View source for Minutes: April 9, 2015

Forest Lake Committee Minutes:  4-9-15

Present:  Marcia Burns-Mittler, Debra Rillahan, Patrick Mixdorf, Faith Mirabelli, Scott Bradley, Gail and Greg Doyle, Bill St. Cyr, Dan Donahue, Kevin and Cheryl Flatley, Jim McLachlan, David Aufiero, Joseph Giarrusso, Al Torrisi, Dorothy and Ray Landry, Patricia and Patrick Villani, Fred and Lisa Wagner, Jack Burke, Harry Noorigian  (please forgive any misspelling errors – taken from sign-in sheet and let me know correct spellings)

Greg Doyle opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Greg gave a synopsis of the Committee:  FLC at a crossroads.  What are the goals?  We need better attendance.  Long ago, there would be 100 members present at meetings.  He thanked everyone for coming.  His mission is to get more people to attend.  The Committee will have more clout if we have more members.  He wants to see the Committee become more social.  How can we work with Mayor’s Commission.  Maybe allocate funds for Fishing Derby.  Celebrate Fourth of July 

Minutes from November meeting were read and accepted.

Treasurer’s report:  
Asked new members to pay $10. dues for 2015.  Current balance in checking account:  $883.28 1/6/15 Deposits of $160 (2014 dues)  and $140 (2015 dues) 
Current balance in savings account:  $2,671.01
Report accepted

Report from Joe Giarusso:  Joe brought the signs to the meeting which were prepared by the State.  Signs state the fisherman must not fish within 50 yards of the boat ramp and the restriction of boats with outboard motors. There were waterways funds to make three signs costing  just under $200  They have the template if we need more signs.  Working with Fish and Wildlife to replace guard rail that is 90% destroyed.  They will be going to North Boat Ramp and putting up new signage and putting in a new guard rail system at town beach.  Requested a No Parking sign for Palanga Street ramp.  Need handicapped parking space.  Question was raised as to who to call when rules are being violated.  Joe said to call him.  

Draw Down:  Unfortunately it kept raining and as a result lake started filling up as it was being drawn down.  Winter hit hard and that was it.  Next year draw down will being the second of September, but members though that is too early.  Joe will bring to the next meeting the schedule that was approved.  Comment was made that we waited too long.  Question was asked is there a specific elevation that lake has to be. Drawdown is three feet.  If we start too late, we won’t get the stocking.  Water is drawn from the bottom – cold water is leaving the lake.  Trout have to have a specific temperature or they will die.   Once summer hits, Forest Lake warms up.  

Weeds:  We will see what needs to be done.  Will be treated if needed.  Depends on the Spring.    Contract will just continue.  We haven’t spent initial money so we are still working off that contract.  If contract needs to be renewed, it will be.  Permit has a one year limit – would have to reapply for that.  Contractor is aware he has to reapply.  

Joe mentioned the snowmobile accident and stated that owner and responsible parties working on a plan to remove snowmobile from lake.  Conservation Commission issued a notice of violation putting them on notice that any hazardous leakage will be their responsibility to clean up.  Looking at ski mobile activity in the area and see if it needs to be tightened up.  Greg’s son and Fire Department were commended for their excellent life saving actions.

New Business:  

New Forest Lake Commission started by Mayor Zanni – Dan Donahue explained that basically it was started because the Mayor feels the beach area isn’t being used enough.  They are looking at different things – fishing derby, canoe races, regenerating beach area.  Looking at concession stand – renovating whole area.  Several members from FLA are on commission and Commission is interested in working hand in hand with us – anything we need – ask for it.  Commission and Association could work together and have a clean up day.  It was mentioned that the City does send a crew to clean up.  We have had beach clean up days at draw down in the past.  Boy scouts were involved.  Should we do something in the Spring as well?  Commission does not want to step on Forest Lake Association toes.  Not taking the place of the Association.  

Concession stand is on agenda for the next meeting of the Commission.  Bill Pare is head of Rec. Department and will be involved in Fishing Derby – Fire Fighters Association is donating money and time for that.  June 6th is a free fishing day – you do not need a permit to fish.
Meetings are held on second Monday at 6:00 in the second floor conference room.  

The Mayor is applying for grant money.  Joe was asked about gatekeeper.  Two assistant gatekeepers have been elected.  City has applied for $150,000 grant for the Town Beach.  
Trying to prioritize needs.  The question arose as to whether the by-laws were resurrected from the Commission from the 90s or are there new by-laws. Former Forest Lake Commission was in charge of all the public recreation areas in city of Methuen.   Is present Commision’s only focus Forest Lake.  

Motion was made and accepted to amend the Forest Lake Commission as stated in Agenda:  New by-laws will read:  The Forest Lake Association is a non-profit organization.  It is a partnership of people having a common interest to help improve and preserve the quality of water and land, public facilities and services in the Forest Lake region.  The organization is formed by residents and taxpayers of Methuen, Massachusetts, who have shown concern for Forest Lake, what it has to offer, a recreation facility to enjoy for many years to come.  We, the members of the Forest Lake Association, encourage a better community and civic spirit, and strive to foster good will and friendship among all the residents of said area.  We furthermore pledge our time and effort to support this organization and its principles.

As far as the Association running a fishing derby – it wouldn’t be feasible because we would have to take out insurance to take care of liability.  

Discussion of what to focus on.  Beach clean up day – good idea.  Should we focus on derby or clean up.  Block Parties, Kayak and Canoe races?  Al brought up the need for new roads around the lake.  Officers of the Association would go before Town Counsel Meeting and ask for the improvements.  Roads haven’t been done since the sewer was put in.  Go to DPW and ask when we are on the list.  Motion was made and accepted to let Executive Board spend up to $250 at their discretion.

Motion was made to send a card to Wayne Couture – Angela will send card and flowers.

Motion was made and approved to allow Association to hire Webmaster and pay for his/her dues.  Jack Burke is present webmaster:  That the President may appoint a “webmaster” in charge of maintaining and updating the Forest Lake Association website and Face Book page, et. al., and that said appointee enjoy all the benefits and stature of an Executive Board Member and be exempt from paying dues. 

Idea of aeration fountain will be tabled in light of other needs.

Meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 11th.