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 February 7, 2023 at 7:00 pm at the Monroe Town Hall.
Commissioners Present:
Gary Fillion, Chairman
Frank Cavallo
John Downs
Jerry Kozera, Vice Chairman
Bill May, Treasurer
Barbara McWilliams
Lesley Pires
Dick Speer
Absent:
Mark Saksa
Chairman Gary Fillion called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm.
Secretary’s Report:
A correction to the January 10, 2023 minutes was requested by Chairman Gary Fillion, who asserted the vote to appoint Commissioner Barbara McWillaims was made in error, as Jerry Kozera did not fill the slot for more than one year. Bill May questioned if this was in the bylaws, and Gary asserted there was tenure to each position to last at least two years at a time and Jerry could not be removed.
A motion to accept the minutes with from the January 10, 2023 minutes, was made by Dick Speer, seconded by John Downs; the motion was passed unanimously.
Public Comments:
A resident from Monroe was in attendance, and inquired why the open democratic Monroe commissioner slot cannot be filled by a registered Republican. He was redirected to the Monroe town council. He was also updated on the new weed treatment vendor and the scheduling plans for this year’s weed treatment, being that there will be one treatment by Pond and Lake in April, and any secondary treatments will be considered after evaluating the efficacy of the first treatment.
Correspondence and News Clippings:
None.
Treasurer’s Report:
Bill May, Treasurer, presented account balances, with cash on hand equaling $122,568,037, which includes partial grant funds received for the new boat. $28,327 was requested from each of the four member towns for the 2023-24 budget. A capital expense can be requested later to help with the boat purchase if necessary. A motion to pass the treasurer’s report was made by Dick Speer, seconded by Gary Fillion, the motion was passed unanimously.
Marine Patrol Report:
None.
Publicity/ Public Awareness:
None.
Water Quality / Grants Report:
Gary Fillion, Chairman, reported the CT DEEP reports two more no wake buoys may be available to be added to the shoreline at the west part of the Newtown sandbar waterway area. The CT DEEP will soon verify this option. There are new extensive regulations in place for weed treatment this year, applied to private lakes only. Gary has inquired with the new vendor to verify if Lake Zoar is exempt as a public lake. Bill May inquired why we are authorizing a pre and post weed treatment survey, and if the LZA is actually required to do so by law. Gary explained that the pre treatment survey is performed to direct the vendor on where to treat, and he confirmed that the post treatment survey is required by the CT DEEP. Bill stated he will look into this reporting requirements to ensure all the budget is spent responsibly.
Boats and Motors Report:
None.
Grants:
Barbara McWilliams reported that she has raised $60,000 from FirstLight in grants for a new boat, but more fundraising will be required to complete the purchase. Treasurer Bill May suggested the LZA use cash on hand to supplement the purchase and continue to budget and fundraise for a new boat for the 2024 season. Barbara has also found a new grant opportunity from the town of Southbury, and will explore the options. The new boat committee will put together a proposal with specifications for the new boat.
Unfinished Business:
Gary Fillion requested that the new boat committee to formalize meetings and schedules so a proposal can be presented to all commissioners. Bill May reiterated that the formal planning has just begun and the boat committee will report with specifications next month. John Downs reminded the commissioners that the committee is charged with putting together a proposal the board can vote on.
New Business
Gary reported that Newtown has offered space on Eicher’s Cove for a shed if the LZA is in need of a storage area for life jackets, maps, etc. Gary will follow up on the feasibility.
Adjournment
A motion to adjourn was made by Dick Speer and seconded by John Downs. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:54pm.
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 March 7, 2023 at 7:00 pm at the Newtown Community Center.
Click here to download the 02-07-2023 Minutes
Click here to preview the proposed agenda for the 03=07-2023 LZA Meeting