The Minutes of Meetings

Minutes, August 26, 2007

Dinner Meeting

The meeting was called to order at 2:15 p.m.

Tom spoke briefly to let members know that a volunteer had been keeping the rail-trail along the pond mowed and maintained and there was a basket being circulated to receive donations to help defray the volunteer's expenses.

Reports from secretary and treasurer were read and accepted.

Don Sherwood asked if everyone enjoyed the fireworks and he received a round of applause in reply. He said each year they seem to get better and that Mike Malaney will host again next year. The Fourth of July falls on a Friday, and we will try to have them then, but if not, we will try for the third with a rain date of July 5th. He said Danville did the larger roads around the pond with their grader, but the smaller roads will need a different machine.

Dave Parker ran through a tentative Schedule of Events for 2008 and said the full schedule will be in the spring newsletter.

Larry Rossi reported one item is left to do in the fall is to take down the roof over the fire pit and replace with an 18x21 prefab carport-type roof with a custom vent. This will cost about $2,200 to $2,500. Other than this project, there is only minor ongoing maintenance. Motion was made and carried to install the new roof.

Ray Richer said he had little to report. The divers looking for invasive species such as milfoil will be here next week and he will have a report after that. The project to correct runoff around the pond will get started if there is grant money. He said the loons have been harassed all summer and all we can do is either speak to the offenders if possible, or try to get a number off the boat and report it. The same goes for people ignoring the 200' no wake and safety zone laws. He said much of the harassment of the loons is by people in kayaks and canoes which are difficult to identify.

Andy Rudin asked if Ray thought there are fewer ducks on the pond this year and he answered yes. He said there are more turkeys around, however.

Ray Rouleau said there are a total of 18 road signs to be taken down and stored by the first week in October. One, at Sandy Beach Road, was damaged and will be repaired this winter. He asked that new campers contact him to let him know their name, correct spelling.

Tom said many people have called to report seeing strange plants in the lake, and these have been checked. While no invasive plants have been found, people are encouraged to call if they see something that is suspicious - it is important and a big help to keep track of this.

Pam Hebert reported this was a successful year for checking boats and no problems were found. She said only one new report this year of milfoil identified in a Vermont lake. She said she will apply for a grant again for next year. Cabot has donated $175 to the project. Next year checkers will begin on Fathers' Day weekend and be at the access area nearly every day through Labor Day.

The meeting was opened to members. Andy Rudin brought up that there has been a 15% increase in taxes on his property in Danville this year. There was some discussion of this problem.

Tom asked for help after the dinner to take down and store tables and chairs. He also thanked Evelyn Richer for two beautiful cakes made for the dinner, Garey Larrabee for making the salads, and John Woods and his crew for doing the meat and fish and doing serving and cleanup.

The meeting adjourned at 2:45. [Members enjoyed a social hour and an excellent meal, adjourning several hours later.]

Jane Brown, Secretary

MINUTES, June 30, 2007

Annual Meeting

President Tom Dente opened the meeting opened at 10:15 a.m. Don Sherwood remembered members and friends who had passed away.

The secretary's report was read and accepted after one correction: Injun Joe's Cabins do not have the cookbooks available for sale. .

The treasurer's report was accepted; George Anderson said the large cash balance will be reduced after several large bills have come in and been paid. He also explained the money market account contains funds from the cookbooks and this year's allocation from Green Mountain Power. There was a brief discussion as the GMP settlement allocation was explained. The initial $50,000 is to be spread over a five-year period, to be used to improve the beach, shorelines, habitat on the lake, etc. Kelli Merrill is overseeing that program, about $20,000 to go for that purpose. .

Don Sherwood said he has met with Mert Leonard from Danville and has been assured all the roads will be graded, some mowing has been done, culverts put in and grading done. There will be a new apron on Old Homestead road; Danville is also trying to locate a smaller grader to use for the small roads we have. .

Don said the fireworks will be set off on the 3rd, at Mike Malaney's where the ground is drier than at the Bona property. Malaney's is next door to Bona's, so the location is basically the same. There will be a warning shot before the full display begins. .

Jennifer Cowles of the Nominating Committee read the proposed slate of officers: President, Tom Dente; Vice President, Don Sherwood; Secretary, Jane Brown; Treasurer, George Anderson; Water Safety and Quality, Ray Richer; Maintenance, Larry Rossi; Fundraising, Dave Parker; Membership, Ray Rouleau. Slate of officers accepted without dissent. .

Tom brought up for discussion publishing the JPA newsletter only once a year. He said the fall newsletter has little needed information and is mostly fillers and most can be had through the web site and blog. He suggested we publish one newsletter in the spring, and if there is some reason we need to get information to members in the fall, we can do another as needed. Members were in agreement. .

Tom warned that the loons have been harassed recently and if reported, punitive action will be taken by the state. He said if anyone witnesses this happening and knows the names of the offenders, report to the state police, or get boat numbers if you don't know the people. .

A motion was made and carried to include Walden with the other towns we are giving a one-time donation to for emergency service organizations, with the money going to town clerks who could best decide which organization is most needy. It was pointed out that Homeland Security Funds have been allocated to most towns so they are faring better at the present time than in years past. .

Pam Hebert reported that scuba divers will be back to look for invasive plants in our pond and they are going to photograph the large boat found resting on the bottom when they surveyed a couple years ago. Information about that will be on the blog. .

Dave Parker ran through the numerous events planned for this summer. He said tickets for the Cocktail Party on August 5th will be available at Diamond Hill. The end of the year party will be on Sunday, Aug. 26 and will be a catered event for members only. Dave said Ice-Out tickets are ready and he expects a banner year. .

Ray Richer reported the project to correct run-off problems around the lake will be delayed until fall. There have been reports of dead fish, but all were small and are a natural event. He said there were two loon eggs, one hatched. He warned about harassment saying when the loons are watching humans threatening them they cannot be sufficiently aware of natural threats, of which there are many. He then invited everyone to attend the VINS party at his home on July 28th, and apologized for it falling on the same evening as the Italian Dinner. .

Larry Rossi reported the pavilion extension is finished except for some adjustments to the side curtains. The new appliances are in place in the kitchen; the dock is being repaired. .

The meeting was opened to members. Andy Rudin mentioned inviting the towns' select board members to our meetings and Tom said the invitation has been extended. When asked about the rail-trail progress, Tom said not to expect to see much happening this year. Discussion included whether the trail could at least be mowed and it was suggested JPA could pay for that to be done. Some thought JPA should not spend money to benefit so few of our members who will use it, and it was suggested individuals could weed-whack. More information is needed and will be reported on the blog. .

A member suggested the buoy on Sunken Island is too small and doesn't show up well in certain light - Ray Richer said he will paint it so it will stand out. There was discussion of where the buoy should be on Smith's sandbar. The buoy needs to be moved out to the rocks, several feet beyond where it's presently placed. .

Don Walker said traffic on W. Shore Road goes too fast. .

Fred and Jane Brown were presented with a beautiful gift basket in recognition of their work on the web site and blog. It was a complete surprise, and very, very much appreciated.

Jane Brown, Secretary.

MINUTES, May 26, 2007

Joe's Pond Association Spring Meeting

The meeting was called to order by President Tom Dente at 10:15 a.m.

The treasurer's report was handed out; the secretary's report was read and accepted.

Tom said there are many walkers around the pond and asked people to keep their dogs under control so they do not annoy or frighten people as they pass; if they are being walked, owners should have them on a leash for the animal's protection and the safety of others.

Don Sherwood reported fireworks will be on July 3, or rain date, July 6. He warned people to keep their boats on the south side of the islands away from where the fireworks will be set off (Bona property). There have been reports of a bear spotted on the rail trail; Don warned walkers to be cautious. He said if there are problems with the roads around the pond, let him know so he can work with the town road commissioner involved. Roads on the east side of the pond have been honed.

Ray Rouleau said there have been a few changes on the signs and most are in place. Any remaining are being repaired and will be in a short time. Report corrections or changes to the secretary. She will relay to Ray Rouleau and/or the Richers.

Larry Rossi reported a new gas range has been purchased to add to the kitchen (now there are two); a new refrigerator will be delivered shortly; the addition to the pavilion should be done by June 30.

Tom said the dock area needs repairs due to erosion, frost, and age. Money from the Green Mountain Power Corporation settlement will be used there to improve the shoreline to trap sediment, maintain existing trees and undergrowth to improve water quality. Members should be aware of this project.

Ray Richer reported the state ran out of money for the Better Back Roads Project so that will be delayed until fall. He expects to have $7,500 to improve four sites starting at the north end of the pond by Ricker's and Parizo's on Sandy Beach Road, another on Meadow Lane, two on Barre Avenue. He asked that people let him know of trouble spots. He reported the buoys are going out next week, after repairs are complete. He said a permanent marker is needed on Sunken Island. Bill Rossi suggested perhaps a Hazelett mooring would work. Tom said whatever we use, it should be elevated so it can be seen. Dave Parker suggested building a permanent lighthouse.

Ray Richer reported one egg in the loons' nest and he expects there should be a chick by June 21. He also said there might be another egg before the end of the day. He also noted a robin has built her nest on the privacy fence at the pavilion and there are four hatchlings. Members were cautioned not to disturb the family.

Pam Hebert reported the new shelter for the boat inspection crew was delivered on May 25th and would be put up on Sunday. Homer will store it on his property at the end of the summer. There were two greeters last year and they will return this year. A new law says that boaters can be fined for bringing in milfoil. She said scuba divers will be back and there was discussion of having the divers take pictures with an underwater camera of the 35 ft. boat they found on the bottom in 2005.

Dave Parker thanked those who worked on Ice-Out, and said 9,422 tickets were sold. He mentioned the positive effect Associated Press reporter John Curran's article had on last-minute ticket sales, and suggested we try to have more of that kind of nation-wide publicity. He thanked Diane Rossi and Jane Brown for overseeing ticket sales in the pond area, and thanked Don Walker for publicity help and Homer Fitts for talking with local reporters. Don Walker sold the winning ticket to his dentist. Dave said he thought him to be a "humble man," because when Dave called to tell him he'd won, his reply was simply, "Thank you." [Secretary's note: Dr. Bob Marshall donated his winnings to the American Cancer Society.] Don pointed out that he has helped set up 9 or 10 other contests around this state and a couple others. Dave suggested we now have lots of competition and should step up our efforts to sell tickets. He said the 2008 tickets will be available by June 30. He then ran through the events planned for this summer. Tom thanked all the Ice-Out Team.

Tom asked for a motion to authorize a donation to the West Danville Community Club for the care of the public beach, and for the Cabot and Danville rescue units. Andre LaPrade suggested using funds raised by the upcoming silent auction for this purpose, but it was decided not to do so. After more discussion, a motion was made and seconded to donate $300 for the beach, and $400 each to Cabot and Danville rescue units, as a one-time-only donation.

There was some discussion of 9-1-1 calling procedures, and displaying cottage numbers so they can readily be seen by emergency teams, day or night. Large reflective signs may be available through the West Barnet Fire Department.

Tom said the water quality at the pavilion is tested each year; the septic system was inspected last fall and is in excellent condition; there will be a year-end dinner again this year - details at the Annual Meeting.

Pam Hebert and Jennifer Cowles, a new member, will serve as nominating committee. Anyone interested in running for office should get in touch with one of them.

Sue Bouchard reported the 300 additional cookbooks are now being sold. She said 900 have been sold, raising about $12,000. She thanked her committee and said the books are available from committee members, the West Danville Craft Store, and the Gallery at Loon Cove. Treasurer George Anderson cautioned IRS might take note if the book is sold by retailers even though they are not taking any profit but do it to help JPA, a non-profit organization.

Andy Rudin asked about the status of the railroad bed. Tom said he will check with Ted Chase.

Andre mentioned the JPA property is excessively used by neighboring property owners as driveways and/or parking lots. Tom said he will work with property owners and anyone with suggestions is invited to attend the next JPA board meeting, June 29th

A boating safety course will be held at Groton State Park Nature Center on Sat. June 30th and Sun. July 1, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Meeting was adjourned at 11:20 a.m.

Jane Brown, Secretary