On Saturday, July 27th, the Lake St. Catherine Association held their third meeting of the 2019 season.

The Trustees gave their reports on many topics - Click here to see the full meeting agenda. Meeting minutes compiled by Kemi Mcshane.

July 27th 2019 Meeting of the Lake St. Catherine Board of Trustees

Lake St. Catherine Country Club, 8:30 AM

Meeting called to order by President Jim Canders at 8:00 AM

Present: Ken Abt, Elaine Bagley, John Belnavis, Kemi McShane, Jim Canders, Frank Callahan, Jerremy Jones, Ed Laird, Matha Pofit, Mary Jo Teetor, Bob Williams. Rob Nesbit via Google Meet

Absent: Jeffrey Crandall, Rob Goldman, Phil Pope

1. Recording Secretary’s Report - Minutes of the June 22,2019 meeting – Sent by e-mail approved.
2. Treasurers Report – approved
3. Annual Membership Meeting and Dinner LSCA July 27, 2019 @ 6:00pm Review of power point presentation – updated notes and discussion regarding the background of water quality.
4. Milfoil Management: Big Lake looks bad on the scorecard. The picture of the Lake looks divided into three sections: Big Lake, Little Lake and Lily Pond. Concerned that information is not reflecting the true present condition of the water quality of the Lake. The watershed management provides information regarding the Lake at it’s present state. Milfoil is gone by the Cones Point area of treatment. Will always have to spot treat, but are seeing good results with the treatment. The posting of the Lake treatment signs need to be collected. The Solitude treatment has produced good results. Collected 3 sets of samples, results from the Lab showed good results, all clear. 48 hours resolved out of Lake. Renovate had results in 2 weeks. The delayed timing for the Milfoil control was a delay in receiving the 5 year permit; a yearly review is required for updates of any changes. And to designate the areas of treatment. Monies received from the 2 grants $27,000.00 ( Watershed grant and aquatic nuisance grant) are designated into 2 categories: Milfoil Control and the Greeter program. Actually received more money, $32,000.00. Receiving the most money. DASH have a 10 year plan/permit. Have to contract on a yearly basis to update areas for treatment. DASH permit for 10 years. Has to be monitored for areas being treated and timing of treatment for fish spawning. Our Lake management approach is in the mainstream compared to other Lakes. Boat Launch Program: Greeter program has training and able to increased hours and monitoring the boats during heavy traffic times for launching of the boats. Educating the public regarding the invasive species located in the Lake and how to control transporting them in and out of the Lake.
5. Water Quality: Lake setting from big rains 5 meters reading. E-coli testing will get kits from the town of Poultney. Algae early on but Lake is in great shape. Water has been too cloudy to test due to heavy rains and run off. The lake is in the best shape as of now. Sandy Beach area milfoil just disintegrating. Sunken Island is being treated with the Suction program. They will be finishing their contract in August.
6. Publicity- update of presentation power point. Discussion as to how to increase out reach and how to generate new membership.
7. Lake Safety- reported results of licensing and how many are ticketed for non-licensure. The Game Warden is only assigned to LSC and checks boats for proper equipment and that the boat is in compliance with state regulations. Review of missing markers and the correct placement of markers. Found the anchor for the Sunken Island to be replaced.
8. Nominating Committee- Review of the Slate to be presented at the General Meeting. Discuss the need for new people to be involved and active in the LSCA. Can appoint from the floor if have only one nomination from the floor. See response from the general public membership. Rand’s position can be an executive appointment for the remainder of his 2 year term. Have 2 trustee positions to fill.
9. Membership- Appeal letter has generated an increase in membership. 326 participating members. Sent 42 postcards and 37 have responded from the mailing. Elaine reaches out personally to get people to respond to her mailings.
10. Government relations- good relationships with the towns of Wells and Poultney and the State.
11. Old Business- Hilary from Lake wise program educate caring for your property and has targeted certain areas on the Lake. Evaluated 30 propertied on the Lake to increase best practices and property management to decrease shoreline erosion and run off. Lake wise takes surveys and manages the information to show results and best practices utilized by property owners. 54 reservation s for tonight’s dinner meeting. John requested a $200.00 facility fee for the use of the LSCCC club house. Motion made and second , all in favor to allocate the money to pay the LSCCC. The Fund raiser raffle will be sold at the dinner meeting. Questioned how the LSCA will respond to our position regarding the Little Lake. Discussion followed how to resolve the conflict between the two areas and how to proceed. Questioned raised regarding the State Park and if they report on the conditions of the Lake and the flow of patrons to the Lake. LSCA is in touch with the State park, notifying them when the treatment dates are. Discussed the present position regarding the closing of GMC. How is the town of Poultney dealing with this situation? Grant writing- Martha is preparing for next year and how to position ourselves to get the most funding available. Elaine requested to redesign the membership card. And how to recognize the members who contribute more then just the membership dues. Do we have levels of contributions such as Gold, Silver and Bronze. How to acknowledge people’s contributions and how to increase membership donations.
12. Motion to adjourn meeting, second and all in favor. Meeting adjourned at 10:22. Respectfully submitted, Kemi McShane recording secretary.