EAST LYME BOARD OF SELECTMENop

Scrolling down or clicking the bookmarks will take you to the minutes for meetings held in July.

PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES   JULY 16, 2008

EAST LYME BOARD OF SELECTMEN

PRESENT: Paul Formica, Pam Rowe, Andrew McKirdy, Rob Wilson.

ALSO PRESENT: Attorney O’Connell, Tax Collector John McCollough.

Mr. Formica called the Public Hearing to discuss and take input on the proposed Ordinance Authorizing Tax collector to Retain Payments in Excess of the Amount Due Provided the Excess is less than $5.00 to order at 7:03 p.m. He stated that this was an opportunity for the public to offer comment on the proposed ordinance. He added that if approved, this ordinance would permit the Tax Collector to keep any overpayment of less than $5.00 however, if a person comes in and asks for their money they would refund it.

John Drabik of 18 Drabik Road asked for clarification of Mr. Formica’s comment about the refund.

Mr. Formica commented that although the Ordinance will state that the Tax Collector may keep excess payment if less than $5.00. He added that if a resident comes in and requests a refund for that amount, one would be given.

Hearing no other comment, Mr. Formica closed the Public Hearing at 7:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Darlene C. Stevens, Recording Secretary

MEETING OF JULY 16   MINUTES

PRESENT: Paul Formica, Andrew McKirdy, Pam Rowe, Rob Wilson and Jack Hogan by

                   phone.

ALSO PRESENT: Finance Director Anna Johnson, Town Attorney Ed O’Connell.

There was some discussion on whether the Board should wait until 7:30 p.m. to begin the Board of Selectmen meeting although the agenda time informed the public that it would begin immediately following the previously scheduled Public Hearing and Special Town Meeting that were to begin at 7:00 p.m.

Mr. Formica called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. and led the Pledge.

1b.  Additional Agenda & Consent Calendar Items

MOTION (1)

Ms. Rowe moved to add Item 2e1. Appointment of Deputy First Selectman to the July 16, 2008 agenda; add Item 2i. Authorize First Selectman to impose Mandatory Water Conservation Restrictions as necessary to the July 16, 2008 agenda.

Seconded by Mr. McKirdy. Motion passed 4-0.

1c.  Delegations

Mr. Formica noted that Selectman John Hogan was away on business but he asked to participate by phone so they would be placing a call to him now.

Joe Mingo commented that it was strange that we could not find an insurance agent in New London County to insure us. He added that he has been a 30-year member of the Water and Sewer Commission and with two wells shut off, the others would need to run 24 hours to keep up and they really need time to rest or troubles start and the wells deteriorate. He added that they should only run for 18 hours and then let them rest. He added that we would have a serious problem without rain however; this problem is not unique to East Lyme.

Ms. Hardy entered the meeting at 7:27 p.m.

1d.  Approval of Minutes, Meeting of June 18, 2008

MOTION (2)

Ms. Rowe moved to approve the minutes of the June 18, 2008 meeting of the East Lyme Board of Selectmen as presented.

Seconded by Mr. Wilson. Motion passed 6-0.

1e.  Consent Calendar

MOTION (3)

Mr. Wilson moved to approve the Consent Calendar for the meeting of July 16, 2008 in the amount of $279.55.

Seconded by Mr. McKirdy. Motion passed 6-0.

2a.  Action from Public Hearing

Mr. McKirdy noted that this ordinance made economical good sense and there is still the possibility of a refund.

MOTION (4)

Mr. Wilson moved to approve the Ordinance Authorizing the Tax Collector to Retain Payments in Excess of the Amount Due Provided the Excess is Less than $5.00 as submitted.

Seconded by Ms. Rowe. Motion passed 6-0.

2b.  Approval – Sight Line Easement – Walnut Hill Road

Mr. Formica noted that this easement was requested by our staff and was furnished by the State and presented by Attorney Harris. This easement will allow the Town to maintain the sight line and to cut vegetation.

MOTION (5)

Mr. Wilson moved to authorize the First Selectman to sign the enclosed easement for the Walnut Hill Chase Subdivision:

SIGHT LINE EASEMENT

            KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the STATE OF CONNECTICUT, acting herein by Gina McCarthy, Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection, duly authorized under the provisions of Section 23-14 of the General Statutes of Connecticut (hereinafter Grantor) for One Dollar and other valuable consideration, received to its full satisfaction of THE TOWN OF EAST LYME  (hereinafter Grantee), a municipal corporation chartered under the laws of the State of Connecticut, do give, grant, bargain, sell and confirm unto the said TOWN OF EAST LYME, its successors and assigns forever, a perpetual right to maintain a sight line over a portion of property in said Town as described on the map indicated below to wit:

            Said easement shows as “SIGHT LINE EASEMENT AREA TO BE GRANTED TO THE TOWN OF EAST LYME AREA = 2,628 SQ. FT. OR 0.060 ACRES” on a certain map or plan entitled “EASEMENT AREA MAP PREPARED FOR DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, STATE OF CONNECTICUT, LAND OF STATE OF CONNECTICUT, NEHANTIC FOREST, EAST LYME, CONNECTICUT, SCALE 1” = 40’, DATE 5/5/2008, SHEET NO. EA-1, PREPARED BY BL COMPANIES”, which map is on file in the East Lyme Town Clerk’s Office, said easement area being more particularly bounded and described on Section A which is attached hereto and made a part hereof.

            Within said Easement Area shown on the map listed above, the Grantee, its successors and assigns, shall have the right to trim vegetation within the Easement area sufficient to maintain the existing sight line for travel on Walnut Hill Road, including the right to enter upon the Easement area for the purposes of trimming of vegetation.

            The Grantor herein, for itself, its successors and assigns, shall not erect or allow to be erected any immobile structures on said easement area and shall not plant or allow to be planted any trees thereon or perform any work thereon within said easement which may endanger or interfere with said sight line.

            The Grantor herein, for itself, its successors and assigns, reserves the right to itself, its successors and assigns, to continue to use the land within which the aforesaid easement has been granted for any uses and purposes which shall not in any way interfere with the use thereof by the Grantee, its successors and assigns, in fulfilling the purpose for which this easement is granted.

            The Grantor shall incur no expense as a result of said sight line easement and the Grantee, its successors and assigns, shall bear all direct and indirect costs of maintenance of said sight line easement.

            As further consideration for, and by the acceptance of this Sight Line Easement, the Grantee herein, for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby agrees to now and forever indemnify and save, protect and keep harmless the State of Connecticut from every and all causes of action, suits (including without limitation reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs), costs, loss, damage, liability, expense, penalty and fine whatsoever, which may arise from or relating to, or be claimed against the State of Connecticut, by character consequent upon or arising from the use or maintenance, or other acts or omissions relating to the exercise by the Grantee, its employees or authorized agents of the Sight Line Easement Area, provided nothing herein shall constitute a waiver of sovereign immunity.

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have set their hands.

Seconded by Ms. Rowe. Motion passed 6-0.

2c1.  Budget Transfers – End of Year

MOTION (6)

Ms. Rowe moved to approve various transfers to several departments in the amount of $113,330.48 from several departments with remaining appropriations for fiscal year ended June 30, 2008 for which summary information is noted above and supporting documentation is attached to this request and forward to the Board of Finance for their approval. 

Seconded by Mr. Wilson. Motion passed 6-0.

2c2. MOTION (7)

Ms. Rowe moved to ratify departmental transfers in the amount of $51,959.48 processed for fiscal year end June 30, 2008 and to forward to the Board of Finance for approval.

Seconded by Mr. McKirdy. Motion passed 6-0.

2d.  Approval – Home CT Technical Assistance Grant

Jane Dauphinais was present and stated that the CT General Assembly passed and funded a program in 2007 for Incentive Housing. It would provide financial incentives to towns and to help identify areas that would be appropriate for affordable housing. She added that this grant was an opportunity for the Town to move forward with an affordable housing plan since the grant would provide funding for technical assistance for zoning and the results could be incorporated within the Plan of Conservation and Development.

Ms. Hardy inquired if any town in the state had the pre requisite 10% of affordable housing?

Ms. Dauphinais replied that 30 towns have complied with the majority of them being the more urban municipalities.

Ms. Hardy inquired if existing homes that fall in the price range could be considered in the 10%?

Ms. Dauphinais noted these were not recognized. She added that guidelines for affordable housing are strict; purchased with CHFA, occupant received governmental assistance, construction subsidized and the property is deed restricted. She added that Ledyard was the first town to apply for this grant and has already received the funding. She said that normally, grants are in the $50,000 range and the timeline of the grant would coincide with the timeline the town has for the Plan of Conservation and Development.
She continued that they would be able to assess the need for affordable housing and what type of housing it would be. Zoning and the infrastructure are reviewed and usually the zones are near public transportation.

Mr. McKirdy noted this was a sizeable grant and well worth the Town’s interest.

Ms. Hardy inquired what would happen if the town applied and received the grant and then no place was found appropriate for this incentive housing zone?

Ms. Dauphinais replied nothing would happen and the money would not have to be returned.

MOTION (8)

Mr. McKirdy moved to authorize First Selectman Paul M. Formica to submit a grant application under the Housing for Economic Growth Program referenced in Section 8-13(m-x) of CGS in the amount of $65,000 for the purposes of developing an Affordable Housing Plan, which will become a part of our 2008-9 Plan of Conservation and Development.

Seconded by Ms. Rowe. Motion passed 6-0.

2e.  Discussion / Action – Filling Vacancy on Board of Selectmen

Mr. Formica commented that Mr. McKirdy would be resigning from the Board of Selectmen effective July 17, 2008. He added that he wanted to personally thank him for his leadership, dedication and hard work. He added that many will miss his knowledge and work ethic and he will miss him as a friend, but he wishes him the best in the future.

Mr. McKirdy thanked Mr. Formica for his kind remarks and added that it had been his privilege to serve the Town of East Lyme in numerous capacities. He added he will be getting married and this is the reason for his leaving.

Holly Hayes Cheeseman of 16 Mitchell Drive and Chairman of the Republican Party stated that following a unanimous vote of the nominating committee they were recommending Robert Kleinhans for the vacancy on the Board of Selectmen. She noted that he had extensive experience in local government and will be an asset to the Board. She passed out his resume (identified as Attachment A).

Ms. Rowe thanked Mr. McKirdy for all of his assistance and added that she will miss the mentoring.

 

Mr. Wilson commented that Mr. McKirdy served several exemplary years on the Board of Education and he wished him well.

2e1.  Appointment of Deputy First Selectman

MOTION (9)

Ms. Rowe moved that pursuant to Section 2.5 of the East Lyme Town Charter and Section 9-222 of the CT General Statutes, the Board of Selectmen appoints Robert J. Kleinhans of 64 Old Black Point Road, Niantic, CT to be a member of the Board of Selectmen, effective July 18, 2008, to fill an unexpired term until the election and qualification of a successor at the next regular town election on November 3,2009.

Seconded by Mr. Hogan.

Aye: Mr. Formica, Mr. Hogan, Ms. Rowe, Ms. Hardy, Mr. Wilson.

Nay: None.

Abstain: Mr. McKirdy. Motion passed 5-0-1.

MOTION (10)

Ms. Rowe moved to appoint Robert Kleinhans to serve as Deputy First Selectman to serve through December 7, 2009.

Seconded by Mr. McKirdy.

Ms. Hardy commented that it was unusual to appoint someone as Deputy First Selectman who has no background on the Board of Selectmen.

Mr. Wilson commented that he thought Mr. Formica would look to someone who knows what is going on and is experienced since the Deputy is the one who steps in when the First Selectman is unavailable.

Mr. Formica commented that he is confident in the ability of Mr. Kleinhans and he has served in numerous positions in government in others towns. He added he was Deputy Mayor in the Town of Vernon. He said that he is confident that Mr. Kleinhans will step forward to do what is necessary.

Aye: Mr. Formica, Mr. Hogan, Ms. Rowe.

Nay: Mr. Wilson, Ms. Hardy.

Abstain: Mr. McKirdy. Motion passed 3-2-1.

2f.  Authorization for First Selectman to Sign Contracts

a.       Plan of Conservation and Development Consultant

Mr. Formica commented that the previous Town Planner had recommended this and that there was $18,000 in the budget for funding part of it. He added that the balance would have to be approved in next year’s budget, although there was some money left in the Planning Department budget and he would apply the remainder of funds before the next budget year. He said that he had requested that Bob Bulmer sit in on this and he has requested that Bill Mulholland work as staff liaison. He said that he had met with Lisa Picarazzi, the Chair of Planning, and they were in the process of reviewing applications (10 received) and he hoped to have interviews set up in the next two weeks.

Mr. McKirdy noted that originally $100,000 had been requested and this number was much more attractive and the same tasks would be taken care of.

MOTION (11)

Ms. Rowe moved the following resolution:

Resolved, that the First Selectman is hereby authorized to execute, in the name and on behalf of the Town of East Lyme, an agreement with the University of CT Program of Landscape Architecture for the identification of mapping of lands of unique value for the Town of East Lyme for a total fee of $30,000, on the terms and conditions more particularly set forth in a proposal from the University of Connecticut Community Research & Design Collaborative dated June 20, 2008.

Seconded by Mr. McKirdy. Motion passed 6-0.

b.      New Town Insurance Coverage – H.D. Segur

Mr. Formica commented that this authorization was to sign on to the Town’s new insurance policy, which would run for the fiscal year and covers us for workers compensation and personal liability coverage. He added that we have previously had the same insurance agent for 42 years and that we had put the insurance out to bid and Segur from Cheshire, who is experienced in covering municipalities, was chosen. He added that they cover 32 other municipalities within the state and that their bid came in considerably lower for expanded coverage. He added that previously, the agent fee was not included and with this, no commission is received by them from the insurance company, we just get the best possible price. He added that we have saved in excess of $330,000 by making this change. He thanked Smith Insurance for their many years of service and added that they would be willing and able to offer us a quote again next year. He added that the savings was just too great not to make the move.

Mr. McKirdy complimented Mr. Formica for the businessman acumen that he has brought to the job of First Selectman, while still maintaining services.

Ms. Hardy stated that she might be a doubting Thomas, but she questioned how we could get the same amount of coverage for less money? She inquired if the town buildings were insured for replacement cost? She inquired what was the cost of the actual insurance policy?

Mr. Formica noted that Segur would be reviewing every building, compile a book with pictures and replacement costs and this will remain with the Town. He added that this would assist in the review of the potential for a facilities manager in the future. He added that previously CIRMA had provided our Workers Compensation coverage but now, it would be MIRMA.

Finance Director Anna Johnson stated that the Liability, Auto and Personal Property policies are $308,000, the Workers Comp is $456,000 and the Agent Fee is $42,000 so the $807,000 is the total. She added that this amount was $330,000 less than our budgeted amount.

Ms. Hardy inquired if it was $330,000 less than the quote provided by our previous carrier.

Mr. Formica responded in the negative, adding it was $334,000 less than our budgeted amount and $75,000 less than our previous insurance carrier at the 11^th hour; the initial bid was approximately $1,000,051 and the initial bid from Segur was approximately $850,000. He added it was a process of negotiation that was going our way. He said that this is the first year that we bid this in this form where both agents submitted a fee for services.

Ms. Hardy inquired who served on the review committee for this?

Mr. Formica responded Dr. Smotas and Don Meltanbarger from the Board of Education had input, the Finance Director Anna Johnson and myself.

Ms. Hardy said that $75,000 cannot be sneezed at though it seems sad that we can’t accommodate a local business who has 42 years of service with the town who is a tax paying business and actively involved in the community that does many charitable things for the community. She added that sometimes the lowest price is not the best buy.

Mr. Formica commented that he agonized over this decision. He said that he counts the personnel of Smith Insurance as friends of his and he recognized all of the items that she had mentioned. He stressed that we have a budget that needs to be as efficient as possible and he did not think he could not recognize these kinds of savings and there will be another opportunity to bid next year.

MOTION (12)

Mr. McKirdy moved the following resolution:

Resolved, that the First Selectman is hereby authorized to execute, in the name and on behalf of the Town of East Lyme, an Agent of Record Fee Agreement with H.D. Segur, Inc. for agent of record insurance services at an annual fee of $42,500 for the period of time beginning on July 1, 2008 and ending on June 30, 2009.

Seconded by Mr. Hogan. Motion passed 6-0.

2g.  Appointments – Fuel and Energy Taskforce

Mr. Formica apologized for not compiling the list of appointees for this subcommittee this week. He added he would get the list to the Board for the next meeting.

Ms. Hardy commented that she would come into the office to peruse the file.

2h.  Waiver of Insurance Requirement – ELLCC – 9/20/08

MOTION (13)

Ms. Hardy moved to approve the insurance waiver request of the Niantic Community Church for use at the East Lyme Library Community Complex on September 20, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Seconded by Mr. McKirdy. Motion passed 6-0.

2i.  Authorize the First Selectman to Impose Mandatory Water Conservation Measures if deemed necessary

Mr. Formica noted that this item was added to the agenda since the Town is suffering through the yearly effects of DEP regulations regarding stream flows and wells and since we have not received any rain, stream flows levels go down and we have to shut down wells #5 and #6  causing increased capacities on our other wells and they just cannot keep up. He noted he emailed The Day to put something in the paper that we were asking for voluntary conservation efforts. He commented that our population virtually doubles from 18,000 to 34,000 in the summer months and the water demand is great and the inventory is low, we need to look at some conservation efforts. He added that we have had a large media event on this, which is excellent since it serves to inform the public of the problem. He added that he hoped the community would respond. He said that some of the fields and homes that are watering are not from the town water supply system, but from wells. He added that Attorney O’Connell is present to review the possibility of moving from voluntary conservation to mandatory conservation of water and he will review the ordinance.

Attorney O’Connell reviewed the Water Supply Emergency Ordinance stated that was enacted 22 years ago. He added that paragraph 3 requires a public hearing requiring a 3-day publication notice to alert the public. He added we are asking for authorization to issue this mandatory conservation effort should we require it. He said that paragraph 4 outlines the type of restrictions the Board of Selectmen might want to consider. He noted the 1999 mandatory restrictions that were chosen and added that not all the restrictions that were choices were selected. He said in 2003, the Board of Selectmen also enacted restrictions but then they required no use of water from midnight on Friday to midnight on Sunday on weekends in July in August. He added this illustrated the flexibility that the Board of Selectmen has. He said that the Water and Sewer Commission has a standing resolution yearly, authorizing the First Selectman, on behalf of the Water and Sewer Commission to request the Board of Selectmen to enact restrictions if it is necessary.

Ms. Hardy inquired if they should call a public hearing if there was no clear emergency. She added that she believed that the ordinance states you have the emergency and then call a public hearing reacting to that.

Mr. McKirdy stated that the Board of Selectmen might, after notice and a public hearing, declare an emergency. He added that we have to have a public hearing to allow the public an opportunity to comment on a proposal to declare an emergency before we can actually enact an emergency.

 Attorney O’Connell agreed, adding that Section 11 does say that if some extraordinary event occurs that an immediate declaration and imposition of restrictions is necessary, that the First Selectman can take such action as he deems necessary and would be thereafter reported to and ratified by the Board of Selectmen.

Mr. Wilson commented that this is a serious situation and we have to deal with this and move forward and give you reasonable discretion to enact this if we are not meeting the adequate number of gallons per day. He suggested holding the public hearing and if we don’t need to use it, great.

Ms. Hardy suggested putting a copy of the Water Supply Emergency Ordinance on the website.

MOTION (14)

Mr. McKirdy moved to authorize the First Selectman to call a Public Hearing on Monday, July 21, 2008 at the East Lyme Town Hall, Upper Meeting Room at 5:00 p.m. to receive public comment on a possible declaration of the Water Conservation Emergency in accordance with the Water Supply Emergency Ordinance.

Seconded by Mr. Wilson.  Motion passed 6-0.

Ms. Hardy noted that there was a large banner and suggested finding it and seeing if we could hang it on Liberty Green.

3a.  Establish Special Revenue Fund for Grants, Gifts, Donations and Asset Forfeiture Accounting

Attorney O’Connell stated that at the present time there is no need to enact a formal resolution regarding these subjects. He continued that past practice of the Town and some quirks in the State Statute regarding forfeitures and Town Charter covers most of these issues and he did not find it necessary to adopt a formal resolution at this time.

Ms. Hardy stated that it was his suggestion to continue to set up special funds like the Parahus and Kumpitsch fund when funding becomes available.

Attorney O’Connell responded in the affirmative.

3b.  Right to Farm

Ms. Hardy noted that she had received additional copies of ordinances from CCM and she would prepare a report for the next meeting.

5a.  Ex-Officio

Ms. Hardy noted that the Commission on Aging met on Monday evening and they were in the middle of a very active summer schedule. She added there was some discussion about their vehicles since their bus has 120,000 miles on it and is not scheduled for replacement until 2010 or 2011. She added that the Library Committee met the same evening and they were working on their budget for the year. She said that the Zoning Commission had held a public hearing on a potential dog kennel in the north end of town, which would require a special permit.

Mr. McKirdy had no report.

Ms. Rowe had no report.

Mr. Hogan commented that the Planning Commission was holding workshop meetings for the Plan of Conservation and Development and they were also working on a scenic road ordinance. He added that Charter Revision has been meeting discussing a facilities manager for the town and a police commission.

Mr. Wilson commented that Parks and Recreation have Celebrate East Lyme this weekend with a lot going on. He added there would be new signs at Cini Park, Hole in the Wall and Niantic Center School.

5b.  First Selectman’s Report

Mr. Formica stated that the Plan of Conservation and Development Committee is moving forward. He added that the Human Resource Manager, the Chair for Planning and himself have been reviewing Planning Director applications. He added that they had received ten applications and he hoped to have interviews set up in the next few weeks. He said that he had a phone conference with Moodys along with the Finance Director and our bond rating stayed the same, which is the highest rating for bond issues. He noted that we received an interest rate of 1.63%, which was excellent. He is working with the Council of Governments and the Se CT Water Authority, the Department of Public Health and the Water and Sewer Commission to work on long-term solutions for water for our town. He also talked to the owners of Darrow Pond since the water on this land has been tested and is available. There is also talk about a regional interconnection. He added that we are in the process of chlorination in order to make interconnections since chlorine will be needed to mix the water. Union negotiations continue with Council #4, but he was hoping to finalize them shortly.

He said that he attended the High School Graduation recently and was extremely proud to have his daughter participating. He also attended a ribbon cutting at 38 Hope Street, which will serve as a great project for downtown stimulus. He participated on a committee that selected a new auditor for the town and he attended the Rotary Installation of officers. There was also a Sergeant’s meeting at the Police Department and Resident Trooper Sgt. Blanchette is doing an excellent job. He added that we have two vacancies is the full time police ranks and that Lindsay Cutillo has graduated from the academy and will be on road training. He said that Joe Dunn had retired from the police department on June 24^th and Sgt. Renshaw was involved with a group working on Rules and Regulations for the Police Department. He attended an Explorer’s Meeting and added that Celebrate East Lyme was this weekend where he would be presenting a proclamation and dedicating the “Frank Egan Wall” at McCook’s beach.

He said that he met with Mayor Jaskiewicz of Montville, Andrea Stillman, Betsy Ritter and Ed Jutila at the Silver Falls dam trying to work out some improvements. We are in the process of getting picture id’s for staff and he has established a new cash procedure for the land use departments and it is now implemented.

He attended a radio infrastructure meeting with October – November being the finish point for the town wide radio system to be up and running. He attended the Planning Commission meeting where Drew Kenney was appointed as an Alternate. He attended an Award Ceremony at Three Belles Marina where the CT DEP awarded them as a “Clean Marina” and noted that only 11 marinas qualified out of 300+ in the state. He had a tour of the sub base with the Council of Governments and he met with the CT DEP boating division regarding policing issues on the Niantic River. He said that DEP polices from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and they are working on an agreement with Waterford to share the policing on weekends and other necessary times.

Ms. Hardy inquired if the bike and foot patrols were being performed in town?

Mr. Formica commented he would check and find out.

6.  Public Comment

Joe Mingo of Boston Post Road noted he has been working with a few interns from FEMA performing a tree survey over 6% of the roads in town, of all trees over a 4-inch diameter. He added this survey is to add in hurricane preparedness.

Karen Rak of 27 Boston Post Road suggested utilizing the water from dehumidifiers for flower watering.

Bob Gadbois of 358 Boston Post Road stated that last Saturday his neighbor locked himself out and the police were very helpful.

7a.  Selectmen’s Response

Ms. Hardy stated that she has received several calls about the potential of cutting down the trees on Main Street. She added that in the past, we found out that the trees on Main Street fell under the purview of the CT Department of Transportation since this is a State Road.

Mr. Wilson added that the Public Works Department trimmed any low-lying limbs on Main Street for Celebrate East Lyme.

Ms. Hardy noted she was against chlorination since East Lyme has the best tasting water in the region and she would hate to see it chlorinated. She thanked Mr. McKirdy for all of his services and added he was a competent problem solver and will be sorely missed.

Mr. Formica stated that the Niantic Main Street Program is selling trees for replacement on Main Street and added that the previous Town Planner along with others wanted to cut down all of the trees on Main Street to replace them with shorter, uniform trees. He added that they are not being cut as of now.

MOTION (15)

Mr. McKirdy moved to adjourn the July 16, 2008 meeting of the East Lyme Board of Selectmen at 9:27 p.m.

Seconded by Mr. Wilson. Motion passed 6-0.

Respectfully submitted,

Darlene C. Stevens

Recording Secretary