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TOWN OF OLD LYME
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Special Meeting Minutes
June 13th, 2016
The Board of Selectmen held a Special Meeting at 5:30 pm on June 13th, 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.
- Presentation by Stephen Mansfield, Executive Director of Ledge Light Health District with discussion to follow. Board of Finance will also hold a Special Meeting concurrently to be part of the discussion.
A power point presentation was given by Steve which articulated the history of Ledge Light Health District, the enabling legislation, the requirements of a health district, an overview of the services of Ledge Light HD and the towns that they currently serve.
Mr. Mansfield showed several maps of CT, demonstrating the current Health Districts, as well as communities with full time and part time Health Departments. As the Director of Health in Old Lyme is a consultant, we are considered a part-time Health Department.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder reviewed the Health Department budgets since FY 2015, and the approved budget for FY 2017. The Health Dept. budget for FY 2016 was $218,506, and for FY 2017 it is $202,787, plus other costs for salaries and benefits.
The current per capita fee for Ledge Light Health District is $7.29, which would be approximately $55,500 annual cost to the Town of Old Lyme. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder pointed out that some of the costs that currently fall under the Health Dept. budget would not be covered by the Health District, such as goose control and Stormwater Monitoring. She estimated these costs to be about $30,000 annually, and the point was made by Chairman of the Board of Finance Andy Russell that the town does budget income from Health Dept. at $5,000 annually, though last year it topped $10,000.
The presentation was followed by a discussion of the cost to Ledge Light Health District to accept the Town of Old Lyme. Steve Mansfield and his finance director, Jennifer Muggeo estimated that after all the fees collected from the Town of Old Lyme, services to individuals, and reimbursement from the State of CT, Ledge Light would take on an approximately $67,000 extra in expenses, as they are obligated to hire our Health Dept. employee. He feels they would need to hire an additional Sanitarian, as the Town of Old Lyme has mostly sub-surface waste management. With the impending installation of sewers, he sees that cost going down in 2-3 years, but a discussion about the shortfall would be essential. Several options were discussed with no final resolution.
- Public Comment on Health District/Health Department
State Senator Paul Formica spoke about his experience with Ledge Light Health District, both as former First Selectman, and as a restaurant owner who interacts with the Health District on a regular basis. He acknowledged that he was not a proponent in the beginning, but feels that they do a very good job.
East Lyme First Selectman Mark Nickerson also spoke about his experience with Ledge Light Health District. He felt they were professional, efficient, flexible and advocates for the residents within their district. He has not had any calls of complaints or concern about Ledge Light Health District since taking office nearly two years ago.
Old Lyme Building Official, and former Asst. Sanitarian, John Flower had questions about how a Health District operates, particularly since he has a 30-day window to review applications, which may need review by a Sanitarian first. Steve Mansfield assured him that they are familiar with the process and cognizant of the requirements of the building permits. He said his sanitarians are supportive of each of their communities to meet timelines.
Selectwoman Nosal made a motion to adjourn at 6:55 PM, seconded by Selectman Sibley. So moved.
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