Committee Reports:
Fundraising: The third fundraising letter of the year will be mailed at the beginning of December to those watershed residents who have yet to contribute this year.
Stormwater Drainage Project (SDP): We were informed by the Ridgefield Town Engineer that in order to proceed with this project the Army Corp of Engineers is requesting that MLIF either have a new set of plans drawn up or we will have to obtain a different category of permits for the project.
Lake Management: We are waiting to receive Aquatic Control Technologies’ (ACT) end-of-the-year report on the 2013 lake treatments and their proposed contract for 2014. We are going to invite a representative from ACT to our January meeting to answer any questions the Board members may have.
Spillway/Drawdown: The drawdown was started October 25. It will continue until the water is 1 1/2 feet lower. The town Tree Warden does not think the drawdown will affect the trees on the shoreline of the lake.
Old Business:
Dredging/Removal of Shoreline Build-up: A meeting was held with Betty Brosius, Ridgefield Inland Wetlands Agent, on the subject of possibly dredging/removing waste from the north end shoreline of the lake. We were informed that no dredging is permitted except during August and September so as to not disturb animal activity. We will contact the local contractor with whom we originally discussed the dredging plan for any other alternatives.
St. Pius X School Expansion: A second P&Z public hearing was held in October regarding the building of the school. MLIF again expressed our concern at the meeting with regard to stormwater runoff into the lake and what measures were being taken to prevent an increase from the level presently reaching the lake. The major concern to MLIF is related to the catch basin outflow that will flow into the stream and then into the lake. A third P&Z public hearing is scheduled for December 3 as a follow-up report by their engineers was submitted too late for review at the meeting.
New Business:
State Grants: No response was received from the State regarding the possibility of a grant to clear out the build-up of lake bottom near the ramp area at the State boat launch.
