LYME — Voters indicated a strong preference for preserving public access to a long-closed section of River Road at their Town Meeting on Tuesday.
In an otherwise uneventful meeting, they also overrode the Selectboard’s decision to cut funds for a beach supervisor and lifeguards at Chase Beach, passed a $2.39 million operating budget and approved a proposal to construct a new fire station.
Though the warrant article regarding River Road was tabled by recommendation of the Selectboard, residents informally reviewed and voted on three options for the 1,053-foot section of road. Just a handful of voters wished to discontinue the road and allow the adjoining property owners to control access, while the remainder supported making the road a Class VI road or a public trail.
The section of road has been closed since 2015 due to erosion from the Connecticut River, and completion of a bypass project is slated for this summer.
An amendment to add $15,000 to the town operating budget to keep lifeguards and a beach supervisor at Chase Beach on Post Pond was the biggest topic of debate at the 3½-hour meeting. The Selectboard said its decision to remove the items from the budget was in response to problems that had recently occurred at the beach, including at least one incident that required police intervention.
“It isn’t about the money. It’s about the operation of the pond at this point,” Selectboard member Judith Brotman said.
Lyme residents, however, said the beach is an asset to the community and a popular spot for children and should be operated accordingly.
“To have this managed in a safe way is important,” Lyme resident Kari Allen said.
Along with the $15,000 amendment, voters also approved a $10,000 amendment aimed at responding to coronavirus cases if and when they occur in town. The approved amended budget, along with additional appropriations totaling $625,000, will result in a tax rate of about $6.74 per $1,000 of assessed property value, about a 6% reduction from last year, according to the Selectboard.
“The big message we got is to control the bottom line,” Selectboard Chairman Kevin Sahr told voters.
The proposal to construct a $1.4 million fire station and pay for the $500,000 balance with a seven-year bond passed by ballot vote, 202-6, with no debate.
A proposal to repair a portion of River Road at the North Thetford intersection met with some resistance by residents who said the repairs were detrimental to the environment, but the proposal ultimately passed.
Residents also voted in favor of a proposal, not included on the warrant, to begin video-recording Selectboard meetings.
In all-day voting, residents defeated a petitioned amendment to the zoning ordinance, 376-117. Audrey Brown, Katharine Ramsden and Georgina Voegele won Library trustee seats.
In a contested Planning Board race, incumbent Tim Cook defeated a challenge from Rich Brown, 312-171.
Sarah Earle can be reached at searle@vnews.com or 603-727-3268.