Welcome to the Town of Lyme, NY

Residents must register by Friday, 6/22/2018 to vote if they are not already registered to vote in the Park Land Acquisition Referendum.
NYS Department of Public Service links to Wind Projects

           Town  of Lyme Mourns The Loss of Gary P. Nicholson
               
                Member of   Lyme Central School Board,   Town of  Lyme  Water Board
                 and Board of Assessment Review.      A dedicated   and  civic minded   friend
                 to us   all.    Our   sincerest sympathies to his family.

​Gary P. Nicholson, 74, of Three Mile Bay passed away Wednesday night at home surrounded by his loving family and hospice.  Gary was born July 3, 1943, in Watertown NY. He was the son of James Nicholson and Mabel Fenstermaker Nicholson.  He graduated from Watertown High School in 1961 and earned an associate’s degree in business from SUNY Canton and a master’s degree in education from SUNY Fredonia.  He started his career teaching middle school English in North Collins, NY.  He married the love of his life, Sharon Taft, on December 29, 1982. Gary had a long and successful career.  His career started in North Collins and spanned 33 years.  He began as an English teacher and then continued in the same district as a secondary principal.  He furthered his career by becoming superintendent of the same district before retiring in 2000.  Even after retirement he still continued his love of education and community.  After moving to Three Mile Bay to be closer to family and to enjoy his retirement by the lake, he became a member of the F&AM Masonic Lodge in Chaumont, NRA, and NYS Retired Teachers Association.  He also became active in the Chaumont Town Board and was acting president of the Lyme School Board from 2004 until his death. Gary enjoyed gardening, boating, and spending time with his family.  Gary and Sharon were also avid travelers and had travelled to all 50 states and Mexico, collecting shirts and magnets from each destination.  They also enjoyed numerous family vacations with their children and grandchildren. Besides his wife, he is survived by a son James ( Araceli) Nicholson of Three Mile Bay,  two daughters, Julie (Ilir) Aliu of Baldwinsville and Jennifer ( Eric) Thompson of Clayton, NY and a brother David (Amy) Nicholson of Macedon NY.   He leaves behind his 7 grandchildren, Jack, Trisha, Sydney, Norah, Wesley, Adam, Ximena, and 1 baby on the way. He was predeceased by his parents, a brother James (1942), and two half brothers, Maitland and Glenn Nicholson. Calling hours will be Monday from 3-7 at the D.L Calarco Funeral Home in Watertown.  A funeral service will be Tuesday at 9:30 with Reverend Leon Schilling officiating.  Burial will be at the convenience of the family in North Watertown Cemetery.  Continuing his love of education a scholarship in his name will be in place through the Lyme Central School P.O Box 219, Chaumont, NY 13622.  Condolences may be made online at www.dlcalarco.com.


                                                    
 Town of Lyme Acquisition of Town of Lyme Tax Map Parcel Number: 61.51-
1-42.1 to be used as Recreation and Park Land at an estimated cost not to exceed $336,000.

Dear Town Resident,  
The Town of Lyme at a meeting on May 9, 2018 adopted a Bond Resolution for the acquisition of Town of Lyme Tax Map Parcel Number: 61.51-1-42.1 to be used as Recreation and Park Land at a cost of $336,000 which is subject to mandatory referendum. The Town Board established a date for the special election as July 17, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Town of Lyme Office located at 12175 NYS Route 12E, Chaumont, New York and the Three Mile Bay Fire Hall located at 8581 NYS Route 12E, Three Mile Bay, New York. The proposition to be placed on the ballot is as follows: 

Should the Town of Lyme acquire Town of Lyme Tax Map Parcel Number: 61.51-1-42.1 to be used as Recreation and Park Land at a cost of $336,000? ____Yes ____No  

Should you require an absentee ballot or information regarding the same, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office at the above referenced address, or by fax at (315)649-2049 or email at lymetownclerk@twcny.rr.com or clerktosuper@townoflyme.com.  A form will need to be completed. The request for the absentee ballot may be made at any time, but if the request is being made by mail, it must be received at least seven (7) days prior to July 17, 2018. In the event the request is being made in person, it can be made even the day before. The absentee ballot must be post marked no later than July 17, 2018 and received by the Town within five (5) business days thereafter. The absentee ballots will be counted at that time. It is not sufficient to fax or email a copy of the absentee ballot back. The original ballot must be received.

Respectfully, The Lyme Town Board

           TOWN AGREES TO PURCHASE MAGEE PROPERTY

                       PENDING VOTER APPROVAL
  At the May meeting, the Town Board passed a resolution to seek funding for the purchase of the Geordie Magee property located on Main Street in Chaumont overlooking Sawmill Bay.  By a unanimous vote, the board agreed to accept the purchase offer of Mr. Magee pending a Mandatory Referendum vote of registered Town voters.  A special vote will be held on July 17th from 4-9 pm to seek permission for the purchase.  More information regarding the vote will be on the town website, but it is expected ballot boxes will be set up at the Town Office and the Three Mile Bay fire hall just like regular elections.  The Town will gather as much information as possible regarding the purchase price, available grants, plans for the property, annual expected maintenance costs and any other pertinent information we can gather so you, the voters, will be informed and can make an educated decision.  Once the information is gathered, we will do a special mailing to each registered voter in the Town.  Holding an "informational meeting" has also been discussed and a date for that will be advertised.  The information will also be on the town website at www.townoflyme.com.  All of the information should be finalized and available the first week in July, or sooner, with a special meeting held in the second week with the vote on the third Tuesday.                            
          
​          HELP US PREPARE OUR 200th BIRTHDAY

                     Bi-Centennial Celebration Meeting

Thursday, July 12, 2018 at Town of Lyme office @ 6:30 pm.  Anyone interested in volunteering and working toward the celebrating of the Town of Lyme 200th anniversary is welcome.  Come one, come all.

​                 Bicentennial Plans Nearly Finalized

                                Looking for individuals who have a convertible or classic car
                            and are willing to chauffeur the various dignitaries in the parade.

  Plans for the Bicentennial Celebration are coming along nicely and are nearly finalized.  The Bicentennial Celebration weekend will be July 27, 28 & 29.  On the evening of Friday, July 27th, there will be a free ice cream social and a block dance starting at 7:00 pm at the Three Mile Bay Fire Department with live music.  On Saturday, July 28th, free Zumba will be held in the TDS parking lot and the annual Community Days Craft Show will be on the grounds of the Lyme Community Foundation at the Copley House.  The Annual Antique Car Show will be exhibited all day long at the Chaumont Volunteer Fire Department. 
​  There will also be a Bicentennial Dedication Ceremony, tentatively set to start at 3:30 pm, held on the town owned land adjacent to the Chaumont Village Beach.  State and Local dignitaries will be present to recognize the Bicentennial occasion and also to commemorate the placement of a town "monument",  plaque and time capsule.  Representatives from the towns of Cape Vincent, Clayton and Brownville will also be invited.  The Town of Lyme seceded from the Town of Brownville, and in later years, Cape Vincent and Clayton seceded from the Town of Lyme to form their own townships. 
​  Rather than purchase a monument, and to maintain some history, it was felt by the committee that it would be nice to find a limestone block that was cut in one of the quarries here in the town.  We feel we have found the perfect piece of limestone.  Mark, Tara and Christopher Morina, owners of Chaumont Bay Marina have graciously offered a limestone block located on their property that was part of the foundation for the railroad tressel that crossed the Chaumont River.  It is also believed that the limestone came from the Depauville quarry across the river.
  At the Chaumont Village Beach, "Concerts at the Beach" will begin at 5:00 pm with the sixteen piece big band music of the Arrhythmias playing at the Bicentennial Stage tent.  The Arrhythmias Big Band was started by a group of Watertown doctors in 1977.  Through the years many musicians have played with the group.  They continue to play big band swing music for your dancing and listening pleasure. 
  At 6:30 pm, Blues recording artist Tas Cru is tentatively set to  perform on the beach gazebo.   Tas Cru (aka Rick Bates), a Three Mile Point resident, is an international touring and recording artist on the VizzTone label.  His current album, Simmered & Stewed is a 2017 Syracuse Area Music Award (SAMMY – best blues album) winner and is nominated for a 2018 Blues Music Award by the International Blues Foundation, Memphis, Tennessee.
  At 7:30 pm the concert will continue at the Bicentennial Stage tent with the music of the 10th Mountain Division Band.  The  Mission of the 10th Mountain Division band is to "provide music throughout the spectrum of military operations to instill in our soldiers the will to fight and win, foster the support of our citizens, and promote our national interests at home and abroad."  The band has been deployed to nearly a dozen campaigns in support of our fighting troops. Following the concert will be the grand finale fireworks sponsored by the Chaumont/Three Mile Bay Chamber of Commerce.  Don't forget to bring your lawn chairs.  Let's Bounce Inflatable Rentals will have bounce houses for the children and the Masonic Lodge will have the "doughmobile" for fried dough and there will be concession stands for refreshments.    A parade, carnival and chicken barbeque are schedule for Sunday, July 29th in Chaumont.  The parade will begin at 1:00 pm at the Lyme Central School parking lot, march east down Academy Street and then down Madison Street to Main Street. The parade will continue down Main Street past the Chaumont fire hall and down Circle Drive (past Valley Peetza) and into the Bicentennial Carnival grounds held at the fire hall.  A traffic detour route going down Morris Tract Road onto Van Alstyne Road into Depauville and onto Old Town Springs Road to Cheever Road and then onto Millens Bay Road will be available for traffic that does not wish to wait for the parade (and enjoys lovely, scenic drives).
  In addition to the marching of the local area fire departments, local school bands, Boy and Girl Scout troops, dignitaries and Cape Vincent American Legion, we are asking, and encouraging, any business, club, organization, churches and individuals to march, enter a float or some other entry in the parade.  Please be at the Lyme Central School parking lot by 12:30.  We are also looking for individuals who have a convertible or classic car which they are willing to drive for the various dignitaries that will be in the parade.
  We are thrilled to announce the scheduled participation of two of the areas best known fife, drum and bugle corps.  The Original Yanks Drum and Bugle Corps is one of the oldest American Legion Sponsored Senior Drum Corps in New York State.  They have been performing at field days, festivals, parades and community events since 1956 and are still going strong.  In addition to the Original Yanks, the Camden Continentals Fife and Drum Corps have agreed to march in the parade. The Camden Continentals did not actually begin in Camden. In 1850, an ancestor of current corps director Jeff Waterman, Alanson White organized a fife and drum corps in Taberg, NY.  In high demand in their time, the Taberg Fife and Drum Corps played at political rallies and patriotic celebrations, including the inauguration of President Ulysses S. Grant.  In 1947, the Corps moved to Camden and became the Camden Continentals. 
  An old fashioned field days type carnival will be held on the back grounds of the Chaumont Volunteer Fire Department from 2:00 - 6:00 pm.  Mechanical rides and bounce houses will be available.  Both the Original Yanks and the Camden Continentals will perform at the carnival after the parade. 
​  We are asking, and encouraging, any business, club, organization, churches and individuals to also plan, organize and operate a carnival game (ring toss, dunking booth, pop the balloon, etc.).  Game operators may operate a game as a fund raiser.  If you are interested in operating a game, contact Scott Aubertine at 315-767-8814.  Also, if anyone wishes to operate some type of concession stand (popcorn, cotton candy, etc.), that is also welcomed. The more community involvement we have, the less we have to pay the carnival owner to supply those games and concessions.  

                             TOWN BOARD MEETINGS STREAMED LIVE
The town board meetings have been video recorded and placed on the town website for several years.
Now, through the graciousness of Steve Weed Productions, our meetings will be streamed live.  To watch the board meetings each month on your computer click on the link below.
                                                              https://livestream.com/swp/lyme.  
                           The town board meets the second Wednesday of every month at 6:30 pm. 

                                                       
                        NEW TRANSFER SITE HOURS OF OPERATION:

   Effective    April 1, 2018  the Town of Lyme Transfer Site will be open
from 9am-4pm  on   Wednesday & Saturday.  Sunday from 9-6pm.  On Tuesday and Friday the Transfer Site is open from 9am - 1pm.


                                            A message from the Commissioner
        of NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
I would like to inform New Yorkers about our free See Something,Send Something app. When you download the app to your smart phone, you will be able to quickly and anonymously inform authorities about suspicious activity.  It's our responsibility to pay attention and take action. Learn more about how to spot, describe, and report suspicious activity at: on.ny.gov/SafeguardNY.
 Sincerely,
 Roger L. Parrino, Sr.
Commissioner, NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services 


                                         FROM THE ASSESSORS OFFICE
There is a lot of concern in the Town of Lyme about strangers in cars taking photos of children lately. We want to let everyone know that if one of our Town Assessors is out checking property and taking photos of houses, their vehicle will have a car sign in the window that says "Town of Lyme Assessor." The Assessor would also not be using a cell phone to take their photos, they would have a camera. They also carry ID's to identify them as assessors. If you see a vehicle that you are concerned about, you can call the Town Office and we will have the make, year and color of the vehicle that the Assessor is driving. The number is 315-649-2788.                                        
　               
                              Star Exemption Update 
 As of right now, new Star applicants have to apply with New York State Dept. of Taxation and Finance.
 The Assessors continue to control those already receiving Star. 

2018 TRANSFER SITE STICKERS AVAILABLE   
TOWN TAXPAYERS MAY GET THE STICKERS AT THE LYME TRANSFER SITE.
                            
                        GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM MAPPING APPLICATION (GIS)


The Town of Lyme is pleased to announce today's launch of DANC's new and improved version of the Geographic Information System (GIS) Internet Mapping Application.  This upgrade is more user-friendly and intuitive, with enhanced functionality and new tools and features.

Working in concert with six other Jefferson County communities, Lyme contracted with the Development Authority of the North Country to map infrastructure in the Town’s water districts.   These maps are accessible through an internet-based GIS which facilitates efficient access to information on critical water infrastructure serving 250 Town users.  In addition to water infrastructure, the GIS contains aerial imagery and parcel data for areas of the Town not served by water.  The Town of Lyme has made the GIS open to the public.  Users can access the system by visiting the Development Authority of the North Country’s website and clicking on the ‘Launch DANC GIS Application’ button on the top of the webpage. 
                                                                                   
                                               
                     Building Project in Your Future?

                             Don’t Forget the Permit

As promised, spring has arrived! Now that a lot of us are feeling the urge to repair or expand one of our most valuable investments, our property, a reminder that many building projects need a zoning and building permit.

Since we offer zoning and building permit services at our Lyme Town Office, we are a "One Stop” Department, saving you a trip to Watertown. Most permits are easily obtainable and usually only take several days. To expe-dite your permit process, the following items will be needed. When you come it would be helpful to have your application completely filled out, a recent property survey map, and an accurate sketch of the new structure and its location on the property. Buildings located in known flood zones will also require an elevation certificate available only from a surveyor.  The final step will require that the new structure be "staked out" to indicate its location on the property.

As a quick reminder, structures need to be properly setback from adjoining property lines. Consult with our office for the setbacks that apply to your property.  We are always available to help you have an enjoyable and successful building experience. Tell us how we my help!  

Jim Millington, ZEO/CEO
The Town of Lyme Building Office
Cell- (315) 777-6115



                                                                    KEEP OUR TOWN CLEAN

                                                                     PLEASE DO NOT LITTER

                                                           NY CLS Veh & Tr § 1220 (2004) Litter Law

Throwing refuse on highways and adjacent lands prohibited (a) No person shall throw, dump, deposit or place, or cause to be thrown, dumped, deposited or placed upon any highway, or within the limits of the right of way of such highway, or upon private lands adjacent thereto, any refuse, trash, garbage, rubbish, litter or any nauseous or offensive matter. (c) A violation of the provisions of subdivision (a) of this section shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed $250 and/or a requirement to perform services for a public or not-for-profit corporation, association, institution or agency not to exceed 8 and for any second or subsequent violation by a fine not to exceed $500 and/or a requirement to perform services for a public or not-for-profit corporation, association, institution or agency not to exceed 8 hours.

 Chaumont River Corridor Waterfront Revitalization Strategy 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bw7R_6eVMz64aGhON3dkOEVURWM/view?usp=sharing

                            Punch Cards To Be Used at Transfer Site

At it's meeting on Wednesday, September 10th, the Lyme Town Board passed a resolution requiring the use of punch cards to pay for tipping fees at the Transfer Site.  Two months ago, the Town Board passed a resolution to accept only credit/debit cards or checks at the facility. After being informed that the town must accept cash payments, the decision was made to return to the punch card payment system used by the Town several years ago.  Residents who wish to pay by cash, may now purchase a punch card at the Town Office which they can take with them to the transfer site to pay for tipping fees or they may purchase a punch card at the transfer site by paying with a credit card or check.  The punch card program meets with the Comptroller's recommendations for accepting cash payments.  The punch cards should be available by October 1, 2014.  We thank our residents for your patience and understanding in this matter as we work to reduce the cash on hand at the transfer site and ensure the safety of our Transfer Site employees.           

               CASH PAYMENTS NO LONGER ACCEPTED AT TRANSFER SITE

In an effort to ensure the safety and well being of our transfer site employees, a decision has been made to begin accepting credit, debit cards or personal checks only at the transfer site.  The board understands a transition period will be needed to educate everyone to this change and has determined that a one month grace period will be given. Effective September 1st, cash payments for tipping fees will not be accepted.  Please remember to bring your credit or debit card, or a personal check, with you when you have items which requirement payment.

 
                              NEW LINK ADDED TO OUR WEBPAGE

A new link has been added under our "MORE" header that will take you to important emergency information. Important personal emergency information has been added.  New information will be added as it is gathered. The Town, along with the Fire Departments, Village officials and local residents will be developing an Emergency Management Plan to follow in the event of a chemical, natural or terrorist occurrence.  
                                                       
                                       TRANSFER SITE REQUIREMENTS


                                        ALL LOADS (COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL) MUST BE TARPED                                                       
According to NYS DEC laws, all transport of materials to the Town Transfer Site must be covered or confined (tied down). Please respect the State littering law and be respectful of those residents living along your route to the Transfer Site.  Let's all work to keep our town roads clean.

Subpart 360-1: General Provisions - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation

"Solid waste must not be accepted at a solid waste management facility unless the waste is adequately covered or confined in the vehicle transporting the waste to prevent dust and blowing litter." 


                                                   From The Lyme Building & Codes Office
 
 As a reminder to all our residents and contractors, a Zoning and Building Permit is required for most
types of construction and change of property use projects.  Some examples are: Some types of remodeling, New construction, Roof replacement, Fence construction, Heating equipment installation, Wood burning stoves, Wind and Solar Generation Systems, and Demolition.  Please check with our office regarding your project for further information.  As your Zoning and Building Code Enforcement Officer, I am always available to assist our residents and contractors in assuring that your building projects are safe, successful, and code compliant.  When you “Build to Code” your project will be safe, and have lasting value.  Our regular hours are: Tuesdays and Wednesday afternoons. 12-4. My office phone number is (315) 649-2788.  My cell phone number is: (315) 777-6115.  I look forward to serving our residents and contractors in this place we call “Paradise”, The Town of Lyme.  

Jim Millington, ZEO/CEO

                                                                    PRINT FISHING LICENSES FROM HOME

New York offers some of the best fishing in the country.  With trout and salmon fishing season starting April 1st – just around the corner – it is easier than ever this year for New Yorkers to be ready to enjoy great outdoor fishing on opening day.
 
For the first time, you can now purchase and print a fishing license from home by visiting licensecenter.ny.gov.  New York State has also reduced fishing license fees, improved access for fishing at various sites across the state, and expanded fishing clinics as part of the state’s NY Open for Fishing and Hunting initiative.  Fishing Access Sites located in the town of Lyme are at the NYS boat launch in Chaumont, the NYS boat launch in Three Mile Bay and the newly renovated boat launch at the Isthmus on Point Peninsula.
 
Anglers, consider investing in a lifetime fishing license that can be converted to an Adventure License and be eligible to receive a free adventure license plate for your vehicle in one of nine designs.
                                                                Transfer Site Changes 

Changes are underway at the town transfer site in how we handle recyclables.  In a cost savings measure, the town has contracted with the County for the pickup of recyclables.  County requirements are very strict in the enforcement of sorting and separating recyclables.  Dumpsters have been supplied for plastics, corrugated cardboard, soft cardboard, glass, paper and tin cans.  Transfer site employees will no longer be handling recyclables inside the building.  Residents are asked to comply with the new requirements and exhibit patience and understanding while we work to operate similarly to many other town transfer sites in the county.