As we all know, July 4^th is just one week away. Last Friday representatives from the beach associations met with Resident State Trooper Matt Weber, Officer Dominic Solari, Fire Marshal Dave Roberge, and me to discuss safety and security issues for the holiday weekend. Beach association representatives provided their thoughts and ideas on what could be done to ensure that we all have an enjoyable holiday weekend in Old Lyme. I will be posting a special notice next week to provide you with our plan.

On Saturday, I assisted Tony Verillo with the golf cart inspections at Hawks Nest Beach. Tony inspected over forty-five golf carts in the three and a half hours we were there. There were forty-two carts that passed the inspection, and the others had some minor issues that needed to be addressed. Once the owners have passed the inspection, they come to Town Hall and provide proof of insurance, a signed liability waiver and a $25 fee. They leave with a Town of Old Lyme license plate and a 2025 golf cart sticker. Inspections will be done every two years, but registration stickers will be required every year.

Golf Cart Inspections will take place in the Sound View parking lot tomorrow, Saturday, June 28^th from 8:30 – 12:00PM. All Sound View residents who have a golf cart need to come and have them inspected, sign the liability waiver, and show proof of insurance. They will be given their 2025 stickers after passing the inspection. Most Sound View residents already have license plates, but they will be issued for any golf carts new to Sound View.

On Wednesday, I attended the monthly RiverCOG meeting. This meeting provides local government leaders with information regarding state legislative news, updates on State DOT projects and addresses concerns for our area of the state. We also receive updates from aides for Senator Blumenthal, Senator Murphy and Congressman Courtney’s offices. I was pleased to help connect Executive Director Joshua Torrance and his staff at the FloGris with the RiverCOG team so that they could host our monthly meeting. It was so nice to share our beautiful museum with other area leaders.  

Holiday Closings

Please remember that Town Hall and the Transfer Station will be closed on Friday, July 4^th in observance of the holiday. The Transfer Station will be open on Saturday, July 5^th.

Hurricane Awareness Class

The Connecticut Division of Emergency Management & Homeland Security will be hosting a Hurricane Awareness Class for anyone who would like to attend. The class will be held Tuesday, August 12, from 8:00 - 5:00PM at the Old Saybrook Fire Department. Please click here for more information.  

Tax Collectors Office

Tax Collector Suzanne Thompson reminds us that Property taxes for the new Fiscal Year that starts July 1 are being mailed today. Although your tax bill states “Due July 1,” you have until August 1 to pay the first installment of your Real Estate and Personal Property taxes and your Motor Vehicle taxes without interest penalties. The Town of Old Lyme does not accept advance payment of property taxes before the new Fiscal Year starts on July 1. You will be able to search and pay your bills at Tax Collector | Old Lyme, CT starting July 1. The Old Lyme Tax Office will be focused on closing its books for the current Fiscal Year on Monday, June 30. See Tax Office Legal & Public Notices | Old Lyme, CT  and  your Events Magazine for details.

Town Clerks Office

Many of our furry friends visited during the month of June to get their new dog licenses. Please remember that Monday, June 30^th is the last day to obtain your dog license for $8.00. A late charge of $1.00 will be added starting July 1^st.

We also had a phone call from a property owner that lives out of state. They had been contacted by a realtor in East Lyme stating that their property was listed for sale. It is not! Please consider signing up for Property Check.  The information can be found on the Town Clerks page. It is free to Old Lyme taxpayers.  

Special Notes

Yesterday the Best Friends Animal Society informed the Board of Selectmen that the Old Lyme Animal Shelter and Animal Control Department has achieved or maintained a 90% save rate for calendar year 2024! The Society has sent the Town Hall Animal Control department an award plaque/certificate. Special thanks to Animal Control Officer Lynn Philemon and her staff for doing their best for our animals in need.  

During the summer, many of our Town Hall staff use some of their vacation time for a well-deserved rest. I want you to know that each of those individuals play an important role in the services you receive. The rest of the staff pitch in so that in their absence, you still receive the best possible service. We are so lucky to have such a dedicated team at the Old Lyme Town Hall.

All my best, 
Martha