TOWN OF EAST HAMPTON
CONSERVATION-LAKE COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2010
7:00 P.M.
EATON E. SMITH MEETING ROOM
TOWN HALL
MINUTES
- Call to Order: Chair Zawisza called this regular meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. Present were Chair Zawisza, Irene Curtis, Nancy Selavka, Kurt Comisky. Absent was Mark Niosi, Paul Peszynski.
- Seating of Alternates: None
- Approval of Minutes:
- Conservation-Lake Commission –March 11, 2010
The minutes of the March 11, 2010 meeting were approved.
- Communications and Liaison Reports: None.
Ms. Nielson urged the Commission to follow the Planning and Zoning Commission, either by attending or listening to meeting disc or reading minutes.
- Report of Director of Community and Developmental Planning
Ms. Nielson was present to address the Commission. She stated that Mark Habedank formally resigned.
Ms. Nielson gave highlights of the Lake Cleanup effort on 5-8-10. The day went well, in spite of the rain, and Pepsi was represented by their staff who brought food and drink for cookout at the end.
Commission membership is down. All were urged to forward names of interested parties to the Town Manager’s office.
Ms. Nielson will email the analysis from AECOM of last year’s sampling data. Data was briefly discussed.
(Alan Petell arrived)
Mr. Petell discussed that IW is hosting Columbia’s IW representative to discuss their guidelines regarding algae bloom in their lake and how they handled it. Columbia recommends residents refrain from using phosphorus in the watershed area.
Mr. Petell noted that members of the public are not invited to speak unless during public remarks during a pubic hearing. IW only accepts comments on non-agenda items during their meetings.
Mr. Petell estimated that the Lake Cleanup efforts covered approximately seven (7) miles of road. Next year sandwich boards may be used. The Pepsi t-shirts raised awareness. It seems that the rain and thundershowers prevented some participation.
Questions were raised regarding the cleaning of clogged catch basins in the watershed area. Lake Drive and Mott Hill areas were observed to have basins full of debris and leaves. It was the consensus of the Commission to write a letter to the Town Council to advise Public Works of best practices regarding cleaning catch basins in the watershed area.
Mr. Comisky attended a Navigation Commission meeting. There are existing regulations. The DEP feels the speed limits on the Lake to be unenforceable, due to court challenges. Constables must be paid $15.00/hr. and the money isn’t there, and that volunteers cannot be considered. The current regulations are under review.
A discussion ensued regarding boats, boat and motor size, quiet hours, no wake zones, etc.
7. Old Business
- Update on GIS Mapping – Open Space and looking at future GIS priorities for conservation/lake issues
Ms. Nielsen updated the Commission on the Open Space overlay. PA-490 will be done as a separate layer. The next phase will be done this summer. Discussions will happen in the future, and budgets will be considered. IW is working with a 1974 map and most likely will have a layer.
The watershed area layer was discussed as was the signs stating “Entering Lake Watershed Area”, 18 x 24, signed would cost approximately $20 each. Only two would be located on Rte. 66. Ms. Nielsen suggested getting proposal with locations, etc. ready for Town Council.
- Update on Mixing System (aeration system) RFP and final comments
Ms. Nielson went over status of System. The preconstruction meeting will be within a few weeks after responses to RFPs come in.
- Discussion on Lake Pocotopaug Watershed Plan and 319 Grant Status
The Town did not get this grant. Public Works may be doing some projects on the east side of the Lake. Ms. Nielsen will follow up on reasons for denial and suggestions for future positive feedback.
A. Update on this year’s water sampling in the Lake and review of Pamela McCann’s contract to conduct sampling and AECOM training on Monday 5/17/10.
Ms. McCann is a licensed water sampler with WPCA (which is a little different). A boat is necessary for sampling, equipment is in Ms. Nielson’s office. Approximately 20 samples per month will be taken from 18 sites. Discussions ensued regarding the content of the contract with Ms. McCann and possible permission from property owners to cross their properties. Ms. Nielson will call Mr. Solomon for possible boat use. Chain of custody forms would have to accompany samples.
- Discussion on and motion to approve purchase of any future needed supplies and equipment for lake water sampling.
The group supports the purchase of necessary supplies for sampling. Ms. Nielson will keep the Commission involved.
- Brainstorming ideas for next community conservation/Lake event.
Discussion regarding Old Home Day informational booth and key chains ensued.
9. Public Remarks
Mr. Zawisza was approached by Mr. Visintainer regarding shooting off fireworks over the Lake. After discussions with Ms. Nielson, the Commission said it was not a great idea.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Transcribed by,
Jennifer Carducci
5-15-10
All handouts made part of these minutes and all available at Town Hall.
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