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Board of Selectmen Minutes Special Meeting 3/7/2016 Amended

TOWN OF OLD LYME
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA WITH MOTIONS
Amended

Meeting Date: Monday 7 March 2016 – 4:00 PM

Location: Meeting Hall, Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall

1. Approval of Minutes: 22 February 2016
The following changes to the February 22, 2016 were requested by First Selectman Reemsnyder:
Page 3
Change Sea Rise to Sea Level Rise
Change Garber to Gerber
Change Friday’s to weeks
Change Kaplan to Caplet
Page 4
Change Charlene Garber to Carleen Gerber
Change Bob Robarge to Dave Roberge
Page 5
Change Dr, Seacam to Dr. Sikand
  • Administrative Order/WPCA Update
To read:
Selectwoman Nosal asked about DEEPS recommendations for specific testing. First Selectman Reemsnyder replied that DEEP would like to have some input, but does not tell us what to do.
  • Transfer Station Safety Improvements
To Read:
First Selectman Reemsnyder gave an update; since the last meeting she has met with Matt Brown from Anchor Engineering and he has looked at the plan and our permit and everything is permissible under the permit. However there are still questions she would like to discuss with Gary, to address how this may affect future operations of the recycling and the impact this will have on the budget before sending this onto a town meeting for approval. She would also like to look into how other towns are handling this. She recommends right now we continue to look at this and get quotes on upgraded fencing and signage. Continue to use the barriers in place and ensure staffs at the transfer station continue to direct people.
Page 6
A motion was made by Selectman Sibley, seconded by Selectwoman Nosal to approve the exterior work on the Town Hall for an amount not to exceed $35,000. Motion passed.


The following changes to the February 22, 2016 were requested by Selectwoman Nosal:
Page 3
B.   First Congregational Church OL Forum on Climate Change
To Read:
Page 4
To read:
Selectwoman Nosal noted that Carlene held a presentation at Town Hall after Sandy to discuss hazard mitigation for non-profits. Zoning had Diane came to discuss the new flood regulations after ‘Sandy’ and it was well received. She also gave Mr. Whalen information on a National Flood Insurance Program webinar she had watched for his information. She is also very supportive of the work and efforts the Environmental Committee has done so far.
4. ~~Old Business:
Page 5
  • Rte. 156 Bikeway/Sound View Improvements
To Read:
Selectwoman Nosal gave an update, the next meeting is scheduled for 2/29 and they are working with ConnDot on the design plans. ConnDot sent a few questions to VHB but according to the BSC group they are manageable. She hopes to have a formal update at the next meeting.  The draft request for qualifications (RFQ), to hire an inspector was provided by VHB and sent to the Selectman’s office for any specific requirements to advertise on the town website and the newspaper.
The main focus of the next meeting will be to finalize the RFQ and interview questions so this process can move forward.
The utility coordination meeting originally scheduled for 2/10 was cancelled because Eversource needs more time to complete their process and has been  rescheduled for 3/2  This is the required meeting with ConnDot, VHB, BCS and Eversource.  BCS provided a construction Agreement to the town that requires feedback from our attorney and then will go to VHB and if everything goes well we should be able to advertise by June.
  • Administrative Order/WPCA Update
First Selectman Reemsnyder met with Health Director, Dr. Ikand to ensure the plan would meet the requirements of the issues in the Sound View area. We are on track to put into place a monitoring system for the Hawks Nest Beach area.
Change Kuran to Curran
Page 6
A motion was made by Selectman Sibley, seconded by Selectwoman Nosal to schedule the Town Meeting for Monday, March 7, 2016 at 7:30PM. Motion passed.
  • Accept Queen Anne Court as Town Road
First Selectman Reemsnyder recommended that the acceptance of Queen Anne Court as a Town Road be sent to a later town meeting for approval. It was recommended by the public works director to have the cracks sealed again. He feels it would be ready to accept with that condition met but would prefer to have the work done first. This way everyone can look at it again after the work is completed and then send it on to the town meeting for approval.
Page 7
To read:
Selectwoman Nosal noted we have received a lot of emails in support of the sewers in Sound View. She inquired whether the First Selectman had any idea why we were receiving these. First Selectman Reemsnyder reported that she had a meeting with Frank Pappalardo from the Sound View Beach Commission and Frank Noe, Chairman from the Old Colony Beach Assoc. to discuss where the pump station would be and the various locations available. If the town and private Associations work together this would impact the location of the pump station. Further discussions and meetings are needed to determine the best route to take.
The following changes to the February 22, 2016 were requested by Selectman Sibley:
Page 5
Correct spelling of Frank Noey to Frank Noe.
A motion was made by, Selectman Sibley seconded by Selectwoman Nosal to approve the minutes of the February 7, 2016 Special Meeting as ammended. Motion passed.
2. ~~Communication:~~None
3. ~~~Appointments:~~
Frank Maratta (R) – SV Commission, alternate – 1 yr. term exp. Jan. 2017
A motion was made by Selectwoman Nosal, seconded by Selectman Sibley to appoint Frank Maratta as an alternate to the SV Commission for a 1 year term to expire in January 2017. Motion passed.
Alan Todd (U) – Zoning Commission – 5 yr. term exp. Nov. 2017
A motion was made by, Selectman Sibley seconded by Selectwoman Nosal to appoint Alan Todd to a regular member to the Zoning Commission for a 5 year term to expire in November 2017. Motion passed.
4. ~~Old Business:
  • Boathouse Hains Park Improvements
First Selectman Reemsnyder gave a brief update on this phase; they are in the process of ensuring all of the permits are in place. They have applied for zoning compliance which was denied as expected and they should be on the next ZBA agenda for consideration unless a special meeting is scheduled.
Selectman Sibley added there are two items causing us to go before the ZBA, the height variance and the encroachment of the basketball court location. A third item, the setback from the property line had been previously approved and they do not anticipate any problems with these being passed.                                      The next regular meeting is scheduled for this Thursday. There was some discussion at the Park and Rec to have a discussion with the Tree Commission to see if they would reconsider removing the trees, but they stand by their original decision not remove the trees. Everything seems to be progressing toward putting a bid together in hopes of breaking ground the end of August to cause as little disruption as possible. As the project has evolved the plan now meets the needs of the program and the park as well as addressing the safety concerns of the dock. This has also helped to build a better relationship and communication between the rowing club and the lake residents. First Selectman Reemsnyder applauded the public works department for all the work they have done removing and replacing the docks and ensuring they are safe.
  • Rte. 156 Bikeway/Sound View Improvements
First Selectman Reemsnyder reported that since the last meeting, she and Cathy Frank have reviewed the RFQ for an inspector and the updated version has been has been sent onto VHB. It and it was returned with a few slight adjustments. This was posted on News and announcements on the Town website and published in the newspaper today. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder and Selectwoman Nosal agree it would be a good idea to send the interview questions to both BSC and VHB at the same time.
Selectwoman Nosal thanked First Selectman Reemsnyder and Cathy for all the extra work they did to help complete the work on this. She also reported that they are following the ConnDot selection committee and interview process. ConnDot has provided final input on the changes and everything seems manageable. Lighting is still questionable and there is still some concern by VHB on the eligibility of the lighting as proposed and they are still waiting for feedback on that. BSC is working on getting feedback from Eversource on the type of brackets they require for the poles. They are still planning to hold the April 25th project update meeting for the public.
  • Administrative Order/WPCA Update
First Selectman Reemsnyder reported that the next meeting is tomorrow night and they will be discussing the hybrid plan for the Sound View sewers and Hawks Nest Beach monitoring. She will report more at the next meeting.
  • FY 2017 Budget update / new requests (Middlesex Hospital/P & R Commission)
First Selectman Reemsnyder gave an over view of the two topics listed above.
  • Middlesex Hospital  
She had a meeting with a two representatives from Middlesex Hospital and Carrie McCarthy; Chief of Emergency Services attended the regional meeting held for towns. Due to state budget cuts and new taxes, the hospital is facing deficits. They currently provide about 90% of paramedic service to Old Lyme. In an effort to mitigate expenses, the hospital has proposed to 19 towns charging on a $1 per capita basis and increasing by $1 per year for the next 5 years for the paramedic services. This has been brought to the BOF and they are not in favor of this. She has reached out to other First Selectmen and hopes to discuss this further at the next RiverCOG meeting. The BOS discussed this and the many issues and questions this raises, especially in regards to the additional burden on property taxes. She especially wanted the BOS to be aware of this and will continue to update them.
  • P&R Request
Request from Bob Dunn, Chairman of the Parks and Rec Commission, outside of the Parks and Rec Department for three budget line items to include; $3000 for legal fees, $10 for Miscellaneous and $10 for contracted services. This was presented to the BOF and they would like to know what the BOS think about it.
It is the consensus of the BOS that if they do not see a motion from the last meeting of the Park and Rec Commission, First Selectman Reemsnyder will inform the BOF that they are not in support of funding this at this time. The Parks and Rec Commission do not have a budget at this time and this request should have come before the BOS for discussion prior to going to the BOF.  The BOS will invite the Chairman of the Park and Rec Commission to attend the next meeting to give clarification and discuss the line items requested.

First selectman Reemsnyder reported the Budget Committee continues to make good progress and has been diligent about keeping the budget slim this year.
  • Town Meeting Tonight
The Special Town Meeting is scheduled for 7:30PM tonight in the Meeting Hall of Town Hall. The BOS has two items on the agenda for tonight:
  • To approve the expenditure of $210,000.00 for Marine Patrol Unit, $85,000 from FY 16 budget and the extra $125,000 will likely come out of surplus.
  • To approve the expenditure of $35,000 from the Town Buildings Improvement Fund for exterior work in the old section of Town Hall including; painting, removal of lead paint and repainting those areas with two coats, replacement of the skirt boarding and power washing the outside of the building. This will come out of the fund that already exists.
5. New Business
  • Girl Scout 104th~Anniversary Proclamation
First Selectman Reemsnyder read the proclamation and declared March 12, 2016 Girl Scout Day in Old Lyme, She thanked Selectwoman Nosal and Selectman Sibley for their support.
  • Public Safety in Sound View, Summer 2016
First Selectman Reemsnyder gave an overview of the meeting she attended on February 23, 2016 regarding plans for Sound View Public Safety for the summer of 2016 based on 2015 evaluation. The following were the Key items along with possible solutions discussed:
  • Alcohol on the Beach
  • Access Points
  • Coolers
  • Signage ( consistency at all 3 entry points)
  • Communication
  • Rangers are a limited resource
Officer Solari will be assigned to act as liaison for the Sound View Beach area and oversee the rangers. He has a good rapport with the residents, the Sound View commission and is familiar with the tone of the area. He will communicate any issues that arise directly to Resident Trooper Inglis and First Selectwoman Reemsnyder. The part-time police officers will be posted in the Sound View area this summer.
Other issues that were discussed included; getting enough rangers, having ranger’s at all three entry points to inspect coolers, addressing illegal/over parking issues, traffic, consistency with cooler rules between Sound View and Miami Beach, noise(possibly having this sub- contracted out for monitoring) and the possibility of getting signs on I95 to notify traffic when Sound View is filled. The BOS will keep in touch with the Sound View Commission, Trooper Inglis and Sergeant Mesham as they continue to work on summer planning. This information will also be shared on the town web site so community members are aware that the planning and preparation for the summer is taking place. It was also suggested that some type of meeting or regular communication be scheduled with beach residents throughout the summer to address issues or concerns as they arise.
  • Sound View Parking Fees & Private Parking Lot fees
First Selectman Reemsnyder started the conversation to review the current fees and discuss the possibility of expanding the hours. Data from last year’s revenue supports earlier opening and later closing times, which would then require lengthening parking enforcement. There was discussion about increasing the paid parking by two hours each day to 8AM -6PM or 9AM – 7PM.
The issue of Permitted parking lots was discussed and First Selectman Reemsnyder was reluctant to increase the current fees prior to the work to be done in Sound View. It was suggested that more gradual increases of 1- 2% would be more palatable. The issue of addressing violations in permitted lots by including clear verbage in the permit letters, outlining fines and possible suspension or loss of permit. The issue of traffic waiting to park on Portland Ave. was mentioned, and in the past boulders and cones were put in place and seemed to work, but were then removed.
This information will be sent over to the Sound View commission for their recommendations and feedback.
6. Public Comment: None

7. Other Business:
  • First Selectman Reemsnyder mentioned that she attended Daniel Clark’s promotion ceremony to Chief Petty Officer. She read the proclamation in his honor, making March 2, 2016 Daniel Clark Day in Old Lyme.  
  • First Selectman Reemsnyder shared a letter she received from the Chairman of the LOL Chamber of Commerce; they are planning an Osprey Festival in collaboration with the Sound View Commission. She would like to put this on the agenda for the next meeting for further discussion.
  • Selectwoman Nosal shared there has been conversations on Hains Park; the Old Lyme Rowing Assoc. Chair has volunteered to act as liaison between Park & Rec in an attempt to find a compromise on the parking stickers. She would like to discuss this further to get a consensus of how this will be handled this year.
  • Selectwoman Nosal attended the Historic District Commission meeting today and Mary Seidner of the LYSB gave a presentation on the upgrades planned for the back yard. This was unanimously approved by the Historic District. She wanted to make the BOS aware that Mary will be requesting $10,000 from the BOF for the project, the remainder of the $50,000 will come from a memorial donation and fund raising.
  • Selectwoman Nosal asked if anyone had heard anything on the Fire and Ambulance Incentives Comm. since the last meeting. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder has not heard anything on that meeting as of yet.
  • Selectwoman Nosal asked if the BOF salary committee had approved the increase for the Parks and Rec Director for the summer. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder confirmed they approved increasing to 40 hours for 12 weeks over the summer.  
  • Selectman Sibley saw that the Conservation Commission was going to be hosting a Rising Tide seminar as well and asked if this was related to but different from the First Congregational Church forums. First Selectman Reemsnyder clarified that, The Open Space Commission, has Dr. Adam Welchel coming to their meeting this Friday to give a presentation on the impact the rising seas are having on the Salt Marsh, which is – related-but different.
  • Selectman Sibley asked if there has been any official word from the state yet on the $600,000 Landfill grant. First Selectman Reemsnyder reported she had reached out to Dave McKeegan from the DEEP and they are working on the PSA (Personal Services Agreement), he did give her a copy of the template and what it would look like, but it will take a little while as it has to go to the Attorney General’s office for approval. It is being worked on and hopefully we should receive it soon.
8. Executive Session: None
9. Adjournment:
A motion was made by, Selectman Sibley, seconded by Selectwoman Nosal to adjourn at 6:14 PM. Motion passed.

Submitted by: Patti Broedlin, March 14, 2016




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