This week we held our Board of Selectmen meeting on Monday. We approved the meeting dates for next year and planned our budget hearings as we finalize the budget for the Board of Finance review in February. The Conservation Commission also shared a draft of their revised mission statement. I was pleased to see that the members took the time to update it after hearing me mention it last March during our “Spring Into Action” day. Many thanks to Brandy Campbell, Gary Gregory and George Ryan for presenting it to us. They will be sharing it with other Land Use Commissions for their comments.

During our Selectmen’s General Discussion, we also brought up appointments for the Authorities, Boards, Commissions and Committees. Applications for positions are available here. Please remember that you must reapply if your term expires in January. 

REFERENDUM FOLLOW-UP
On Tuesday, we held the town wide referendum for the Sound View and Miscellaneous Area B Sewer Project. The voting took place in the meeting hall. There were 1018 people that came to vote in person and another 270 absentee ballots for a total of 1288 ballots cast. The final vote was 363 in favor (Yes) and 925 not in favor (No). The resolution to increase the original funding by $11,028,486. did not pass.

During the next two to three weeks, we will chart our course moving forward. On Saturday, Miami Beach Association holds their referendum. I am sure there will be upcoming meetings with DEEP and the private beach associations. The Board of Selectmen will keep you informed of next steps. Please remember that due to the holidays, the next two weeks will be rather quiet.

I have to thank our Registrars of Voters Jen Datum and Cathy Carter, Town Clerk Vicki Urbowicz and Assistant Town Clerk Courtney Joy, and our Assessor Melinda Kronfeld and Assessment Technician Anita Leittieri. Each of these offices worked efficiently and smoothly to make sure we provided the best services for all our registered voters and property owners. We also must thank Referendum Moderator Fred Verillo and all the poll workers for a well-run referendum.

Tuesday afternoon, Facilities Director Erik Olsen and I presided over the bid openings for the White Sand Beach gazebo rebuild project. Currently these bids are being reviewed by Sound Engineering Associates for completeness. We will provide you with more information after the holidays.

On Wednesday night, I was invited to attend the Old Lyme Fire Department holiday party. I was pleased to see all the volunteers who continue to serve this town as part of our emergency services operations. Each year, after a delicious meal, they share a slide show of their year. This presentation includes training exercises as well as emergencies where they responded. It is a very impressive presentation.

This past week, Finance Director Anita Mancini and I met with the majority of Town department managers to review their initial budget requests. The Board of Selectmen will review this draft on January 5^th, 12^th and 26^th with members of the Board of Finance. These are public meetings if you choose to attend.   

WELCOME TO RESIDENT STATE TROOPER DEREK McGREGOR
This morning, I had the pleasure of meeting with our new Resident State Trooper First Class, Derek McGregor. He is a 12-year veteran of the Connecticut State Police. Over the course of TFC McGregor's career, he has served at Troop K in Colchester and Troop E in Montville, and for the past five years has been assigned as a Detective within the Central District Major Crime Squad at Troop F in Westbrook.

Originally from Newport, Rhode Island, Trooper McGregor moved to Connecticut to begin his law enforcement career with the Connecticut State Police. He comes from a proud family tradition of law enforcement and has had a lifelong passion for serving the public. Both of Trooper McGregor's brothers currently work in law enforcement, and his father was tragically killed in the line of duty in 2001, while serving as a Major in the East Providence, RI police department.

Trooper McGregor and his family currently reside in East Lyme, where he enjoys fishing, clamming, and spending time outdoors. He is honored to serve the residents of Old Lyme and looks forward to building strong connections within the community. Trooper McGregor will officially take over on December 26^th. He will work closely with Interim Resident State Trooper Timothy Ryan, as well as our former Resident State Trooper Matt Weber until January 7^th. We look forward to a smooth transition!

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
I would also like to remind everyone that we are accepting nominations for the Citizen of the Year award. Applications can be found here. Please submit your nomination by January 5^th.

WASTE WISE
The Waste and Recycling Committee and our Waste and Recycling Coordinator Raechel Petersen created this informative handout to provide us with some ways to recycle during the holiday season. Please reuse items when you can to help the Town of Old Lyme reduce their tonnage for weekly curbside pickups.

RiverCOG SURVEY
RiverCOG has asked us to promote another survey to our residents. The topic is the Regional Connecticut Main Street Center Survey. In November, Town CEO’s, and Economic Development Committees provided their input and now is the time for the public to respond. RiverCOG's goal is to understand how each town center/business district is perceived and contributes to the region as a whole. A recap of the workshop can be viewed here: Workshop Recap  Learn more about this project at https://www.rivercog.org/cmsc. Please Take the Survey.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS
To end this busy week, we had our annual Ugly Sweater day and holiday luncheon. We also closed Town Hall for one hour so we could enjoy lunch together in the meeting hall. It was a great way to end a very busy week. Enjoy the photos!

Next week will be a shortened week in Town Hall. Although we will be back in the office on December 26th, we will not be publishing the weekly newsletter. If we have any necessary announcements, they will be posted on our Facebook page.

As the year draws to a close, I want to extend my warmest holiday wishes to you and your families. During this past year I have witnessed the incredible spirit of our community. Thank you for your resilience and for looking out for one another. Let's take time to connect with loved ones and remember the traditions that make our town special. May your homes be filled with peace and your hearts with happiness during these last festive weeks of 2025.  Happy Hannukah and Merry Christmas!

All my best, 
 Martha