January 7, 2026 BOARD MEETING:

Watershed resident donations were down 3% from what we expected in 2025.  The December mailing was sent only to those who donated last year but had not yet donated this year.

Donations in 2025 fell below our expenses, thereby reducing our reserves to possibly less than the recommended one-year reserve.  It is projected that our net income in 2026 may fall below our expenses again if we do not increase our income.  Our options to increase our income for 2026 in order avoid a shortfall at year-end were discussed.

After discussion, it was decided to apply for grants in the coming year for an updated lake survey; printing of educational materials on Smart Lake Living to be distributed to all watershed residents; funds to hire a consultant to map an overarching ten-year lake restoration project; and lake treatments.

This is a treatment permit year (every three years) and our application was submitted in January.  No treatments can begin in April without the CT DEEP permit.

Pond and Lake Connection (PLC), our lake management company, has submitted a proposal for 2026 that is without change from 2025 and includes ten treatments, with a mix of herbicide and algaecide treatments, for a total cost of $33,240.

The construction on the Dam Improvement Project was essentially completed before Thanksgiving as projected. Seeding and erosion mats are in place but will need to be reseeded in the spring.  Sandbags were removed.  Native plantings will wait until the spring.  The boulders are in place.  CT DEEP cannot certify the dam until the snow melts as they need to see the dirt.  This project has long been on the far horizon but became necessary over three years ago, and finally has been completed.  A huge congrats to all involved but mainly Dean who oversaw all aspects of this project with assistance from Barb Hartman.