Lake Management Committee Meeting Minutes

Minutes of meeting held May 12, 2016, 7:00 P.M. at Town Hall College Highway, Southwick, MA, with attendance as follows:

 

Guests:  None

 

3. Lake Monitoring/Recommendations – Ken Wagner (Water Resource Services) released the final report in April.  The report contains excellent background information on Congamond, summaries of test data, observations and recommendations for improving water quality.  The most significant finding and recommendation relates to the algae blooms that are primarily the result of high levels of phosphorous in the muck and stormwater runoff.  Ken offered several solutions but the alum treatment appears to be the most promising and most cost-effective.  Dick is working on an S319 Grant Application with Pioneer Valley Planning Commission that will address the alum treatment as well as complete improvements to the four remaining unimproved stormwater outfalls on Middle Pond and add stainless steel weir gates on the Berkshire Avenue culverts.  The Grant Application is due on June 1, 2016.  

4. Eric and Rick have been monitoring and taking water samples regularly that are being analyzed by an independent lab and Ken Wagner.  While the water quality appeared to be heading for an algae bloom, Ken Wagner analyzed the samples for algae and determined it was a “good” algae and should not be treated at this time as it could trigger a blue-green (bad) algae bloom.  Eric and Rick will continue regular sampling and testing.  

5. LPP Variance 135 North Lake Ave – The variance request by Anthony Rotondo of 135 North Lake Avenue was revisited as there wasn’t a quorum at the last meeting.  Mr. Rotundo reported that he is unable to remove his floating dock because it is just too big and heavy to maneuver.  LMC members concur with the hardship and requested that he secure the dock to the shoreline in the off-season and place orange warning barrel(s) on same.  Members reminded him that dock must be maintained in good condition and if it falls into disrepair or breaks up during the off-season, it must be removed from the lake.   He agreed that this was a reasonable request and agreed to do so.  Eric made a motion to recommend approval of the requested LPP Variance with the conditions noted.  Deb seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

6. LPP Variance 12 Island Pond Road – The variance request by George Karanian, owner of the property at 10 - 12 Island Pond Road was revisited for official vote as there wasn’t a quorum at the last meeting.  The owner appears to be continuing to encroach on Island Pond Beach Association with his docks/boats and has now installed his dock directly off of the Association property.  LMC members agreed that docks must be placed according to LPP regulations or removed from the lake.  This includes maintaining the 25’ distance from the property line (unless Variance is granted) for all such water-based structures.  Mike DeBay made a motion to recommend denial of the requested LPP Variance and that requirements of the LPP be complied with or the dock(s) removed.  Mike Coombs seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

7. Buoys – Dick contacted SPD regarding assistance from the police dive team in trying to find some of the missing moorings, installing helical mooring anchors and untangling mooring chains on two of the boarding docks.

8. S319 Grant Application – This application is due June 1st.  Dick penned a letter for BOS signature to Governor Baker requesting commitment or release of $700,000 for a whole-lake alum treatment as part of the proposed S319 Grant Project.

9. We are looking for another member.  If anyone knows of anyone who may be interested have them check out an upcoming meeting.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

10. LMC is asking all lake front home owners to please use low or no phosphorous organic fertilizer and weed controllers on their lawns to help reduce phosphorus in Congamond which has been determined to be the major cause of degrading water quality and increased algal blooms.  

11. CRC has a working probe that needs to be serviced at the cost of $950.00.  It is a 4 probe meter.  CRC would like LMC to take it over along with the maintenance.  Dick is looking for funds for repairing and acquiring this probe from CRC.

12. Mike DeBay was approached by a fisherman who requested an Annual Boat Ramp Launch Permit – Dick explained that the ramps have such limited parking that on most weekends there is a line waiting to launch.  The ramps are used on a first-come, first-served basis.  How would someone waiting for a half hour or more in line feel if a Season Pass Holder went in front of them because they held a Season Pass.  People sometimes get “testy” now waiting in the hot sun but consider the arguments that would likely ensue for “line cutters” using their passes.  Also, the OFBA allows Seasonal Passes that are priced at 10 times the daily rate (or $50 in this case).  The LMC has been able to maintain $5/launch for more than 15 years and the maximum fee allowed by OFBA at their 270+ facilities is currently $7/launch.  At $50 for a season pass, these self-supporting facilities would have to raise the daily launch fee to likely $7.00/launch, penalizing the majority for the benefit of a few.

13. West Suffield Mining – Deb noted that the mining permit issue is tied up in the courts as the mine owners seek to have the last ruling reversed.    

14. Docks – It was noted that the broken docks at 18 Shore Road are still in the water.  Dick to contact Dennis.

15. Meeting was adjourned at 8:10 P.M.  

16. Our next scheduled meeting will be held on May 26, 2016.

Respectfully submitted,

______________________

Susan A. Hepburn - Secretary