Contoocook Lake Preservation Association (CLAPA)

Board Meeting Notes

October 9, 2010

STATUS AND REVIEW CLAPA PROGRAMS AND PLANS:  

Chemical Treatment to Remove Milfoil Results of the chemical treatment were considered successful. Ted recommends use of this as a back-up strategy if diving is not adequate to remove milfoil in summer 2011.

Diving  to Remove Milfoil Ted reported that the net cost of the 2010 effort was $2500. No grant funding for this effort is expected for 2011, however Ted recommended continuing diving next year if warranted, based on an assessment of the lake next spring. Reports indicate that the 2010 diving was highly successful.  The proposed 2011 budget for the diving program is based on assumption of no state aid, and a further assumption of 10 dives @$5000.  Diver insurance was discussed, and Ted informed the group that the divers are independent contractors so CLAPA does not assume risk.  The Board concurred with Ted’s recommendation that diving should be the primary focus of milfoil management in 2011.   Consensus was reached that the “dash” (suction device) can be rented and used if needed to remove large patches of water.  Plans for next year include the availability of 3 boats and a team of volunteer dive tenders to include Jean Stokinger, Jim Noel, Patti Ferron, Gus Harris, Bob Carney, Dave Chevalier, Al Tencate, Jim and Sharon, potentially Carl Pruder and Fletcher Taft. 

VLAP (Voluntary Lake Assessment Program) The lake assessment results showed no significant change in water quality during the summer. E coli high (100 at Town Line) and phosphorous was high due to low flow, but the levels are not of concern.  Discussion ensued about high phosphorous readings on the small stream at end of lake near the public beach where road is closed off and near airport property; fireworks, development may contribute to these levels.

Other -  Fireworks Mitigation/Warrant Article Proposal. The Board discussed an Atlas fireworks display on the lake off a barge planned for late October.  Concerns about impacts on water quality were expressed. Ted has inquired and determined that there is no regulation to prevent fireworks on the lake.  There is a regulation preventing sending abusive materials into lake.  Various options for increasing awareness about the relationship of fireworks and water quality and for possible other related activities, such as personal expressions of concern to Atlas and or Town staff, and citizen-generated warrant articles requesting town funding to offset environmental costs were discussed. Ted to determine what is needed for a warrant article and will provide information about fireworks impacts to the Board. Bruce Edwards offers to personally visit Steve from Atlas Fireworks and convey facts about fireworks environmental impacts. 

Weed Watching  The Board agreed that Informal weed watching group should continue and expand next year, beginning in May when the milfoil growing season begins.  Current volunteers include  Ted, Elizabeth, Jean Stokinger.  Possible additional volunteers include Jim, Fletcher Taft, Patti Ferron, and Caroline.

Loon watch  Nesting pair plus single loon were in residence all summer. 

Voluntary Lake Host  The Board agreed to continue the informal, voluntary lake host effort on holiday-weekend mornings, e.g. 11 – 2.  Roger volunteered to serve as coordinator.  Patti volunteered to post the weekends and request for volunteers on the website.  Additional details will be arranged in 2011.

Social event/Outreach  The function netted $25. The Board supports holding a social event in 2011. Jean, Patti and Mary were recommended to co-chair the event.

Website  Patti reported that reports about lake quality and diving results have been posted to the website, along with photos and a lost and found.  She reminded the Board that there is now a facebook link accessible via the website.  Patti will inform members of the facebook link once the membership emails have been updated.

Communication Process  The Board recommended transitioning to communication via email going forward.  Changes to the contacts listed on the website include: Add Roger’s name and address, lafarier@monadnock.net and remove Amy Pfeil; Add Ted’s Florida phone 942 488-2983;  Add Roger’s cell phone, 603-505-0731.  Patti received approval from the Board to post info on Facebook on an as available basis.

Lake Lowering Ted reported that the request to lower the lake was made; periods of lowering will be governed by rebuilding the dam in Jaffrey.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

By-Laws Committee Draft bylaws and articles were distributed for review and finalization at next meeting.

Finance  Committee Ted summarized a meeting held by a subgroup of Audit committee members after the Annual Meeting, during which the audit committee decided to become a Finance Committee.  Ted recommended an investment strategy that will increase yield above money market funds, per his broker’s suggestion.  The Board designated Jim, Ted, and Bruce as responsible for making the decision on any change to investment strategy.  Jim Greer volunteered to deliver a third party review and report on CLAPA finances in spring 2011.

Shoreline Committee Caroline summarized results of research about legal requirements for docks, as follow up to the establishment of the shoreline committee at the August annual meeting.  Application is required for any seasonal dock constructed since 1978.  1 dock per 75 feet of frontage; 25 feet from neighbor; removed during non-boating season; no modification of shoreline.  If does not conform, then additional steps are required.  Submit application to state.  The Board agreed this information will be posted and disseminated to the Shoreline Committee, and that the Board has no responsibility beyond information sharing.   Caroline recommended that the Shoreline Committee work on issues of shoreline degradation near boat ramp, erosion locations and sand dumping in the future.   

Spring Board Meeting: May 14, 2011

FINANCIAL REPORT  Ted and Bev Covert distributed Balance Sheet Summary (included below).  They noted that CLAPA ends the year with a slight surplus and they project a 2011 surplus unless chemical treatment is required. They further noted that voluntary contributions from members, Rotary, and Woodmere Association helped achieve the surplus.

CLAPA FINANCIAL REPORT