Environmental Committee VDOE August 5, 2019

Committee members in attendance:  Patti Aliventi, Larry Leonard, Adam Leiser

Absent: Paula Doyle, Jane Gunn                

Public in attendance: Nordell Gagnon, Justin Fisher, Kevin Ackert

Meeting was not filmed                Call to order 9:15am

Discussion about using a drone or some other form of creating a shoreline video for historical purposes

Two sandiest spots on the Big Pond are at Porridge Shore Beach and directly across.  These are easily visible from Google earth.

Nordell Gagnon says he wants to work with the VDOE and is delighted that the Board reached out to him.  He will be removing two dead trees on his property plus limbing a third tree.  This will all be done in September.  This will be done entirely at his expense.

Clivis Mutrum toilets should be evaluated.

Two spots for outhouses but one is clearly better than the other.  Everyone agrees that on other side of path from green sign is the best spot – may be on private property.  This property is owned by family of Justin Fisher.  He will contact family about consent.

There’s a tree right at entrance to Porridge Shore beach that needs to come down next year – huge, right at entrance on right.

Recommendation made to the BOC to have a list of trees that need to be cut and/or limbed.  Idea is to save money by doing all at once if possible.

Nordell will let us drain water onto his property.  Once at entrance way and four more paths to the left as someone walks towards the water.  Everyone agrees this is an important project for the benefit of the pond.

Everyone agrees that this is many steps:

Step 1 – get something in writing granting VDOE permission

Step 2 – go to DES

Step 3 – Find a landscape designer? 

Step 4 – get permeable material for area and do project closest to roadway if DES approval is not needed

Discussion about covering costs.  No money available this year.  Project would be a 2020 project.  Adam asks if it should be a warrant article or come from operating budget.  All are in agreement that it should be an operating budget expense.  Rough estimate of $2,000 discussed.

Nordell is willing to donate his excavator for work to help offset cost.

Adam wonders if this could be a volunteer project

Once completed, this will have to be maintained each year.

Nordell brings up dogs on the beaches.  Adam updates group as to what efforts have been taken by the VDOE to limit dogs on the beaches.  Suggestion made to have dedicated “no dogs” signs.

Kevin states that he does not have the “renter” letter that was created by the VDOE.

Adam motion to adjourn – second Patti --- Vote 3-0

Next meeting is 8pm on 8/5 in the Lodge

Minutes taken and submitted by Adam Leiser