June 19, 2013
12:07 PM



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Minutes May 25, 2013

Joe's Pond Association Spring Meeting

The meeting opened at 10:05 a.m. with a surprisingly large attendance considering it was cold, windy and spitting snow outside.

The first order of business was to welcome Sue Fitts to the meeting (her first, she said) and wish her a happy 60th birthday. Then President Dente presented Homer with a Joe's Pond bumper sticker, and let people know we have a supply left over from when they were sold as a fundraiser a number of years ago.

Tom thanked Pam Hebert and Camilla Dente for washing the side curtains for the pavilion, and Camilla for providing coffee and doughnuts. He also told members Jane Larrabee is very ill at CVH.

The secretary and treasurer's reports were presented and accepted. VP Don Sherwood confirmed fireworks would be on July 3 with rain date July 5.

Richard Gagne reported the Goose Committee has gone to Plan B, which is to do a roundup with USDA during the summer molting season when the birds cannot fly. Plan A was to break up the nests this spring, but only half of the land owners involved gave permission, so that plan had to be abandoned. Richard said the USDA asks for a membership vote and a letter from JPA agreeing to their requirement for reimbursement for expenses to relocate the young geese. Motion was made and seconded to move ahead with USDA; the vote was unanimous in favor. Tom will report at the Annual Meeting any costs that were incurred by the USDA during the round up. JPA will be responsible for those costs. Andy Rudin related a short story, which led to a suggested motto for JPA: "Get the Flock Out."

Pam Hebert reported 300 boats were inspected last summer and while some vegetation was found, none was invasive. She said she will be applying for funding again and inspections will run from Father's Day to Labor Day. This is also the year for a full pond survey. This should be done about mid-summer.

There was general discussion of a Danville Select Board/State ANR meeting Pam Hebert, Larry Rossi and Tom Dente attended regarding the high bacteria amount at Joe's Pond, water sampling, timely delivery to the lab, how analyzed, and septic issues at the Pond. Kellie Merrell has volunteered to do the sampling this year and will be responsible for getting samples to the lab timely. She knows the procedure to follow if a sample comes back with high e.coli readings, and will follow precisely, looking at all the factors that may impact those sample results. There is a new health officer in Danville, Eric Bach, and Tom told members if they suspect a problem at any location, the best procedure would be to report their suspicions first to a JPA Board Member. That will lessen the chance of overburdening the health officer with calls. He also said JPA will be working with the Cabot health officer in the same way.

Diane Rossi asked if someone selling his or her lakeside property needs to verify his or her septic system is working properly. Larry responded that if a bank is involved, yes; otherwise, no verification is needed. Tom urged members to check their septic systems themselves and report anything that could be a problem, saying if someone else reports them and the health officer and state get involved, the property owner loses control and it could cost more to fix the problem. Larry also said the tablets are not always effective in signaling a problem - it often takes a long time for the dye to make its way through the system to the pond and is therefore not fool-proof.

A question was asked about beaver dams and damage. Rule of thumb is: if the dam is on a brook, local authorities may or may not respond to remove them; the pond is state owned and the state is unlikely to disturb natural wildlife activities.

Larry Rossi reported he might install a retractable canopy over the cooking area, but other than that and regular maintenance, there is little to do, but if anyone thinks of something that should be done, let him know. Homer commented, "This place has sure changed since Larry took over."

Marty Talbot spoke about yoga classes starting up again this summer.

Jane Brown reported another successful Ice-Out Contest and the 2014 Ice Out tickets would be available at Annual Meeting. Tom thanked the Browns, Rossis and Henretta Splain for their service with the Ice Out contest. Jane and Fred Brown also received applause for the web site and the BLOG.

Homer was appointed chairperson of the Nominating Committee.

Ray Rouleau reported most signs are up and in good shape - each year some are refurbished to keep all in good shape - and said Jane Brown and Evelyn Richer coordinate with him to keep up with changes.

Henretta Splain spoke about the wine event for the benefit of Pope Memorial Library on July 7.

Ted Chase reported the Rail Trail is moving ahead in three sections, Section A from St. Johnsbury to mid-way of the trestle over the channel in Walden and that the focus this summer will be on two bridges needed in that section; Section B is from Morrisville to Cambridge, and Section C goes beyond to Swanton. He said he would have a more detailed report in July.

There are two sets of nesting loons - one on the big pond, using the nesting platform, and one pair in the middle pond, apparently doing their own thing. Each nest has 2 eggs.

Tom reported repair work is moving ahead at the power plant in West Danville. The rubber dam is lowered to accommodate recent rain and while the level was up earlier, it is going down now. He said the penstock is not available for "water dumping" so GMP is monitoring the dam closely to keep the level within prescribed limits. The power plant should be operational again by fall. Information on the repair is also on the "BLOG".

Gina Kurrle spoke briefly about a lake seminar at Fairlee on June 7.

The question was asked if the state could provide signage to help regulate parking at the boating access. Tom said he would ask Fish and Wildlife.

Jamie Dimick reported most buoys are out, some with solar lighting. Jane Milne reported having lost a buoy.

The meeting adjourned at 11 a.m. and members left in a mini-snow squall.

Jane Brown, Secretary