Amston

Amston Lake District

Annual Meeting Minutes

May 17, 2008 7:00 p.m.

ALIA Clubhouse

16 Wood Acres Rd. Amston, CT

www.amstonlake.org

A. Role call of Officers and Directors

Directors Bill Witt, Lynn Mika, Dave Martin, Sherri-Ann Martin, Mark Paul, Dave O’Brien, Ray DeCormier, Dave Arnold were present. Margaret Roohr Rosati arrived at 7:50 p.m.

B. Call to order.

President Dave O’Brien called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.

C. Approve 5-27-07 Annual Meeting Minutes

Dave Arnold moved to approve the minutes of the May 27, 2007 Annual District Meeting. Mark Paul seconded. The motion was approved with 24 in favor, none opposed and3 abstaining.

D. Board of Directors Report of Activities for the 2007 – 2008 Year

Dave Arnold reported that the main dam has a leak on the opposite side of where the last repair was made. Karl Acomovic, the dam engineer, has said the leak needs to be fixed. Hydraulic cement is being used for now. If it works, a trench will be built and impervious fabric will be installed. The cost might be $5,000 if it works, but the extent of the leak and the cost to repair cannot be known until the work starts. The last repair was approximately $110,000. The duck pond also has leaks, and Karl Acomovic estimates the repair cost to be $20,000, but again, the extent of the leak and the cost to repair cannot be known until the work starts.

Dave Martin presented the status of the lake management goals as stated in the 2007 Amston Lake Management Report and Plan. Information on the following goals was presented.

1. Set concise goals identifying the types of conditions acceptable at Amston Lake. Include such factors as water clarity; weed growth, sedimentation and shoreline buffers.

Water clarity as measured by Secchi depth seems to have stabilized although not as good as the early 1990’s. Phosphorus levels, which causes algae growth, seems to have stabilized. Very small increases in phosphorus above 10 ppb can lead to large changes in water clarity.

2. Monitoring of deep water station monthly between April and October.

This has been completed for the last several years by Reggie Miles.

3. Conduct periodic intensive aquatic plant surveys to identify and prevent invasive species.

No invasive plant species have been detected in Amston Lake to date. Robbins Pondweed which grows on the bottom and looks like ferns is considered beneficial to the Lake and is making a comeback since its disappearance from large parts of the Lake in 2001. A boat trailer inspection program was begun in 2006 to detect invasive weeds from entering the Lake on boats launched from trailers.

4. Review weed management options that are feasible for the control of floating leaved plants in the coves.

The District voted in early May 2008 to utilize Rodeo to control the water shield and water lilies in the coves. These are native plants, but residents consider them a nuisance to enjoyment of the Lake. The ALD Board Weed Committee will recommend the locations for the Rodeo application.

5. Investigate wetlands that feed the detention pond next to Bass Lake Road.

This outflow drains a large area and where it enters the Lake it has created large amounts of algae in the past. Use of barley straw in this area in 2007 virtually eliminated the algae.

6. Lebanon wastewater disposal

Lebanon approved the recommendation of the waste water consultant it hired. A low pressure sewer system is in its very early planning phase. Residents are needed to assist Lebanon in the project and should contact the Lebanon First Selectman’s office.

7. Hebron and Lebanon Storm water conveyance

Dave O’Brien worked very hard to get Hebron to complete the Hebron storm drain study, which it did in March 2008. Street sweeping in both towns was better than usual in the last few years because of resident requests.

8. Provide recommendations for improving the shoreline lake edge where buffers are lacking and provide general guidance for homeowners.

The Amston Laker has had several articles in the past few years about the benefits of plant buffers at the shoreline of the lake rather than grass. The ALD Board is working on a homeowner’s manual and will seek resident input on the manual.

9. Continue monitoring bathing beaches for indicator bacteria during the summer months.

The beaches have been tested regularly by Reggie Miles throughout the summer months.

10. Estimate water flows during at least one rainstorm event in as many culverts as possible.

More work needs to be done on this goal.

11. Continue to investigate feasible control options for Northeast Cove.

The ALD Board has discussed many options for the Northeast Cove but many are expensive.

12. Investigate all culvert outfalls for accumulated sediment deltas and estimate the quality of sediments at each.

More work needs to be done on this but it is not well known whether removal of sediments, mostly road sand, from the Lake will be helpful or harmful.

13. Investigate methods to remove sediment deltas from culvert outflows beginning with H-11.

See #12.

14. Hold post season meeting to check data against goals for next year’s recommendations

The ALD Board holds annual meetings with George Knoecklein, our Limnologist who has studied Amston Lake for many years, creating a large body of scientific knowledge about the Lake.

15. Reduce the amount of Phosphorus and other Contaminants entering the Lake.

More work needs to be done on this goal.

16. Monitor Lebanon and Hebron Planning and Zoning and Inland Wetlands Commissions for development requests in the Amston Lake watershed. Lobby for changes to Hebron development regulations in the watershed.

Residents are encouraged to volunteer for these Town agencies so that we have input on project within our watershed.

17. Establish environmentally activist community

The ALD Board has sponsored several educational sessions on Lake matters in the last few years, including a presentation from a Lake Wauramaug expert, a session on the importance of preventing invasive plant species and on the use of herbicide to control nuisance weeds. Reggie Miles also provided education to residents in the hand pulling of nuisance weeds.

18. Watershed Establishment.

Amston Lake watershed signs were put up in 2007.

19. Set a Community Lake Vision

The ALD Board and residents continues to discuss and refine the vision for Amston Lake.

Ray DeCormier reported on the ALD Board Communications Committee. There are about 150 people signed up for notifications.

Mark Paul reported on the ALD Board Weed Committee. The Board is investigating integrated solutions to the growth of weeds and algae so that we can address the source, in addition to treating the symptoms, i.e, use of Rodeo to reduce weeds on the floating leaved plants (water shield and water lilies.). The Weed Committee will make recommendations of where to use the Rodeo and will report back to the District.

Mark Paul also reported on the possibility of ordinances. This was researched by previous Boards but not implemented. Residents have requested ways of enforcing the Lake rules and ordinances can provide the mechanism. The legislation forming the ALD permits ordinances.

Dave O’Brien reported on the Hebron Storm Water study that was recently completed. A committee will be assembled to evaluate the study and implement the recommendations with the Town.

Dave O’Brien recognized Eileen Curtin, ALD tax collector, and thanked her for her work throughout the year. Dave also recognized departing directors Bill Witt and Margaret Roohr Rosati and thanked them for their service.

E. Receive and Act on Treasurer’s Report

Dave Arnold presented the Treasurer’s Report which is attached as Exhibit E.

Ray DeCormier moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Mark Paul seconded. The motion was approved with all in favor, none opposed and none abstaining.

F. Lake Management

Reggie Miles reported on Lake Management. The first Secchi depth reading was 17.5 feet. Reggie reported that the overall health of the Lake is very good.

G. Elect Directors for the ALD Board of Directors

Dave O’Brien said that Bill Witt and Margaret Roohr Rosati are stepping down and two new directors are needed.

Ray DeCormier nominated John Connor. Ann Snell seconded. John Connor said that he was a five year resident and wants to keep expenses down.

Margaret Roohr Rosati nominated Andy Stanulonis. Andy was not in attendance and there was no second.

Eileen Curtin nominated Drew Gibson. Dave Arnold seconded. Drew Gibson said that he was a four year resident and has provided input to the Board in the past.

Vote to elect John Connor ALD Board Director: All in favor, none opposed and none abstaining. John Connor elected as Director.

Vote to elect Drew Gibson ALD Board Director: All in favor, none opposed and none abstaining. Drew Gibson elected as Director.

H. Elect Officers for the ALD Board of Directors

Dave Martin nominated Dave O’Brien for President. Ray DeCormier seconded. There were no other nominations.

Mark Paul nominated Ray DeCormier for Treasurer. Sherri-Ann Martin seconded. There were no other nominations.

Dave O’Brien nominated Mark Paul for Vice President. Ray DeCormier seconded. There were no other nominations.

Ann Snell nominated Dave Martin for Clerk. Drew Gibson seconded. There were no other nominations.

Vote for Dave O’Brien for President: All in favor, none opposed and none abstaining. Dave O’Brien elected President.

Vote for Ray DeCormier for Treasurer: All in favor, none opposed and none abstaining. Ray DeCormier elected Treasurer.

Vote for Mark Paul for Vice President: All in favor, none opposed and none abstaining. Mark Paul elected Vice President.

Vote for Dave Martin for Clerk: All in favor, none opposed and none abstaining. Dave Martin elected Clerk.

I. Consider and act upon Lake Management Position (two part-time employees versus outsourcing)

Dave O’Brien said that research into Connecticut law on employees versus contractor status lead the Board to conclude that Reggie Miles, our Lake Manager, is an employee not a contractor. Legal advice was obtained and legal help was used to wrap up the details. Dave asks for resident input and asked Ray DeCormier to lead the discussion.

Ray DeCormier asked for the pros and cons of having an employee and pros and cons of not having an employee.

Carl Wool said that he contacted other lake managers The going rate was $200 per hour.

Gerry Horan said that he got a landscaping quote for all the lake properties of $350 per week.

Scott Forgue said that landscapers cannot do the lake testing work.

Mark Mastrianni said that we needed to decide whether we want someone on call all the time or not. If outsourced, having someone on call would be unlikely.

Margaret Roohr Rosati said that we would be going backwards if we outsourced.

Shawn Grady said that if you outsource, you need someone to monitor that contractor(s).

Mrs. Connor said that she did not know the job description or requirements.

Dave Arnold said you need someone who knows the Lake and knows how to do the work.

Barbara Lederer said that with an employee, we need to know what they are responsible for.

Mark Paul said that the job description is very broad.

Margaret Roohr Rosati moved to continue with the Lake Manager position as it has been (employee) with the Board taking on a committee to research it. Mark Paul seconded.

Margaret said that the Board has not had time to research the various options in the eight weeks or so that we have known Reggie is actually and employee.

Mark Mastrianni said that what we really need is a succession plan for Reggie Miles.

Dave Martin said that you need someone with knowledge of limnology, that the position is well defined with an extensive list of duties and that oversight of the Lake Manager is provided now by both the Board and residents.

Laurel Hennebury calls the question. Vote to call the question: Majority in favor, 3 opposed, none abstaining.

Vote on motion to continue with the Lake Manager position as it has been (employee) with the Board taking on a committee to research it: 39 in favor, 4 opposed, 5 abstaining. Motion carries.

J. Information update regarding ordinances – no action

Mark Paul said that the ALD is set up like a municipality and can create ordinances under the law that formed the ALD. The Board has researched ordinances with attorneys in the past year. A homeowners manual has been drafted that still needs more work. The Board will continue to work on this. The idea is not for a lot of new changes, just to make existing rules enforceable. Progress on the manual and any changes to current rules will be discussed with the District in an open meeting. The website will be used to provide information on this matter.

K. Consider and Act Upon New District Dock Locations

Lynn Mika said that there were several proposed layouts for the new docks. The areas for consideration are Lollipop and Main Beach, between the boat launch and the dam. Users will be charged for renting the boat slips on the docks.

Eileen Curtin moved to put ½ of the docks at Main beach and ½ at Lollipop Beach. Mark Paul seconded.

Margaret Roohr Rosati asked if there was room at the main beach. Scott Forgue said excavation may be needed for installation.

Vote on motion to put ½ of the docks at Main beach and ½ at Lollipop Beach:

40 in favor, none opposed, 2 abstentions. Motion carries.

L. Consider and Act Upon Lake Use Rule Changes for Boats, Rafts and Docks

Dave O’Brien read the proposed changes as follows:

Current:

B6 Private docks and rafts that are located on Tax District Property, and must be maintained so they are not a safety hazard.

Proposed:

B6 Private docks and rafts that are located on Tax District Property must be maintained so they are not a safety hazard.

B7 Members of the District, who wish to place a new dock on District property or modify an existing dock must submit plans to the ALD Board of Directors and receive approval before starting modification or installation. (Note: District property includes the water area in front of ALL waterfront property owners.)

Note: The existing Lake Use Rules B7 through B9 will be renumbered to allow insertion of B7

B11 New Rule:

Anyone who wishes to launch a boat off a trailer into Amston Lake must do so at the main beach boat launch where it will first be inspected for weeds. Any person that trailer launches a boat from any other location including private property will lose their boating privileges (loss of boat stickers) for up to 12 months at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

Mark Mastrianni said that the District’s own docks were not in good shape.

Barbara Lederer asked if this means the Board will ask for dangerous docks to be taken out and asked what the standards would be.

Dave O’Brien said yes, and the standards are to be developed.

Sean Grady asked if there could be penalties on people who bring in weeds.

Laurel Hennebury asked about the boat inspection process.

Dave O’Brien said the parking lot is open from 7 am to 9 pm. Boat inspectors are paid $14 to inspect a boat on the way in and $10 to let boats out.

Gerry Horan asked if the boat launch could be eliminated.

Dave O’Brien said that District residents off the water need to have access.

Ann Snell moved to approve the changes in the Lake Use Rules as presented. Barbara Lederer seconded.

Carl Wool moved to amend the motion to take out B7 until there are guidelines. The motion to amend was seconded by Steve Kemper.

Ann Snell withdrew her motion and Carl Wool withdrew his motion to amend.

Barbara Lederer moved to approve new B6:

B6 Private docks and rafts that are located on Tax District Property must be maintained so they are not a safety hazard.

Carl Wool seconded the motion.

The vote was called. The majority voted in favor, with two opposed and no abstentions. New B6 is approved.

Barbara Lederer moved to approve new B7:

Ray DeCormier seconded.

John Connor said this was the one without the standards.

Mark Mastrianni said we should not vote for this without guidelines.

John Baronowski said Inland Wetlands approval would also be required.

Ray DeCormier called the question. The vote was unanimously in favor of calling the question.

Vote on motion to approve new B7:

15 in favor, 17 opposed, 4 abstentions. Motion fails. New B7 is not approved.

Sherri-Ann Martin moved to accept new B11:

Ray DeCormier seconded.

Lorraine Long asked if this would apply to hand carts. The answer was no.

Laurel Hennebury said more detail is needed on what a trailer is.

Scott Forgue said it should be defined as car pulled trailers.

Dave Arnold said we are most concerned about trailer axles and springs.

Dave Arnold called the question. The majority were in favor, one was opposed, and none abstained.

Vote on motion to accept new B11:

32 in favor, 7 opposed, no abstentions. Motion carries. New B11 is approved.

M. Consider and Act upon the Proposed Budget and establish mil rate for FY 2008 – 2009

Dave Arnold reviewed the proposed budget attached as Exhibit M.

Barbara Lederer said the newsletter should be sent by email not by mail to save postage. Dave O’Brien said this was being worked on.

Reggie Miles moved that sanitation should be only $1,000. Sherri Martin seconded.

Vote: unanimously in favor. Sanitation changed to $1,000.

John Baronowski moved to remove the gate monitoring fee from #5. Mark Paul seconded.

Lynn Mika said closing the gates prevents some vandalism.

Scott Forgue said it should be put out to bid. The bids may be less.

Margaret Roohr Rosati said prior to the gates being locked, there was a big broken glass problem.

Dave Martin said prior to the gates being locked there were people from outside the District congregating in the parking lots at night who created disturbances.

Vote on removing the gate monitoring fee:

2 in favor, majority opposed, no abstentions. Motion fails.

Barbara Lederer moved to remove the terracing and $5,000 from line 19. The motion was seconded by Wendell Snell.

Barbara Lederer amended the motion to take out $1,000 for sand and $5,000 for terracing on Lollipop from Line 19. Mark Mastrianni seconded.

The vote on taking out $1,000 for sand and $5,000 for terracing on Lollipop from Line 19:

9 in favor, 18 opposed, 3 abstentions.

Mark Mastrianni moved to reduce the Lebanon Road expense from $18,000 to $10,000. Kristen Killbourn seconded.

Barbara Lederer said not to reduce the road fund.

Laurel Hennebury asked what work would be done.

Reggie Miles said most of the roads need to be regarded using bluestone and stone dust.

Dave Arnold said there was less the $4,000 in the road fund – not much.

Ann Snell said there has been a big improvement in the private roads and wants to see it continue.

Vote on reducing the Lebanon Road expense from $18,000 to $10,000. (Only Lebanon District residents voting.)

5 in favor, 10 opposed, 1 abstention. Motions fails.

Mark Paul moved to reduce the Treasurer’s Fee from $3,084 to $2,500. Ann Snell seconded.

John Connor said he thinks it is very low anyway and should not be reduced.

Mark Paul said there is new software that will make the job easier.

Ray DeCormier said keep the fee as proposed.

Vote on reducing the Treasurer’s Fee from $3,084 to $2,500:

11 in favor, 23 opposed, 1 abstention. Motion fails.

Ann Snell moved to approve the Lebanon Road budget for $33,000. Barbara Lederer seconded.

Vote to approve the Lebanon Road budget for $33,000. (Only Lebanon District residents voting.)

17 in favor, none opposed, no abstentions.

Dave Arnold moved to approve the total budget for FY 2008 – 2009 at $206,240 with the Hebron mil rate at 1.590 and the Lebanon mil rate at 4.896, including a provision to borrow up to $35,000 for dam repair.

Vote on motion to approve the total budget for FY 2008 – 2009 at $206,240 with the Hebron mil rate at 1.590 and the Lebanon mil rate at 4.896, including a provision to borrow up to $35,000 for dam repair:

33 in favor, 1 opposed, 3 abstentions. Motion carries.

N. Establish Date for 2009 District Annual Meeting

Dave O’Brien moved to have the meeting on May 16, 2009 at the ALIA Clubhouse.

Scott Forgue said the notices for the meetings should be posted on the Bulletin Boards per the by laws. This time they were not.

The motion to have the meeting on May 16, 2009 at the ALIA Clubhouse was approved unanimously.

O. Consider and Act Upon and further business.

Lorraine Long said there were no names posted for boat inspectors.

Dave Arnold said that there are now three names and he will post them.

Scott Forgue said he has been asked about boat inspectors by people on the lake.

Eileen Curtin said her number is the only phone number on the website and others should be there too.

P. Adjournment

Wendell Snell moved to adjourn. Kristen Kilbourn seconded. The motion was approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Dave Martin

ALD Clerk