FUNDRAISING
Compared to 2023 fundraising figures, our 2024 fundraising projection is on track.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Our financials were reviewed and the dam project is financially on target
GRANTS
– MLIF was awarded a two-year grant from the Anne S. Richardson Fund for the dam project. The Grant Committee.
– The Grant Committee asked about projects needed for future grant applications. The Committee will work on 2025 grant plans.
– The topic was brought up about the invasive aquatic plant Hydrilla. It has now been found in twelve lakes in Connecticut. It spreads easily and is hard to keep in check or eradicate. It was suggested that we prepare a plan to apply for another DEEP AIS grant related to this invasive if needed.
– The topic of a washing station and new bulletin board at the State boat launch was discussed. As it is State property, we must work through them for them to do it. In the past, the related State agency has refused our suggestion for signage. Things may have changed.
– Projects for the boy/girl scouts were mentioned. But, again, approvals for things on State property need to go through them.
LAKE MANAGEMENT
The Pond and Lake Connection 2024 report has not yet been received. It will be send to the Board when it arrives. Board feedback on the 2024 lake treatments was discussed. It was noted that the every-two-week schedule was good. The water was quite clear, the lake was usable and the weeds were in check. It was noted that the High School end of the lake was filling in again, and we are losing acres of the lake.
DAM IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
It was reported that Rudy Marconi has been informed that we received the Richardson Grant.
At the end of October, we were informed that under the National Historic Preservation Act, we need an archeological survey. Our engineering firm will coordinate this project for $2,200 and the bid to do the survey work will be another $3,750 for a total of about $6,000. Three companies that do archeological surveys been contacted and only one responded. Haley Ward has used this company, and they are reputable. As we need to move quickly before the ground is frozen, we are using this company. There is some urgency so that we can submit plans to the Army Corps of Engineers. The Board had questions about the Archeological Survey. Where will they dig? If artifacts are found who owns them? What would be the next steps? Those questions will be looked into.
The engineering firm has submitted the dam project construction plans for the CT DEEP Dam Safety staff approval before submitting to the Army Corps. They believe finishing the State process before the federal one is the most successful practice. Then the construction plans go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and to the CT DEEP Water Quality Certification agency. We hope to have approval from the Army Corps by mid-March.
Dean thanked Barb for all her work, noting her frequent contact with Haley Ward’s Dave Battista, to keep things on schedule.
NEW BUSINESS
– Pond and Lake Connection requested that we contact the State about the poor condition of the road at the State boat ramp. The State was contacted, and they have improved the road.
– Graffiti at Richardson Park – The graffiti situation at Richardson Park was discussed. Barb and Steve Hartman have painted over some by the parking lot. A suggestion was made that there should be signage saying “under video surveillance.” The Board consensus was positive. Allan Welby will talk to the Parks and Recreation Dept. and, if they agree, he will make and post the signs.
