Meeting Minutes
Wadleigh Pond Dam Association
June 19, 2021
Old Business
The meeting was opened by Linda Houy, President, and introductions by the group were made. Last year’s minutes were read by Evelyn Lord, Secretary, and accepted. The Treasurer’s Report was read by Cecile Dupuis. Last year’s dues and many additional donations made irt possible to make all completions on the dam. Thank you, all, whose dues and donations made this possible. We currently have a balance of $4,875. Last year’s picnic was canceled out of abundance of caution due to COVID. It WILL be held this year on August 7. Carol and Steve Merola and Pat Lavoie are chairing this year. THANK YOU to you both, also.
John Houy reported on the status of our dam now that the major work is completed. It should last 20+ years! Future plans could include fixing the pole for the gate that pulls the boards and replacing the current boards. He explained some history of our dam, which includes how much has been invested since 1979: $127,672.95! Our ability to make this investment is a direct result of dues coming in, fundraising, donations, and efforts of individuals making things happen.
John Houy will be updating the Emergency Action Plan, which was updated in 2017. It includes community member(s) who live near water, York County Emergency Mgt., State Police, and the Weather Service. Its purpose is to deal with an emergency (weather or other event) that threatens the safety of people in our area affected by a possible flood. Landowners are notified by a reverse 9-1-1 from the Biddeford Call Center so instruction can be given.
The results of water testing was, we received an excellent rating for recreational water. The reason the water isn’t perfectly clear is due to tannin, which poses no harm for swimming, boating, etc. The vegetation is bladder wort, which grows naturally. It can be contained a bit by not fertilizing near your shore, not going through the weeds/cleaning motors and oars off, etc.
New Business
Now that the dam is repaired, Linda brought up the question, “What should we do next?” We know we need to keep a fund from dues, fundraising, and donations should issues with the dam arise. There could be more than the dam to consider now. Pat read the original Association Charter, which describes the Association’s original purpose for “the betterment of the property owners”. Linda and Pat wondered if someone could write a grant to address vegetation. Two members brought up that, if a grant were written, the State would get involved and prevent any significant change to the creeping in of plants. When wetlands are involved, you can do very little,if anything. You ARE allowed to clear an area 10′ wide and straight back. It was suggested to pull the plants up by the roots. The plan to pursue this will be discussed again.
There is a great deal of growth over the spillway, as well as some loose wood. A small group will meet after the meeting to make plans.
The election of officers was held. Linda Houy announced she is stepping down as President. The slate of officers will be voted on as a whole. Patricia Lavoie is stepping down as Vice President and was nominated for President. It was seconded. Linda Koehler was absent but was nominated as Vice President. She had been asked if she received the nomination and was elected, would she accept and she said she would. Linda was nominated and it was seconded. Cecile Dupuis stepped down and Treasurer Amy Toussaint was nominated as Treasurer and it was seconded. Evelyn Lord was nominated to remain as Secretary and it was seconded. It was moved that the nominees be voted on as a group and it was seconded. The vote was unanimous. We can’t thank you enough, Lind and Cecile!!!! Your dedication to our pond and all who live here is extraordinary. MANY THANKS!!!!
The group decided to have the minutes from this meetings read at the picnic on August 7 so the larger group understands the importance of this group.. It must be emphasized that we are required by law to have a yearly meeting, an election of officers, and minutes kept to be considered as Association. If we fail to do this yearly, the State will take over the dam. THEIR wish is to allow the water to return it its natural state ( a river and marshland) and they will do NOTHING to repair any damage. The pond will become marshland again. We will work to make sure this never happens.
Meeting adjourned at 10:45.
Submitted by
Evelyn Lord, Secretary