Webster Lake Association Meeting December 14th, 2004

"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."

©2002
All rights reserved.
Webster Lake Association, Inc.

Click here to email us

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

 
 

 

Minutes: Webster Lake Association Meeting
December 14th, 2004
At the Colonial Club

President's Report

  • We were welcomed as members of Quinebaug-Shetucket group and Dick explained the Last Green Valley (a satellite documentation of unused natural space available) from Oxford to Long Island, that is the last great green space seen from space. We need to keep it that way for the future
  • We will be investigating a grant that will update our Water Quality testing equipment from manual to digital data
  • Ken Parker deserves much praise for his work of cleanup of the French River but we need to all remind the towns of Dudley and Webster to keep it cleaner. Again, we need to be watchdogs and report dumping etc. to the towns when we see it.
  • Congrats to all our members who volunteer an estimated 5,300 hours over the year and raise $25,000 each year to protect our watershed.
  • Letters were sent to the developers/towns regarding a development on the Webster/Thompson line near Gerry Swamp. They want to tie in to Webster sewer and water and if permitted, then there can be high-density development. Stay tuned and stay involved as this can impact us.
  • Letter was sent to Douglas regarding the development on Rt. 16 but as this is in Douglas, there is little we can do. We are monitoring how it will affect our watershed as well.
  • We all remember the people who volunteered so many hours with CFACE to fight the dump in the past, dedicated individuals who were successful because of hard work. We need to continue to be vigilant in our quest to protect the lake, be aware of how other developments etc. impact us and get involved . There is an opening on the Conservation Committee and we would like to have a WLA member on that board. Contact the town if interested.
  • We are receiving the $168,000 plus $10,000 from the town for sediment control work. Robin Leal has been an asset to the WLA as have Dennis Westgate and Bob Craver in keeping us informed and recognizing the WLA as a viable organization with a purpose that the entire town benefits from supporting.

Vice President’s Report

  • Jane thanked “Santa” (Dick Cazeault) and all the volunteers from the WLA for their participation in the Winter Wonderland
  • The spelling of the lake is still being researched. It has been determined that there is no “official spelling” and there will never be one that all sources agree upon. We’re going to take the consensus approach. This will be discussed further at the February general meeting

Secretary's Report

  • We have 396 members to date with another 106 still unpaid or lost?
  • Please remind neighbors/friends/lake lovers to join, as none of us are as strong as all of us.
  • Also this is a great time to make a contribution to the WLA - before the tax year ends
  • Secretary’s report accepted

Treasurer's Report

  • Balance was $28,986.31 as of 10/21/04
  • Currently $21,928.89 as of 12/14/04
  • Treasurers report accepted

Environmental Committee Report

  • Work is beginning on the weed management plans for this spring. Invasive plants including Fanwort and Milfoil will be the targets for this year. Last Year’s Milfoil treatment was successful although we do realize that it will grow back if not continuously treated. The water clarity has improved thanks to our efforts. Costs for this upcoming year are estimated @ $17,000 to treat these high-density areas. The town DPW, grants and state funding possibilities are being looked into.
  • The Phase II Storm Water drain project is being planned by the town, DPW and DOT but the areas addressed first will be those where run off from 395 is entering the watershed without proper filtration/drainage
  • The watershed manuals from Geosyntech are still in development
  • Questions on the $4.3 million from the state; Paul Kujawski and Richard Moore are still pushing for this money to be released for us. By the way, a special thank you to our Representative and Senator for all they do for us.

FUN-raisers Committee Report

  • Next meeting will be on 1/05/05 (moving to Wednesday nights) 17 Mark Ave @ 7pm
  • There will be more details out soon regarding the next calendar contest which will again be photography of the lake. So keep take those pictures! All photography will need to be presented in a digital format.
  • We have sold over 370 calendars to date, which is a great accomplishment. Thanks to all the social committee members and local business that helped sell these wonderful calendars.
  • 2005 Summer Raffle ideas are still being investigated; trips, $ etc. Any ideas?
  • You can still purchase calendars @ $10 each or $8 for 25 or more. Contact Judy Morrison @ (508) 943-4501
  • There are still a few flags left at $40 – good Xmas presents – call Linda Littleton @ (508) 596-4375
  • Valentines Dance will be 2/12 $50/person and all are welcome. Invitations with more detail will be mailed after the 1st of the year.

Old Business

  • As we move on to the New Year, it is only right to note those who deserve some praise for 2004: The WLA has had a wonderful assortment of volunteerism to assist with our goals and we, the BOD would like to make sure that you all know we appreciate all you do as volunteers on committees, special events, with the town and to other non-profit organizations. Charity begins at home and we have many dedicated, giving people in our membership. We wish you Health, Happiness and Peace in the New Year. (The WLA BOD)
  • This month we would like to thank:
    • Special THANK YOU to Vince and Arlette Corrado of Killdeer (North Pond) who donated 28 copies of the New York Times with the article about the lake for tonight’s meeting
    • Special THANK YOU to the Colonial Club for donating the back room for our meetings
    • Special THANK YOU to Yale and Bobby Hirshberg for producing the lake license plate holders for $5.00 they are great
    • Special THANK YOU to all our members who volunteered at the Winter Wonderland (Santa was something…)

New Business

  • The town is building a boat to become the island fireboat for the lake. An anonymous member of the WLA member donated the hull to be refitted. Thank you from all of us
  • Peter Luchina (Smith’s Cove) asked if individuals or groups could contract to clean weeds with the organizations we hire with funding, to be done at the same time. Paul said yes, the permits are already in place and this is the way to go. The cleanup options will be open to individuals this spring
  • Peter also expressed concern that the lake level is extremely high – what can be done? Basically Cranston and the Army Corps of Engineers are the only ones that can adjust the level. Right now, even though the lake is high, it is still within acceptable parameters.
  • Peter also brought up the issue of sand and road salt on roads that lead directly into the lake. Webster is using a toxic substance and people want to know why we cannot use “magic salt”
  • Members need to be watchdogs for our organization and report and kept track of issues such as those above so we can change things. Without your involvement, it is impossible to be aware of all these things that affect our watershed and attempt to resolve them. Thanks to those of you who are out there, watching, collecting and reporting things that make a difference.

Announcements

  • Next General Meeting; Feb. 8th and April 12th at the Colonial Club Restaurant
  • Next BOD: 12/28/2004 at Colonial Club Restaurant