jan. 17. Seconded by Selectwoman Nosal. Motion Passed.
Selectwoman Nosal made a motion to appoint Anne Bing and Emily Griswold to the Tree Commission for 3-year terms each expiring Jan. 19. Seconded by Selectman Sibley. Motion Passed.
Selectman Sibley made a motion to appoint Joan Flynn, M.D. as an alternate to the Tree Commission for a 1-year term expiring Jan. 17. Seconded by Selectwoman Nosal. Motion Passed.
Selectwoman Nosal made a motion to appoint Thomas Degnan as Tree Warden for a 1-year term expiring Jan. 17. Seconded by Selectman Sibley. Motion Passed.
Selectman Sibley made a motion to appoint Anthony Vallombroso as Veteran’s Representative for a 1-year term expiring Jan. 17. Seconded by Selectwoman Nosal. Motion Passed.
Selectwoman Nosal made a motion to appoint Steve Cinami as an alternate to the WPCA for a 4-year term expiring Jan. 20. Seconded by Selectman Sibley. Motion Passed.
Selectman Sibley made a motion to appoint Stacy Winchell as an alternate to the Zoning Commission for a 1-year term expiring Jan. 17. Seconded by Selectwoman Nosal. Motion Passed.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that each member of the BOS have received a list of vacancies that is also posted on the website and encouraged interested parties to consider donating their time to serve on one of these boards/commissions.
Selectman Sibley also suggested doing a press release in the paper, and getting the list to both the democratic and republican town chairmen.
- Boathouse Hains Park Improvements
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that this Thursday the chairs will be going to the P&R Commission meeting.
Selectman Sibley stated that the next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 14th. That the architect has cleaned up the working plan drawings, and those drawings were presented to the building official, and to the fire marshal for review. He stated that there has been dialogue with the ZEO to understand with the changes that have been made to the design, if they need to re-visit any of the boards/commissions for approval, and they are working on an update for the community that will be presented at the annual town meeting.
- Rte. 156 Bikeway/Sound View Improvements
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that they did send out letters to 7 property owners for temporary rights agreements, and the only thing outstanding is that they have to reach out to a few property owners regarding driveway cuts.
Selectwoman Nosal stated that their next meeting will be Jan 11th at 6pm.
- WPCA/Administrative Order Update
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that the next WPCA meeting is Tue Jan 12th at 7:30pm. She stated that she does have minutes from the meeting with the chairman of the WPCA, the sanitarian, the health director and engineers, that were taken by the sanitarian and she will forward to the BOS, and also has notes taken by the engineer from the meeting with DEEP, but would like to make those notes into minutes, because they were cryptic and hard to follow.
- Transfer Station Safety Improvements
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that several months ago the vendor that does recycling collection brought to her attention a safety concern at the transfer station. He said that the recycling truck, when full, goes to the transfer station, goes up a hill and on the right is the area where the recycling offloads. She stated that the truck pulls up, then backs down to the hopper where it lifts its bed and everything is supposed to fall out into that hopper. But since everything is so compacted sometimes an operator needs to go back there and use a pole to loosen that load. She stated that it is particularly dangerous when there is ice and snow on the ground. She met with the transfer station operator, Gary Yuknat, Todd Machnik and the
public work’s supervisor to talk about resolutions to this problem. The resolution that they came up with was to put 2 fences on top of concrete blocks so that the truck can back up to the spot, dump the recycling on the ground, and then use a pay loader to push it into the hopper, and the fence would keep the loose recyclables contained. Another portion to the safety improvements would be additional fencing along the sides to keep people away from the higher areas, and put rolling fences in by the bulky waste area. She stated that the quote for fencing in the recycling with the blocks was $35,000, and the rest was $23,500. She spoke to the BOF about this and they could put it into the budget for next year, but she would like to recommend it to a special meeting possibly at the same time as the boat.
Selectwoman Nosal asked if anyone else in Town Hall should weigh-in, specifically the building official? Bonnie replied that she doesn’t think so, but could run it by him. She stated that the quote that they received was from Machnik Brother’s Inc., and that Willimantic Recycle was also there helping to solve the problem.
Selectman Sibley suggested a different solution, such as adding air vibrators to the recycling truck to loosen the material, rather than having an operator poke at it with a pole, because he believes that that is still an unsafe practice.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that she still didn’t think it was a good idea to be dumping that close to the hopper, and suspects that air vibrators wouldn’t loosen up the material because it is so compacted, but she will ask him. She stated that she would like another hydraulic on the other end pushing the trash out, but currently the trucks don’t do that, and maybe they can consider that in the future.
Selectman Sibley also suggested mounting a mechanical arm that would reach out and pull the material from the truck with the operator staying in the truck the whole time, and is concerned that the pay loader will not be able to remove all of the broken glass/material from that area. He suggested putting down a steel floor rather than a concrete slab to minimize wear over time.
- Annual Town Meeting Jan. 25th 7:30pm
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that because of the holidays, she was not yet able to follow-up if the middle school was available for the Annual Town Meeting, but will do so. She stated that the following is proposed for the agenda: Annual Report, Citizen of the Year, the Resolution for ICE grant application, C-PACE Approval, Accepting Blackwell Lane Extension as Town Road, and the presentation on the updated plan for the Boathouse/Hains Park. She stated that she hoped by Monday’s special meeting that the agenda would be approved.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that their clerk will be leaving, and they will be looking for a replacement.
Selectwoman Nosal asked if they could take an upcoming meeting to review the fire department pension charge that was set up to make sure the charge is completed, or see if it needs to be amended, and, also, there were no minutes filed in 2015, and spotty before that. Selectman Sibley stated that he will get that message to the chairman.
Selectwoman Nosal stated that she has a conflict for the 2/16 BOS Meeting, and wanted to reschedule. Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that the will look at their calendars to change the date.
- Adjournment: A motion was made by Selectman Sibley, seconded by Selectwoman Nosal to adjourn at 10:18 pm. Motion passed.
Donna Glaras
1/6/2016
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