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TOWN OF OLD LYME
Board of Selectman
Special Meeting Minutes
October 31, 2016
The Board of Selectman held a Special Meeting at 9:00 am on October 31, 2016 in the Meeting Hall of the Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall. First Selectman Reemsnyder, Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal and Selectman Skip Sibley were present. Ledge Light Health District Director of Health, Steve Mansfield joined the meeting at 9:15 AM to answer any questions that might come up.
- Ledge Light Health District Operations Agreement Discussion/Motion
The Board of Selectmen met to review the Operations Agreement between the Town of Old Lyme and Ledge Light Health District. The Operations Agreement draft was sent out to the Selectmen prior to the meeting, and one comment addressed the verbal agreement that the Administrative Assistant would spend 50% of her hours at the Town of Old Lyme, but was not reflected in this agreement. The current draft, which was approved by Steve Mansfield, articulates that agreement. First Selectman Reemsnyder pointed out that the Health Director has decided that for the first three months, the Admin Asst. will be spending all of her time in the Town of Old Lyme. First Selectman Reemsnyder also pointed out that there was an issue with a restaurant in Old Lyme that ultimately ended up in the appointment
of Steve Mansfield as Health Director on Friday, Oct. 28, 2016, so that the
Selectman Sibley made a motion that we enter into the agreement as presented with Ledge Light Health District with an effective date of Nov. 1, 2016. Seconded by Selectwoman Nosal. Selectman Sibley expressed his pleasure that this was prioritized and that we were able to come to an agreement so quickly. There was discussion regarding the former Health Director and any financial obligation to him. First Selectman noted that she has been in discussion with the former Health Director, the Dept. of Public Health and our attorneys. It is likely that there will be a reasonable, amicable agreement in regards to any perceived obligation. Both Selectmen agreed that an amicable parting would be preferential, as he has been our Director of Health for many years, and has served the Town of Old
Lyme well. Selectwoman Nosal asked about one section of the agreement in regards to the right of the Health Director having the right to collect taxes. It was pointed out that as of the effective date, the Ledge Light Health Dept. fee schedule would be implemented, and that communicating that would be important. There was further discussion in regards to an announcement on the website, press coverage, etc., to get the word out to our community. First Selectman Reemsnyder complimented our Health Dept. Administrative Assistant, who will become a LLHD employee for her proactive efforts to communicate the change and advocate for the customers. Steve Mansfield arrived and explained that any business that is required to have a permit and is in arrears of payment of their personal property tax, may be subject to termination of their permit if the tax collector requests assistance in this area. Mr. Mansfield also agreed that having a press release is a good idea to let people know of the
change. He also shared that LLHD plans on a “Get to Know You” meeting for food service establishments in Old Lyme, as a proactive effort to make the establishments more comfortable with the change. In addition, it was explained that the food service establishments who already paid their annual fee would not be required to pay an additional annual fee until July, 2017. There was further discussion about an appeal process. Steve Mansfield explained that when LLHD goes out for an investigation of an establishment, they are very conscious of confidentiality and arrive in personal cars, and they don’t wear LLHD uniforms, in an effort to protect the establishment, so as not to put establishments out of business, but successful in correcting issues. Investigations are done respectfully, confidentially where appropriate and in an effort to make the business feel part of the process. All investigations are dealt with as quickly as possible for the protection of the public.
Selectman Sibley amended his motion to add that First Selectman Reemsnyder be authorized to sign the agreement as presented. Selectwoman Nosal seconded the amendment. Motion approved.
A motion was made by Selectman Sibley to adjourn at 9:35 AM, seconded by Selectwoman Nosal. Motion approved.
Respectfully Submitted,
Bonnie Reemsnyder
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