2020-07-06
Lake Zoar Authority
P.O. Box 931
Southbury, CT 06488
Email: lakezoar@gmail.com
Member Towns
Monroe-Newtown-Oxford-Southbury
The regular meeting of the Lake Zoar Authority was held Monday, July 6, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. online via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/97342065311?pwd=bjR0T1pyUmg3OWN6TjdYdEkvUkpDUT09.
Commissioners Present:
Gary Fillion, Chariman
Lesley Pires, Secretary
Frank Cavallo
John Downs
Herbert Garber
Bill May
Mark Saksa
Dick Speer
Jeff Thomas
Absent:
Ed Kusinski, Vice Chairman
Bob Mouchantat, Treasurer
Gary Fillion, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm.
Secretary’s Report:
No Report Available (last three meetings cancelled due to COVID-19 closures).
Public Comments:
A Southbury state ramp visitor submitted online comments regarding a possible no wake zone near the ramp to prevent personal watercraft from disturbing docked boats. Visitor reported damage to his boat and frequent sighting of speeders, and submitted notice from the CT DEEP that a buoy or sign would not be placed. Chairman Gary Fillion resolved to direct Lake Patrol officers to monitor this ramp during peak use and times of congestion. When practical, Lake Patrol can remain stationary in problem areas to deter speeders and issue infractions.
Correspondence and News Clippings:
None.
Treasurer’s Report:
Chairman Gary Fillion reported in Treasurer Bob Mouchantat’s absence, that Bob will send treasury training materials to Bill May, who will take over as Treasurer this year.
A request for funds release has been made to all four towns, Monroe, Newtown, Oxford, and Southbury.
An invoice from Solitude Lake Management for 2020 weed treatment is expected.
Marine Patrol Report:
There have been several sightings of personal watercraft on the lake after dark, while speeding with no lights. Chairman Gary Fillion suggested Lake Patrol might consider patrolling at night during popular holidays.
Visitors on the lake are encouraged to contact the lake patrol boat via VHF Radio Channel 16 or by calling the CT State Police Troop A in Southbury at (203) 267-2200 to report boating traffic violations. If a vessel’s tag is recorded, the Marine Patrol Coordinator can make contact with the registered owner even if the vessel is not intercepted.
Publicity/ Public Awareness:
The official LZA Facebook page has been updated with notice that official electronic correspondence to the LZA should be submitted via the LZA website fill-form, located at https://lakezoarauthority.org/home/contact, or by email at lakezoar@gmail.com. The notice also specifies that the Lake Patrol boat can be reached by calling local town police or the CT State Police Troop A in Southbury at (203) 267-2200, or by use of VHF Radio Channel 16. All boating emergencies should be reported over 911.
The Water Quality webpage of the LZA website has been updated to include this year’s WCSU Cyanobacteria Monitoring Program Results and historical data from previous years dating back to 2016.
The LZA has recommended through announcement online that Lake Zoar boaters are encouraged to use VHF marine radios, as the Lake Zoar marine patrol boat is radio equipped, with constant shore contact via VHF Radio Channel 16. An affordable handheld unit was suggested as example of what is available for purchase online, along with US Coast Guard directives and a helpful media article.
The Marine Patrol Coordinator will be issued an official LZA email address to correspond with the public regarding law enforcement on the lake.
Water Quality / Grants Report:
Weed treatment was completed on June 23, 2020 and appears to have been successful. The post weed treatment survey will be available online within the coming weeks. Chairman Gary Fillion reported that today, the water was 70-74°F, the weeds were knocked down, the water appeared clear, and there were not visible cyanobacteria blooms on the surface.
FirstLight assigned crews to remove all tagged floating debris from the lake two weeks ago. There are currently no unattached debris left in the lake.
The WCSU Cyanobacteria Monitoring Program reported Microcystin levels at 0.091ppb in Eichler’s Cove on July 1, 2020. The U.S. EPA and CT DPH currently advise a Microcystin threshold of 8.0 parts per billion (ppb;μg/L) for recreational waters. Weekly results will be made available online through the season.
The CT DOT has begun reconstructing the Rochambeau Bridge, in Newtown, and is scheduled to be completed by December 23, 2023. Work over the waterway will take place using work trestles and barges. A minimum 75’ channel width for boaters will be maintained at all times. Lighting will be used to indicate which channel is navigable to boaters.
Boats and Motors Report:
Dick Speer has completed the preorder for LED replacement lights for each patrol boat. Treasurer Bob Mouchantat will be tasked to release funds to complete the order.
New paddles and life jackets are being purchased for the patrol boats.
Joel Ziesler of the Leaps of Faith Water Ski Club in Newtown has donated two dozen serviceable life jackets to the LZA patrol boats.
Grants:
None.
Unfinished Business:
None.
New Business
None.
Adjournment
A motion to adjourn was made by Herbert Garber, seconded by Bill May, the motion was passed unanimously. Gary Fillion adjourned the meeting at 7:39 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 Monday, August 3, 2020 at 7:00 pm at the Oxford Town Hall.
Click here to download the 07-06-20 Minutes
Click here to read the proposed agenda for the 08-03-20 LZA meeting