Present:
- Jamie Minacci, SBSC Chair (Conservation Commission – ConCom)
- Michael Nathan SBA
- John Loiodice, Water and Sewer
- Charles Kenny, Board of Health
- Gary Kleinerman, Harbormaster
- Michael Buffoni, Water Superintendent
- Roxanne McCaffrey, SB liaison
- Corrections to the minutes: Buffoni said the water sampling would occur next month not next week; McCaffrey corrected a date, not April 19 but April 16. The minutes were approved as corrected.
- Kleinerman reported that the SB approved the raise in salaries for lake workers and supervisor with concomitant reduction in hours; reported opening on May 28 of Memorial Day weekend and closing on Columbus Day.
- Kenny reported, from a Board of Heath perspective, changing SBSC from a committee to a commission is a good idea. He said mentioned testing and a whole lake approach to lake management as positive results of SBSC meetings.
- Buffoni said testing would commence “soon” — water shed testing (he thought) would be on May 27.
- McCaffrey was concerned the water level was down; Kleinerman said it was down “just a little”.
- Minacci reported “the rocks” were still an issue; a floating dock may not be permitted on the Bowl, and abutters were notified of the harvesting this summer.
- Michael Nathan hoped a discussion about SBSC mission and priorities would precede placing an item on the warrant changing SBSC from a committee to a commission. However, the warrant is now closed. McCaffrey said a discussion about mission and priorities would still be relevant; that a commission would have a budget for, as an example, a secretary to take minutes, and that “fundamentally nothing changes” if it becomes a commission. Members still appointed by SB for one-year terms from town boards, committees, and commissions.
- Nathan also wanted to discuss dredging. He said dredging The Cove was “always a part of the big picture.” Kenny wanted to know rationale for areas to dredge. Nathan wanted to track down how The Cove was dropped from the most recent GZA map. Buffoni supported dredging The Cove and the outlet as that is the “only exit for water from the lake.” It was suggested that GZA be invited to a SBSC to discuss. Nathan said, perhaps a representative from DEP as well. It was also suggested that SBSC vote to approve dredging The Cove. A motion was made that “GZA expand the dredging project [to include The Cove].” Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned.
Editor’s notes: (a) Kleinerman noted SU reported closing on Labor Day. Mr. Kleinerman, so pleased you read SU and so sorry SU appeared to cheat folks out of a month of fun on the Bowl. Closing is Columbus Day not Labor Day. (b) “The Rocks” apparently refer to nine large rocks placed in the lake by a landowner. They are not permitted according to ConCom. Mention of the rocks apparently means the landowner has not removed them as requested by ConCom. (c) GZA is the geo environmental consulting firm hired by Town; DEP is the Mass Department of Environmental Protection.
Editor’s question: We will test for Milfoil in June. If there is no Milfoil, can a larger portion of the Bowl be harvested?
