View source for Minutes: JUNE 9, 2009

FOREST LAKE ASSOCIATION MEETING <br>
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2009- 5:45 P.M. <br>

President Chris DiBella called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m. <br>
All in attendance rose for the Pledge of Allegiance. <br>

Motion made by Jack Burke, seconded by Dave Aufiero to waive the reading and accept the minutes of the previous meeting. (Unanimous)

Conservation officer Joe Giarusso attended and spoke to the members regarding how the testing on the lake has been performed and what is currently being done to determine water quality for the lake.<br>
He mentioned what is important is how the lake will develop as the season progresses.<br>
Rain and temperature conditions will determine the amount of bacteria.<br>
Joe also spoke on the draw-down of the lake, when it takes place and the reason this is done. Usually it’s been the second week in September through the last week of December. If the season was mild there would be no reason to draw-down the lake due to lack of frost.<br>
Joe also mentioned that the beaver structure at Harris Brook will need to be replaced which would allow a constant flow of water.

Dave Aufiero spoke about how the draw-down was done in the past which was closer to November, he felt this was more realistic. 
Joe Giarusso replied he has no problem with that as long as the frost is o.k.

Gerry McCall asked who will be doing the water quality testing.<br>
It will be performed by Tom from the water department.<br>
It was stated that three rounds of samples have already been taken.<br>
Gerry also inquired why Palanga St is not in the sampling data. He commented further about why he feels that Palanga St. seems to be a hot spot and leaving it out is not a great idea. He said if a grant did become available the data on Palanga St. would be extremely helpful. <br>
Members talked about where the most elevated area on the lake is.-Again, it was Palanga St. and as Gerry McCall pointed out, within 24-48 hours of heavy rainfall, Palanga St spikes way up. 

Joe spoke how Tom was testing the lake and what guidelines he follows. It is state regulated. If he had a request from the Health Department to do more frequent testing he would support that. <br>
Kevin Flatley asked Joe G. what we can do to make the water quality better.

Joe G. stated that the rain cycle, animal wastes and things that flush into the water determines the water quality, he expressed educating the residents as to reduce any instance of pollution would be productive. <br>
1)	Stop Geese Feeding at the beach. <br>
2)	Get rid of the Sand early in the season so it does not go into the lake (this has not been the case according to some of the residents, Joe was not aware of that. Bumpy Lane was done.) This is done to keep the drains clean and the sediment out.

Kevin stated he would bring in the company who maintains his lawn to speak about the products he uses which are not harmful to the lake.

President DiBella introduced Brian LaGrasse from the Health Department.<br>
Brian said he was happy to answer any questions or concerns from association members.

Members concerns are:
•	Water Quality of the lake
•	Checking water shed area
•	Tie in of all houses and cottages on the lake
•	Seepage into the lake from faulty systems
•	How inspections are done and if more inspections could be conducted

Brian responded that as far as he knew DPW record show all houses and camps are tied in. Some members felt that this may not be the case, and if it is then there may be issues with older drainage.
Brian said he can not just go and inspect any property without owner consent, he said that could be a form of harassment. Members talked about some ides on how to approach lake residents to allow an inspection.  
Jeanne Pappalardo read a legal opinion from the City Solicitor regarding property inspections. 

President DiBella and V.P. Kalivas stated a letter from the Health Department with the help from a member of the Association would be helpful to send out to the residents to ask them if they would be willing to allow the city to check their sewage systems. Jack Burke was asked to help out on the letter and accepted.

Dave Marsh asked if Brian knew about Dracut residents near the lake and the status of their sewerage systems, which he felt must have an impact on the lake.
Brian responded he is not aware of the status of Dracut residents and does not feel bacteria would travel all the way to the lake.
Gerry McCall said he spoke to a Dracut resident who told him a couple of homes are not connected. 


Brian stated they have put in a trap to help fix drainage issues. Also, stated the he would support any drainage improvements in the Palanga St. area and advised us to speak to an engineer for a proposed solution.

Brian Duffy mentioned how he smells raw sewage at times
Greg Kalivas asked if a sump pump draining into the lake would cause issues.
Gerry McCall suggested a T.V. study be conducted.

Brian response was if anyone smells sewage or sees bubbling on land contact him.
The sump pump is not a problem because it’s pumping ground water.
A T.V. study would be the D.P.W.’s purview.

Jack Burke asked if anyone from the Health Department would help us write a grant.
Brian said he would be happy to. Brian also spoke about caffeine testing and how it works.
Dave Marsh asked if somebody needed to be licensed to perform the caffeine test.
Jeanne Pappalardo said Brian LaGrasse should get the caffeine testing started.
Dave Aufiero stated that he had done testing when he received a grant under a U-Mass program, the program has since dissolved. Maybe there is Federal stimulus money available for the lake. 
Gerry McCall said the EPA may have some funding also.

Brian Duffy asked where all the data is kept.  It was determined there are three avenues to seek data.
•	Health Department
•	Dave Aufiero
•	Gerry McCall
Jack Burke said when he gets any data regarding water quality he will post it on the website. 
Jack also stated the Association would like to thank Joe Giarusso and Brian LaGrasse for attending.
A member asked what it takes for the city to condemn a building.
Brian LaGrasse said unless there is a problem brought to his attention then he has no jurisdiction over the matter.

Gate Keeper issue came up again and Dave Aufiero spoke on who had been the Gate Keeper and who is the Gate Keeper now. (Kevin Moury)

Scott Bradley said he would have no problem being the Gate Keeper. We will talk about this at our next meeting.
Dave Marsh stated by opening the gate you save the residents down river.
Also, he mentioned the beavers were an issue in the past.
Dave Aufiero said he has talked with the Mayor and we should have him attend a meeting to see what he can do for the lake.

Kevin Flatley suggested Nikki Tsongas would be someone we should try to have come. Kevin also asked if the association would have a minute of silence for George Hajj a long time resident of the lake who passed away.

Gerry will invite a guest speaker who is willing to talk about different types of testing that can be done on the lake.

President DiBella went through some of the topics discussed at the meeting, and what seemed to be the main topics. He asked due to the summer approaching what would be a convenient time for the next meeting.
Mike Boisvert suggested a more consistent meeting schedule. I was decided that the last Wednesday of each month.

Next two meetings were announced.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.

All Meeting to be held at The Sweetheart Inn

www.forestlakeassociation.org

Association members would like to thank Jack Burke for this wonderful and informative website. Great Job Jack!!!

Dave Marsh made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Scott Bradley.
(Unanimous)

Meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.

Jennifer Kannan
Secretary