East Lyme Selectmen Approve Investment Policy, Review Recreation Fees And Property Complaints

EAST LYME, CT — The East Lyme Board of Selectmen unanimously approved a short-term investment policy Oct. 21, while postponing decisions on changes to traffic enforcement rules and the town's purchasing policy.

The board also discussed proposed changes to Parks and Recreation facility rental fees, heard complaints from Niantic apartment residents seeking stronger property maintenance regulations and received updates on school facilities and town projects.

Selectmen Approve Investment Policy

The board voted 5-0 to approve a short-term investment policy previously adopted by the Board of Finance on Oct. 14.

Finance Director Kevin Gervais said the policy establishes guidelines for investing short-term municipal funds, including cash reserves. It does not apply to pension funds or other post-employment benefits, known as OPEB.

Selectwoman Ann Cicchiello made the motion, which was seconded by Selectwoman Candice Carlson.

The board postponed consideration of a separate purchasing policy until Nov. 18. Gervais said the Board of Finance had tabled the proposal to compare it with the town's capital asset policy.

Recreation Facility Rental Fees Under Review

Parks and Recreation Director Jerry Lokken presented proposed changes to the department's facility rental fees, citing increased participation in school and recreational sports, particularly baseball.

Under the proposal, the director could modify published fees after reviewing an applicant's circumstances. Organizations or individuals dissatisfied with the decision could appeal to the Parks and Recreation Commission.

The proposed policy would allow discounts based on factors including community participation, financial need, charitable activities and the percentage of participants who live in East Lyme.

It also would permit premium charges when limited recreational resources are made available to particular groups rather than the public generally.

Lokken said the approach is intended to address the needs of youth and travel sports organizations using town facilities.

Traffic Enforcement Ordinance Delayed

The selectmen postponed discussion of a proposed amendment to the town's automated traffic enforcement safety devices ordinance.

Board members raised questions about the proposal and agreed to continue the discussion at their Nov. 4 meeting, when Police Chief Glenn and town counsel are expected to participate.

A related public hearing scheduling item was also postponed until Nov. 4.

The board also deferred discussion of an OPEB policy until Nov. 4.

Gervais said the Pension Board was still reviewing the proposal. He also discussed a possible amendment to the Pension Board ordinance that would expand oversight to the town's defined contribution retirement plan.

Apartment Residents Seek Property Maintenance Ordinance

Three residents of Bay Point Apartments at 468 Main St., Niantic urged the selectmen to establish a property maintenance ordinance that would hold landlords accountable for maintaining their buildings.

First Selectman Dan Cunningham said he would meet with the town's new building official to restart discussions about a possible ordinance.

The board did not vote on the request.

Cini Dock Leases And Environmental Issues

Cicchiello reported that she and Selectman Jason Deeble had been working on revisions to the Cini Dock leases.

Cunningham recommended sending the proposed changes to the town attorney to prepare new lease documents for board review. He said the process should be completed before the existing leases expire at the end of the year.

The board also heard from Marjorie Meekhoff of Pollinator Pathway East Lyme about the group's work promoting native plants and reducing landscaping chemicals that can harm pollinators.

Meekhoff said the town had supported the initiative through a proclamation in 2022.

Deeble reported that the Commission on the Conservation of Natural Resources had received a presentation about second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, which are used to control rats and mice.

He said the commission may seek a ban on the products on town-owned property and that Old Lyme and Waterford had expressed interest in a regional effort.

School Facilities And Town Project Updates

Carlson reported that discussions about possible changes to East Lyme's school facilities had drawn significant public participation.

She said a petition was circulating opposing the potential repurposing of Niantic Center School.

Carlson also reported concerns about parking at the former police station property on Main Street. Cunningham said temporary parking had been permitted for a major event, but the lot had since been closed.

Carlson said residents had expressed interest in additional public meeting space because Town Hall is no longer available for outside events. She noted that community meeting space had been discussed as one possible use of Niantic Center School if it were repurposed.

She also reported a $368,000 balance in the school district's nonlapsing account, which might be needed for unexpected expenses involving a pool roof and a new turf field.

Cunningham said work on the Exit 74 project was nearing completion, with equipment being removed and landscaping underway. He said the project was finishing ahead of schedule.

He also reported that the second phase of environmental testing at the former police station was underway, including test drilling inside the building and in the parking area.

The town's new information technology director, Stephen Chase, had also helped prepare the registrars' computer system for early voting ahead of the Nov. 3 election, Cunningham said.

Other Board Business

The selectmen approved their Oct. 7 meeting minutes by a 5-0 vote.

They also approved an Oct. 21 consent calendar totaling $1,442.46, also by a 5-0 vote.

The board adjourned at 9:11 p.m. following a 5-0 vote.