June 14th, 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."

©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
June 14th, 2005
At the Colonial Club 

President's Report

  • Chris Robert was unable to attend regarding Indian Ranch Development but Tom Robert spoke to the fact that the Ranch is doing everything legally with town permits and has upgraded all the sewer, sediment control, drains etc.  They are looking forward to a mutually respectful relationship with the lake and the association.
  • Elections for officers: 
    • Dick Cazeault - President
    • Linda Littleton - Secretary
    • Don Malo - South Pond
    • Brian Houlihan - Middle Pond.
    • Paula Chauvin - Middle Pond
    • Howard Raphaelson - North Pond 
    • Terms are for three years and all were elected unanimously. 
    • Thank you to Mike Costen and Judy Morrison for their service on the board in the past.
  • The By-Laws were update concerned the policy of succession of office after the President. It will be (as follows) Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and then a member of the BOD.
  • LKQ wants to continue to have a supportive relationship with the WLA. We will discuss how this might happen at the next BOD meeting.  If you have ideas, please let us know as this company has been forthright and sincere in its efforts comply with environmental regulations.
  • Insurance estimates that protect the BOD and provide general liability for the WLA are still being investigated with a projected cost of $1500
  • We reiterated the need for ALL members to volunteer a few hours for the WLA.  There are many opportunities, committees and events that should suit every member's schedule.  None of us is as strong as all of us.  There are over 5000 volunteer hours put into events to raise funds for the lake cleanup that come from a very few people.
  • Our dues have remained very low in comparison to other associations but can only stay that way if all members do a little bit to help out.
  • We observed a moment of silence in memory of June Parkhurst who passed away in a very unfortunate accident a few weeks ago.  She was involved in the fund raising committee and was an asset to our community.  She will be missed.

Vice President’s Report:

  • Jane stated that she appreciated the group of volunteers who folded and stamped the newsletter tonight. You should all receive this soon. 
  • Please share the information with a non-member. We really have much to be proud of in just three short years.  Also invite people to view the website for information.  We still only have half the lake residents as members and our goal is to have 100%
  • Please check you email daily to see more about the Hawaiian Raffle.  This is our major fund raising event and all proceeds will go for lake management.  Tickets are $100 for an a delightful trip to Maui next February for two.  There will only be 300 tickets sold for this prize so get yours soon.  Tickets are available at Rock the Dock 5-7 on Wednesdays at Waterfronts, 6-8 at the Colonial on Friday nights and from committee members.  If you like, we will deliver to you as well.  Cash value of the trip is $7000
  • Reminder not to email Jane from July 3-16, as she will be unavailable
  • The Danskin Triathlon will again be held at Memorial Beach 7/31 and they can use volunteers.  This is a great event and PR for the lake so stay tuned for more info.

Secretary's Report

  • Membership is 458 with 52 additional unpaid members.  When you receive your newsletter, there will be a date on the mailing label indicating when your dues expire.  Please make every effort to pay your dues if they are delinquent.
  • There was a motion by Anita Pichette and second by Ben Craver to accept last meeting's notes.  There was a brief discussion by Faith Rubin as to the section regarding the WLA's involvement with issues of noise from Indian Ranch.

Treasurer's Report

  • Joan is out of town so the financial report is as follows; 
  • Beginning balance   =   $32,779.37
  • Income                   = 9.947.30
  • Expenses                  = 20,068.98
  • Other receipts        - = 3,777.50
  • Balance                   = 26,435.09
  • Outstanding            =    -15,512
  • Balance after pymt   =    $10,923.09  (after payment of outstanding expenses)
  • Financial report will be accepted at next BOD

Environmental Committee Report

  • Paul reported that the treatment for Cabamba/ Fanwort was done in four areas around the lake and seemed to take. These areas include Action Marine, Blueberry Cove, Magic Cove and the Sailing Association.  These areas are where the weeds are easily dispersed to the main body of water and have to be treated.  A booster dose was administered on 6/15. Point Breeze and Sandy Shore will fund their treatment.  There were re-treatments for some areas of Milfoil. Please notify Paul if you see Milfoil as we are using a new more aggressive chemical that kills in 7 days. Area residents on the lake have been working to treat other affected areas at their own expense.
  • Hydro raking should begin at the end of June for those who have signed up. 
  • Sediment control is now into the design phase and is ongoing.  Projected $168,000 to correct existing problems.
  • Ernie reported that he needs assistance with water quality testing.  This data will assist us in getting grants, establishing a QUAPP for the state.  The procedure takes about 2 hours for all three ponds and is a great experience if you have not done it yet.  Its a nice way to get out, see the lake on a calm day and collect useful data as well. 
  • July 5th there will be a 6 pm Weed Watch by the State on the lake.  Come to Point Breeze with your weed samples and learn about the habitat you call home.  Also keep an eye out for any unusual species of weeds/clams. Education is going to make us all more aware of the state of the lake so come on over and learn something new.

FUN-draisers Committee Report

  • Jane Hill, Judy Keegan and Linda Littleton are chairing the raffle.  Please sign up to work for a few hours selling tickets at Waterfronts or the Colonial.  Make sure you buy one and encourage coworkers, neighbors and others to get involved.
  • Photos for the next calendar contest need to be dropped off at Point Breeze the 22nd and 23rd of July from 7-9pm.  One entry per person, matted 8 x 10, jpeg copy, name and information on the back.  Pictures will become the property of the WLA
  • Ads need to be sold for the calendar ($330 / page; 150 half page and $75 for business card) Contact Carolyn Gunther.
  • Maps of the lake (original and beautiful) done by Rebecca Leonard are also for sale for $40 with the proceeds going to the WLA
  • Contact Carolyn Gunther and Rebecca Leonard if you wish to assist with any of the fund raising events.  We can use more help here if only for a few hours

Old Business

  • Faith Rubin discussed the issue of noise, litter and inappropriate discharge into the lake on concert days at the Ranch.  Tom Robert said he would solicit extra police coverage or use his own security to patrol the waters to try and make things better. She also addressed the noise level and Tom informed us that there is a new sound system that should improve things.
  • Ken Parker reported on the French River cleanup.  The state is on alert and will fine $5500 for illegal dumping so keep your eyes open and write down license plate #'s that are suspect.  The town of Dudley will also fine $500 for dumping if caught.  They are investigating the cost of a hidden camera to use.

New Business

  • Peter Luchina announced that the Killdeer Island Club would donate half their profits from their road race to be held the second weekend in September to the WLA. The club is also a tradition on the lake dating back to the early 1900's dedicated to protecting open space on the island for all to enjoy. This road race is open to all who like to run and or walk and they would love to have a good number of our members attend. There is also the traditional block party held on the island afterwards, which is a great time.  Contact Peter Luchina for more information. 
  • The police department has indicated that the patrols will dwindle after July due to lack of funds.  There will be neighborhood watch signs however at launching sites to alert all of us as to suspicious activity.  Please report any problems to the Webster Police.
  • The Fire Department has a fireboat in effect now that will service the islands. Thank you to the local Police and Fire for all their help in keeping our lake a safe place
  • There is a concern about Asian Clams and we are on the DEP watch list.  Come to the Weed Identification clinic and bring any clams for discussion.  ( July 5 6pm at Point Breeze)
  • Dick  is getting into the radio business, interviews with DJ Mark from Rock the Dock and will do a monthly session.  There will be more information on the web site and a CD of Dicks famous words of wisdom.  Great job! 
  • Don/t forget that Point Breeze will be reopening June 30 and all indications are the renovations are great.  The establishments on the lake have all been supportive of the WLA and we thank them.  Also many thanks to the Colonial Club for hosting us for so many great meetings and events.

 Announcements

  • Next BOD meeting is 6/28 at Colonial Club
  • Next General meeting 8/9 at Point Breeze

    Respectfully submitted.

    Linda Littleton
    WLA Secretary