Presentation from The Pond & Lake Connection (PLC):: Jeff Stahl, Fawn Kearns, Aquatic Biologist and Lisa Mariakakis, PLC Office Manager, gave an overview of their company and its services. The discussion focused on their aquatic management services, including algae and weed control. In response to questions, Jeff and Fawn responded as follows: – Suggested that the ACT herbicide regimen was a larger dose than PLC would have used – If contracted for 2016: – PLC would treat with Reward in the spring for curlyleaf pondweed. – PLC would get permits for the maximum chemicals we might need, but may use less. – Fawn noted that Mamanasco Lake’s Baystate Study (approx. 24 years ago) may have been out-of-date after 10 years. – The CT Agric. Dept. (Greg Bugbee) does lake studies for about $20 an acre. – Volunteer water monitors – agencies can train monitors – PLC can provide MLIF a management and monitoring contract in one week. – Drawdown – Fawn stated there is no scientific research indicating that a drawdown decreases invasive plants. It is useful for maintenance of the shoreline. Freezing does not kill algae. – When asked how PLC cleans their boat/trailer, they said they return it to the shop to pressure wash. – It was asked what we can do about the algae problem in the lake now – PLC said to improve the water clarity so that the natural plants can rebound.
President’s Report:: The President asked that the Board approve payment of an unplanned expense for extra water testing of $493 during the summer algae crisis. The motion passed.
Spillway Agreement: We are updating the spillway agreement now that the property where it is situate has new owners. The owners want at least 24 hour notice before MLIF members enter their property. The agreement covers their liability and ours. The agreement was approved subject to any changes recommended by the owners’ counsel and to which MLIF also agrees. Proposed New Board Members: – Jason Geane and Dean Williams were voted in as new members of the MLIF Board of Directors as of November 5, 2015.
Committee Reports:
Stormwater Drainage Project (SDP): An MLIF Board member visited the Third Lane stream construction site a couple of times and reported that the gabions looked fine, the company was doing a clean job and has good silt fences. They were asked to move piles of loose stones in the streambed before the approaching storms. The company estimated they would be finished by mid-October.
Drawdown: The pros and cons of a two-foot fall drawdown were discussed. We have a standing permit from the State for a two-foot drawdown. A motion was approved to start a two-foot drawdown beginning in mid-October.
Newsletter: We will wait to send a newsletter out until a new management company is in place.
Lake Management: Discussion was had whether we would replace ACT as our lake management company. It was noted that Pond and Lake Connection (PLC) has been recommended by Pierrepont Lake, and they are a local company Newtown). We also have on the table a proposal from Mark June-Wells to perform a thorough study of our lake. Mark’s contract requirement would be that we not treat the lake for one year so that he could get solid information on the state of our lake. The Board thoroughly discussed these issues. One suggestion was that we could put the lake study on hold for one year and let PLC help us with the lake next year. Then we can see how the lake fares recouping, hopefully, from the green algae problem and make a decision on the thorough lake study next fall. We will wait to get a proposal from PLC before we vote. </style=”margin:>
