2020-10-06
Lake Zoar Authority
P.O. Box 931
Southbury, CT 06488
Email: lakezoar@gmail.com
Member Towns
Monroe-Newtown-Oxford-Southbury
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The regular meeting of the Lake Zoar Authority was held Tuesday, October 6, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. at the Monroe Town Hall, 7 Fan Hill Rd., Monroe, CT 06468.
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Commissioners Present:
Gary Fillion, Chariman
Bill May, Treasurer
Lesley Pires, Secretary
John Downs
Mark Saksa
Dick Speer
Jeff Thomas
Absent:
Ed Kusinski, Vice Chairman
Herbert Garber
Frank Cavallo
Gary Fillion, Chariman, called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm.
Secretary’s Report:
A motion to accept the minutes as read from the September 08, 2020 minutes was made by Mark Saksa, seconded by Bill May; the motion was passed unanimously.
Public Comments:
A Newtown resident requested a budgetary increase for cyanobacteria monitoring to continue through the month of September, as it ended on September 2, 2020, and clumps are still visible. The resident was concerned that the water appears dramatically different day to day. The resident spoke with the WCSU Cyanobacteria Monitoring Program and was told they would be willing to continue testing but had ran out of test reagents. Chairman Gary Fillion agreed the testing should continue and indicated it would be requested for the 2021 season.
A Newtown resident returned to discuss mass eradication of the invasive plant milfoil in Lake Zoar, and hypothesized that the current pattern of treatment may stimulate cyanobacteria growth in concert with high temperatures and nutrient overloading. The resident suggested treating the invasive plants earlier in the season, before significant growth occurs, so the smaller biomass will deplete less oxygen as the fallen weeds decompose. The resident inquired about a lake management strategy. The resident supports a holistic approach to managing fish, plants, and zooplankton in Lake Zoar. The resident recommended implementation of a three step management plan that considers education, public outreach, and evaluation of weed treatment results. Chairman Gary Fillion agreed the commission is open to new ideas and strategies but must emphasized that weed treatment methods must be approved by the CT DEEP.
Gary announced that Limnologist, Dr. Knoecklein will be performing extensive weekly cyanobacteria studies next season in addition to what is already offered by WCSU’s Cyanobacteria Monitoring Program. Gary indicated that the LZA would be interested in a lake management proposal plan in cooperation with new recommendations and strategies provided by Dr. Knoecklein and Solitude Lake Management.
Correspondence and News Clippings:
None.
Treasurer’s Report:
Bill May, Treasurer, presented account balances and a smooth transition of account access. Bill will consider alternative boat liability insurance policies to account for months when the patrol boats are not in the water. A motion to accept the Treasurers Report was made by Dick Speer, seconded by Mark Saksa; the motion was passed unanimously.
Marine Patrol Report:
None.
Publicity/ Public Awareness:
The WCSU Fall 2020 Regional Lake Communities Symposium was held online, on September 28, 2020 from 7-9pm, entitled, “Reflecting on aquatic invasive plants and harmful algal blooms (HAB’s), continuing and new challenges”. Upcoming sessions include, “Using data to assess our lakes” on October 26th, from 7-9 pm online, and “Best Practices for managing Aquatic plants and HABs; Biological, Chemical, Mechanical success stories” on November 30th, from 7-9pm online. Anyone from the public can attend by registering at https://westconn.tfaforms.net/217.
Water Quality / Grants Report:
The lake water is currently cooled to 62°F. There will be a renewal of the WCSU Cyanobacteria Monitoring Program in 2021, and a second Cyanobacteria testing program ran by Limnologist, Dr. Knoecklein, which is expected to be more intensive to Lake Zoar. The barbacque and picnic table have been removed from the sandbar. The annual draw down is scheduled for October 23rdthrough November 2nd, 2020. The water will be dropped approximately 4.5 feet, to 98.5 feet. The 2020 Post-Herbicide Treatment Aquatic Plant Survey Results have been completed by Northeast Aquatic Research and will be made available on the LZA website.
Boats and Motors Report:
Dick Speer reported that the new lights are to be installed on the boat during the week of October 12, 2020. The boats will be pulled from the water after successful installation.
Grants:
None.
Unfinished Business:
None.
New Business
None.
Adjournment
A motion to adjourn was made by Mark Saksa, seconded by Bill May, the motion was passed unanimously. Gary Fillionadjourned 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, November 3, 2020 at 7:00 pm at theNewtown Community Center.
Click here to download the 10-06-20 Minutes
Click here to read the proposed agenda for the 11-03-20 LZA meeting