2020-09-08
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 Tuesday, September 8, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. at the Southbury Town Hall, 501 Main Street, Southbury, CT 06488.
Commissioners Present:
Gary Fillion, Chariman
Ed Kusinski, Vice Chairman
Bob Mouchantat, Treasurer
Lesley Pires, Secretary
Frank Cavallo
Bill May
Dick Speer
Jeff Thomas
Absent:
Herbert Garber
Jeff Thomas
Mark Saksa
Gary Fillion, Chariman, called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm.
Secretary’s Report:
A motion to accept the minutes as read from the August 3, 2020 minutes was made by Dick Speer, seconded by Frank Cavallo; the motion was passed unanimously.
Public Comments:
Two Newtown residents attended with concerns regarding cyanobacteria blooms from 2019 and 2020. Photographs of thick blooms were supplied by one resident. The resident expressed concerns that the blooms may be associated with weed treatment organized annually by the LZA. An article published on September 7th in the NewsTimes, “CT Lakes Take a Break from Toxic-Green Algae,” by Katrina Koerting, was made available to the resident as it summarizes recent scientific studies on cyanobacteria in Lake Zoar. It was explained to the resident that areas of the lake are prioritized for treatment when navigation and recreational activities are inhibited. Commissioners discussed the history of milfoil treatment on the lake, cyanobacteria research presented by Dr. Wong at the WCSU 2020 Lake Symposium, and the assertion of Limnologist, Dr. Knoecklein, that cyanobacteria blooms are not the result of weed treatment. The resident was invited to attend the upcoming February 2021 LZA meeting for a presentation by Dr. Knoecklein, encouraged to speak with Dr. Wong about more specific concerns, and encouraged to participate in the next WCSU Lake Symposium.
Correspondence and News Clippings:
“CT Lakes Take a Break from Toxic-Green Algae,” by Katrina Koerting, dated September 7, 2020, is available on the LZA website.
A notice on Facebook for an unsanctioned political rally intended by private citizens by boat on Lake Zoar, on Sunday, September 13, 2020, was shared.
Treasurer’s Report:
Bob Mouchantat, Treasurer, presented account balances and verified that the FirstLight corporate sponsorship grants is still in place. A motion to accept the Treasurers Report was made by Dick Speer, seconded by Frank Cavallo; the motion was passed unanimously.
Treasurer Bob Mouchantatannounced that he has completed training Commissioner Bill May in accounting duties and tendered his resignation from the LZA.
Marine Patrol Report:
Forty-eight warnings and infractions were issued for the month of August through Labor Day weekend. 95% of the offenses were for lack of personal flotation devices. There must be a wearable life jacket on board for each person aboard every vessel. PFD’s must be worn by anyone operating or riding a personal watercraft, or by anyone being pulled behind a boat. In addition, anyone in a manually propelled vessel must wear a PFD from October 1 through May 31.
Sixed broken down boats (with one taking on water) were towed with assistance from Lake Patrol over the past month.
A hiker from Shelton suffered two extremity fractures while hiking the high trail at Kettletown State Park. The hiker was evacuated by Oxford EMS and firefighters via stretcher from 1.5 miles inland to the LZA patrol boat, and then transferred to an ambulance waiting at Jackson Cove.
Tuesday night concerts on the lake have been monitored by Lake Patrol. There have been numerous vessels stopped for lack of lights and jet-skiers have been intercepted while riding after dark.
14 people were removed from the restricted area of Shepaug damn, behind the posted restriction sign. Trespassers have been on shore, on the spillway, and in their boats. The LZA will contact FirstLight regarding request for better markings.
Lake Patrol will monitor the Dambuster marathon event hosted by Leaps of Faith Water Ski Club, rescheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2020. Patrol boats will assist with escorting water skiers from the Shepaug Dam. There are 15 – 35 skiers expected.
Normal patrols for the year are concluded. Lake Patrol will be available for high activity weekends as needed.
Monroe Police Officer, Alfred F. Anzalone, age 59, passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2020. Officer Anzalone served as a patrol officer for the LZA for twenty years. A graveside service will take place on Friday, September 11, 2020 at 12:15 p.m. in St. John’s Cemetery, Moose Hill Rd., Monroe. All other services will be private.
Publicity/ Public Awareness:
Official LZA.org email addresses are now available for use by the LZA and the Marine Patrol Coordinator. LZA@lakezoarauthority.org and LakePatrol@lakezoarauthority.org will soon be in use.
Water Quality / Grants Report:
The lake water is green with cyanobacteria algae blooms. Algae clumps from the water column have surfaced, making the masses very visible.
The WCSU Cyanobacteria Monitoring Program reported final Microcystin levels at 0.4796 ppb in Eichler’s Cove for September 2, 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. This concludes the monitoring program for the year.
The annual drawdown schedule will be announced on the LZA website as soon as it is made available.
Boats and Motors Report:
Dick Speer reported that the two propellers, as well as the inflatable life jackets on the patrol boats need to be replaced.
The payment for the replacement lights for the patrol boats are confirmed as cleared. The new lights will be installed.
Grants:
None.
Unfinished Business:
Gary Fillion nominated Bill May for Treasurer; seconded by Ed Kusinski, elected Unanimously.
New Business
Gary Fillion noted increased usage of the state boat ramp and increased disturbances caused by pontoon boats and wakeboats in the area. Gary will contact the CT DEEP to inquire about possible restrictions.
Adjournment
A motion to adjourn was made by Dick Speer, seconded by Frank Cavallo, the motion was passed unanimously. Gary Fillionadjourned the meeting at 8:01 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, October 6, 2020 at 7:00 pm at the Monroe Town Hall.
Click here to download the 09-08-20 Minutes
Click here to read the proposed agenda for the 10-06-20 LZA meeting