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Town of East Lyme Town Meeting Minutes
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Scrolling down or clicking the bookmarks will take you to the minutes for meetings held through out the year.
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TOWN OF EAST LYME SPECIAL TOWN MEETING 7:15 P.M.
Moderator, Gene Cushman, called the Special Town Meeting to order at 7:20 p.m.
Town Attorney, Ed O’Connell led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance
Moderator stated the rules of the Special Town Meeting, saying that only registered voters and taxpayers with a minimum assessment of $1,000.00 on the last completed Grand List were eligible to vote and that there are penalties for anyone doing otherwise.
Assistant Town Clerk, Karen Galbo, read the call of the meeting, stating it had been signed by the Board of Selectmen, posted on the signpost, published in The Day Newspaper, and filed in the Town Clerk’s office.
1. Special Appropriation - $40,000 – Public Safety Legal Services
Ron Rando moved the item for discussion
Seconded by Pam Rowe.
Mr. Formica explained that this was caused by a deficiency in the Legal Services budget. They are getting the money to fund the current level of services and to have a buffer. They may have to come back for more before the end of the Fiscal Year.
Ron Rando, 194 Boston Post Road asked if these were all expenses due to grievances.
Mr. O’Connell stated that Mr. Formica could answer the question.
Mr. Formica explained that there were a number of pending matters including an officer who is on paid administrative leave pending a personnel investigation, there are also four or five outstanding grievances, and there is a part time constable whose appointment is due every six months and that has been deferred pending an ongoing personnel investigation.
Mr. Rando asked what the total legal fees were.
Rose Ann Hardy asked if he was asking for a total for legal services for the Town or a breakdown.
Mr. Rando stated that he would like to know what was allocated for legal fees in the last budget.
Mr. Formica stated that the budget for the Police Legal Fees for the last budget was $15,000, and as of November 30, 2007 that amount was already up to $27,777. In the 2006/2007 budget the budgeted amount was $33,000, 2005/2006 budget was $57,000, and for 2004/2005 it was $35,000.00.
Essentially it was under funded for this year, and those numbers were for public safety legal services.
Mr. Rando asked if there is money left in one legal fee account for one department can it be transferred to another legal account.
Mr. Formica stated that in the past this has been done, and this year it would have to be reported as a transfer.
Mrs. Hardy stated that these amounts are not just for grievances, but related to other legal matters as well.
There being no further discussion Item 1 was moved. Item 1 was unanimously adopted.
2. Special Appropriation - $25,000 – Assessor’s Appraisals for Reval Contestments.
Rob Wilson moved to approve Item Two
Seconded by Ron Rando
Ron Rando stated that they had spent approximately $200,000 for the revaluation, and he is not impressed with the way it was conducted. He had met with someone from the appraisal company and he thought he was very sarcastic, and did a lousy job. He felt it was a waste of money. Also, the Town should have negotiated the contestments and they shouldn’t have gone to Court. Things are tight, and we waste a lot of money, especially on legal fees.
Moderator Moved the Question
Item Two was adopted (3 Nays)
Ron Rando moved to adjourn the Special Town Meeting
Seconded by Pam Rowe.
The Moderator adjourned the meeting at 7:35 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Karen Miller Galbo Assistant Town Clerk
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TOWN OF EAST LYME SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
Paul Formica, First Selectman, convened the Special Town Meeting at 7:00 PM, announcing that in the absence of a Moderator and a Deputy Moderator, the meeting would select a Moderator. Motion by Andrew McKirdy, second by Dick Morris, to name John Hoye, Monticello Drive acting moderator of the Special Town Meeting. There being no objection, the assembly approved John Hoye.
Moderator Hoye called the Special Town Meeting to order at 7:03 PM at the East Lyme Town Hall. The Pledge of Allegiance led by Esther Williams was recited by all in attendance.
Town Clerk, Esther Williams, read the call of the meeting stating it had been posted on the signpost, published in the The Day on April 10, 2008 and filed in her office.
For the record, there were approximately 65 in attendance.
Moderator then said we would hear from Public Officials first and asked all who speak to keep comments to three minutes, if possible. After that, any citizen would be allowed to speak. Those speaking must be residents or taxpayers whose name appears on the last completed Grand List and having a minimum assessment of $1,000.
Edward O’Connell, Town Attorney then read the bonding resolution as submitted by Robinson and Cole, Bond Counsel:
Insert resolution Attachment A:
Item 1. Special Appropriation $1,355,000 Town Wide Radio Upgrade – Bonding Resolution entitled Resolution Appropriating $1,355,00 for a Town Wide Radio System Upgrade and Authorizing the Issuance of $1,355,000 Bonds of the Town to Meet Said Appropriation and Pending the Issuance Thereof, the Making of Temporary Borrowings for Such Purpose.
Motion by Ed Morris, Terrace Avenue, second by Dick Morris, Haigh Avenue to adopt Item 1.
Paul Formica, First Selectman then presented the facts relating to this item. He said it is an issue that is a long time coming for this community. He personally thanked the East Lyme Ambulance Association for an anticipated $200,000 contribution, a partial payment of $100,000 from the State contingency grant and a $50,000 grant from Nuclear Safety, totaling $350,000. The rest of this item is to be bonded if the assembly approves this item. He continued by saying we are currently utilizing a twenty-plus year old radio system. This will increase our broadband width in order to be compatible with surrounding towns and will also provide radios for public safety, public works and for our school system so that in the event we have to mobilize in a disaster, everyone will be able to communicate with each other. For a complete breakdown, see Attachment B.
There being no further discussion, Moderator asked three times for discussion and a motion to move the question was made by Rob Wilson, Old Oak Lane, second by Ed Morris. Vote to move the question was adopted.
Motion by Dick Morris to adopt Item 1, second by Rob Wilson. Item 1 was adopted unanimously by a show of hands.
Item 2. Special Appropriation of $250,000 to CNRE Public Safety CT OPM Grant to purchase Public Safety Items
Motion by Dick Morris, second by Jack Hogan, Laurelwood Drive to adopt Item 2.
Paul Formica said this item has come before the Boards of Selectman and Finance and has been approved. It came to us in July and it has taken this long to actually get the money in. For a complete breakdown, see Attachment C.
John Drabik said we had previously approved $100,000 for the radio system and wanted to know if this goes towards it. Formica said that $200,000 from the Ambulance Association, $100,000 from the Public Safety grant and $50,000 from Nuclear Safety grant goes towards this. If this motion fails, then the Town will be obligated for the $100,000 portion.
Motion to move the question by Dick Morris, second by Jack Hogan. Vote to move the question was adopted unanimously.
Item 2 was adopted with one voting nay.
Item 3. Special Appropriation $441,000 from CNRE Public Works to purchase 1 Automated Garbage Truck ($219,000) and 2 Dump Trucks ($111,000 each)
Motion by Paul Formica, second by Jack Hogan to adopt Item 3.
Paul Formica presented the history of this item. This is an upgrade to the present fleet. Currently in use are a 1979 model and a 1984 model. The garbage truck would give us a spare and some flexibility with our trash pickup. $300,000 was put into the current year’s budget in the capital account bringing the total in that account to $447,630. This item will remove $441,000 from that account leaving a small balance in the account.
See Attachment D.
Moderator asked three times for anything further. There being no further discussion, Dick Morris moved the question, second by Rob Wilson. Motion to move the question was adopted.
Item 3 was adopted with one voting nay.
Motion to adjourn by Ed Morris, second by Darlene Stevens, Cherry Street. Meeting adjourned at 7:25 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Esther B. Williams, Town Clerk |
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TOWN OF EAST LYME ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Moderator, Eugene Cushman, called the Annual Town Meeting to order at 7:03 PM at the East Lyme High School. Kent Sistare led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Town Clerk, Esther Williams read the call of the meeting, stating it had been posted on the signpost, published in The Day on May 6, 2008 and filed in her office.
Williams then made an announcement regarding Item 1 of the call “To adopt the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008 as recommended by the Board of Finance be adopted” . She stated that on May 1, 2008, the Board of Selectmen had voted to send the budget to a referendum to be held on Friday, May 23, 2008 at the East Lyme Community Center. Hours of voting will be 6 AM to 8 PM.
Moderator spelled out the rules of the meeting citing CGS Statute 7-6, eligibility to vote at a town meeting, saying that registered voters or taxpayers appearing on the Grand List of October 1, 2007 and having a minimum assessment of $1,000 are eligible. He also cited CGS 9-360 dealing with penalities for voting if not franchised. He said the Registrars of Voters are here should there be a need for a count of those voting.
For the record, there were approximately 100-150 in attendance.
Moderator then announced that there would be open discussion on the budget but no vote taken.
He announced that the Charter Revision Commission had asked that the public be notified that they will hold a Public Hearing for input on the Charter on May 19, 2008 at the East Lyme Town Hall. They welcome any ideas from the public.
Paul Formica, First Selectman, then gave a timeline for what happened leading up to this evening, citing that many hours have been devoted to budget preparation by all Departments, by the Boards of Finance, Selectmen and Education and Finance Director, Anna Johnson. He said he feels we have come in with a budget to suit everyones’ needs. He stated that copies of the budget have been made available at Town Hall and the Library and that copies are available here tonight for distribution. He thanked all for all of their hard work in putting together this budget.
Among some of the items scrutinzed were fuel and energy costs, health insurance, copiers, job consolidations, organizing work space, attorneys’ fees. He said the reduction of the work force is not an easy thing. Repair and maintenance of town roads are necessary items. The cost to maintain one mile of road is $12,000, to fix and repair it is $372,000 per mile. He is looking at a 5-10 year plan to accomplish this. Vechicle maintenance is ongoing. This includes trucks for Public Works and Parks and Rec and vehicles for the Police and Fire Departments.
He said we are looking at a ½ mil increase if this budget is approved. The Board of Finance has been frugal. He also stated this meeting is being videotaped and will appear on cable access for all to see.
At this point Ron Rando asked how much a mil is equal to. Later on in the meeting, Mr. Formica replied it is 2.2 million per mil.
Steven Larcen, Board of Finance chairman, then gave a timeline of meetings held by the Board of Finance. He gave a power point presentation of what was accomplished in putting the budget together.
He said reductions have been made in General Government ($463,000), in the Board of Education, in contingencies and in capital accounts amounting to $1.5 million and a 4.4% increase in taxes.
Kevin Seery, Board of Education chairman, gave a presentation of the actions of his board. He stated their budget showed an increase of 3.6% or $1,368,379 over 2007-2008.
He said they were allowed two additional weeks for budget preparation which was extremely beneficial to them in their deliberations. Fixed costs include such things as salaries, health insurance, tuition, supplies, heating oil and bus fuel and equal about $1,268,850.
Mike Schulz, Lovers Lane said he has been attending meetings for some time and he thanked all for their efforts in their deliberations. He discussed salaries and benefits for employees and feels that the increases are too much. He said the stand you take on this years budget will depend on where you sit. He said a yes vote on this budget will mean a continuation of excess in property taxes.
Moderator then moved on to Item 2 of the call: To adopt a five-year Capital Improvement Plan.
Motion by Kevin Seery, Quailcrest Road, second by Rose Ann Hardy, Overlook Road to adopt Item 2 of the call.
Paul Formica gave some background and stated that we are mandated to do this. He said the capital plan is shown in the budget that was just presented. This is for future needs and goals of the Town.
John Hoye, 15 Monticello Drive, said we should take along look, maybe five to ten years into the future, at what our needs will be such as a Police Station, Town Hall, Niantic Fire Department. These are all overdue. He suggested making the present Town Hall into a Police Station, expanding the library into the Senior Center and make a new Senior Center. He said we need an overseer to look at these items for us.
There being no further discussion, Item 2 was duly adopted.
Item 3 of the call: To amend (2) bonding resolutions to provide for the purchase and installation of bleachers at the EL High School Gymnasium.
Edward O’Connell, Town Attorney, read into the record the first resolution: Attachment A. Paul Smotas, Flanders Road, seconded the motion.
Discussion ensued about the history of the damage to the high school gym floor from a rainstorm when the roof was open and work was being done. Paul Formica, First Selectman gave some background history and a timeline of meetings held.
In 2004, the Boards of Selectmen and Finance and the Town Meeting approved $395,000 for air handlers at the school. In 2005, the bonding was authorized and in 2007, the second part of that ($1.9 million) was added to the $2.5 million bond and this was approved at a Town Meeting. When it was determined the floor would be repaired, then on October 17, the Town Meeting approved modification of the two bond packages to include repair/replacement of the floor. It was the attorneys determination that that money did not include replacement of the bleachers which seemed to be necessary. Mr. Formica said it was told to him that those bleachers would have to be replaced because they are not handicap accessible. The next day the Town Building Inspector said that in his opinion, they do not have to be to be replaced. He said he felt the floor could be repaired and the bleachers put back. Although the State says they are not up to code, they can be put back and repaired as needed. However, we all acknowledge they are somewhat dangerous. To date we have expended $375,000 less than the bonding allowed so we do have that money available to spend, if needed.
The water storm occurred in July, 2007. We could have sued the contractor but construction law is difficult to prove. The gym is forty years old and the value of the floor has depreciated so what will be gained and how much will we have to spend in order to gain it.
Mr. Formica said he recommends we do not approve this item tonight.
Rob Wilson, Old Oak Lane, said there are other school issues that need to be addressed such as access to the gym/auditorium at Niantic Center School. He feels this should be addressed and to leave the gym bleachers as they are.
The vote to amend the bonding resolution was not adopted.
Attorney O’Connell then said to complete the record we should vote on the second part of the resolution but that he will dispense with reading the resolution. The resolution failed for lack of a second.
Moderator Cushman then announced this meeting will be adjourned to a referendum on Friday, May 23, 2008 at the East Lyme Community Center from 6AM to 8PM. A motion to this effect was made by Ron Rando, Boston Post Road, John Drabik, Drabik Road.
The Annual Town Meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM.
Respectfully submitted, Esther B. Williams, Town Clerk |
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SPECIAL TOWN MEETING JUNE 18, 2008 TOWN OF EAST LYME
Moderator, Eugene Cushman, called the Special Town Meeting to order at 7:00 PM at the East Lyme Town Hall. Rose Ann Hardy led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Town Clerk, Esther Williams read the call of the meeting, stating it had been posted on the signpost, published in The Day on June 12, 2008 and filed in her office.
Moderator spelled out the rules of the meeting citing CGS Statute 7-6, eligibility to vote at a town meeting, saying that registered voters or taxpayers appearing on the Grand List of October 1, 2007 and having a minimum assessment of $1,000 are eligible. He also cited CGS 9-360 dealing with penalities for voting if not franchised. He said in the absence of the Registrars of Voters, should a count be necessary, he is appointing Edward O’Connell, Town Counsel to count should there be a need.
Item 1 of the call: Appropriate $80,000 to account 7-01-25-225-100-712 (PT Extra Duty Police/Fire) for fiscal year ended June 30, 2008 from excess revenues received for these services due to the services requested were greater than the original fiscal year budget.
Motion by Paul Formica, second by Ron Rando, Boston Post Road, to adopt Item 1 of the call.
Edward O’Connell, Town Attorney said there was an error in the call as published. The account number should read 8-01-25-225-100-712 and he would like to amend the motion. Paul Formica withdrew his motion as did Ron Rando.
Formica explained there will be no cost to the taxpayers if this item is approved. He said the cost is borne by the service provider and not the taxpayer.
Ron Rando asked where the leftover money will go, to the general fund or does it stay in the Police account? Anna Johnson, Finance Director said the funds will stay in the general fund.
There being no further discussion, Item 1 was unanimously adopted by a voice vote.
Item 2 of the call: Appropriate $2500 of funds from the East Lyme Youth Services Inc 5013c close out to the Miscellaneous Supplies Line Item 8-01-45-422-300-320 to partially subsidize programs for the Youth of East Lyme including the Youth Coffee House and YAM.
Motion by Pamela Rowe, second by Jack Hogan to adopt Item 2 of the call.
Formica explained this item has been to the Boards of Finance and Selectmen and the Charter states it must come to a Town Meeting. He said this one account has multiple appropriations and therefore must be approved by the taxpayers. He said when Youth Services closed out their books before becoming a Town agency, they provided this money to the Town, and by adopting this resolution, these funds will now go back to Youth Services.
There being no further discussion, Item 2 of the call was unanimously adopted.
Item 3 of the call: Appropriate $42,351 from undesignated fund balance to account 8-01-30-317-500-100 (Town Aid Roads) to appropriate full amount of Town Aid Road Grant to expenditure account.
Motion by Jack Hogan, second by Rob Wilson to adopt Item 3 of the call.
Formica explained there had been an error in the bookkeeping process, prior to Anna Johnson coming on board. He said the $159,565 is a grant from the State of Connecticut. They provide us with $1050 for every mile of road we maintain. We have 120 miles of road in East Lyme. We received the money but it was not correctly listed in the expenditure account so we have to correct that.
There being no further discussion, Item 3 of the call was unanimously adopted.
For the record, there were approximately 25-30 in attendance at the Town Meeting.
Motion to adjourn by John Drabik, Drabik Road, second by Ron Rando. Meeting adjourned at 7:14 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Esther B. Williams Town Clerk
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SPECIAL TOWN MEETING JULY 16, 2008 TOWN OF EAST LYME
Moderator, Eugene Cushman, called the Special Town Meeting to order at 7:08 PM at the East Lyme Town Hall. The assembly recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Town Clerk, Esther Williams read the call of the meeting, stating it had been posted on the signpost, published in The Day on July 11, 2008 and filed in her office.
Moderator spelled out the rules of the meeting citing CGS Statute 7-6, eligibility to vote at a town meeting, saying that registered voters or taxpayers appearing on the Grand List of October 1, 2007 and having a minimum assessment of $1,000 are eligible. He also cited CGS 9-360 dealing with penalties for voting if not franchised.
Item 1 of the call: Special Appropriation $25,000 – Purchase of Animal Control Van – Funding donated by Dominion.
Motion by Pam Rowe, second by Robert Wilson, to adopt Item 1 of the call.
Paul Formica, First Selectman, explained that this is not a van but a four-wheel drive vehicle. It is necessary that the Animal Control Officer be able to travel on snow and ice and a van would not allow him to do that. He also explained that the officer is shared by Waterford and East Lyme. East Lyme is responsible for the vehicle and its maintenance and Waterford is responsible for the kennel which is located next to the Police Station in their town. Each town is responsible for one half of the salary for the officer. There will be no cost to the taxpayers if this item is approved.
There being no further discussion, Item 1 was unanimously adopted by a voice vote.
Motion to adjourn by Rob Wilson, second by John Drabik. Meeting adjourned at 7:13 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Esther B. Williams Town Clerk
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