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 on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at 7:00 pm at the Southbury Town Hall, 501 Main Street, Southbury, CT 06488.
Commissioners Present:
Gary Fillion, Chairman
Jerry Kozera, Vice Chairman
Scott Chin
John Downs
Bill May, Treasurer
Lesley Pires, Secretary
Frank Cavallo
Barbara McWilliams
Dick Speer
Absent:
Herbert Garber
Mark Saksa
Gary Fillion, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:02pm.
Secretary’s Report:
A motion to accept the minutes as read from the December 7, 2021 minutes was made by Bill May, seconded by Jerry Kozera; the motion was passed unanimously.
Public Comments:
None.
Correspondence and News Clippings:
None.
Treasurer’s Report:
Bill May, Treasurer, presented account balances, with cash on hand equaling $123,522.22. There are no outstanding bills. The LZA boats are currently insured by CIRMA. An accurate inventory of all valuable equipment to include serial numbers, will be documented and submitted for proper insurance value.
The LZA provided all four member towns with a budget proposal on December 13, 2021. On December 28, 2022, the town of Southbury Board of Finance requested specific items to accompany the First Selectman’s budget request for 2022-2023, by February 15, 2022. Bill will contact the LZA accountant and then remit any additional documents that are necessary for Southbury’s budget review.
Jerry Kozera reported that the CT Road Tax entitles the LZA to a sales tax refund on boat gas by the gallon. The treasurer and commissioners agreed that the LZA should apply for the refund. Jerry also reported that the Newtown of Public Works has offered to store the boats and the trailers free of charge. This could save the LZA $4,000. The Treasurer and Chairman will explore this opportunity further.
A motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report was made by John Downs, seconded by Barbara McWilliams; the motion was passed unanimously.
Marine Patrol Report:
Marine Patrol Coordinator Dan Semosky reported a 2021 year-end summary of enforcement actions by month, to include 20 enforcement actions in May, 50 in June, 47 in July, 52 in August, and 41 in September. There were a total of 30 tows of disabled boats during the 2021 season. Tows by Marine Patrol are a last resort and boaters should make efforts to tow their boats before using Marine Patrol resources.
Publicity/ Public Awareness:
Lesley Pires reported that the LZA website is currently functioning. The 2021 end of year weed treatment survey will be uploaded, and monthly announcements regarding the next meeting will be uploaded prior to each meeting.
Water Quality / Grants Report:
Chairman Gary Fillion reported that according to the 2021 end of year aquatic plant treatment survey performed by North East Aquatic Research, the weed treatment was extremely successful, with over 82 acres treated, resulting in weeds being greatly reduced or completely gone after chemical application in treatment areas. No water chestnut was found despite its presence upstream in Lake Lillinonah.
Gary reported that there have been duck hunters sighted near the sand bar on Lake Zoar. Hunting is allowed 500 feet from shore (and not within 500 feet from buildings where people or livestock are present). Hunters were spotted too close to shore multiple times in December. If residents spot illegal hunters, they should record the vessel’s registration number and report it to the CT DEEP.
Boats and Motors Report:
None.
Grants:
Barbara McWilliams is currently working on the application for the Summer Life Jacket Grant through the Sea Tow Foundation.
Unfinished Business:
Chairman Gary Fillion and Vice Chairman Jerry Kozera presented costs of about $10 per identification card for commissioners and marine patrol drivers in need of identification through a third party vendor.
There is one open seat on the LZA for the town of Oxford.
New Business
Scott Chin was appointed to the LZA as the newest commissioner by the town of Monroe Democratic Party on 1/3/2022. A new commissioners list will be updated online and distributed.
Adjournment
A motion to adjourn was made by Bill May, seconded by Frank Cavallo, the motion was passed unanimously. adjourned the meeting at 8:07pm.
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, Fbruary 1, 2022 at 7:00 pm at the Monroe Town Hall.
Click here to download the 01-04-2022 Minutes
Click here to preview the proposed agenda for the 2-01-2022 LZA Meeting