Prior Year Annual Meeting Minutes:
WORTHLEY POND ASSOCIATION
Annual Meeting -- Saturday, July 10, 2010
8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. +/-
At the former Peru Elementary School gym - 30 Main Street, Peru
Present: Betty & Kathy Barrett, Richard Bean, Leon Bucher, Dave & Sherry Clement, Dave & Donna Davis, Charlie Day, Jim & Ann Denholm, John & Donna Dickson, Pat Drapeau, Bernie & Judy Elfring, Keith Freeman, Dennis Gallant, Bill Gates, Roger & Joan Hamann, Kathy Hussey, Orville & Donna Lind, Joe Morris, Maynard Murphy, Gary & Annette Nash, Thea Palanza-Parker, Richard & Merlene Patten, Tim & Gladys Placey, Mary Pulsifer, Diane Radvillas (& 2 guests), John Shea, Don & Sarah Sillars, Bob Weiss.
Tim welcomed everyone and thanked them for taking the time to attend the meeting. He noted it has been a good year, with the water quality of the Pond holding its own and the fish are plentiful.
Tim informed everyone, with regret, that Director Ron Ashworth has resigned due to health issues. Our thoughts and prayers are with him.
Kathy Hussey read the Secretary's Report from the July 11, 2009 Annual Meeting. Joe Morris motioned approval thereof; Bernie Elfring seconded. Motion carried.
Tim stated that many have carried the ball in getting things done at the Pond, on behalf of the Association, for many years….John Shea, Dr. Rowe, the Barrett's. He added that many indicate they don't have time to get involved; but, encouraged all to do so for the benefit of the Pond, of the people. Boat Inspectors are needed for the Courtesy Boat Inspection Program - sign up sheet available on table.
Kathy Barrett read the Treasurer's report. There is presently $8,296.38 in the checking and savings accounts. Joe Morris motioned approval; Bernie Elfring seconded; motion carried.
Tim noted that the Liability Insurance that WPA carries is a major expense, but feels necessary. This extends to the Store (housed at Honeyrun), the Treasurer and liability issues. Coastal t-shirt has been the current vender. Tim indicated he still hopes that the online store will become a reality.
Charlie Day has been in charge of soliciting volunteers/scheduling the Courtesy Boat Inspections. He encouraged all to sign up to help (sheet on table) and leave their phone number or call Charlie at 562-4610. Help us protect our pond.
Tim expressed appreciation for all the ongoing efforts made by Maynard Murphy at the Snowshoe Club Campground. As for the outlet beach, there are often days when no one mans the area…….this is not good. This year the Grant funds amount to $2,000 as opposed to $1,300. CBI training was attended by Steve Gallant and Kathy Hussey.
Buoys have been placed again this year, with one recently being moved at the outlet beach area. Tim encouraged anyone questioning the placement to contact the Buoy Master or an Officer and their concerns will be addressed, as opposed to moving the buoy themselves.
Tim stated that the WPA Store is doing well and encouraged all to check out items….old and new. Children's sweatshirts were recently ordered and new ideas are always welcome. Tim indicated he would like to continue with the buying for the store when his term as President is completed. When concern regarding the lack of tank tops was expressed by some in the room, Tim agreed to work with them to get what they want.
Dave Clement spoke on Lake Smart that the water report shows a decline in quality due to excessive rain runoff last year. The oxygen levels are lower than he would like…this causes algae. Dave noted that all the Pond water comes from the surrounding watershed….that you can see from the Pond.
He added that 40+/- people have signed up for Lake Smart inspections. It is anticipated that pre-evaluations will be scheduled and recommendations made. The people from the State are not as available to view properties due to lack of funding. Dave said he will have brochures available at the Town Office. The actual inspection is paid for by the State, though the Association may be asked for a donation. This is an educational opportunity for everyone and is the single most important thing we can do to help OUR Pond. Of the 43 signed up, 23 have been done as have 2 re-inspections. Two properties are certified Lake Smart properties. A walk and talk show may be done again as well. Orville Lind assists with the Lake Smart program. He typically handles the west and north sides of the Pond and may be reached at 562-8363. Dave handles the south and east sides and may be contacted at 562-4611. They may also do some knocking on doors to educate and discuss issues with people.
Dave then presented a Lake Smart Certificate and Property sign to Bernie and Judy Elfring.
Dave said it costs $15 to join the Association. The $50 cost for the evaluation is a benefit to members.
Tim introduced Betty Barrett to present the new slate of Officers. Tim indicated that it often gets difficult to find people to serve. Betty presented the slate of Officers as follows: President - Don Sillars; Vice-President - Gary Nash; Secretary - Dave Davis; Treasurer - Kathy Barrett; Director for 3 years - Steve Gallant; Director for 1 - year to finish out the term of Ron Ashworth - Tim Placey. Tim asked if there are any nominations from the Floor. Hearing none, Dave Clements asked that nominations close. Dave Davis seconded; outgoing Secretary, Kathy Hussey cast a verbal vote for the Officers as nominated. It was noted that Bill Gates is the other Director at the present time, serving a 2009-12 term. Betty added that the Directors attend all meetings as well. Tim stated he feels it important that the Directors oversee issues.
Thea Palanza-Parker noted that there is a Loon Count taking place on Saturday, July 17th and that Bill Hine is looking for volunteers to help. The time is 7 - 7:30 a.m.
Merlene Patten stated that volunteers are still needed to man the Store in the month of August.
Orville stated he would like to thank Tim Placey for all of the work he has done as President.
Kathy Hussey informed all that while compiling the listing of Courtesy Boat Inspections, she recently noted a boat that had come to the Pond from Thompson Lake…..which raised concern….as it is an infested Lake. CBI is important to us….you need not man the beach at the same time as most do…..boats come and go all the time…..volunteering for any time is appreciated. Kathy added, to the pleasure of all, that 2010/11 tax bills would be mailed on Monday.
Kathy stated that the Pond was extremely busy with watercraft on the July 4th weekend. Her family witnessed an accident on the Pond involving 2 personal watercraft driven by teenagers. Injuries were received by at least one and he spent the night in ICU at CMMC. Kathy encouraged anyone who sees people not being as cautious as they should on the Pond, to take action…either by approaching them, their parents, or the law. The Pond is not a big pond and no one should be injured.
Many who witnessed the fireworks at the Pond, said they were very good. Mary Pulsifer expressed concern as the noise bothers the loons. She asked that those doing fireworks be encouraged to use those that don't make noise.
Tim told of speaking with Dr. Cohen regarding the Boat Launch in Roxbury. Dr. Cohen said it is working well and a good thing for all and the Pond. Tim introduced Leon Bucher, Federal Aid Coordinator and Planner, to do a presentation and take questions regarding the proposed boat launch. Leon started by stating that the design was done by Pine Tree Engineering of Bath, who do at least ½ of the access sites for the State.
Leon had drawings to indicate the site as it presently exists; the site showing the profile / grades of the property; the proposed plan after previous input from citizens. The differences include: the ramp previously intruded too far into the water and has been reduced by 17'. The slope to the water has been changed. Less planking will be put out to avoid "digging" at the end. There will be 90' total of planking, with 45' above water and 45' beneath the water. There is a pad for a porta potty placement, if needed….it may not be placed. This has been relocated from a previous plan to be 100' back from the waters edge.
Questions:
Who will maintain the porta potty? Leon replied that if it is placed, it is not yet known who will maintain. It depends on the relationship between IFW/Peru/WPA.
Has there been vandalism to the porta potties? Leon said it has not been bad, though Wayne removed theirs due to that issue.
How many parking spaces will there be? Leon stated that originally there were six 10' wide spaces, according to engineering standards. This has been reduced to five 12' spaces (for vehicles with trailers), 2 spaces (for roof carrying vehicles) and 1 for ADA. He added that the spaces will not be marked/painted until tried for awhile. The parking areas will be black topped, as will the approach areas and travel ways.
If the parking area fills up, will the Town permit street parking? Leon replied that it is not recommended to park on a travelled way.
What about the use of shale / rock as opposed to pavement? Leon said that the tree buffers, etc. would gather the bulk of runoff. He added that this site is one of the most visited sites by them for a boat launch. Gaining public access to the Pond insures that the Pond is eligible for the State to stock with fish.
Is it true the State took the property? Leon replied that there was a willing Seller and a willing Buyer.
Where is the boat launch to be located? East Shore Road, on the right beyond the Snowmobile Club
Are there not 2 streams that border the property? Leon stated there is a ditch on one side and a ditch with a stream and culvert on the other. The DEP has been on site several times. They require a 25' setback from the stream in this situation.
What is the size of the lot? Leon replied that the width is 150' with a ramp and baseline through the center.
The way the plan shows, won't it be blindside backing, which makes you feel like you need more room? Leon said it was a safety concern the other way and that the Engineers have looked at a dozen different layouts, though there probably are other alternatives. Leon invited the individual to remain after the meeting and draw out his concern and he would take it back to the Engineers.
Leon stated that those launching at the Snowshoe Club Campground must pay a fee to do so as it is privately owned. They could discontinue public launching there anytime.
Doesn't the Town have a 60' access on the outlet beach? Dave Clement replied that to his knowledge, this is private property. No deed to the Town has been viewed. Bryant owns a portion and Warren owns the other. In trying to get public access to the Pond, this was the best option available….where it is going. The Town signed a Maintenance Agreement quite some time ago. There was discussion about selling the property and giving the money to the Snowshoe Club to allow public use. This was a no go.
Could a "No Boat Launching" sign be placed at the outlet beach? Clement replied that this would need to be passed by the Selectmen…it has been previously discussed. Dave added that he would like to see large rocks placed across the launching area to prohibit large boats from launching, allowing only carry on. He stated that most people with any sizeable boat go to the Snowshoe Club anyway.
Leon added that the Dept. of Conservation has a public lot access program. Some lots are State owned; others are Town owned and State Grants are available to them for development.
The ramp is 12' wide. How far in reverse will one travel to launch? Leon stated the concrete planks go for 90' with 45' above water and 45' below. The distance to back up will be about 120'.
Is this project going through the Town permitting process? Leon replied the DEP must get a Permit by Rule and the Town of Peru doesn't have a consistent Comprehensive Plan. Peru's Planning Board is acting in an advisory capacity only. The Town waived the permitting process.
DEP recommends using existing buffers for runoff concerns and minimize tree cutting. Stormwater retention ponds are no longer recommended.
Will the runoff area be grass? Leon replied that it will be soil, grass, bushes and trees. They will attempt to retain the natural area.
When will construction start? We hope to submit the plans to DEP soon. Once the Permit by Rule is granted, the bid process will be put in place. I would like to say it will be completed this fall, but it may be next spring.
Once the PBR is signed, is there any veto? Leon replied that he is unsure what the options are, though they may be able to be found on the DEP website.
Tim thanked Leon for his presentation and taking questions. He added that anyone wanting to remain and ask further questions may do so, but that the meeting should adjourn.
Dave Clement thanked Kathy Hussey for the work she has done as Secretary.
Tim said upcoming events include:
Round the Pond Yard Sale - July 17th
- ads have been placed. Individuals must place their own signs.
Christmas in July - July 23 & 24
Judges will be Richard & Sheryl Briggs and possibly
Mr. & Mrs. Barber from Barber Beef.
4th Annual Golf Tournament - August 14th
Ice Cream & Luncheon Social - August 21st.
Tim introduced the new slate of officers to all. Again,
Don Sillars, President;
Gary Nash, Vice-President;
Dave Davis, Secretary;
Kathy Barrett, Treasurer.
Directors are Bill Gates, Steve Gallant and Tim Placey.
Don Sillars stated that Tim will be a hard act to follow.
11:10 Joe Morris motioned adjournment; Bernie Elfring seconded; motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Hussey
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