TOWN OF OLD LYME
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Monday, May 7, 2018
Present: First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder, Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal, Selectman Chris Kerr
Also in attendance: Steven Ross (Harbor Management Commission Chair), Tom Risom, OL Fire Dept. Chief), Claire Haskins (OL Volunteer Ambulance Chief), Amanda Blair and Bill Dunbar (co-chairs, Open Space Commission), Peter Cable (Open Space Commission), Evan Griswold (Open Space Commission), Kimberly Drelich (The Day)
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder convened the meeting at 4:00 pm.
- Approval of Minutes: 16 April 2018
A motion was made by Selectwoman Nosal, seconded by Selectman Kerr, to approve the minutes of the 16 April 2018 Board of Selectmen meeting. Motion passed.
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A motion was made by Selectwoman Nosal, seconded by Selectman Kerr, to move up two agenda items: 5a- Harbor Management Commission: Addendum Amendment, and 5c-Champlain North/Diana Atwood Johnson Trail. Motion passed.
5a- Harbor Management Commission: Addendum Amendment
Harbor Management Commission Chair Steven Ross requested that an amendment to the Harbor Management Ordinance be added to the call of a late June/early July Town meeting.
He said the amendment deals with Dock Standards and will allow the Commission the ability to grant variances for requests related to safety or environmental concerns. The procedure for obtaining a variance is also spelled out in the amendment. A 2/3 majority vote of the Commission would be required for approval of a variance
The Dock Standards were originally developed with the State DEEP, and the amendment required the approval of the DEEP and the Army Corps of Engineers. Those approvals have been granted.
The Selectmen will review the Ordinance and Amendment and contact the Harbor Management Commission with any questions or concerns.
The item will be included on a future Board of Selectmen Agenda to be sent to Town Meeting for approval.
5c - Champlain North/Diana Atwood Johnson Trail
Open Space Commission Co-Chair Bill Dunbar presented a request from the Commission to rename the Red Trail on the Champlain North Open Space property to the Diana Atwood Johnson Trail.
He stated that Diana Atwood Johnson was the longtime chair of Open Space and an advocate for open space at the town, state and national levels. She was also a former owner of the Old Lyme Inn and, as the Red Trail abuts the Inn property, the renaming of this trail seemed appropriate. The Trail also passes by one of Ms. Johnson’s favorite trees, the Barbizon Oak. The Commission would officially dedicate the Trail in her honor on June 2 – Trails Day.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder recalled going on a trail walk with Ms. Johnson as the guide and said she was passionate about open space and trails.
A motion was made by Selectwoman Nosal, seconded by Selectman Kerr, to change the name of the Red Trail to the Diana Atwood Johnson Trail on June 2, 2018. Motion passed.
- Boathouse Hains Park Improvements Project
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder provided an update on the BHPIC Project. The drainage seems to be working well. Public Works has cleared some debris, and Facilities Manager Phil Parcak has order gutters to further assist with drainage. Mr. Parcak met with Scope Construction who agreed that additional work on the swale near the basketball court is still needed and will be performed. In addition, Public Works may add curbing or change the slope at the entrance.
When all additional work has been completed, the Parks & Recreation Commission will be able to determine a budget and move forward with Hains Park bathrooms.
Selectman Kerr requested and received confirmation that all of the drainage work funding is included in remaining project funds.
Selectwoman Nosal noted that the rowing community is appreciative of the new Boathouse.
- Rte. 156 Bikeway/Sound View Improvements
A final DOT walk through of the Sound View Improvements project took place last week, and an official ribbon cutting took place on May 4.
Selectwoman Nosal commended the project committee who worked together from 2013-2018, and expressed thanks for support from the Fire Chief, Fire Marshal, residents of Sound View, and the Town.
She noted that the Town had the support of RiverCog member towns to apply for the DOT Grant which made the project feasible.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder said a design contest for banners for the new Sound View poles had closed at the end of April.
- Police Services Options Committee Update
The Police Services Options Committee met on April 24 to discuss pros and cons of a presentation by the East Lyme Police Chief at their previous meeting. A scheduled meeting on May 8 will be rescheduled to accommodate participation by Darren Stuart of Stonington, the head of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, who has offered his assistance to the committee.
- PGN Library Renovations – Public Meetings
Representative of the OLPGN Library met with the Boards of Selectmen and Finance with news that they had received a $1 million grant toward a $3.05 million library renovation.
The Library committed to raising $300,000 and asked for $1.75 million from the Town.
They would like to perform the renovation during the winter months, so approval at a June/July Town Meeting would be optimal.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder participated in three public presentations on the library’s plans, which will upgrade the mechanicals and include interior renovation but will not change the footprint of the building. Each session was attended by 20 to 30 people.
She noted the last Library renovation was 25 years ago.
She would like to provide feedback from the Selectmen at the Board of Finance meeting on May 21.
Selectwoman Nosal asked questions about financing: would the Town fund the project through note or bonding? And, would fundraising in excess of $300,000 by the Library reduce the cost to the Town?
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder said a decision to fund through note or bonding would be made later. The Town’s share of the project cost would not be impacted by the Library’s fundraising efforts.
A motion was made by Selectman Kerr, seconded by Selectwoman Nosal, to send approval of $1.75 million for OLPGN Library renovation to Town Meeting. Motion passed.
- Cross Lane Playground Opening
The official opening of the new ADA accessible playground at Cross Lane Park took place on April 26. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder expressed thanks to the Lyme Old Lyme Junior Women for bringing the project to the Town’s attention three years ago. She also complimented Town resident Dave Catalano of Cascade, the playground equipment company, for extra time he devoted to the project.
- New Business:
- Harbor Management Commission: Addendum Amendment
- Call of the Annual Town Budget Meeting; May 21, 2018
- Adoption of the budget
- Payment of taxes in two payments
- Authorization to sign amended/restated Volunteers’ Pension Plan
- Appropriate $80,000 for Volunteers Pension Fund
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder spoke to items iii and iv on the Town Budget Meeting Agenda, referring to the need for a Pension/Retirement Plan that is acceptable to Fire and Ambulance volunteers, who provide such a valuable service to our community, and meet the IRS Code. With the assistance of attorneys and a third party administrator, the Town now has such a Plan.
The Town meeting items address authorization to sign the new Pension/Retirement Plan document, as well as the need for funding to cover the high cost of legal fees incurred during development of the new Plan.
A motion was made by Selectwoman Nosal, seconded by Selectman Kerr, to approve the Call of the Meeting. Motion passed.
- Champlain North/Diana Atwood Johnson Trail
- Neighborhood Assistance Act – set hearing date
Both the Florence Griswold Museum and the Lyme Art Association have submitted applications for the Neighborhood Assistance Act Grant Program.
A motion was made by Selectwoman Nosal, seconded by Selectman Kerr, to schedule a Public Hearing on the applications for 5:45pm on May 21, 2018. Motion passed.
- RSD #18 Budget Meeting tonight; Vote tomorrow
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder reminded everyone of the Regional School District Budget Meeting tonight and voting by referendum on Tuesday, May 8.
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First Selectwoman Reemsnyder said the Town has decided to change to the CT Partnership Health Plan for the new fiscal year. Anthem, the current provider, announced a rate increase of 43% over the current year. The CT Partnership rates will mean an 18% increase. Employee cost sharing will increase from 15 to 16%. Both unions have agreed to a 1% increase.
The Ct Partnership Plan is a traditional health care plan with co-pays, not HSAs.
Employees will retain any balance in current HSA accounts.
Selectman Kerr asked if additional Police Officers have been hired. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder said an applicant from last year has received a provisional offer for a part time position. The Town will need to re-advertise for additional officers.
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A motion to adjourn at 4:58 pm was made by Selectwoman Nosal, and seconded by Selectman Kerr. Motion passed.
Submitted by
Catherine Frank
Interim Clerk
5/8/18
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