View source for Minutes: May 11, 2011

President Greg Kalivas called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
All rose for The Pledge of Allegiance.
Treasurer Jeanne Papparlardo read the treasurer’s report. $110 in dues collected. April
checking account balance- $267.45 Savings balance- $2,619.81

Old Business:

The Association discussed treatment of the lake;

Dave Aufiero gave members an update of the sub-committee meeting with the Mayor
held on April 13, 2011.
He said that it was decided at the meeting to hold a public hearing that residents can
attend and voice their opinions on whether to treat the lake or not.
The public hearing is on Wednesday May 18, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in The Great Hall at City
Hall.

Gerry McCall spoke about his experiences as a former director of aquatic nuisance
control. He stated he believes there should be a comprehensive plan consisting of
education for lakefront residents regarding lawn care, enforcing rules for anyone not tied
into to the city sewage system.
Gerry also stated he would like to know if anyone has data with risk factors, such as,
would there be any risk to children or pets.

Kevin Flatley asked Gerry if the chemical Diquat was used years ago.

Gerry said “No”, much of the chemicals used years ago are not used anymore.

Dave Aufiero said the items in the compressive plan from the Lycott study were done;
now we need some long time control. He feels DiQuat is relatively safe and hopefully
will not need to do this on a yearly basis.

Gerry questioned whether the Lycott study is still valid after 29 plus years.

Jack Burke said we need to determine how the public hearing will be run.
He stated for the record that he does not favor chemically treating the lake. He doesn’t
see the basis of treating it now.

Vice-President Angela Kalivas stated that holding off voting on the Associations
recommendation to the Mayor until after the public hearing would make more sense.

Joe Giarrusso stated that the clock is running and all applications need to be filled out by
July.
Dave Aufiero stated the Mayor said he would keep the money needed to upkeep the lake
in a safe place if it couldn’t be done this year.

Joe G stated that any direct abutter can appeal any decision on their own, and ten people
together can appeal.

Gerry McCall clarified that anyone can speak on this issue, not just Methuen residents.
Kevin Flatley said he just does not like seeing the weeds becoming more prominent
each year and felt something needs to be done to preserve the lake. He also said he does
not like the idea of chemicals in the lake but the dangers of weeds with swimmers and
moderate use of chemicals may be a good remedy.

Angela said all these comments are well taken but the Mayor wants a recommendation
from the Association after the public hearing. We can let people know who attend the PH
that we will be voting on this at our next Association meeting.

Dave A. said the Association through Mass Water Wash and Joe G’s department
(conservation) took samples and the results have really improved with phosphorus and
nitrogen, but the weeds are still there and are out of control.

Dave Marsh had concerns about how the residents will be notified if they were to
chemically treat the lake. He questioned whether it would be through certified mail.

Joe G. stated “yes”.

Dave reiterated that ALL ABUTTERS should be notified because some people don’t
know about The Forest Lake Association.

Joe G. said yes they should be and that there are guidelines in place for this.
Gerry McCall said Fish and Game may need to be contacted also.
Joe G said he will call Fish and Game and find out what the guidelines are.

Jeanne Papparlardo asked when the lake was closed due to the bacteria how where the
resident’s notified.

Brian LaGrasse (Health Department) we closed the gates to the lake, posted on the city
website and on Methuen’s access T.V.He also said that we have been very fortunate in
the last two years the lake stayed open all season.

Brian also mentioned that the Health Department will have some opinion regarding this.
He will be talking to the board before any chemicals are to be used. He questioned if any
raking or human removal of weeds have been attempted.

Dave Aufiero replied yes, at on time or another.

New Business:

Angela Kalivas spoke about the request to look into the Association By-Laws.
By-Law 15 states the dues are $3.00. After much discussion Al Torrisi made a motion,
seconded by Dave Marsh to amend By-Law 15 to read”, $10.00 Association dues per
person to be made at our first meeting of a new calendar year.

Dave Marsh said you should also include you must vote in person only.

It was decided that we will seconded these motions and vote on both at our next meeting.

Dave Aufiero brought up the ordinance regarding outboard motors being prohibited on
the lake. At one point there was a sign there.
Jack Burke read the existing ordinance.
Dave said he would like the ordinance revised.

Next meeting date is confirmed.
Wednesday June 8, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.
At The Sweet Heart Inn

Adjourned

Jennifer Kannan
Secretary