2023-08-07
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 Monday, August 7, 2023 at 7:00 pm at the Oxford Town Hall.
Commissioners Present:
Barbara McWilliams, Chairwoman
John Downs
James Galarneau
Tim Glover
Jerry Kozera
Dennis Lawler
John Morin
Bill May, Treasurer
Dick Speer
Absent:
Lesley Pires
Mark Saksa
Call to Order
Chairwoman Barbara McWilliams called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm.
Secretary’s Report:
A motion to approve as submitted by secretary – Dick Speer/2nd by Jerry Kozera. Motion approved unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer Bill May gave the financial report to the Board. Cash on hand balance is $130,402.24. Motion to approve as reported – Dennis Lawlor/2nd by John Morin. Motion approved unanimously.
Marine Patrol Report:
Marine Patrol Coordinator Dan Semosky reported that patrol coverage was provided for 3 Tuesday evening Summer Concerts held at Jackson Cove in Oxford in July. It was reported that approximately 60, 55, and 15 boats were in the water around the Jackson Cove area listening to the concerts.
A drowning was reported in the Silver Bridge area on the Newtown side of the Lake. The incident was handled by Newtown PD & EMS.
Received a report that there were individuals jumping from the Steel Bridge. Individuals were given a stern warning to leave the area and not return for that type of activity.Some patrols were cancelled due to inclement weather.
Due to the heavy rainfall, debris identified to be a water hazard was pulled to the shoreline.
Andy Ferrillo was hired as a Patrol Driver. Mr. Ferrillo has years of experience in marine patrol.
Statistics for July – 4 tickets issued, 2 tows, and 62 warning/inspections
Pipeline job started on July 26th. There are 3 barges in the lake for the project.
Publicity/ Public Awareness:
Dennis Lawler reported that the website is still a “work in progress” and may possibly be up and running as early as next week. Dennis is continuing to work with Web Designer to complete the project.
Water Quality
Water Quality Monitoring Committee:
The Weed Treatment Permit was finally issued and received from DEEP on 08/02/23. Due to the timing, Tim Glover made a motion to not treat the lake at this time. 2nd by Dick Speer. Discussion followed with a unanimous vote to not treat the Lake at this time.
John Morin reported that due to the timing of the permit to treat, due to the phosphate and nitrate levels at this time of the season, it may cause unwanted “blooms”.
Boats and Motors Report:
Dick Speer reported an issue with new patrol boat’s performance has been resolved. A “crimped” fuel line was found and repaired/replaced and boat is now running fine.
The navigation light on the new boat was replaced.
Grants:
None.
Bylaws:
None.
Unfinished Business:
Chairwoman Barbara McWilliams reached out to DEEP regarding an incident at the State Boat Launch on July 1st. Deep’s response was that were not aware of the incident.
New Business
Chairperson Barb McWilliams reported that she was in contact with Brian Wood (First Light) to inform him of all the debris removal due to the high waters and how to inform Lake residents of the hazards. She was advised to reach out to Shannon Young with the Lake Lillinoah Authority as to how their Commission informs of hazardous situations on the water.
Adjournment
Motion by John Morin/2nd by Jack Galarneau. Unanimous approval by Board. Meeting adjourned at 07:59 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
John Downs
Acting Secretary
The minutes are not considered official until approved at the next regular meeting of the Lake Zoar Authority to be held on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at 7:00 pm at the Southbury Town Hall.
Click here to download these minutes
Click here to download the September Agenda
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