Old Lyme Shores Beach Association
FALL MEETING-Saturday, September 17, 2005 at 10:00 AM, at Mile Creek School
The meeting was called to order by President Dave Woolley. He reminded attendees of the Fall Cocktail Party
later today, from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Rowean’s, 29 Billow Road.
1. INTRODUCTION OF NEW OWNERS
Dave asked new OLS owners in attendance to introduce themselves
Kathy Schuster and her brother-305 Saltaire Drive
Sheila and Maureen Delutrie-310 Saltaire Drive
Jay and Cindy Moynihan-10 Billow Road
2. SUMMER 2006 ACTIVITIES
In the absence of Julia Nixon, Dave summarized activities that she planned for next Summer.
Saturday, July 1 (rain date July 2)-Fourth of July celebration. Julia has already purchased $2100 worth of
prizes for $1,000.
Saturday, July 8-String of Pearls concert on the beach, from 7:30-9:00 PM. Julia proposes that we invite Edge
Lea and Old Colony to join us.
Saturday, August 5-Carousel Night at Sound View, from 6:00-6:45 PM
3. BOARD AND OFFICERS
Dave introduced members of the Board of Governors and Officers of the Association.
4. TREASURERS REPORT
There were no questions or comments on the Treasurer’s report.
MOTION-that the Treasurer’s Report be accepted-PASSED
5. 2005 A VERY BUSY SUMMER FOR THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Dave said that the Board has worked very hard this summer on the creation and revision of Association
documents: Bylaws, Ordinances and Description of Duties and Responsibilities of Officers and Board
Members. Dave has requested and received comments and advice from resident lawyers F. Owen Eagan,
Owen P. Eagan, Dan Lynch and Joe Keefe, all of whom stress the need to preserve our Charter, approved 60
years ago by the State Legislature. Any change to or conflict with this document could result in loss of the
Association’s taxing authority and its status as a private beach association.
6. NEW BOARD SUB-COMMITTEES
a. Capital Improvements Committee
Paul Rowean, chairman, briefly described how these sub-committees came to be. He introduced the idea of
sub-committees when it became evident that our President and Vice-President were doing most of the work and
there was a need to spread it out. The Board come up with seven main areas of concern and narrowed this
number down to three- Capital Improvements (mainly roads), Security, and Beach Assets.
In addition to Terry Walsh, Board member, Paul’s committee includes Association members Bill Hardy, a
general contractor, and Loue Sanelli, retired from 30 years in the paving business.
Upper Saltaire is going to be dug up and repaved, with a completion date of October 15 stipulated in the
contract. We also need to seal serious cracks on the other roads as soon as possible. According to Paul, it
costs approximately $80,000 per road, from the beach to the railroad tracks, so we must set aside funds each
year to accomplish the job of maintaining our roads.
Comment from the floor:
Bill Gardiner reminded us that about five years ago the Association approved establishing a plan to do major
work on all of our roads; It’s wise to have a plan and not just do emergency patchwork. Bill also reminded us
that a crowning problem needs to be addressed, and Dave Woolley elaborated on this-crowning contributes to
drainage and other problems.
b. Security Committee
Wilson Flynn, chairman, said that he and Frank Adams, other board members of his committee, have
concluded that in general we’ve had a pretty good year. He has talked with Kate Abbott, President of Miami
Beach Association, about their guard situation, and he plans to discuss the situation with other beach
associations as well. He will post on the OLS website any news about security, and he asked members to e-
mail him or post on the website their concerns, suggestions, etc. One idea he is presently considering is that
we might need one or two more guards on our staff. Wilson expects the committee to finish its assessment of
our security situation and needs, and he will post his findings on the OLS website.
Comments from the floor:
1) Ed McSweegan is concerned about the amount we spend on security and what we get for our money. He
volunteered to be on the security committee and Wilson accepted his offer.
2) Sally Howley suggested that we cut down on day guards-we don’t need so much coverage during the day.
3) Mike Francoer said it is difficult to exit OLS safely-bushes and other obstructions make it difficult to see.
Wilson agreed and said that his committee would deal with this problem.
4) Barbara Beal, Sally Howley, and others complained that daytime guards do nothing. Wilson said that his
committee would deal with this often-heard comment.
5) Ed McSweegan observed that we spend 23% of our budget on security, whereas the Town of Old Lyme
spends only 2%. Wilson asked Ed to get him documentation of this information. Dave Woolley, Board of
Finance member who specializes in Town police matters, said that with two resident troopers and six
constables, Town security is inadequate. When there is trouble, the constable on duty must call the Westbrook
Barracks to send troopers. Dave defended our night guards, stressing that we are lucky to have them and
should be grateful that they come back to work for us year after year.
6) Margaret White expressed the need for parents to discipline their children, particularly regarding their
misbehavior at the beach front where they throw sand, obstruct with their bikes and scooters, and generally
make the area a hazardous place to be.
Beach Assets Committee
Dino Genga, chairman, and Charlie Beal (Board member) comprise this committee. Dino said their first project
was to paint yellow lines at the beachfront of each street, to try and make these areas more orderly.
Beach cleaning has been improved by bringing ina a second contractor, whose services along with Nickerson’s
have produced a cleaner beach. This second contractor is getting a new machine which will do an even better
job of sifting the sand (to 12 inches) and removing debris.
The committee’s focus must be on what we need and what is most cost-effective in maintaining and preserving
our most valuable asset, the beach.
7. MODERNIZATION OF BOARD OF GOVERNORS OPERATIONS
Vice-President Paul Graml spoke about the need to update our Association rules and procedures, as well as
our operations and means of communications. Almost 60 years since we were chartered, now is the time to
update how we function.
a. Electronic Documents
Communication among Board members, Officers, and Association members has been enhanced by use of
electronic documents which make for more timely transmission of information.
b. Website
Our website is www.oldlymeshores.com
c. Message board
We also have a message board for members to use to communicate to the Board: oldlymeshores@yahoo.com
d. Logo
Paul explained that in order to be up-to-date and professional in our communications, we need a logo. Copies
of four proposed designs were sent to the membership with the call to the meeting, and Paul encouraged
anyone who has a new design to submit and send it electronically to him or give him the graphics.
8. UPDATE-ASSOCIATON RULES AND PROCEEDURES
Paul said that a lawyer advising him on this project says that as a private beach association we are very similar
to a municipality, in that we have taxing authority, can make rules to govern ourselves, etc. Therefore, we need
to update our procedures accordingly.
a. Bylaws
One way to update is to create bylaws-until now, we have had none. The Board and Officers came up with the
ideas and the lawyer drafted the language and injected the necessary legal concepts. A limited supply of the
most recent bylaws is available at this meeting and soon will be available on the website.
Another update in our procedures is disposing of records more than seven years old; this is the Federal
standard and therefore we will follow it.
b. Job Descriptions
Paul said that the Board is working on this document elating to Association positions and is almost finished.
c. Ordinances
This document is the least finished. Paul hopes to have the final version sent with the call to the Annual
Meeting next Spring.
Comments from the floor:
1Ed McSweegan questioned the method of electing Board of Governors members and Officers. Paul Graml
said that the method has not changed. The Association still elects its Board and Officers-at the Annual
meeting, the Nominating Committee presents the Board-approved slate and the membership votes on the slate.
2) Ann Vaughan said it is uncomfortable to nominate from the floor at Association meetings. She recommends
that we have a paper ballot, listing all candidates who have said they want to run. Paul Graml suggested that
Ann make a motion, at the next Annual Meeting, to have paper ballot elections.
3) Mary Miles asked that we more actively solicit candidates for BOG and Officer positions. Paul Graml
encouraged interested members to put in writing their interest in running for office and the Board will consider
them
MOTION-by George Howley-that our four resident attorneys review our proposed documents (bylaws, etc)
once more-seconded by Ed McSweegan.
Discussion of the motion:
1) Dave Woolley reiterated his previous mention that the four resident lawyers had reviewed and offered their
comments and advice on our documents. Joe Keefe put his observations in the form of a four-page memo.
2) Paul Graml said that our Charter establishes that the Board, not the membership, creates ordinances,
bylaws, etc. and if the Association doesn’t like them, they propose changes. In other words, the governing
body makes the rules and if the governed don’t like them, there is a procedure in place to change them. He
added that the bylaws are in place and if the Association wants to change the bylaws, they must get a two-
thirds vote of the entire Association at a special meeting. In view of all this, Paul thinks that the motion on the
floor is not legal.
GEORGE HOWLEY’S MOTION WAS NOT VOTED ON.
Further discussion:
1) Mary Finley What happens if someone refuses to obey an ordinance? Paul Graml said that this question
has been looked at by our resident lawyers. His feeling is that adhering to the rules is largely voluntary.
2) Bill Gardiner said that we should remove Ordinances that are unenforceable.
3) Frank Adams encouraged everyone to speak to the rule-breakers when you see them-tell them that they
are in violation. Perhaps they don’t know the rules-you’ve educated them. Perhaps they don’t like the rules-at
least you’ve let them know their “sins” are not going unnoticed. Nothing ventured nothing gained-its everyone’s
responsibility to try and enforce rules compliance.
Someone else added that it is better to have some guidelines than no guidelines.
4) Dave Woolley mentioned that one ordinance was added not too long ago forbidding leaving boats on the
beach after November 1, and this was not enforced, in one case, this past winter. But he intends to make sure
it is enforced this year. He also asked for opinions about the rules regarding trailers, commercial vehicles and
trailers-do we want them or not?
9. OTHER BUSINESS
a. Old Lyme Shores Directory
Barbara Beal requested that anyone with changes or additions to the directory contact her. We are not going
to print a new directory, but an addendum will be issued by next spring.
Barbara also mentioned that her kayak has been removed from the Billow end of the beach and asked for its
return.
b. Old Lyme Shores Photo
Sally Howley said that she is ordering a new supply of the David Wheeler panoramic view of our beach and
anyone who wishes to purchase one should see or contact her.
c. Illegal Activity at 30 Billow Road
Carol Reardon said that the junk cars and trucks have returned to the Krueger property and are being worked
on. Owner Terry Dell’s son assured us that the offending vehicles will be gone within a few days.
d. South Lyme Property Owners Lawsuit
George Finley asked for an update on the lawsuit filed by the SLPOA against the Town of Old Lyme. Dave
Woolley said that the SLPOA has run out of money and the lawsuit never went to trial (court dates postponed
several times). SLPOA is in negotiations with the Town, and Dave thinks the negotiating will end with those who
donated to the cause getting some concessions regarding year-round occupancy, but he doesn’t know this for
sure.
e. Obstructions
John Rixon said that we should’t get bogged down in too much detail regarding visibility, such as bushes on
private property that obstruct driver’s ability to proceed safely.
f. Expression of Gratitude
Mike Francoeur called for a round of applause in gratitude to the Board for all its hard work this year.
The meeting adjourned at 11:45 AM.
ANNUAL MEETING- Saturday, June 17, 2006, at 10:00 AM, at Mile Creek School
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 AM by President Dave Woolley
1. TRIBUTE TO DECEASED
Dave Woolley read names of Old Lyme Shores (OLS) community members who have died in the past year: Anna Boryczewski,
Elgio DiRoberts, William and Eleanor Fitzgerald, Mildred Flynn, Carol McDonald, Marguerite McGrail, Lorraine McVane, Don
Powers, David Regan, Kathleen Ruff, Bob Sullivan, Vincent Supple, Sr. And Daniel Walsh. Dave asked for a moment of silence in
their memory and also in tribute to our troops abroad and especially to those lost in the war.
2. SECURITY
Board member Mary Finley announced that OLS has hired a professional security service, Ace Security, Inc., for the upcoming
summer. She introduced David Vanasse, Chief Operating Officer of ACE Security, who gave an overview of his, and his company’
s background, operation, and mission. Mr. Vanasse has 35 years of experience in security, retired after 10 years as police chief
of the Town of Groton, and has been with Ace Security for 13 months. Ace has been in business in CT for 26 years and engages
primarily in year-round assignments, but also does some seasonal work,(Hawks Nest, Point of Woods, Attawan Beach and
others along the shoreline all the way to New London). They are providing security for Foxwoods’ $800 million expansion project
for the next three years.
Ace guards are uniformed and state certified. In 2004, the State of CT upgraded requirements for security guards, placing them
under the Department of Public Safety and requiring that they successfully complete a rigorous training program. Mr. Vanasse is
an instructor in this program. They do extensive background checks and exclude anyone with any criminal record. Security
officers are not policemen and must never cross the line; this is a fundamental rule that is stressed in training, that they not be
overly aggressive. Their training also focuses on the importance of communications in security work - communications among
Ace personnel and with their clientele. Ace supervisors and Mr. Vanasse monitor their work sites, unannounced, to assure that
guards are doing their jobs effectively.
Mr. Vanasse answered some questions from the floor:
• Guards will not be armed - they have no authority to carry weapons.
• There will be two daytime guards - one at the gate of the open road and one covering the site on foot.
• There will not be an Ace Security vehicle patrolling here. They do patrol by car at some work sites, but their assignment here
is not set up for this. If we wanted this it would cost more.
• The Ace guards will mostly be older people. Occasionally, there might be students - 3rd or 4th year criminal justice
students - but they must be very mature. On the whole, we can expect mostly older people.
Mr. Vanasse left, and at this time Dave Woolley introduced Officers and Board members. Mary Finley answered a few more
questions from the floor:
• Guards will start on Saturday, June 24, and their daytime hours will be 10 AM to 5 PM. Night hours will be 7 PM - 2 AM
Sunday - Thursday and 8 PM - 3 AM Friday & Saturday.
• We are trying a new guard service this year because of the many complaints over the years about the need for more effective
guard performance, especially at the gate.
• New stickers for owners’ are being used this year. They are available at today’s meeting, and guards will be distributing
them. Mary advised that they be placed on the passenger side windshield, so guards can readily see them. Stickers will be
given to owners only, not to renters. Guards will have a list of owners and addresses in order to check on all incoming vehicles
without stickers (renters and guests).
3. BEACH CLEANING
Dave introduced Dino Genga. Dino and Charlie Beal comprised the Board’s Beach Assets Sub-committee. Dino gave an
overview of Harry Plout’s beach cleaning schedule. In May, he cleared the beach of winter debris and groomed and sifted the
sand, in preparation for the season opening. The beach is being cleaned 3 times a week in June, daily in July and August, and
weekly in September, according to Plout’s contract. Yesterday, three trucks of seaweed were trucked away. They begin cleaning
after 7 am and are off the beach by 9 am. Dino asked that people not put chairs and other beach gear on the sand until after the
cleaning is completed.
4. PHELAN REQUEST
Dave presented the request of Mark and MaryEllen Phelan that the Association issue a quit claim deed to property to the north of
and including the seawall in front of their home at 77 Sea Spray Road (650 feet plus the seawall), to meet the town of Old Lyme
Zoning requirements for a proposed addition and improvements to their home. He introduced their attorney, John Bennet, in
attendance at this meeting with the Phelan’s. Dave summarized all of the safeguards that are in place, according to our attorney,
Michael Cronin, who has researched this matter thoroughly and recommends approval of the Phelan’s request.
MOTION- That Old Lyme Shores Beach Association (OLSBA) approve the Phelan’s request-PASSED
5. SUMMER 2006 BEACH ACTIVITIES
Dave invited Julia Nixon to preview upcoming beach activities.
• Saturday, July 1st , (Raindate July 2nd)- Fourth of July Parade assembles at 10 am in front of the Howley’s house at 60 Sea
Spray. Other highlights of the day include refreshments, sandcastle contest, and beach races. Julia credited the Carousel
owners for their generosity, once again, in providing prizes for these events at highly discounted prices. She also invited
Margaret White to be Grand Marshall again for this year’s parade.
• Saturday, July 8th- The String of Pearls Band Concert on the beach at Brightwater-7:30 pm to 9 pm. Julia noted that
consideration has been given to inviting Edge Lea and Old Colony to join us for this event, but Dave Woolley said that input he
has received favors keeping it to just OLS.
• Saturday, August 5th- OLS Carousel Night at Soundview- 6 pm to 6:45 pm.
6. REQUEST FOR TRAFFIC MIRROR
Dave Woolley introduced Board Member Terry Walsh, who has looked into the possibility of getting a traffic mirror(s) to assist
motorists and pedestrians in entering/crossing Rt. 156 from upper Brightwater (and perhaps other OLS roads north of Rt. 156).
This has been requested of residents of upper Brightwater. Terry reported the Middletown Plate Glass sells these mirrors for
$172 (18 inch diameter). But they do not install them, for liability reasons. They suggest that we find a handy man who knows
how to do this.
Response from the floor included the suggestion that we would need to check with our insurance company regarding liability,
and also we would need to deal with the State of Connecticut regarding procedures and approvals needed, since state property
is involved.
7. DRAINAGE COMMITTEE
Dave announced the Board is forming a committee to investigate drainage problems and propose improvements. During heavy
storms last fall, people were evacuated from OLS. Tom Lally’s car on Sea Spray was destroyed by flooding and there was
severe damage to the Duhaime house on Saltaire. Tina DeLeo on Sea Spray noted that for the past 11 to 12 years, all of the
excess water has ended up on her property, destroying appliances and furnishing, etc. all because the road was not paved
properly she said. Julia Duhaime Nixon has done extensive research recently and has concluded that neither the town of Old
Lyme nor the State of Connecticut is going to volunteer assistance in correcting our drainage problems. Julia feels that we need
to get an attorney to work for us toward achieving effective drainage improvements.
8. WATER AND PAVING PROJECT
• Dino Genga-overview of water company plans and time table.
Dino narrated a power point presentation prepared by Paul Rowean to familiarize the Association with the proposed project
involving replacement of our ancient water pipes and paving of our roads. CT Water Co. informed us several months ago that
they anticipate that they will be able to begin replacing the pipes here at OLS in the foreseeable future. This actually would be a
continuation of the job that they began a few years ago when they installed year round 8" pipes on upper Brightwater and on Sea
Lane to supply fire hydrants required by law. All the rest of OLS still has the seasonal 2"pipes. Dino pointed out that we have 192
homes here, with a total market value in excess of 100 Million dollars. Year round pipes would increase each homes value by at
least $50,000, and we would end up with a total of 12 fire hydrants.
The water company’s original intention was to continue all the way down Brightwater with the 8" pipes (17 times the area of the 2"
pipes), but financial restraints forced them to put this project on hold. Now they are proposing to resume the project, first by
completing Brightwater and ultimately replacing all of the seasonal pipes here. They would pay for everything, (pipes and
installation) on Brightwater, except for paving, because this would be a completion of what they had already begun. For the rest
of the roads, they would pay only for the pipes and we would have to cover installation costs plus paving. They propose a 5 year
timetable, as follows:
Phase 1- Completion of Brightwater- by May 2007
Phase 2- Sea Spray- by 2008
Phase 3- Billow- 2009
Phase 4- Saltaire- 2010
Phase 5- Upper portions (North of Rt. 156)- 2011
• Civil Engineer
For a project of this magnitude, according to Dino, we need a civil engineer to oversee every stage from preliminary planning to
completion. He has been working with Joe Wrenn of Indigo Land Design (Middletown) who oversaw Old Colony’s project last
year and comes highly recommended by Old Colony. We have a proposal from him for $22,000 for Phase 1; he would meet
many times with the Board between now and September, if we sign on with him.
• Paul Rowean- Comments and Observations
Paul continued the discussion, noting that these are very big issues that he and Dino have been investigating and they need to
know if the Association approves of what they have done so far and wants them to continue. According to Paul, leaking pipes
cause a constant flow of water on Brightwater in front of the McClure house. We have all kinds of rocks, boulders and probably
ledge under our roads and for years we have just paved over all of these problems. Paul believes that now is the time to begin
solving these problems. He has walked all of our roads with Lou Sanelli, our resident paving expert, and with Allen Hull of B and
L Paving, and both have provided expert advice. Paul projects our total cost for this 5 year project to be more than 1 million
dollars ($1,114,900+), according to the power point chart.
• Some questions and comments from the floor
Gil Soucie
Questioned the water company’s proposal that OLS should pay for everything-materials and installation-and Paul Rowean
responded that we are going to go after the water company to get them to cover these costs. Pointed out that year round water
does not guarantee year round occupancy. The town has labeled each property as either seasonal or year round and violations
in use could result in the town telling the water company to turn off the water. He suggested that as we proceed with paving we
should aim to make all roads uniform in width.
Someone asked why we need to rip up the roads to put in new pipes. Pipes should be installed under the grass adjacent to the
roads which is Association owned property.
Roger Zito said the OLS is a seasonal beach community and should be kept that way. We do not need year round water, and
even if we have it, town approval is still needed for off season occupancy.
Stan Ahlers thinks that when CT Water Co. took ownership of our system, they agreed to assume responsibility for future
maintenance. We need to check with the DPUC on this.
Julia Nixon asked how this will be paid for. She is strongly opposed to owners being charged according to their property’s
assessment. Since the benefit is uniform for everyone, everyone should be charged to same amount.
Bill Gardener just spent $4,000 for a well, he feels he will derive no benefit from year round pipes and does not think that he
should have to pay for them. Others pointed out that it is for the good of the entire community and therefore, everyone is
responsible for the cost.
Someone asked if the water company would install laterals- would this be part of the installation job- hook ups to each house- or
would individual have to arrange and pay for their own hook ups?
Gil Soucie said that we need to clarify the proxy voting process. If this issue is to be voted on during the fall meeting, we need to
clearly define who can be a proxy. One house, one vote- but who can vote?
Mark Phelan noted that we definitely need professional advice and direction in dealing with the water company.
MOTION- that the Association give a green light to Dino and Paul to continue their efforts on this project this summer-PASSED
9. BUDGET
Paul Rowean discussed the proposed 2006- 2007 Association Budget-(displayed on the screen and copies distributed as
attendees arrived at today’s meeting) with a mill rate of 1.68. He pointed out that last year people were very upset about sharply
higher assessments due to the reevaluation and consequently, the mill rate was set too low (1.25 mills).
MOTION- that the budget as presented by approved- PASSED
10. NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Paul Graml, Chairman of the Nominating Committee, other members Dino Genga and Terry Walsh, requested that anyone
wishing to be considered for candidacy for the BOG or an officer position advise the Board, in writing, before the next annual
meeting.
He presented the Committee’s slate for Board and Officer positions:
Mary Finley- 3 year Board term
Charlie Beal- 3 year Board term
David Woolley- President
Paul Graml- Vice President
Connie Gray- Secretary
Anne Petit Conway- Treasurer
Paul asked if there were any nominations from the floor. There were none.
MOTION- to accept the slate of the Nominating Committee as presented- PASSED
11. OTHER BUSINESS
• Sticker Distribution- Dave Woolley thanked Charlotte Genga and Maura Graml for their handling of the distribution of stickers
at this meeting.
• Association Directory- Barbara Beal requested that anyone wishing to add or change a listing in the directory ask her for a
form for this purpose, complete it and submit it to her and their addition or change will be included in next year’s directory
addendum.
The meeting was adjourned at 12 Noon.
Respectfully Submitted,
Constance L. Gray, Secretary
BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETING - Sunday, August 20, 2006, at 9:00 AM, at Dave Woolley’s house, 9
Bellaire Road, Old Lyme
Attendees: Dave Woolley, Paul Graml, Anne Conway, Wilson Flynn, Dino Genga, Terry Walsh, Charlie Beal,
Paul Rowean, Mary Finley, Connie Gray
1. WELCOME GUESTS
a. Frank Farrelly - two concerns:
1) Hedges
His neighbor’s (Patafio - 3 Sea Lane) hedges are vastly overgrown and the Patafios refuse to direct their
landscapist to cut them back . Since they were last trimmed, they have grown 24" higher and 7" deeper, and
they extend 4' into Frank’s property. They totally block his ventilation and view, the side of his house and
garage are green (he has to power wash these surfaces), and Frank wants this problem remedied now. Two
years ago, Margaret Farrelly asked Cheryl Patafio to have the hedges cut back to regulation size and nothing
was done. Frank spoke to the landscapist, who said his order from the Patafios was to trim only. The Patafio
house apparently is for sale and Frank wants this issue settled before the sale. He cannot use his side yard
and cannot see through the hedges - he wants his view restored and his side yard opened up.
2) Seaweed on the beach
Frank says the sand is beautiful but the seaweed is awful. Something needs to be done about the beach
cleaning procedure; the bulletin board notices request that people not set up chairs and umbrellas on the sand
until the cleaning is done (around 9 - 9:15 AM), but there have been numerous occasions of beach cleaning
being done in the afternoon, long after beachgoers have settled in for the day. It was noted that in the last two
days, Harry Plaut has taken out 17 bucket loads (17,000 pounds) of seaweed, and that his machine was
disabled this past week and there were two days when he did not clean the beach.
b. Bill Gardiner - golf carts:
Golf carts here are a problem, according to Bill, and he thinks we should do something about them before a
tragedy occurs. OLS members have been informed that golf carts are illegal on our roads. Calling the
police is about all we can do, but people don’t want to report neighbors to the police. His neighbors across the
street (#2 Sea Spray) drive their cart to the beach with their cooler and park there, returning home only to
replenish their cooler contents and then back to the beach front - their cart is parked at the beach 7-8 hours a
day. Bill is bringing this issue to the Board to point out the seriousness of the problem and to ask what the
Board is going to do.
c. Board discussion and action:
After Frank and Bill left, the Board discussed the issues.
1) Patafio hedges
Mary Finley said that Cheryl Patafio was offended by Margaret Farrelly’s request two years ago and that was
the end of that. Paul Rowean said someone from the Board should speak to the Patafios and offer a
compromise. Dave Woolley strongly suggested that two people should meet with the Patafios. Paul Graml and
Paul Rowean offered to go, to inform them that their hedges need to be cut back, for safety reasons and to
restore the neighbor’s view.
MOTION - that Paul Rowean and Paul Graml act as emissaries, meet with the Patafios, and try to work out a
compromise plan for their hedges - PASSED
2) Motorized vehicles
Mary Finley asked what we are going to do about the rapidly increasing number of motorized scooters that
are being parked near the bike racks at the beachfront. Should we allow them to park there? Should we allow
them on our roads?
MOTION - that we treat motorized scooters as motor vehicles and not allow them on our roads or to be parked
at the beachfront - PASSED
2. TREASURER’S REPORT
Anne Conway reported that we have $472 in savings account and $45,000 in checking (with only one unpaid
bill).
3. NEED FOR WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION
a.Winter storage
Dave Woolley distributed copies of a memo he has addressed to Dino Genga and other BOG members,
recommending that we get an itemized receipt signed by Harry Plaut for all OLS equipment that Plaut stores for
the winter (as per BOG-approved $800 contract with Plaut), to safeguard our property.
Paul Rowean inquired about maintenance of traffic barriers - should he power wash the barrier in front of his
house on Billow Road? - Dave said yes.
b. Insurance file
Dave also recommended that we have on file copies of all of our vendors’ insurance and that we be named as
“additional insured” in each of these policies. This pertains to Harry Plaut, the person who puts our raft in and
out of the water, and anyone else with whom we have a contract. We also must call each insurer and get
confirmation that each policy is in force and not being cancelled, These measures are necessary to cover
ourselves and protect our interests and investments.
c. Golf carts
Wilson said we also should get copies of golf cart owners’ insurance. Paul Graml said we should not do this
and we were also reminded that the Randazzo vehicle is not a golf cart.
MOTION - that Paul Graml draft another golf cart letter, as a follow-up to golf cart letter sent to members with
call to the Annual Meeting, distribute this draft by email to BOG for approval, and then send it to golf cart
owners - PASSED
4. ASSIGNMENT OF BOARD MEMBER AS DIRECTOR OF RECREATION
Julia Nixon wants the Board to assign one Board member as Director of Recreation. The Board discussed this
request and was not in favor of it. Paul Graml said Julia should give the Board a list of her proposals and the
Board can act on that.
5. BEACH CLEANING
There was discussion of Harry Plaut’s performance (mixed opinions) - he has been paid up to date - what
should we do now? Mary Finley said he needs to be closely supervised - someone needs to “ride herd” over
him. Paul Rowean and others suggested that we put this matter aside for now and evaluate him at the end of
the season, as per the terms of our contract with him.
6. DRAINAGE REPORT
Charlie Beal expressed his gratitude that there have been no floods since he took on this job as head of the
Board drainage committee. He has talked to Old Colony people involved with this issue and concluded that
what is needed is a large pipe to empty into the Sound, adequate to handle torrential storms, and the means to
keep that pipe clear of debris. He distributed copies of a letter he has drafted to First Selectman Tim Griswold
from Dave Woolley and Harry Plaut, presidents of Old Lyme Shores and Old Colony respectively, requesting
Town assistance with drainage problems at Sheffield Brook. He read a document from January of this year, an
agreement between the Town and Old Colony regarding Sheffield Brook, which is good for one year. Now
there is need for further action in this matter.
MOTION - that Charlie is authorized to send this letter, once it is approved by Harry Plaut, and that if there is
any major change in its content he will bring it back to the Board for approval before sending - PASSED
7. WATER AND PAVING REPORT
Dino Genga said that we have engaged the architectural firm to conduct Tests 1 and 2 and we will need to pay
them half ($4,000) in advance and half upon completion. In late November, we will be ready to go out to bid for
the contractor to do Brightwater. Joe Wren will give CT Water Company a list of specifications - what must be
the end result of their work. They will have the road dug up and taken away, lay 8-inch pipes 5 feet deep, and
will cover with gravel. Joe Wren will also give our paving contractor specifications for what is to be the end
result of his work. We will seek three bids - from B & L, Schumacher, and one other - for paving from 156 to the
sea wall.
Dino met with Don Brodeur, Jr., who sold Sound View Improvement Company to CT Water Company. CT Water
was not exactly thrilled, according to Brodeur, but they were forced to purchase by the DPUC. Brodeur also
strongly suggested to Dino that we get Phase 1 done now - take what we can get now - because CT Water
Company is very difficult when it comes to money, and their new vice-president is especially tight-fisted with the
dollars.
Paul Rowean echoed Dino’s sense of urgency about moving right along and getting what we can get from CT
Water Company before they find a way to change their mind and hold back. He also reported on his
discussions with Gil Soucie who has done further research on the ballfield property at 308 Gorton Avenue
Extension.
8. FALL MEETING
Our Fall Meeting will be Saturday, September 9 at Mile Creek School. The Board discussed Paul Rowean’s
suggestions that we bring before the Fall Meeting the question of making the ballfield property part of Old Lyme
Shores, to enhance its marketability, and also the thought that perhaps we should just resurface our other
roads besides Brightwater - tone down the proposed Phases beyond Phase 1 for now.
Relating to property sales, Terry Walsh mentioned that she has looked into the property for sale on Shore
Road (former Italian-American Club). She called the number on the sign and got Dawn Root, at Old Lyme
Seafood, who is part of a trust that owns the property for sale. She wants to keep the property but is out-
numbered by others in the trust who want to sell it.
The Board discussed a format of having Dino, at the Fall Meeting, propose spending $150,000 for the Phase 1
Brightwater Road project and then have Paul Rowean present the prospect of selling the ballfield property for
around $250,000. Paul Graml said the Association should vote on these issues by a mail ballot, not at the Fall
Meeting. And we should explain that we are not abandoning “the grand plan”(all 5 Phases) presented at the
Annual Meeting; instead, we are simply modifying our approach so as to take one step at a time - Brightwater
now, the others later.
9. FOLLOW-UP MEETING AND VOTE DURING OCTOBER, 2006
Dave Woolley suggested that perhaps we should vote on the issues by mail and then have another Association
meeting at the end of October or early November.
Charlie Beal said that at the Fall Meeting we should vote on two proposals:
a. Brightwater Road project, at a cost not to exceed $150,000
b. Sale of the ballfield property
Also to be considered is the question of financing - special assessment or tax? - over a two-year period,
payments equal among all, or geared to property value?
It was proposed that Dave write the call to the Fall Meeting and agenda. Paul Rowean wants Board approval of
the agenda before it is sent out. Then, at the Fall Meeting, we should tell attendees that when we have
adequate information they will be sent a ballot for voting by mail, one vote per household.
MOTION - that we present to the membership what we are proposing and tell them that this will be followed by a
mail ballot at a later date - PASSED
Paul Graml expressed his strong feeling that we should keep distinctly separate the two issues of selling the
ballfield and doing the Brightwater Road project and that a ballot should be sent out immediately for a vote on
selling the ballfield.
MOTION - that we send out a letter and ballot to the membership as soon as possible regarding the sale of the
ballfield - PASSED
10. OTHER BUSINESS
a. Minutes of previous meeting
Mary Finley requested a change in the minutes of the 7/20/06 Board Meeting - the cost of mowing the ballfield
property is $175, not $125 as recorded. The minutes were approved as amended.
b. Easement Agreement
There was discussion of the question of building a walkway over in the flat rocks area, as per the easement
agreement. Paul Graml said that according to counsel, the easement agreement dictates that we must build a
walkway. Related considerations are whether we should just leave it as it is and do nothing, or should we
discuss the matter with the Wainrights - do they want a walkway? Dave said there is a third option available:
get an amendment to the easement agreement, so we are no longer obligated to build a walkway.
c. Open House
Anne Conway requested that the call to the Fall Meeting include, at the bottom, an invitation to an Open House
at the home of Anne & Jay Conway, 37 Billow Road, from 4 - 6:30 PM on Saturday, September 9 - $5.00
/person, plus a plate of hors d’oeuvres.
d. NEXT BOARD MEETING
The Board will meet at 6 PM on Friday, September 8, at Dave Woolley’s house.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:55 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Constance L. Gray
Secretary
Old Lyme Shores Beach Association