This past week has been busy in Town Hall. The First Selectman’s office has been preparing for the upcoming referendum and budget season. We have published an information sheet on the referendum. There will be a Town Meeting on Tuesday, December 9^th at 7 PM in Memorial Town Hall. The purpose of this meeting is to move the resolution to referendum. The only vote taken that night will be by the three selectmen to move the question to paper ballot and the referendum, which will be held on December 16^th. 

A special thanks to our Town Clerk, Vicki Urbowicz and Assistant Town Clerk, Courtney Joy who have been busy accepting absentee ballot applications and mailing out ballots for the referendum.

Our budget preparation has officially begun. Finance Director, Anita Mancini has forwarded all the necessary paperwork to each department as well as the chairs of all boards, commissions and committees. This paperwork enables us to build the budget and then begin to review it in our January budget meetings. The Board of Finance will then conduct its review of the draft budget in February.

The Connecticut Council of Municipalities held their annual conference on Tuesday, at the Mohegan Sun. I attended the conference with Selectmen Jim Lampos and John Mesham and Facilities Director Erik Olsen. This conference provides us with opportunities for professional development during three breakout sessions and networking with other town leaders. Lyme’s First Selectwoman, Christy Zelek joined us in attendance.

Zoning Update

Land Use Director, Eric Knapp has notified me that the updated Zoning Regulations are now posted online. The Old Lyme Zoning Commission is undertaking a comprehensive review and update of the Town’s zoning regulations, marking the first major overhaul in decades. The Commission has completed the Phase I draft, which focuses on cleaning up, eliminating errors and inconsistencies, reorganizing, and improving the readability of the existing regulations. This phase does not introduce substantive policy changes. 

The draft regulations have been submitted for review by state, regional, and local agencies, as well as the general public. A complete copy is available on the Zoning Commission’s website and in hard copy at the Town Clerk’s office. The Commission will also provide a summary outlining the key elements of the proposed updates.

Public hearings on the Phase I draft are anticipated to take place in January and February. The Commission encourages residents, business owners, and all interested parties to participate in the process and share their feedback.

With a solid technical foundation in place, Phase II will address the key policy questions shaping Old Lyme’s future development and will include extensive stakeholder engagement and multiple opportunities for public input. While formal review of submissions will not begin until Phase 2, written comments are welcome at any time. Consultation with boards and commissions will include a collaborative workshop and cross-cutting work sessions. Public engagement will feature community listening sessions, opportunities to comment on the full draft regulations, and public hearings. Because this phase may change what is allowed, where it is allowed, and how uses are permitted, the process will remain transparent and highly participatory.

2025 Citizen of the Year

Nominations for the Town of Old Lyme’s Citizen of the Year are now being accepted. We announce the Citizen of the Year at the Annual Town Meeting on January 26, 2026. Please note that the Board of Selectmen will accept nominations until January 5^th.

Winter Weather

Governor Ned Lamont has announced that due to a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut will experience arctic temperatures averaging 10 to 20 degrees below normal over the next several days, he has directed the state’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol to be activated and in effect until 12:00 PM on Tuesday, December 9^th. This is the first time this season that the protocol has been activated. Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.

Did you know?

Each month the Town of Old Lyme pays $53,263 for our trash to be picked up? In October the 78.62 tons of Single Stream Recycling Total Cost and Tonnage: was billed at $10,063 and our 235 tons of Solid Waste Total Cost and Tonnage total charge was $22,202. This is one of the reasons small towns like Old Lyme are working together to lower these costs, but we need your input. RiverCOG has asked our assistance in directing you to their survey on Waste and Recycling. This is your last opportunity to express your opinions on a regional basis, as our collective communities work to decrease costs for waste and recycling. Their survey closes on Monday, December 8^th. Raechel Petersen, our Waste and Recycling Coordinator, has asked that residents also complete the Waste & Recycling survey specifically for the Town of Old Lyme.

Here are some upcoming events you may be interested in attending-

Saturday, December 6^th

• Winter Market and Studio Tour – Lilywork Studio, at 56 Lyme Street, will hold a studio tour and specialty gift market from 1-4 PM
• Duck River Garden Club and the Lyme Artisans Guild will hold their Holiday Market at the Old Lyme Historical Society at 55 Lyme Street from 12-4 PM. They will offer festive holiday wreaths and table toppers as well as handcrafted jewelry, prints, woodenware and fabric arts. The Historical Society’s new gift shop is fully stocked with books, calendars, and home goods.
• 5^th Annual Holiday Enchantment and Tree Lighting will take place at the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts from 3-5 PM.

Sunday, December 7^th

• The Old Lyme Town Band Holiday Concert will take place at the Lymes’ Senior Center at 2 PM. Come get into the holiday spirit with us! This concert is open to all so bring your spouse, kids, grandkids, and friends with you as we all get festive!

Wishing you a warm weekend!

All my best, 
Martha