Minutes: Webster Lake Association Meeting

At Point Breeze
Tuesday, June 8th at 7:00 P.M.

v     President's Report

Ø      Dick Cazeault is preparing for heart surgery this week so he was unable to attend. If anyone would like to send a get well  card – his address is 17 Indian Lane, Webster, MA 01570

Ø      2003-2004 Year in Review - President’s Comments (read by VP Scott Goulet):

I’m sorry I couldn’t be here tonight.

I’d like to thank everyone in the association for their support and dedication to the lake and the WLA.  Many people and businesses have put in a large amount of time and resources to make this organization a success.  The WLA thanks you for your effort. 

In the last two years we have made great strides in protecting and improving our lake.  You will hear the details of this progress from the subsequent officers and committees.

The sedimentation control program will begin the design and permitting stages to address the stormwater runoff in the Union Point and Action Marine areas.  Once these stages are complete, the proper corrective actions will be initiated to stop, or greatly reduce, the sedimentation in these areas.  Our intention is to continue this program until we have addressed all the stormwater runoff problems surrounding the lake.  Our town and state representatives have helped us tremendously in this endeavour.  We thank them.

During the winter, an ice survey was done with Cranston Print Works to determine a way to reduce shoreline ice damage.  The results were not conclusive, but pointed to possible water level solutions to reduce damage.  A subsequent survey and experiment will be conducted this winter.  CPW has been very cooperative and supportive of the WLA.  We thank them for this support.

This summer, with the cooperation of the Town and CPW, we will get permission to reduce the water level in October for a two week period.  This will allow residents to perform maintenance on their waterfronts.  We would like this to occur on every even year.  Details will be published in the future.

This spring the WLA participated in the Town’s Symposium to address the environmental and land use issues within the community.  Hopefully this will expand into a plan for progress for the community and also benefit the lake and the watershed.  

From the dock point of view, little progress has been made.  A simplified procedure was submitted to the town and attempts were made to get approval and guidance from the state.  Due to state cuts, it was difficult at first, to find a person to address the dock issue.  The state’s position is to use the state’s existing regulations and forms.  I will continue to pursue the matter as soon as I can.

There is a lot of work to be completed and a lot of the work will be ongoing.  Because of this continuing effort, it is important that we continue to emphasize and revitalize the importance of the WLA to the community by our continuing public relations effort.  There has been good work done on the WLA column in our local newspapers.  Our local communications networks have contributed a lot to our effort, especially our website.

In an effort to attract more youth from the community, the WLA has reduced their membership fee.  We need to attract more young people to our effort.  I’m convinced there would be a mutual educational benefit in establishing this link, especially with the local schools.

As you can see, the WLA provides various opportunities to a variety of people.  Not only can membership improve the lake, but it allows the establishment of new friendships, and new experiences.  Not only can you protect the lake, but you can expand your knowledge and have fun doing it.  There is something here for everyone. 

We must continue attracting people by being a progressive, interesting, and above all, a fun organization.  We have had a fruitful two years but, I believe the best is yet to come.  Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Caz 

v     Secretary's Report

Ø      Last Month’s Minutes - Motion made and report accepted

§         We participated in the Webster symposium and look forward to similar events in the future

§         We are receiving $3000 from LKQ which will be put toward water quality test equipment

§         We participated in Earth Day both around the lake and the French River (which was led by WLA member Ken Parker)

§         We held a Meet the BOS Candidate’s Night. We would like to stress that by no means was our intention to meddle in local politics. Our purpose was to get to know the candidates and make them aware of the issues that affect the lake. Although the attendance could have been better, those who did attend felt that it was an informative, well-organized event.

§         The May Newsletter was sent last week. The next newsletter will go out in August. All submissions are appreciated.

§         We are not doing the Waterfront Landscaping seminar this year as our speaker backed out. We would still like to do this next year. If anyone knows of a specialist in this field who would be willing to do something like this, please contact Jane Hill at jmhill@charter.net.

Ø      Membership Update

§         South - 105

§         Middle - 175

§         North - 70

§         Off Lake - 33

§         Grand Count - 383 

v     Treasurer's Report

Ø       Financial Report – Motion made and report accepted 

BEGINNING BALANCE 6/8/2004	$30,980.43
INCOME
2004 Raffle	$6,800.00
50/50 income	$60.00
Bank Interest	$2.42
Calendar Income	$115.00
Flag Income	$45.00
Membership Fees	$540.00
Newsletter Donation	$350.00
T-Shirt Sales	$10.00
TOTAL INCOME	$7,922.42
EXPENSES
Calendar 2004	$16.58
Candidats Night	$373.50
Gifts given	$25.20
Lake Management	$1,429.05
Membership Expenses	$47.50
Raffle 2004	$35.28
Summer Party 2004	$25.00
Supplies	$56.40
Web site	$38.85
TOTAL EXPENSES	$2,047.36
Ending Balance 6/8/04	$36,855.49

v     Environmental Committee Report

Ø       Presentation on Weed Treatment by Jerry Smith – an Aquatic Biologist from ACT

§         The treatments begin on Monday, June 14^th and will only take a few hours to apply

§         ACT works on about 400 lakes each year.

§         This is prime time for this application as the plants are actively growing.

§         They are applying a herbicide called Reward to 8 areas around the lake. (There were 9 however Blueberry Cove is doing a separate weed treatment independent of this project.) This herbicide has very low toxicity to humans and fish.

§         They will use an airboat with pump and a tank on board.

§         This commonly used herbicide is applied sub-surface and there is no aerial drift as it stays underwater

§         Posters will be put up all around each area telling people not to swim, fish or boat in this area. This notification is required by both DEP and the Conservation Committee for this one day only. There will also be signs posted at the boat ramps to let the fishermen know.

§         Shallow wells will not be affected

§         They strongly suggest not to “irrigate” plants and lawns with this lake water for at least 5 days following the application

§         The herbicide disrupts the photosynthesis process and in 1-2 weeks the plants sink to the bottom.

§         This will not eradicate the problem and may have to be repeated annually. However, compared to other lakes, we are addressing the problem early and expect good results.

§         They STRONGLY request that no on hydrorakes prior to this application or for the next few weeks following.

§         It was mentioned that they person currently doing hydro-raking on the lake is not properly licensed to do this work.

§         After two weeks you can hand rake the shoreline to get the “muck” out

§         Milfoil can also be carefully pulled up by the root if you have a small amount growing near your shore

§         This application is intended for milfoil only. This will not kill lilypads.

§         We are only going to focus on these 8 areas this year. We are not allowing individuals to fund additional treatments through our permits. We would like to approach this entire project very carefully – “walk before we run”.

§         Working with both GeoSyntec and ACT has raised our confidence level in that both companies feel that our lake management plan is the accurate and environmentally safe.

§         The entire association would like to sincerely thank Paul LaFramboise, Pam Landry, Bob Couture and the Environmental Committee for the incredible amount of work that was put forth to make this weed treatment happen both on time and on budget. WELL DONE!

Ø      Our “Stream Team” (Gary Williams, Tim Hill & Pat Riley) surveyed Sucker Brook in May. These guys went in by kayak to basically take a good look and photograph these areas. Future trips will also involve water quality testing. They are planning future surveys of other brooks and streams this summer. Anyone who is interested can contact Gary Williams at glwilliams@charter.net

Ø      Water Quality Testing will begin in July.

§         Equipment is on order now.

§         Congrats to our recently trained Water Quality Testers – Paul Turner, Gary Williams, Linda Littleton, Paula Chauvin, Bobbie & Yale Hirshberg, Judy & Bob Morrison and Pat Riley.

Ø      Our new fishing signs will be going up soon at the ramps

Ø      The French River Clean up had 14 people on the Dudley side and 2 on the Webster side. They are beginning to make some progress here. Anyone who would like to help can contact Ken Parker at ken.parker@charter.net

v     FUN-draisers Committee Report

Ø      July 4th Boat Parade - 5 – 8 PM - Starting at Point Breeze Restaurant.

§         No judging this year. This will strictly be for fun. We strongly suggest that everyone participating in the parade, decorate their boat. However, it is not mandatory.

§         We would like everyone to feel free to join in or drop out at any time. This event will be moving a little slower this year, and a little closer to shore, so that everyone may enjoy the boat displays. As it can take several hours to tour the entire lake, we don’t want anyone to feel obligated to participate in the entire parade. We will tour South Pond, Middle Pond and end up in North Pond around the time for the fireworks.

Ø      Summer Barbecue on the Lake on July 25th from noon to 6 PM.

§         The Police Department and Parks Department would like us to hold our barbecue on the Peninsula. The caterer’s grills and the Beer Garden will be at the base of the hill. The DJ, and a few picnic tables, will be set up on top of the hill.

§         We encourage everyone to bring their guests by boat or in a local car that has a free pass to get into the beach. The front gate will be open to the public and will be charging all out of town cars.

§         They also reminded me that there is no swimming allowed around the peninsula, and that all boats must be beached in the Nipmuc Cove.

§         Caterers: Russ and Robbins Catering from Chet’s Smoke Shop will set up grills to cook hamburgers, hotdogs, and corn-on-the-cob. The meal will also include chips, condiments, and watermelon. The cost of the meal will be $8.50 and we will be selling tickets before the event, as the caterer would like a head count 2 days in advance to be sure that she brings enough food.

§         Consolidated Beverages will be providing Bud and Bud Lite, and we may also provide wine. We will also sell coke, diet coke, bottled water, ice tea, and juice.

§         Music will be provided by Above and Beyond DJ Service from Worcester. He will be playing from noon until 5 PM for a cost of $400, which includes his bringing his own generator, as there is no electricity on the peninsula. The Pulaski Brass Band has asked if they could play for us from 5 until 6 or 6:30 PM

§         Indian Ranch has graciously offered their pontoon Touring Boat and we will be offering ½ hour boat rides for $5 each.

§         We are looking for a number of volunteers to help set up at 8 AM with the set up of tables, car port, etc. The Town Parks Department will be providing trucking service from the parking lot, to the Peninsula for any items that must be brought in by car, such as the cases of beer and soda etc. We also need a clean up crew at 6 PM to return the peninsula to its pristine appearance before we all leave. There are also varieties of other spots where volunteers are needed. Please contact Judy Morrison to volunteer your time. We need all the help we can get to make this a fun and successful event.  

Ø       2005 Calendar

§         We will have a 13 month calendar this year, of antique post card pictures, of recognizable landmarks on the Lake.

§         We will also be offering cheaper, and more varieties or advertising possibilities. We will be adding two pages of pull out ad/coupons in the center, for additional revenue. These pull out ads will be like those appearing in the telephone book.

§         We will also be selling the calendar for $10 instead of $15. We think that we will be able to sell more calendars with a more reasonable price.

§          We have a listing of the advertising possibilities, and costs, if anyone would like to start selling ads now, we would be very grateful.

Ø      Next Social Committee Meeting: Tuesday, July 6th at 6 PM at Marion Zimmerman’s house.

§         We will be providing a road, as well as a boat map, to reach her home. This working/relaxing event will be held in Marion’s Club House, and we recommend that you BYOB and also snacks to share.

§         During the summer months, we will have our meetings at someone’s home on the lake. We have several hostesses who have graciously offered their homes to us for our meetings.

§         We are always looking for new members to help us come up with new and fun ideas. Please see Judy Morrison if you would like to join this group, and help plan a prosperous future for the

v     WLA Elections

Ø      President -       Dick Cazeault, 17 Indian Lane,  (508) 949-0826, zcazeault@charter.net

Ø      (New) Vice President - Jane Hill, 15 Indian Lane, 774-239-1655, jmhill@charter.net

Ø      (New) Secretary - Linda Littleton, 316 Killdeer Island Road, (508) 596-4375, lindalittle@attbi.com

Ø      (New) Treasurer - Joan Wentland, 31 Bay View Road, (508) 943-1389, wentlandjm@aol.com

Ø      Clerk - Arlen Johnson, Bates Point Road, (508) 473-7600, esquire@choiceonemail.com

Ø      North Pond BOD       

§         Howard Raphaelson, 242 Killdeer Island Road, Winter - (860) 429-1340, hraphaelson@mba1959.hbs.edu

§         Gloria Ricker, 16 Fairfield St, (508) 943-9113, aricker9113@charter.net

§         (New) Ron Harden, 10 Fairfield St, (508) 341-2964, NorNedrah@aol.com

Ø      Middle Pond BOD

§         Paula Chauvin, Pebble Beach Road, (508) 943-4506, kenchauvin@aol.com

§         Judy Morrison, Long Island, (508) 943-4501, jadaggett@aol.com

§         (New) Scott Goulet, 12 Scenic Ave, (508) 949-8342, moondans1@aol.com

Ø      South Pond BOD

§         Paul Turner, 94 Bates Point Road, (508) 864-9340, pmturner@charter.net

§         Mike Costen, 26 Lakeside Avenue, (508) 943-4599, mikegingerc@aol.com

§         (New) Betty Hanatow, 16 South Point Road, (508) 943-8826, bhanatow@aol.com

Ø      Our very sincere thanks and appreciation to our exiting Board Member - Gary Williams and our Treasurer - Robin Wade. Both of you helped us through the early years and your wisdom and guidance helped build a strong foundation for this young organization. You will be missed.

v     New Business

Ø      Land’s End Jackets – an order will be placed on Monday, June 14^th. Details went out last week in an earlier email.

v     Pontoon Raffle

Ø      Our congratulations to Betty Hanatow of South Point Road - winner of our Pontoon Boat Raffle.

Ø      Again, our warm thanks to Action Marine and the York Family, Godfrey Marine and the Social Committee for their generosity and hard work on this important fundraiser. Additionally we sincerely appreciate everyone who purchased tickets for this raffle. The money raised will fund environmental projects on the lake in 2005.

v     Announcements

Ø       Next WLA Meeting – August 10^th at Point Breeze at 7:00