Friends of Lake Williams

Board Meeting Minutes

February 23, 2008

The meeting was called to order at 2:27 PM by President Steve Looby.

Present were directors Jack Zappulla, John Clayton, Frank Catalano, Penny Hermann, Nancy Tenant, Richard Lesh, Steve Looby, Paula Looby, Leigh Rider, Paul Cote and two members.

President’s Report

The treatment cost for next year will increase slightly to approximately $3765 for the same amount of treatment area. This price reflects the amount both the Town and FLW will pay. A request was made to the town to include funds in the 2008/2009 budget for the 2009 treatment and the President followed up with the First Selectman to ensure the funds are included in the budget proposal. The Finance Board meeting is scheduled for March 20 at 7:30. Directors are asked to attend as there are a number of new people on the Finance Board and we need to show support for our request.

Status of the 2008 treatment – Aquatic Controls will survey the lake in late spring and treat at the usual time in late June. They were asked if the lake could be treated earlier, but June is the optimum time when the plants are growing and able to take up the applied chemical.  They were also asked if we should treat a larger area and they  believe we are treating an appropriate amount of the lake and are doing a good job controlling the milfoil. They are essentially treating all growth except that in the very back of the north coves. There could be a permit problem if we request a larger treatment area.

Paul Cote reported that the Agricultural Experiment Station will be doing a weed mapping of Lake Williams this year. That report will also be considered in determining future status of treatment.

Secretary’s Report

A motion was made by Jack Zappulla, seconded by Frank Catalano to approve the minutes from the June 9, 2007 Annual Meeting and Special Board Meeting. The motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report

The Treasurer’s report was read and submitted to the Secretary and President. A motion was made by Penny Hermann, seconded by Paula Looby to accept the Treasurer’s report. The motion carried.

Committee Reports

• Communication – Paul Cote reported the new website is up and received positive comments from the members who have visited the site. A suggestion was made to reinforce the theme of preservation of the lake throughout the site. Paul recognized Jim Smith who gave FLW the web site. A motion was made by John Clayton, seconded by Jack Zappulla to include an ongoing business card ad for Jim Smith in the newsletter at no charge. The motion carried. Two newsletters were sent last year and the plan is to do three this year. Paul extended his thanks to Barbara Lesh and Paula Looby for their work to copy, prepare and mail the newsletters.
• Membership – There are currently 137 members, up slightly over last year. Membership letters will be sent in the spring.
• Fundraising – No plans at this point
   
• Care Fishing – No report, Steve Looby will follow up with Lenny Tubbs to see if he will conduct a program this year. A motion was made by Richard Lesh, seconded by Paula Looby to allocate up to $300 for the Care Fishing Program so that funds are available if we are able to run a program. The motion carried.
• Water Quality—The committee continued to test during the summer with good water quality results.
• Town Meeting Monitoring—Board of Finance meeting is March 20 at 7:30. Individuals may sign up to receive minutes and agendas for other Town meetings by visiting the Town’s web site.
• Boating Safety—Unsure if a course will be offered this year. The most current lake map is on the Lake Williams web site and the campground will be provided with updated maps.
• Boat Parade—The goal this year is to increase participation by making it easier and more economical for participants. The theme this year is Christmas in July and the parade will be held Saturday, July 5.
• Grant Committee—No report

Unfinished Business

None

New Business

• Appointment of nominating committee (we may have up to 15 directors, we currently have 13 – terms expire in 2008 for Steve, Paul, Nancy, John) – Frank Catalano will serve as the nominating committee.
• The Annual Meeting date is June 14 at a time and location to be determined.
• A lake clean up day was proposed during the warm weather. The proposed date is August 9. We will ask the Town to provide a dump truck to dispose of collected waste. A committee will be created at the annual meeting.
• This is FLW’s 10^th anniversary and we will consider a picnic at the end of the clean up day to celebrate. Other ideas were discussed to publicize the anniversary.
• Frank Catalano will research a graphic artist to develop a logo for FLW. Based on his recent research we should be able to have a logo designed at a very small cost.
• A recommendation was made to have vests made to identify FLW officers at events. No decision was made.
• A recommendation was made to develop a committee to identify the input streams into Lake Williams. A committee will be formed at the annual meeting.

A motion was made by Jack Zappulla, seconded by Frank Catalano to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 3:25 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Penny Hermann

Secretary