Lake Zoar Authority
P.O. Box 931
Southbury, CT 06488
Email: [email protected]
Member Towns
Monroe-Newtown-Oxford-Southbury
The regular meeting of the Lake Zoar Authority was held Tuesday March 3, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. at the Newtown Community Center.
Commissioners Present:
Ed Kusinski, Vice Chairman
Lesley Pires, Secretary
John Downs
Herbert Garber
Bill May
Mark Saksa
Dick Speer
Jeff Thomas
Absent:
Gary Fillion, Chairman
Bob Mouchantat, Treasurer
Frank Cavallo
Ed Kusinski, vice chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm.
Secretary’s Report:
A motion to accept the minutes as read from the February 4, 2020 minutes was made by Bill May, seconded by Mark Saksa; the motion was passed unanimously.
Public Comments:
An Oxford resident inquired about cyanobacteria management plans along the shoreline, and zoning regulations possibly requiring property owners to establish a vegetative buffer to mitigate impacts. It was explained that FirstLight will send a Land Management Notice letter to all residents, including regulatory information regarding fertilizers, dock and building permits, and buffer enforcement. The resident was encouraged to contact his local UCONN Master Gardener Extension office to inquire about appropriate plant species before creating plant borders.
A Monroe resident inquired about the upcoming summer weed control program, in anticipation of poor seasonal waterway access on the Monroe border. The resident received the proposed weed treatment plans for 2020 from Solitude Lake Management.
Correspondence and News Clippings:
None.
Treasurer’s Report:
None.
Marine Patrol Report:
The Marine Patrol Coordinator attended the FirstLight 2020 Shoreline Management Plan Lake Advisory Committee Meeting on February 11, 2020, and reported that the Shepaug Dam safety signage will be upgraded, due to poor visibility. A buoy safety line is being considered to prevent boating access to the dam.
Proper enforcement of the newly required Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Stamp was discussed in regards to out of state residents who are without the certification, as outlined in Public Act No. 19-190. Marine Patrol will attend a 2020 Law Enforcement Boating Update conference in May, and clarify enforcement procedures at such time.
All Marine Patrol vessel drivers are currently CPR certified.
Publicity/ Public Awareness:
The website will be updated with the 2020 edition of the Connecticut Boater’s Guide.
Water Quality / Grants Report:
In his absence, Gary Fillion made the preliminary proposal for the 2020 weed treatment program from Solitude Lake Management available for review, outlining strategic sites for most effective control of milfoil and pond weed. The plans will be further negotiated with Solitude Lake Management to increase coverage where needed.
Boats and Motors Report:
Dick Speer reported on LED replacement light plans for each patrol boat. Dick will meet with the vendor to inquire about an interest in white lights, in addition to the blue lights accounted for in the proposal.
The lights and windshield of each patrol boat require polishing in preparation for the 2020 season.
Grants:
None.
Unfinished Business:
None.
New Business
None.
Adjournment
A motion to adjourn was made by Dick Speer, seconded by Bill May, the motion was passed unanimously. Ed Kusinski adjourned the meeting at 7:36 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lesley Pires, Secretary
The minutes are not considered official until approved at the next regular meeting of the Lake Zoar Authority to be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at 7:00 pm at the Oxford Town Hall.
Click here to download the 03-03-20 Minutes
Click here to read the proposed agenda for the 04-07-20 LZA meeting