April 12th 2005

"Webster Lake Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing, preserving and protecting the quality of the lake and its watershed through the promotion of responsible, effective environmental & educational policies. We shall strive to strengthen and unite the Webster Lake Community through recreational, social and civic activities. Our mission is to preserve this regionally unique resource as a pristine legacy for future generations."

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Webster Lake Association, Inc.

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WLA
P.O. Box 156
Webster, MA 01570-0156

 
 

 

Minutes: Webster Lake Association Meeting
At the Colonial Club
April 12, 2005

  • President's Report

    • Dick reported on candidate’s night to be held April 24th from 3-5 at the Colonial.  Members were asked to prepare questions and email them to Jane Hill.  All BOS candidates have confirmed that they will attend. Get there early as we're expecting a big crowd.

    • Members will be notified of vacancies on the WLA Board of Directors. Elections will be held at the June Meeting. All 3 ponds will have BOD openings and we encourage turnover as it brings in fresh perspectives and prevents burnout. Please email Linda Littleton if you're interested or have questions.

    • Paul LaFramboise spoke on the town warrant articles.  We are petitioning to have the balance of the waterways account ($7400) earmarked for weed control at the next Town Meeting. We will send an informative email out prior to this meeting 

    • Please be aware of town board meetings and pay attention to agenda items.  It is imperative that we broaden our base and have more members attended zoning, planning, conservation and selectmen’s meetings to address lake issues.  Unfortunately, the meeting agendas are posted in town hall but we will try to get them out to the membership via email when possible.

    • Ernie Benoit gave a detailed presentation on the new proposed water quality test equipment and the grants he is seeking.  He needs additional members on the teams and will arrange training.  Nice work Ernie. He informed us that most of the NE states have policies on monitoring the water quality of their lakes and ponds but MA does not.  Collecting specific measurements will be beneficial to our lake, grants and for the state as well. Perhaps we can set a trend that others will follow. 

    • There are vacancies on the conservation committee and zoning board – perhaps there is a member out there who can step up to the plate?

    • 4th of July Fireworks have been cancelled by the Board of Selectmen due to a budget issue. We encourage those of you who are concerned about the loss of this great tradition to get in touch with the Board of Selectmen and voice your concerns.

    • Craig Gorky reported on the “official” spelling of the lake name and there are many.  We will suggest that the members vote on the top five most used. We will then accept this as our official spelling and hopefully others will use it as well.  Look for more info in the next newsletter.

    • Dick informed us that we now have an insurance liability policy for the year. This is  cost effective and sensible as we run many different events throughout the year.

  • Vice President’s Report:

    • Betty Hanatow will assist Jane with Land’s End orders.  Members may order in batches of six or more.  Logo is $11 extra.  Check on line and see what you like:

    • Café Press items are another great offering for us with a profit and little work. Go to:  CaféPress.com

    • Our newsletters will sport a label that will inform you of when your membership expires.  Many members have had difficulty keeping track of payments. Watch for our next newsletter for the details.

    • Additionally we will send out notification to our members regarding dues that are due on July 1st. There will be an option to also contribute to our Lake Management Plan. We purposefully keep our dues low but do need to occasionally request additional financial help to meet our environmental targets. We hope we can count on your continued generosity.

    • Jane Hill asked that members volunteer to help out with the Danskin Triathlon which raises money for Breast Cancer. It will be held on July 31st at the beach and you will receive more info on how to get involved.

    • Jane Hill also asked for any members to submit interesting newsletter items for the next printing to her as soon as possible.  Many of you have stories and facts that we all can use so please share the wealth.

  • Secretary's Report

    • Last meetings notes were read and approved (Pauline Perkins motioned and Paul Turner seconded)

    • Membership is currently 420 and Linda asked members to give two non-members applications and encourage joining.

    • Memberships are up in June so look for the application or renew at the June meeting

    • We will have three general meetings at the Colonial (Dec., Feb., April) and three at Point Breeze (June. Aug., Oct.)  Both of these establishments have been very supportive and accommodating and we appreciate your support.

  • Treasurer's Report

    • Financial statement read and accepted (Anita Pritchett moved and Ron Harden second) 

  • Environmental Committee Report

    • Paul LaFramboise gave us a detailed report of the second round of weed treatments to happen this spring.  Fanwort has surfaced where the Milfoil used to be and the process is different and more expensive to kill this invasive species.  ($25,000) at least

    • We have been permitted with ACT for hydro-raking and ask that if you want this done, you go through us as our company will be knowledgeable regarding spreading invasive species, disturbing fish spawn etc.  Fees are $155 for and hour and you must dispose of the weeds (as all do) Please go on line and obtain a form as we are already contracted for 100 hours.  If you are interested, you must get your form in by April 30th to be considered for June. 

    • ACT will treat three major areas with herbicides, rake and retreat milfoil where needed.

    • If you have any questions as to what you need to do for “your” weeds, email Paul and he will advise.

    • Paul also said we need to work on the town to create a CONSERVATION ZONE at the lake to help protect what we have and preserve it from the adverse affects of development.  There will always be expansion so we need to pick our battles but the creation of a protective zone would alleviate many of these battles in the first place.

    • Paul Kujawski is still a great proponent of lake funding as is always working on obtaining state funds for us – Thanks

    • The Webster Board of Selectmen should be committed to setting aside yearly funds to be used for lake management, whether it be with transportation, public works etc. All of us should keep this in mind when we elect our officials – How committed are they to assisting with the future of our great pond?  We are all bound by our common interest in and on the lake.  We have come a long way in three years but need to think about the future. 

  • FUN-draisers Committee Report

    • Judy Morrison reported that we made $5000 of the calendar last year and they are now for sale for $5 if you need more.  Great job to Judy and her committee

    • Take those pictures for the new calendar contest, which will be due in June (check mailings or web site) they must be JPEG format and also on CD.  Photos will be the property of the WLA and there will be 13/14 in the new calendar.

    • Treasure Trunk auction will happen on May 7th at point Breeze.  We need items ($50 min donated for the silent auction) and items $100 + with approximate value for the auction that Sharon and Mike O’Brien will run for us again.  These items may be delivered that day – please make certain that they are “treasures” and not yard sale items. Cocktails at 6 and raffle at 7

    • We made a hefty profit of over $2000 on the Valentines Day Dance and will plan to have this as well as the fun Halloween Party at Waterfronts again for next year.

    • Judy spoke about the summer barbecue (Hawaiian fair, pig roast) with our new raffle trip to be drawn that day.  We are selling 300 tickets for an all expense, first class trip to Maui through Empire travel.  (Winners can negotiate dates and trip package)  What a great thing to look forward to over the long winter.  Tickets will be available soon

    • Rebecca Leonard brought her lake map, which she is offering, for sale only through the WLA.  They are unique, artistic and factual and would make a great addition to anyone’s collection.  Thank you Rebecca

  • Old Business 

    • Faith Rubin updated her proceedings with noise control and Indian Ranch.  We would like to stress that there is a difference between neighborhood issues and WLA issues. If the issue at hand does not concern an environmental impact to the lake, it is outside of our mission statement.

  • New Business

    • Dick congratulated Linda Littleton on being named the Patriot Environmental Woman of the Year.  Tickets for this banquet at Indian Ranch on May 1st are on sale from the Patriot or many of our members.  Last year’s recipient was Jane Hill so we are two for two.  Good going ladies.

  •  Announcements

    • Next BOD meeting is April 26th at the Colonial

    • Next General Meeting is June 14th at Point Breeze

    •  Make sure to check the WebsterLakeAssociation.com web site often as there is a lot going on

 

Respectfully submitted

Linda Littleton
WLA Secretary