ROGERS LAKE AUTHORITY
~MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUGUST 14, 2013
A meeting of the Rogers Lake Authority (RLA) was convened at the Rogers Lake Clubhouse at 7:30 pm on August14, 2013.~ The following members were present: Robert Recor, Richard Smith, Tom Baher, Tom Mondelci, Mike Secord and Dennis Overfield. Liz Sunshine, Secretary, and approximately fifteen attendees were also present.
The meeting was called to order at approx 7:31 pm. The notes from the July meeting were not read but were accepted as written. A motion was made by Rob Recor to approve the notes from the July meeting. It was seconded by Dennis Overfield and approved by unanimous vote.
Memorial Bench:
All work has been completed on the Fred Holth Memorial Bench at Haines Park. Plans for informational signage and a dedication are underway for the spring of 2014.
Police Patrol:
The lake monitor has been policing and creating a presence on the lake. He is on the lake to help those in need with towing, safety issues and education of traffic patterns.
Mike discussed the need for buoys to mark two sand bars that are a danger to boaters unaware of the lake topography. With the water low in the lake due to dam repair, there are two areas of concern, one at the mouth of the boat launch and the other on the North side of the lake along the entrance to the Blood Street finger. The danger is such that an emergency placement of the buoys is necessary and the appropriate DEEP markings will be added at a later time.
Budget:
This years budget from Old Lyme includes $30,000 in funds to fix the dam, $7,500 for weed study, $5,000 for Benthic Mats and all operating expenses.
Weed Control:
The Chairman presented a cost estimate from Aquatic Control Technology Inc. for costs associated with a chemical treatment of a 10 acre test area of the lake. This was requested by the board of finance following the denial of funds for alternate weed control methods in the proposed 2013 budget request.
Much discussion followed; including whether there had been any studies of well water contamination after application of herbicides in other lakes. Rob Recor had done some research on the topic and shared his findings. The following is from Rob's notes:
Spoke with Brad Robinson - Program Director pesticide Division DEEP regarding the use of herbicides to control our invasive weed problem in Rogers Lake. The major concerns are regarding contamination of shallow wells with use of herbicides. Robinson stated: "Liquid flows from higher to lower levels, understand that normally home wells have a draw radius from the lake of 50' or so which, given the cone effect or the cone of depression, is minimal to pull extremes of water or herbicide into the well. Sand rocks and other debris act as a natural filter to water entering the cone of depression feeding a well. Shallow wells should not be a factor because again, water runs from the well to the lake not the other way unless a Commercial pump with sufficient horsepower is used. Remember the water table is
at the lake edge, so flow would be from well to lake until balanced. Nitrates and other contaminates from fertilizers and fecal material etc flow from high to low ground and may also contaminate.
Bashan Lake has used 2-4D for years without issue with lake side wells, however, this herbicide does not control fanwort. Clipper works on Fanwort more slowly and disperses more quickly: less bang for the buck. Sonar - A systemic herbicide is the most effective.
Should Lyme-Old Lyme select a company or individual to proceed with herbicide, a program of approach and application must be submitted to the pesticide division for approval. Currently no herbicide product may be used if it has more than a one in a million chance of causing significant harmful effects to human health, wildlife or the environment. This is directed to products with carcinogens.
This information comes from Brad Robinson Director, Nancy Murry Secretary, Chuck Lee, and Dr. Judy Singer Hydrologist all of DEEP phone (860) 424-3324.
Much discussion followed regarding Rob Recor's report of his findings. Residents discussed the severity of the weed problem in their area of the lake.
RLA Member Tom Baher stated that he was strongly opposed to the use of chemicals in the lake and wanted to explore other options such as dredging and more mats for waterfront owners. He requested a committee be established to further research and bring back information to the board on the option of dredging. Tom noted and questioned why he had not seen the cost estimate for the proposed chemical use dated March 7, 2013 until the August meeting. The chair responded that the cost estimate had only gone to the board of finance who had requested the information and was now being shared with all as an alternative option. He also assured that no other action regarding herbicide application had been taken. Discussion followed regarding what procedures would need to take place prior to any application of herbicides.
Possibilities mentioned were; town referenda, ballot initiative, or petition and application plans.
Further discussion followed regarding gathering more information and reviewing the extensive studies that were accomplished in 2003 and 2011. Several attendees noted that the weed situation in the lake is extensive and the RLA has a responsibility to take action and create a comprehensive plan to recommend to the towns for weed management. There was an emphasis placed on educating land owners not to use fertilizer on lawns and to possibly introduce mandatory septic pump out in Lyme every X years, as is required in Old Lyme.
The board scheduled an executive session to review options and set recommendations for Wed 21, 2013.
Boat Launch:
The launch monitor has been checking out boats entering the lake. She checks and records the boat registration number, ensures that the boat and trailer are free of weeds a checks that the operators have their boaters licenses and appropriate number of life jackets on board.
Dam Repairs:
The Rogers Lake Dam is under repair at the present time.
New Business:
New lake resident on Grassy Hill questioned liability and or responsibility of removal of old fallen tree branch in water. Mike Secord will look into it.
Old Business:
A motion to adjourn was made by Mike Secord, seconded by Rob Recor and was passed by unanimous decision. Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:32 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
 ~Elizabeth Sunshine
Secretary for RLA
elizabethsunshine@sbcglobal.net
The next meeting of the Rogers Lake Association will be on September 11, 2013 at 7:30pm at the Rogers Lake West Shores Clubhouse:
Agenda for 9/11/13 Meeting:
- Budget
- Police Patrol
- Weeds
- Benthic Mats
- Boat Launch
- Dam Repair
New Business
Old Business
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