Chautauqua Lake and Watershed Management Alliance
Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting
Thursday, July 12, 2018
4:30 p.m. at Stow Senior Center
Directors Present: Jim Andrews, Linda Barber, Pierre Chagnon, Ted McCague, Dave Shepherd, Dave Spann, and Dave Wesp.
Absent: George Borrello.
Others in Attendance: Erin Brickley – Alliance Executive Director, Randall Perry – Alliance Project Manager. Tory Irgang & June Diethrick – Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. Interested citizens: Regis Thompson, John Ford, and Vince Horrigan.
Member Representatives in Attendance: Claire Quadri – Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy (CWC), Cassie Brower – Chautauqua County Soil & Water Conservation District, Louise Ortman – Town of North Harmony, Doug Conroe – Chautauqua Lake Association (CLA), Hugh Butler – Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, Marla Connelly – NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation – Allegany Region, and Jim Cirbus – Chautauqua Lake Partnership (CLP).
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I. Call to Order:
Mr. Chagnon called the meeting of the Chautauqua Lake and Watershed Management Alliance (Alliance) to order at 4:32 pm. It was noted for the record that there was a quorum (7 of 8) present.
II. Approval of Minutes:
Mr. Wesp made a motion to accept the minutes of the 6/14/18 Board Meeting, seconded by Ms. Barber. The motion was approved unanimously.
III. Update on Current Alliance/Member Projects:
Mr. Perry gave an update on the status of the eleven state funded Alliance/Member projects in process:
Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) grants (six in total):
- Dutch Hollow Creek & West Dutch Hollow Creek:
- Construction underway; Rock of WNY (Contractor) & Bergmann (Engineer)
- Target Completion ca. October 2018
- Ball Creek:
- Site preparation for additional riparian native plant establishment in progress
- Planting-related work to continue in 2018 and 2019
- Goose Creek:
- Construction start scheduled ca. 7/23/18; Legend Excavating (Contractor) & EcoStrategies (Engineer)
- Target Completion ca. August 2018
- Bemus Creek: No significant change; construction phase largely complete (2016-2017)
- Prendergast Creek: No significant change; construction phase largely complete (2016)
- Quarterly progress reports in preparation and MWBE reports submitted July 2018; NYS reimbursement reports under review by NYSDEC
Invasive Species Management Grant (Senator Young $50K local assistance grant via County pass-through):
- Audubon work complete; RTPI/Evergreen Outfitters/Alliance collaboration in progress
- 2018 events underway by RTPI – remaining 2018 events 7/14 (@ RTPI) & 7/19 (@ CHQ Institution)
- Primary Objective: Establish framework for Volunteer enhanced Early Detection program on/around Chautauqua Lake for priority invasive species, as a complement to existing prevention-focused efforts (e.g., CLA Watercraft Steward Program) and monitoring
Lakewood/Busti Stormwater Management Engineering Study (DEC/EFC Engineering Planning Grant):
- Final Engineering Report submission to NYS EFC/DEC on 6/18/18; currently under review
Celoron Breakwall and Boardwalk LWRP grants (2013/2016):
- Phase II Construction nearing completion; Next completion milestone ca. Aug 2018
- Close-out reporting and reimbursement for older grant is in progress.
Celoron Park Improvement (Amenities Building) LWRP grant (2017):
- State Assistance Contract establishment in final steps
- Engineer/Architect procurement preparation in progress
- Target construction ca. 2019
Mayville / Chautauqua Stormwater Mgmt. Engineering Study (NYS DEC/EFC Engineering Planning Grant) (2017):
- Engineer selection 7/10/18; contract execution underway
- Target start date ca. August 2018
IV. Report from Science Committee:
Mr. Spann, the chair of the Science Committee advised that there has been various conversations with Cummins folks regarding the possibility of using Six Sigma as a useful approach to our complex environmental management work. Six Sigma is a set of techniques and tools for process improvement. {It was introduced by engineer Bill Smith while working at Motorola in 1986. Jack Welch made it central to his business strategy at General Electric in 1995. Today, it is used in many industrial sectors.} In his last meeting with Cummins representatives, they advised of an upcoming local on-site 4 day Six Sigma training occurring the first week in August (and 2 more days later in month) and generously offered for an Alliance staff or board member to attend at no cost. Mr. Spann commented that if direct Alliance person could not attend, he could send Mrs. Brower from S&W. Mr. Chagnon noted that this was a very generous offer indeed as he himself has been through this training in the past. He can attest that it is an intense training but likely it will be very useful and thanked Mrs. Brower for her willingness to attend.
Mr. Spann advised that Kim Sherwood, a local hydrologist on the Alliance Science committee, is moving away from the area and will therefore regrettably not be able to participate going forward.
V. Update on New York State led Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Initiative:
Overview: Late in December 2017, Governor Cuomo announced a new program regarding the state’s commitment to protect New York lakes from HAB’s via a new state led initiative that partners state experts with local expertise and resources. The HAB initiative identified 12 priority waterbodies that are vulnerable to HAB and are critical sources of drinking water and vital tourism and Chautauqua Lake was named one of these twelve. The press release noted that the state will commit up to $500k to each of the twelve waterbodies to collaboratively develop a HAB Action Plan and then make $60 million available statewide, likely via its competitive grant process, for action plan implementation work. Ms. Brickley advised that she was in attendance at the March 26th Western Group HAB Summit held in Rochester along with many Alliance member representatives also in attendance from Chautauqua Lake. Many of the presentations and discussions revolved around known factors that typically impact HAB formation such as nutrient load, light penetration through the water column, warm temperatures, calm winds, seed population and possible impacts of invasive mussels. All of these factors can play a role in HAB formation and all are important but we as lake and watershed managers can really only influence or aim to control one factor, which is nutrient levels (both from entering the lake as continual inputs and with-in the lake via episodic internal loading). It was also noted that there was confirmation at this meeting that the state funding described would indeed be part of the existing NYS Consolidated Funding Application or CFA process. The CFA process is a competitive state grant program open once each summer which encompasses multiple types of state funding grants, typically opening May 1st and closing July 31st and generally requires local match funding. The local steering committee for the HAB initiative gathered at the County offices 4/19/18 for further discussion of local priorities. In May, the local steering committee did have a brief window for review and comment of the draft Chautauqua Lake HAB Action Plan.
Update: Ms. Brickley advised that the finalized Chautauqua Lake HAB Action Plan report was released to the public in June and can be found online (http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/chautauquahabplan.pdf). A key focus of recommended actions is on non-point nutrient load reductions to the lake originating in the watershed.
VI. Approval of 2018 Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) Alliance Match:
Ms. Brickley sent a 2018 CFA Summary Report via email to the Alliance board for review prior to this meeting. The board action considered today is for approval of commitment of local match share utilizing the Foundation funded and Alliance managed local match account with a current balance of $139,600. Below is a brief summary of scope of work, project partners and projected budgets on all six 2018 Member CFA submissions, however, only highlighted budgets were in need of match assistance from the Foundation/Alliance Match Fund and highlighted at the meeting.
Lakewood/Busti Precision Swales – Applicant, Partners & Scope of Work:
- Application to the New York State Consolidated Funding Application – Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) – Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) Program entitled Lakewood and Busti Precision Swale Retrofits. This grant is being submitted by the Town of Busti in partnership with the Village of Lakewood, County of Chautauqua, and the Chautauqua Lake & Watershed Management Alliance (Alliance). This project highlights the collaborative work being done in the local watershed to mitigate nutrient and sediment loads entering Chautauqua Lake.
- The Village of Lakewood, Town of Busti, Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development (CCDPD), and the Alliance successfully partnered in 2016 to procure state and local match funding which produced a Department of Environmental Conservation / Environmental Facilities Corporation (DEC/EFC) approved Stormwater Management Engineering Study Report identifying six vetted recommended stormwater projects located within the Village of Lakewood and Town of Busti. As a result of this study completed June 2018, three projects are currently being pursued through the 2018 NYS Consolidated Funding Application, including this project for precision swale retrofits.
- The swale retrofit project incorporates 2,100 linear feet of steep gradient swale riffle pool sequences and 2,500 linear feet of shallow swales with enhanced vegetated filter strips with wetland pockets all in precision locations based on hydrology & hydraulics. The swale retrofit would transform existing drainage swales experiencing erosion and undercutting banks and will reduce water velocity, allow infiltration, and promote bio-filtration throughout the Town and Village. Direct water quality benefits to Chautauqua Lake of these swales include an overall phosphorus reduction of 25 lb/yr and a sediment reduction of 6 ton/yr from entering the lake. The success of steep and shallow gradient swale stormwater retrofits are due to the use of permanent stone check dams with Sorbitive Media filter bags, enhanced vegetated filter strips, wetland pockets, gravel blankets, backfill mixes, silica cobbles, boulders, riffle pools, and native wetland plantings. Additional ecological benefits of the swale retrofits include: biodiversity, increased habitat for songbirds and pollinators and 4-season visual interest. The overall concept of the swale improvements will also increase local charm and aesthetics, thus increasing sustainability within the watershed and helping to restore the local economy and recreational value the lake provides.
Lakewood/Busti Precision Swales – Total Budget & Match Sources: | ||
WQIP Grant Ask (75%) | 202,478 | |
Local Match Requirement (25%) | 67,493 | |
Project Total |
269,971 | |
Local Match Breakdown: | ||
Town | In-Kind: 2 Year O&M, Traffic Control | 34,587 |
Town | Cash | 5,000 |
County/Alliance | Cash (via County Resolution): CLMC /Alliance Match Fund | 5,000 |
Foundations/Alliance | Cash (via Alliance Board Approval): Foundation / Alliance Match Fund) | 22,906 |
Match Total | 67,493 |
Chautauqua Avenue Green Street Retrofit – Applicant, Partners & Scope of Work:
- Application to the New York State Consolidated Funding Application – Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) – Green Innovation Grant Program grant submission entitled Chautauqua Avenue Green Street Retrofit. This grant is being submitted by the Village of Lakewood in partnership with the Town of Busti, the County of Chautauqua, and the Chautauqua Lake & Watershed Management Alliance (Alliance).
- The Village of Lakewood, Town of Busti, Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development (CCDPD), and the Alliance successfully partnered in 2016 to procure state and local match funding which produced an DEC/EFC approved Stormwater Management Engineering Study Report identifying six vetted recommended stormwater projects located within the Village of Lakewood and Town of Busti. As a result of this study three projects are currently being pursued through the 2018 NYS Consolidated Funding Application, including this project for a Chautauqua Avenue retrofit.
- The Chautauqua Avenue Green Infrastructure Retrofit is a suite of improvements to the existing streetscape that will spur innovation, build capacity to construct and maintain green infrastructure, facilitate the transfer of new technologies and practices, and has environmental benefits for the health of Chautauqua Lake. The project includes a Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement system which would replace conventional impervious asphalt pavement and the addition of a series of stormwater trees connected by an underground infiltration system with Cornell University structural soils. Educational kiosks will provide interpretive information on the green infrastructure practices deployed along Chautauqua Ave. This suite of green infrastructure practices explores the links between stormwater management and transportation infrastructure in the context of enhancing the traditional charm of the Village center and commercial corridor. It will provide benefits for stormwater management, water quantity and quality benefits, restores habitat, protects against flooding, provides cleaner air, and aids in beautifying the streetscape to spur economic development and community revitalization.
Chautauqua Avenue Green Street Retrofit: Total Budget & Match Sources | |||
GIGP Grant Ask (90%) | 699,511 | ||
Local Match Requirement (10%) | 77,724 | ||
Project Total | 777,235 | ||
Local Match Breakdown: | |||
Village | In-Kind: 2 Year O&M, Clearing & Grubbing, 50% of Excavation & Disposal, Traffic Control | 66,625 | |
County/Alliance | Cash (via County Resolution): CLMC/Alliance Match Fund | 11,099 | |
Match Total | 77,724 | ||
Lowe Park Stream Daylighting & Sediment Capture Stormwater Project – Applicant, Partners & Scope of Work:
- Application to the New York State Consolidated Funding Application Department of State – Local Waterfront Revitalization Program grant submission entitled Lowe Park Stream Daylighting and Sediment Capture Stormwater Project. This grant is being submitted by the Village of Lakewood in partnership with the Town of Busti, County of Chautauqua, and the Chautauqua Lake & Watershed Management Alliance (Alliance).
- The Village of Lakewood, Town of Busti, Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development (CCDPD), and the Alliance successfully partnered in 2016 to procure state and local match funding which produced an Department of Environmental Conservation / Environmental Facilities Corporation approved Stormwater Management Engineering Study Report identifying six vetted recommended stormwater projects located within the Village of Lakewood and Town of Busti. As a result of this study three projects are currently being pursued through the 2018 NYS Consolidated Funding Application, including this project for Lowe Park.
- The goal of this project is to catalyze waterfront revitalization by incorporating an innovative green stormwater infrastructure retrofit to Lowe Park which simultaneously combines walking/biking waterfront additions, beautiful aesthetics with native plantings & mitigates an estimated 43.7 pounds per year of phosphorous and 16.4 tons per year of sediment from entering Chautauqua Lake. The park currently has no amenities and consists of a buried drainage pipe and mowed grass parcel down to the waterline. The suite of innovative practices for this project includes: modified existing stormwater structure & pipe daylighting, sediment capture vortex chamber, pavilion with seatwall, stormwater runoff harvested in rain gardens for biofiltration, bike shelter, reconstructed open stream channel, bridge with lake viewing, stepping stones, & habitat buffer plantings. Water quality enhancements are merged with public education and new opportunities to enjoy the lakefront. Within the context of a transformed neighborhood park, this project integrates ecosystem services into a fun and accessible public space. Protecting natural resources while enhancing community assets is key to LWRP actions.
Lowe Park Stream Daylighting & Sediment Capture Stormwater Project: Total Budget & Match Sources | ||
LWRP Grant Ask (75%) | 255,951 | |
Local Match Requirement (25%) | 85,318 | |
Project Total |
341,269 | |
Local Match Breakdown: | ||
Village | In-Kind: 2 Year O&M, Clearing & Grubbing, Excavation & Disposal, Traffic Control | 25,277 |
Village | Cash | 25,739 |
Alliance | In-Kind: Interpretive Panels | 4,000 |
County/Alliance | Cash (via County Resolution): CLMC/Alliance Match Fund | 5,000 |
Foundations/Alliance | Cash (via Alliance Board Approval): Foundation / Alliance Match Fund) | 25,302 |
Match Total |
85,318 |
Town of Ellicott Stormwater Management Engineering Study – Applicant, Partners & Scope of Work:
- Application to the New York State Consolidated Funding Application – Department of Environmental Conservation / Environmental Facilities Corporation (DEC/EFC) Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grant Program (EPG) grant submission entitled Town of Ellicott Stormwater Management Study. This grant is being submitted by the Town of Ellicott in partnership with the Village of Celoron, the County of Chautauqua, and the Chautauqua Lake and Watershed Management Alliance (Alliance). The EPG offers grant funding to municipalities to help pay for the initial planning of eligible Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) water quality projects, the ultimate goal of which is to advance water quality projects to construction.
- This proposed project specifically involves studying the sub-watersheds located within the borders of the both the Village of Celoron and the Town of Ellicott that drains into Chautauqua Lake and its outlet. This stormwater management engineering study will inventory current stormwater infrastructure and identify the concerns from a two-fold approach. Assessments will focus on inadequate quantity/capacity structures as well as water quality by identifying nutrient-rich runoff ‘hotspots’ entering the lake. The study will then identify and evaluate solutions to capacity and pollutant problems within the study area, with a focus on green and/or a combination of gray/green infrastructure resolution. These resulting recommendations will be pursued in the future and will have a positive impact on the environmental health of Chautauqua Lake.
Town of Ellicott Stormwater Management Engineering Study –Total Budget & Match Sources: | ||
EPG Grant Ask (Max 100K) | 100,000 | |
Local Match Requirement (Minimum 20% of granted amount) | 20,840 | |
Project Total |
120,840 | |
Local Match Breakdown: | ||
Town of Ellicott | Cash | 5,000 |
Village of Celoron | Cash | 1,000 |
County/Alliance | Cash (via County Resolution): CLMC/Alliance Match Fund | 5,000 |
Foundations/Alliance | Cash (via Alliance Board Approval): Foundation / Alliance Match Fund) | 9,840 |
Match Total |
20,840 |
Chautauqua Lake Mechanized Floating Vegetation Collection – Applicant, Partners & Scope of Work:
- Application to the New York State Consolidated Funding Application Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) – Water Quality Improvement Project Program grant submission entitled Chautauqua Lake Mechanized Floating Vegetation Collection. This grant is being submitted by the County of Chautauqua in partnership with the Chautauqua Lake Association and the Chautauqua Lake & Watershed Management Alliance (Alliance).
- The goal of this project is to purchase two skimmers to collect & remove floating vegetation and surface scum from Chautauqua Lake (CL). CL is designated as impaired & its eutrophic status produces an overabundance of submerged vegetation which then produces significant quantities of loose floating plant material from harvesting, boat propellers & waterfowl. CL encompasses more than 13,000 acres and 42 miles of shoreline and has a northwest orientation and a long fetch length that is particularly favorable to wind-driven accumulation of floating vegetation. The floating vegetation impedes lake usability, negatively affects fishing activity and results in noxious conditions along the shoreline when such materials accumulate there and act as a medium for excessive surface algal growth. In years past, surface skimming near the shoreline has been in the form of intensive manual labor on and off barges and was unable to be executed repetitively nor lake wide. Efficiency and increased coverage area is critically needed and will be accomplished through the purchase of these two skimmers.
Chautauqua Lake Mechanized Floating Vegetation Collection – Project Budget & Match Sources: | ||
WQIP Grant Ask (75%) | 375,000 | |
Local Match Requirement (25%) | 125,000 | |
Project Total |
500,000 | |
Local Match Breakdown: | ||
County | In-Kind from 2% Allocations 2019-2021 | 105,000 |
Alliance Grant (Sheldon) | Cash | 20,000 |
Match Total |
125,000 |
Chautauqua Lake 9 Element Plan- Applicant, Partners & Scope of Work:
- Application to the New York State Consolidated Funding Application Department of State – Local Waterfront Revitalization Program grant submission entitled Chautauqua Lake 9 Element Plan. This grant is being submitted by the County of Chautauqua in partnership with the Chautauqua Lake & Watershed Management Alliance (Alliance).
- This project, identified as a Priority 1 Action in the 2018 Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Action Plan for Chautauqua Lake (CL) will be a collaborative, community-based effort led by Chautauqua County & Chautauqua Lake & Watershed Management Alliance (Alliance) to update & enhance the 2010 Chautauqua Lake Watershed Management Plan to meet requirements of a Nine Element Watershed Plan (9EP). Compilation of existing documents to address the 9 key elements will be leveraged where possible with inclusion of references to original reports. We will update the 2010 assessment with recent data, including research & monitoring findings from SUNY Fredonia & other institutions, CSLAP, & HAB monitoring. The 9EP planning process will include all relevant stakeholders in order to incorporate the research, monitoring, & restoration work underway. This project effort will incorporate the 9 key elements identified by EPA for watershed management & will be added as an addendum to the 2010 Plan. By meeting these minimum 9 elements, CL Watershed Management Plan implementation efforts will be strengthened, and provide more specific, measurable actions & tracking mechanisms to ensure progress is being made over time.
Chautauqua Lake 9 Element Plan – Total Budget & Match Sources: | ||
LWRP Grant Ask (75%) | 202,950 | |
Local Match Requirement (25%) | 67,650 | |
Project Total |
270,600 | |
Local Match Breakdown: | ||
Alliance Grant (Sheldon) | In-Kind | 10,000 |
County/Alliance | Cash (via County Resolution): CLMC/Alliance Match Fund | 29,250 |
Foundations/Alliance | Cash (via Alliance Board Approval): Foundation / Alliance Match Fund) | 28,400 |
Match Total |
67,650 |
Mr. Chagnon noted that this is a commitment of local match funding and is considered a funds hold. If any listed grants above are not secured, the match commitment is void.
Mr. Shepherd made a motion to approve commitments of $9,840 for the Town of Ellicott Stormwater Study and $28,400 for the 9 Element Plan from the Foundation Alliance Match Fund, seconded by Ms. Barber. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Wesp made a motion to approve commitments of $22,906 for the Lakewood/Busti Swale project and $25,302 for the Lowe Park project from the Foundation Alliance Match Fund, seconded by Mr. Shepherd. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. McCague abstained due to his position as a Village of Lakewood Trustee.
VII. Report from the Governance Capacity Committee:
Mr. Chagnon reminded those in attendance that last month he discussed the fact that he had been advised that several local funders are interested in seeing increased governance capacity at the Alliance as we are experiencing an evolving role in the community. In order to ensure full understanding of their expectations, he recommended formation of an ad-hoc governance capacity committee comprised of Mr. Shepherd, Ms. Barber and Mr. Horrigan.
Mr. Horrigan reported to the board that their committee had met with funders and in general terms they would like to see more stakeholder input. Discussion is ongoing as to the best way to do that. In the near term, the committee will meet with lake and watershed member organizations for further input to the discussion. Ms. Barber commented that the Alliance would like to see more dialogue and participation from the at-large member organizations. Mr. Horrigan commented that a lot has transpired with the Alliance and the discussion is ongoing.
VIII. Director Vacancies:
At the June 2018 meeting: Mr. Chagnon advised that Ken Shearer submitted his letter of resignation from the board dated June 12, 2018 effective as of that date. Mr. Chagnon sent Mr. Shearer an email acknowledging receipt of his letter of resignation, and thanked him for his service on the Chautauqua Lake and Watershed Management Alliance Board of Directors and for all his past and continuing dedicated service to the community.
Mr. Chagnon reminded those in attendance of the next steps per the by-laws as stated:
- “A director may resign at any time by written notice delivered to the Chair or Secretary of the Corporation.”
- “Any vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors and any directorship to be filled by reason of an increase in the number of directors may be filled by the Board of Directors. A director elected to fill a vacancy shall be elected for the unexpired term of his or her predecessor in office”
- Mr. Shearer’s directorship on the Board was one of the four positions we describe as “At-Large”. The by-laws specify the qualifications for these positions as: “All other Directors must be Members or Friends of the Corporation or employees or directors of Members or Friends that are entities.”
At the June 2018 meeting, Mr. Chagnon requested that any Member wishing to nominate a candidate to this director position on the Board should provide the name to Ms. Brickley by the end of June and then Ms. Brickley will communicate the list of nominees by email to all Members. As directed by the by-laws, the Governance Committee will then review the candidates and provide a recommendation to the Board for action at our next meeting.
David Spann announced that he will also be stepping down and this July board meeting will be his last meeting as an acting director. He commented that he has been on the board since the Alliance was just getting underway and he feels we are now up and running, allowing for him to step away at this time. He advised that Chautauqua County Soil & Water Conservation District will continue as a member of the Alliance and will continue to support its mission and assist in project partnerships. Mr. Spann commented that his time on the board has been exciting and sometimes challenging. In that spirit, Mr. Spann advised he would be happy to continue on in his role as the chair of the Science committee. Mr. Chagnon commented that Mr. Spann had brought a lot of expertise and thanked him sincerely for his service. Mr. Wesp made a motion to accept Mr. Spann’s resignation, seconded by Mr. Shepherd. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Chagnon noted that we now have two at-large director openings and three nominees: Jay Bailey from OPRHP – Allegany Region, Hugh Butler from County Chamber of Commerce, Jim Wehrfritz from CLP. All three had provided bio’s for review to the board. The Governance / Nominating Committee decided after discussion that some candidates are unknown to some sitting directors and meetings with each of the candidates would be recommended. Mr. Wesp made the motion to proceed with one on one meetings, seconded by Mr. Andrews. Mr. McCague requested resumes be shared as well. Ms. Barber inquired as the end of each of the remaining terms for the two open seats. Ms. Brickley advised one would expire May 2019 and one would expire May 2021. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Chagnon commented that he would be in contact with the candidates to make arrangements.
IX. Open Floor / Member Updates:
Mr. Chagnon opened the floor to any Member updates or upcoming events and/or comments from the general public in attendance:
- Mr. Spann advised of recent completed S&W work for the Jamestown RiverWalk along the shoreline near JBPU behind the Comedy Center, where it was graded and rock rip rap installed.
- Ms. Connelly advised that the work to combat shoreline erosion and beach renovations at Long Point State Park are now complete. Please stop by for a visit! Ms. Connelly also advised that Parks had recently completed mussel surveys in front of Long Point and Midway State Parks. She advised that many species were found (something like 6-7 different species at Long Point and about 9 as Midway). After an inquiry, Ms. Connelly advised that Parks performed the surveys as stewards of the lake as well as of public space and the parks they have responsibility for on the lake.
- After inquiry from Mr. Horrigan, Mr. Conroe gave a state of the lake update. He commented that Dr Bob Johnson who has been doing work on Chautauqua Lake for the CLA and many others lakes in the state and has always observed the unpredictable and changing conditions year to year for this unique waterbody. For the update: there was confirmed HAB in the South Basin prior to July 4th but that is all thus far; Lakewood and YMCA beaches just closed due to suspicion of bloom, sample testing pending; water clarity has been better than expected this year; plant growth overall continues to be behind past years with the exception of areas in the South basin; CLA has been observing more floating vegetation than ever before this year and they are unsure why; and Milfoil growth is strong in the very southernmost area of south basin but that Elodea is more the issue with thick plant growth in south basin overall this year.
- Mr. Wesp asked for an update from the CLP. Mr. Cirbus advised that Bemus Bay is clear and beautiful.
X. Adjourn:
Mr. Wesp motioned to adjourn at 5:10 p.m., seconded by Mr. Spann. The motion was approved unanimously.