July 6th 2002

Tuesday, August 6, 2002
By Mairgread Gray
Telegram & Gazzette

WEBSTER-- After much discussion about who could become a member of the proposed Webster Lake Association, residents of the Webster Lake area last night voted to accept as members anyone who pays taxes on deeded waterfront property. The large meeting room at Point Breeze Restaurant was crowded with people interested in the lake and its protection. The question of dock permits, whether given by the town or the state, drew many people but the issue did not arise until the end of the meeting.

Jane M. Hill, of 15 Indian Lane, drafted the agenda and conducted the meeting, which had people debating who should be allowed to join the fledgling group. Some thought everyone in town should be offered the opportunity to join, while others thought only those with frontage on the lake should be members. The group decided to start small and expand membership as needed. Members of the new Webster Lake Association will be taxpayers with deeded waterfront property. There will be one vote per deeded property. Dues were agreed upon at a $20 initiation fee, with subsequent fees being less.

Richard D. Cazeault agreed to be president. Scott Goulet was chosen vice president. Ms. Hill volunteered to be secretary, and Robin Wade, treasurer. Others volunteered to serve as chairman of various committees including the dock registration program; social/ haritable; and safety/environmental (including weed control). Ms. Hill said dock permits are a state law that "won't go away". She asked for ideas on the matter.

The group agreed it should apply for nonprofit status since the association could then apply for public and private grants. It also agreed that a rotating group of people would attend meetings of the Board of Selectmen.