ROGERS LAKE AUTHORITYMINUTES OF THE MEETING OF MARCH 12, 2008
A meeting of the Rogers Lake Authority (RLA) was convened at the Lyme Town Hall on March 12, 2008 at 7:00 PM. The following members were present: Fred Holth, Walter Buck, and Elizabeth Sunshine (secretary) of Lyme, and members Dick Smith of Old Lyme. Also present Maureen Plumleigh of Old Lyme.
Fred mentioned that there had been one thousand dollars set aside in this year’s budget for a trial of a mat that is used for weed control. The preferred trial area would be by the Haynes park beach and then moved to other areas. The material can be purchased at a rate as low as $300.00 for 10 X 500 foot material and would need weighting in order to keep the material on the ground. The “complete systems” come with material with pre woven holes that you place the weighted rods in and sink the mat to the ground. These systems are then pulled up every couple of months and relocated.
With this system, one unit relocated several times in the year could effectively control weed growth for many homeowners as well and may provide an alternative to hydro raking, with less mess and environmental damage. This system can be used in several locations during one season.
This system would have to be permitted by wetlands in much the same manner as the 5 year hydro raking permit. It was brought up that we could write a letter to approach people who have in the past done hydro raking to see if they may be interested in this bottom mat type of option.
The budget included $1,000.00 for the trial mat systems and approximately $12,000 for policing activities. This being the same expenses as 2007. Also included in the budget is $5760 for monitoring (360 hours @ 16 per hour); $300 for gas and oil (Rob’s figure of 15 fill ups @ 6 gallons per); $1000 for boat and motor maintenance; $400 for secretarial services; $100 for notices and publications; and $23,000 for harvesting. The total budget then is $37,320, which is divided by two ($18,660 from each town). And it was pointed out that it did not include funds for Old Lyme police patrols – that is typically included in the Old Lyme Police budget and then charged to Lyme.
A discussion ensued regarding charges and time frames of policing from the town. It was also discussed that the budget includes a person at the boat launch monitoring the incoming boats, registration stickers, motor size. He also distributes information, to boaters about lake practices.
There have been some preliminary meetings with the First Selectmen of Lyme and Old Lyme regarding possible budgeting of funds for the acquisition of a harvester. There are many questions that remain to be answered, such as; equipment maintenance and storage, insurance, operator costs, removal of waste, dry out space. There was some discussion of a conveyer to a town truck to remove the waste.
Dredging and chemical controls were also discussed and for reasons previously stated we are opting for exploring harvesting, and the trial of the mat.
Something brought up for consideration was a “Lakescaping Competition” where in residents would take part in a competition to improve the health and appearance of the lake shoreline. An added benefit would be increased awareness of residents as to the benefits of good shoreline management.
It was brought up that education should be the first step in any sort of completion, to ensure the goal is effected. It was mentioned that we should invite professionals to present good eco-friendly options for lake front landscaping, and explore interest in the June meeting when meeting participation is at its highest.
The scheduled meetings of the RLA for the remainder of 2008 is as follows; June 11th, 7pm at Rogers Lake Community Center; September 10th, 7pm at the Lyme Town Hall; and December 10th, 7pm at the Lyme Town Hall.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:50pm.
Respectfully Submitted by
Elizabeth E. Sunshine
Secretary
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