OLD LYME, CT — Old Lyme residents will pay higher fees for disposing of bulky waste after the Board of Selectmen unanimously approved new transfer station rates Sept. 21, while also backing a grant application to dredge the Point O'Woods channel.
The transfer station changes, approved 3-0, increase the charge for bulky waste from 8 cents to 9 cents per pound and from $160 to $180 per ton. The minimum charge for loads weighing less than 100 pounds will rise from $8 to $9.
Waste and Recycling Coordinator Raechel Peterson told the selectmen the changes are intended to offset an annual 4 percent increase in service and disposal charges under the town's contract with CWPM. That increase takes effect Oct. 1.
The fee schedule included with the minutes also shows increases for large upholstered furniture, from $10 to $11, and small upholstered furniture, from $5 to $6. Fees for propane tanks and carpeting remain unchanged. The schedule says several tire-disposal fees will become free on a date to be announced, while propane tanks weighing less than 20 pounds have been free since December 2025.
Selectman Jim Lampos moved to approve the new rates, Selectman John Mesham seconded, and the motion passed 3-0.
The selectmen also voted 3-0 to support a Point O'Woods Beach Association application for a Connecticut SHIPP grant to dredge the Point O'Woods channel.
Association Board of Governors President Abe Krisst told the board that the grant must flow through the municipality. According to the resolution, the project would dredge the channel to allow water to flow from the Three Mile River and maintain the marsh and river to the north while allowing boats to pass without being impeded by accumulated sand.
Under the resolution, Old Lyme will serve as the official applicant and primary recipient because the grant program requires a municipal entity to fill that role. If funding is awarded, the town would serve as the fiduciary agent and enter into a pass-through agreement with the Point O'Woods Beach Association establishing each party's responsibilities.
Lampos moved to approve the resolution, Mesham seconded, and the board approved it 3-0.
The board also unanimously approved the warning for an Oct. 6 special town meeting following the resignation of Board of Education member Scott Brown. First Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker said the special town meeting is being held to elect Brown's replacement. Lampos made the motion, Mesham seconded, and it passed 3-0.
In another unanimous decision, the selectmen voted to return Town Hall to its normal operating hours rather than make the summer schedule permanent.
Shoemaker said some department heads had asked to retain the summer hours, noting that more people had been arriving at 8 a.m. She said she had also received comments from residents and taxpayers both supporting and opposing the change. The board discussed the effects of an earlier opening during inclement weather and expectations about when Town Hall should be open for business. Officials noted that the summer schedule did not reduce the Town Hall's 35-hour workweek.
Lampos moved to return to the normal schedule, Mesham seconded, and the motion passed 3-0.
Discussion of the Old Lyme Fire Department pension was postponed until the board's Oct. 19 meeting at the request of Rob McCarthy.
The board also recognized DiMillo's Yacht Sales for donating labor, materials and expertise for maintenance work on Old Lyme Fire Department Marine 38. Selectmen and fire department representatives presented a certificate of appreciation to Josh Dean and DiMillo's Marina staff.
During general discussion, Shoemaker said Finance Director Anita Mancini had prepared draft financial policies that would be provided to the selectmen for discussion Oct. 19. Handbook revisions are also scheduled to return at that meeting. Shoemaker additionally said the town is working to map storm drains and could eventually identify their locations through its GIS system.
The Sept. 8 Board of Selectmen minutes were approved 3-0, while action on the Aug. 17 special meeting minutes was postponed until Oct. 19.
The Sept. 21 meeting was held at Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall.
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