February 8, 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
February 8, 2005
At the Colonial Club  

President's Report  (“I Love Being President” says Dick… )

  • He reported on his visit to LKQ to receive the $3000 check for the WLA and had a nice tour of the facility.  The management there is proactive concerning sediment run off and is willing to work with us.

  • Dick introduced the policy that the board has established as to all Board of Directors will now have an assignment to divide up the work load

  • He reminded membership that we need to be aware of what is going on in our town and how these items impact the lake.  As an association, we need to investigate, advise, educate and work with others to come out with results that are acceptable to the majority.   The problems that we now face with sediment control, weed eradication, policies etc have been established over time and will take time to correct.  However, we can “guide” policy for the future so as to benefit the watershed we all enjoy.  The WLA is neither a complaint department, nor a political forum but we can certainly voice our opinions. Membership needs to be careful however, when expressing their own individual feelings, not to represent those opinions as reflections of the WLA.

  • We could use a member on the new Master Plan Committee and if you are interested, please contact Dick (zcazeault@charter.net) or call Town Hall.

Vice President’s Report

  • Jane reported on Café Press, a Web Site now selling WLA merchandise.  We can sell items with our logo or designs and make an automatic 20% profit.  Seems like a good way to make some monies with little effort.  Members who have artistic talents may also be interested in benefiting the WLA with their designs.  Samples were passed around of the lighthouses, t-shirts and mugs.  

  • Jane acknowledged and thanked Sean Martin and family from Wawela Park. The Café Press website initially began with sales of “Lighthouses of Webster Lake” merchandise. Please check this out the great poster created by the Martin Family and donated to the WLA. The information is available from our website – www.websterlakeassociation.com.

  • Webster Lake Gifts, now behind Sterling Realty is also carrying the lake items that Dugan’s used to have and could be another outlet for us as well.

  • Hopefully, we will have a report of the spelling of the lake at the next general meeting in April

  • Valentines Dance is progressing well and should be attended by 120 people to date.

  • Jane asked for any articles relevant to the lake etc. to be forwarded to her for the newsletter.  This is an overwhelming task that can be made much more palatable if members send in items of interest that we can all enjoy.  So look around, investigate and publish!

Secretary's Report

  • Moved minutes from last month (Paul Turner) seconded (Gloria Ricker)- all in favor

  • Current membership stands at 428.  Members were asked to take an application for membership and give it to a neighbor, friend or supporter of the lake.

  • Report of the COLAP conference held Jan 29th at Becker College: Gloria Ricker, Ernie Benoit and Linda Littleton attended.  There was great information to be had from the state, local and private interests.  Members also traded ideas, success stories (or not) and association news with other lakes and ponds and this is always beneficial.

 Treasurer's Report

  • Joan reported our financial statement with a balance of $30,254.35 (Moved by Anita Pitchett and seconded by Paul Turner) Approved  Although this seems to be a nice balance; we need to remember that the upcoming weed treatment will cost us at least $20,000 so it is necessary to remember that fundraising needs to be ongoing.  Donations are a great help as well and many members have made individual donations to defray the costs of weed treatments. 

Environmental Committee Report

  • Paul reported that after the fall assessment for Milfoil, which seemed to go well, we now are inundated with Fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana).  Unfortunately, when one invasive species is removed, others flourish.  Time and treatments will help us to better control our lake.  The new herbicide is extremely expensive but has a longer kill time of 2-4 years.  Areas are being selected for potential treatment now as the procedure takes 90 days from application to kill. 

  • Paul also stressed that areas of lake front residents can buy into weed application for their beaches if need be.  Contact him (paul@thewaterexperts.com) or the environmental committee if interested in doing this.

  • Hydro Raking should be professionally done by our recommended raker so that the procedure is done right.  We have all the permits in place already and can assist with this.  If you would like this done, Paul will compile a list from now until spring.  Contact him (paul@thewaterexperts.com).

  • Discussion on sediment control – we are working with the town on this as well.  If you would like to have one in your area the design fee is waved as we already have this.  There are currently over 30 outflows into Webster Lake so updating these is an ongoing process as well.

  • Members were concerned about the build up of sediment and how to control this.  See above.  Paul explained that we need to correct the existing sediment control problem, then perhaps dredge in the future.  It makes to sense to empty out what is constantly being put in through run off and poor storm drains to begin with.  There is a great need to change zoning in the town to protect the lake.  There are many proposals upcoming including gas stations, car washes and developments that will all have an impact if not properly constructed.  There will be public hearings coming up and all of you will be notified.  An informed membership is a powerful one. 

FUN-raisers Committee Report

  • Judy introduced Rebecca Leonard who explained the contest rules for next year’s calendar.  Be on the lookout for entry form and start snapping those shots. 

  • Plans are moving forward for the Junk Trunk auction in April

  • Calendar sales have been excellent but there are still a few left at bargain prices of $5 each.  Contact Judy if you need some. There are still over 10 good months left.

Old Business 

  • Continued discussion about Indian Ranch expansion/future. Membership would like to hear more about plans from Chris Roberts and expressed concern over noise and traffic.

 New Business

  • Ron Harden spoke to the issue of our members getting involved in town government.  There are open spots on a variety of committees; zoning for one and both Ron and the WLA would like to have more of our members involved with Webster.  Although we have over 400 members, there are only a few who are actually involved in the association or with the town agencies and if we are involved and informed, then the lake will benefit.

  • There is also a new town Web Site (http://www.webster-ma.gov/) you may want to check out and or course don’t forget to check the WLA site for new updated information.

Announcements 

  • Next BOD meeting is Feb. 22nd at the Colonial Club

  • Next General meeting is April 12th at Colonial Club