Posted on September 28, 2026
By Rich Kirby,
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.
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.
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.
Lampos moved to approve the resolution, Mesham seconded, and the board approved it 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.
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.
