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Minutes from July 18, 2013 Work Session

7/19/2013

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM.
All board members were in attendance.
A motion was made to accept the minutes from the previous meeting.
Duane revised the brochure being created for residents to provide information about the park district and parkland areas; at the next meeting, he'll provide a prelimary design defining areas on the map. Once completed, copies can be made available for residents at the beaches, town hall, website and other areas.
John mentioned the Town Code Enforcer recently inspected the beaches before and after they opened and closed. Also, Dede will go before the Town Board and ask the Code Enforcer to address concerns regarding people who are still parking on parkland property.
Dede advised that there were only two inquiries from residents about swim lessons. Dede will contact Wings Over Water in Brewster to find out if they would consider giving a discount to residents in lieu of lessons at the beach this year.
Duane presented design samples of new beach signage for beach/park areas and boat storage areas. The size of the new beach signs will be approximately 36" x 30". Additional revisions will be reviewed at next meeting and pricing will be obtained.
Regarding the boat storage area sign, it was decided to amend the verbiage; all board members agreed. These signs will be 30" wide and mounted on posts. The designated areas for Park Areas will be Johnson, Hudson, Fairfield, Interlaken and Lacona beaches. Boat storage areas will be North Launch, Interlaken Boat Storage, Warren Boat Storage, South Launch, Jackson Boat Storage and Parma Boat Storage.
The board discussed the usage of the boat house area as either a park area or for boat storage. It was agreed that boats may be stored in that area and signs will be made to that matter. Additional No parking signs may be necessary as well.
Duane advised that there are currently 155 registered boats. Notices have started to be placed on boats not tagged and people are responding to them by tagging their boats or removing them. The board discussed improvements for the boat tags and storage for next year. The boats currently stored on beach areas were discussed and agreed that residents will be notified to move to new areas per the boat policy and since these areas are required to be left open for all residents to use and maintenance crews to access. Further discussion ensued concerning the schedule of boat removal of untagged boats if, after every effort, there is no compliance. Town code states all boats stored on the parklands have to be tagged.
It was agreed to take down the broken fencing located by Hudson Beach and down the road from Interlaken Beach.
Dede gave an update on her meeting with Allied Biological. The biologist took preliminary rakings. Three current concerns are a long and healthy crop of curly pondweed, heavy rains, and a lot of algae. Allied Biological found some watermilfoil, slender leaf pond, naiads, and other weed types in the lake. Normally, weeds would be on the surface. However, because everything is blooming late this year coupled with an abundance of algae, all are under-surface. Nutrients are coming in more often due to excessive rains, and the heat precipitates algae; the north end still has some water chestnuts. Further updates and discussion will continue at the next meeting.
The board unanimously agreed to test for fecal coliform at six inlet locations. The price for each test (at each location) is approx. $30.00. Testing will occur after heavy rains (with little turbulence) for best results. Lab testing will be done at the Yorktown Lab and Dede will pick up vials for this purpose.
A discussion was had regarding testing for phosphorus (suggested by Allied Biological) at the inlet locations. The board agreed that if the testing is within the $200 price range, testing will be considered. Also, the oxygen meter was checked and it was determined there is no oxygen content in the water at an approximate 8 to 10 foot depth. Further updates will be given at the next meeting.
Regarding lifeguard policy, it was agreed that an e-mail will be sent to the lifeguards to reiterate all rules and also, advise that the round tables will eventually be removed as well.
Dede advised that Charlie Cook, the Patterson Deputy Supervisor, signed off on the grant offered to the Park District by Greg Ball. Another grant option may be available. Dede will follow-up and give an update at the next meeting.
Regarding the ball field, Mike advised that the contract says the field is to be mowed on Thursday or Fridays during the designated, time period. Mike called the lawn service a couple of times with no reply and will follow-up with the town.
The meeting was adjourned.

Minutes from July 11, 2013 Work Session

7/12/2013

Veronica Roche was in attendance. It was discussed that Veronica and Gerry Dolan will continue to work as co-managers this year on the Swim Team Committee. Veronica advised that this is her last year and Gerry will officially take over the swim team committee next year. There was a miscommunication between the board and Veronica concerning an approximate $300 swim cap invoice. The board advised this fee was not incorporated in the approved budget; however, the board will review and advise their decision. Further discussion ensued concerning the financial responsibility of the swim team as well as the funding provided by the district budget. Veronica also requested an increase to the coach’s salary after the budget was approved. The board will review this request as well. Veronica will provide copies of the swim team registration forms for town record.
Regarding blue green algae, the DEC contacted the board to advise a level from our sampling came back high. The DEC will advise the Health Dept.
Dede and Duane proposed to the board that water samples be taken at the inlets coming into the lake after heavy rains. It will provide more evidence concerning fecal coliform, etc. Six inlets will be tested; Duane will look at locations and mark up a map for this purpose. The board unanimously agreed to an initial testing and then will determine if future testing will be done.
Daily Operations - John gave an update. He advised that four boats were at Jackson Beach; two were tagged and two were not. Also, he substantiated that visitors were with lifeguards on duty for an extended period of time conversing and using cell phones. Also, the portosans at Jackson and Warren Beaches don't have hand sanitizer. John will contact the company to advise. Also, there were beer cans at Jackson Beach as well as two or three CT vehicles in the parking area. Lifeguards need to check ID's more often. Also discussed was Dede stating that Hank fixed the door at Interlaken Beach. Billy Peragine needs to sign a waiver form; Hank will get the form to him. Also, Hank will start mapping out extra parking at beaches in the near future. Dede advised she was contacted by a vending machine company requesting they put a soda/snack machine at the beach(es). After group discussion, the board decided to not pursue this at this time.
Regarding the emergency contact chain, Dede received a call from Mike Griffin this past Saturday. Chris Lawlor called the Town’s emergency message system about a Warren Beach incident. The incident and chain of command was reviewed by the Advisory board. A memo was sent to the Town re: There was no emergency or need to implement the chain of command.
Regarding garbage pick-up, Dede will call the town and advise it is not necessary at this time.
Mike advised that he will speak to Vinny concerning additional weedwacking needed in designated areas.
Regarding beach signs, the board will consider taking down old, damaged signs and replace with new signage. Mike suggested to table until next week until the code is reviewed in more detail. The board unanimously agreed.
It was agreed to chain off designated areas at the boathouse to prevent parking in areas that are not permitted. It was noted that the town code states no parking on parkland property.
Duane discussed marking boat storage areas around the parklands. Signs can be posted in designated areas for this purpose. Five locations were discussed, including an existing area by Jackson Beach. Duane will design a sign. Further discussion will continue at the next meeting.
Notices will be put on boats to advise residents to get tags. Duane discussed a tri-fold brochure/informational piece that will be presented to the residents regarding information about the district. He'll continue to work on this.
Dede mentioned that she may have an issue with lifeguard coverage at the end of August until the beginning of September due to lifeguard's not being available as they're going back to school, etc. Right now, only two lifeguards are not going away to school. She will follow-up and advise.
Community Relations - Duane added items to the website; also, he indicated that the website is climbing fifty plus people per month in people checking the site. Also, he is putting together a mass contact list for distributing information to residents.
Meeting was adjourned.

Minutes from July 11, 2013 Public Meeting

7/12/2013

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM.
All board members were in attendance.
A motion was made to accept the minutes from the previous meeting.
Dede announced that everyone should have received the Park District newsletter in the mail. She also indicated that additional information concerning The Best Practices for Living in a Lake Community is on the website; it outlines suggestions on how residents can help improve water quality when living near a lake. The board is also creating a brochure that outlines a map of the district to include where beaches are located, accessibility around the parklands, etc.
Also mentioned was the new phone line available to residents. The Park District phone number is (845)878-6500 ext. 41. A message can be left at this number with questions or comments.
Regarding beach operations, all is going well. There has been a good turnout at the beaches, and many families have gotten their beach ID bracelets. It was mentioned that all residents who use the beaches need to get their bracelets at the town clerk's office during the week. Dede opened up an audience discussion asking for input on whether gates should be locked at the beaches as suggested by the town code enforcer. Dede indicated there is nothing specifying in the code that gates are required to be locked. Several community members offered suggestions and asked questions. Dede advised that the board will continue to get feedback and then make a decision.
Swim lessons were discussed. The board advised it was the intention to provide them for any resident; however, there were issues with WSI certification. So far, there haven't been any inquiries for lessons. It was mentioned that at least 15 kids need to sign up to start the Hudson Valley lessons at the lake. Patti Lawlor asked if there's not enough interest in this program, maybe Wings Over Water, a swim facility in Brewster, could be contacted for a potential discount. The board will look into this.
Sue Logue advised the board that lifeguards aren't checking for beach ID wristbands. The board has asked all lifeguards to check, and will ask the guards to be more assertive in checking from now on. Additional discussion was had concerning checking tags on boats. The object is to get unused and/or damaged boats off the parklands. Fifty percent are currently tagged properly. A notice was added in the newsletter to remind residents to get boat tags. The board will do everything possible to notify the owners before removing boats.
It was announced that the Patterson Little League may be interested in having baseball games at the ball field because so many Patterson Little Leaguers are from PL. Discussion will take place later on in the year.
Lake Quality - Dede advised there has been ongoing water sampling. Allied Biological will test at the end of the month. CSLAP testing will be done through October. Ashley Winward, a local college student, has been helping with the testing. Additionally, Dede mentioned that she will be going to a regional FOLA seminar and invited anyone to attend. Recently, information came back on blue green algae samples. Toxicology tests are not back yet. The Health Dept. will continue to test; unless it is visibly seen, the beaches will remain open. Swimming is not an issue at this time unless swimming in a scummy area; information will be posted on the website. The board advised that Allied Biological will do mapping of the worst time for plant growth. Dede passed around photos and a sample of the water chestnut weeds that were hand-pulled by the board. She explained it's an invasive weed coming in full force. Duane added that a small popualtion can start a big problem (i.e., one acre of water chestnuts can produce one hundred acres the following year.) Seeds sit in the muck for up to twelve years; the board hand-pulled about eight to ten canoe boats filled of these weeds recently. Every year, the crop should get less and less if managed.
Sue Logue advised that two lifeguards were sitting and talking to two, young men while on duty at Jackson Beach recently. Dede's assessment was the lifeguards are doing pretty well, but will look into the complaint. Regarding geese waste, the maintenance man and lifeguards are cleaning up every day. The board will consider having a meeting with the lifeguards to discuss any issues or concerns.
Billy Peragine mentioned the town installed round, burlap material to catch sediment in brooks that empty into the lake. It was discussed that maintenance needs to be done to them and Kevin Burns advised to ask Russ about it.
Meeting was adjourned.

Minutes from July 18, 2013 Work Session

Minutes from July 11, 2013 Work Session

Minutes from July 11, 2013 Public Meeting

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