2006 Monthly Meetings:
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July    August    September    October   November   December

Bi-annual Membership Meetings:
Spring Meeting    Fall Meeting

DPA Executive Board Meeting
December 6, 2006

Attendees: Sherry Fiust, Brian Cichella, Marilyn Darack, Linda Smith, Jim Thompson, Arlene Pollak, Grace Olin, Ted Fiust, John Block

President Sherry Fiust called the meeting to order at 7:09 pm.

Minutes of the last meeting were accepted as read.

Ownership of Dudley Pond:

Arlene Pollak questioned Town Council’s statement that Dudley Pond is now owned by the Town of Wayland and not the State of Massachusetts. The Board will seek further clarification regarding this.

Real Estate Tax Rebate:

Arlene Pollak stated that those homeowners with frontage on Dudley Pond pay a real estate premium of 38%. Now that the Pond is has a heavy milfoil infestation, the houses have lost value. It follows, then, that there should be a real estate tax abatement from the TOW for those properties.

Update on Use of Circulators:

Special Town Meeting voted in favor of using Community Preservation Act funds for the use of circulators to help control milfoil growth in Dudley Pond. At its last meeting, the Conservation Commission gave its approval for a permit for circulator use and for anchoring them. The program will probably begin in early spring, 2007.

The SWQC now needs to choose a vender and to determine whether fewer circulators should be used for a longer time, or whether more circulators should be used for a shorter period. They also need to decide whether they should purchase or rent circulators. One type is solar powered and can only run during daylight hours. Another type has a battery and can run twenty-four hours a day.

Possible Weed Harvester Use:

Sherry Fiust reported that the SWQC is working on a warrant article for Spring Town Meeting. This article will request $25,000 for weed removal. The SWQC requested that the DPA take a serious look at the use of a harvester for weed removal.

Concerns were raised about the possibility of a harvester actually causing the spread of milfoil through the scattering of cut, loose sprigs. Jim Thompson said that the new generation of harvesting equipment has mechanisms to capture the cut sprigs.

Sherry stated that she thinks that using a harvester may be beneficial, since it takes such a large amount of bio-mass from the pond. It would cost $25,000 to rent a harvester for three times.

Ted Fiust reiterated that hand pulling at this stage of infestation would be futile. The hand pulling project got started too late and was of too small a scope this past year to make a marked improvement.

There may be $50,000 available for weed removal in the spring. Twenty-five thousand is from the State Grant, and twenty-five thousand may be available from the TOW if the SWQC Spring Meeting Article passes. The State Grant stipulates that its $25,000 from the State is to be used by June 30, 2007.

The SWQC wants to use a harvester to open certain boat lanes and areas such as Mansion Beach. There was much concern over this plan. Marilyn Darack felt that that the $50,000 , should rather be used for actual improvement of the condition as determined by experts looking at conditions in the spring and not to create a perception that conditions are healthy enough for certain types of recreation. Jim Thompson opted to use the harvester to keep Mansion Beach open, but not boat lanes. Arlene Pollak and Grace Olin asked whether the money could be paid out to a contractor prior to June 30 and kept on hold until an effective treatment is determined.

The DPA will invite the SWQC to the January Board Meeting.

Winter Carnival Planning by Brian Cichella:

Brian stated that the purpose of a winter carnival is to raise funds for the DPA and to provide community outreach. It would be a family oriented event. Linda Smith thinks that this event has the capability to net even more profit than the Fun Run. Brian suggested that the main attractions be hot air balloon rides, dog sled rides, and an animal education area. Brian Cichella and Linda Smith will be the chairpersons of the event.

The carnival will be planned for Super Bowl Sunday, February 4, 2007. Since large fields will be needed for some of the events, it was decided that the high school would be an ideal venue. It is close enough to Dudley Pond for the dog sleds to ride there. Also, passengers in the hot air balloon will be able to look down upon the pond. There was also a concern that, if the event were held at the Chateau parking lot as the old winter carnivals were, that people would walk out onto the ice and would incur liability issues.

Brain passed out a packet of correspondence he has had with Balloons Over New England and with Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary. There were also three pages of suggested events gathered by Linda Smith.

Many events, such as skating and cross country races, silly hat contests, ice sculpting, etc. from the former DPA carnivals could be repeated. Since there are only about six weeks to plan the event, the list of events will be pared down. Meetings of those who volunteered to help with the carnival will be held weekly. The first meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, December 13 at Jim Thompson’s house.

John and Marilyn Darack will take charge of the food purchasing, preparation, and selling. Arlene Pollak and Grace Olin volunteered to help. The Daracks will check with Steve Calishman at the Board of Health regarding the permitting of food sales and the regulations involved. They will also check with the Restaurant Depot in Needham for food prices.

Linda Smith will direct volunteers to call the Park and Recreation Department and the Happy Hollow PTO to learn how they planned their very successful recent events

Thank you to Representative Sue Pope:

Marilyn suggested that she write a letter to Susan Pope thanking her for her years of service in the state legislature and for her help with the DPA. All agreed.

Meeting adjourned at 9:12 P.M.

The next Board meeting will be held on January 4, 2007 at the Fiusts’ home at 42 Mathews Drive.

Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn Darack, Secretary

DPA Executive Board Meeting
November 2, 2006

Attendees: Sherry Fiust, Karen Lowery, Jamie Pierce, Marilyn Darack, Ted Fiust, Jackie Ducharme, Susan Green, Jackson Madnick, Bob Smith

	aerial scanning of all the Great Ponds in Wayland to detect leaking septic systems
	the testing of pond circulators, and
	water analysis for nutrients that fertilize aquatic weeds.

Judy reported that, from July to September 2006, the Highway Department constructed the bio-retention cell at the Middle School. Volunteers from the DPA installed over two hundred plants, many of which were donated. The construction took ten days to complete.

That work had been complicated by the discovery of a landfill at the site. They procured the services of a landfill engineer and “capped” that area prior to proceeding with the planting. 

On July 26, 15,000 weevils were deposited in two areas of Dudley Pond. The supplier had had a delay in shipping the weevils so, in consideration, we received an extra 3,000 bugs. The Department of Environmental Protection is pleased that we have done this. Information about the weevils has been disseminated through newspaper articles and through information circulated throughout the neighborhoods.

Volunteers stenciled 85 catch basins in the area. There are approximately thirty more that will be done next spring.

Wherever the stenciling was done, educational literature providing pertinent ecological information was given to every household on the street. Newspaper articles and pictures were placed in the Town Crier. An explanatory sign will be made for the Bio-retention cell. Much more information regarding this grant is on the Dudley Pond website at www.dudleypond.org.

	10 gold at $200 each
	20 silver at $150-200 each
	4 refreshment
	21 raffle

 Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn Darack, Secretary 

DPA Executive Board Meeting
October 4, 2006

Attendees: Sherry Fiust, Karen Lowery, Jamie Pierce, Brian Cichella, Marilyn Darack, Judy Currier, Ted Fiust, Bob Smith, Karen Fahrner

President Sherry Fiust called the meeting to order at 7:40 pm.

Minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted.

SWQC Warrant Article :

The Wayland Surface Water Quality Committee will be submitting an article to Special Town Meeting that would use Community Preservation Act funds to employ circulators on Heard and Dudley Ponds. There was no consensus whether or not the DPA should actively campaign in support of this article. As we will remain neutral on the matter, the DPA will not send out a mailing to support this article.

Jamie Pierce expressed concern over the fact that we are now in the midst of the S319 Grant project and that we need to be careful to not ask for the Town’s support for too many different undertakings.

Judy Currier reported that there is no data supporting the theory that circulators help control milfoil. The circulators will clarify the water so that the naturally occurring “good” weeds will grow. However, the clearer water would also help the milfoil to grow! Bob Hartzel of GeoSyntec Consultants, the company managing the S319 Grant Weevil Project, would like to see us experiment with the use of circulators. He cautioned that we would need to be precise regarding what and how we are to measure before and after any treatment. He doesn’t believe the circulators can actually hurt anything, so long as they are placed far away from the weevils.

Karen Fahrner, a former SWQC member, said that she believes that circulators would not control milfoil growth. They will supply a pond with more oxygen, but Dudley Pond already has plenty of oxygen. She acknowledged that there is only anecdotal evidence in favor of using circulators.

Outreach to Town of Wayland:

Selectmen Joe Nolan, Alan Reiss, and Doug Leard accepted the DPA invitation to tour Dudley Pond and have taken the tour. Sherry thanked Wayne Kelley, Mike Lowery, and Grace Olin for their efforts. By all accounts these boat rides have been successful insofar that they allowed the Selectmen to experience the natural beauty and serenity of Dudley Pond and to see the threat that the milfoil poses to its existence.

Selectman Nolan suggested that the DPA submit to the Town a five year plan for controlling weeds. This would be for budgetary purposes. The Board expressed hope that a Dudley Pond Weed Control line item will be included in the Town’s annual budget. Sherry will follow up with Selectman Nolan on this matter. Once any funds are given for Dudley Pond, they would need to be administered through the Surface Water Quality Committee.

Many Wayland townspeople have never seen Dudley Pond. The DPA needs to create more awareness so that our cause will receive more support. Bob Smith suggested that we explore the possibility of having the DPA Website linked to the Town of Wayland’s official website. Sherry stressed that we must continue our efforts with the Board of Selectmen and with the Finance Committee.

Clean Water State Grant:

Jamie Pierce related that he received a seven page application from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) regarding the $25,000 Grant that Representative Sue Pope procured for the DPA. This grant had been set up as a reimbursement grant. Jamie spoke with an administrator who assisted him with the application and will look into having it changed to a “pass through” grant.

Annual Harry S. Olin Award:

The Board voted to award this year’s Harry S. Olin Award to the Wayland Highway Department. Judy Currier had made this excellent suggestion because the Highway Department has been extremely effective and helpful with the cleaning of the Pond outlet and with the construction of the bio-retention cell at the Middle School.

Fun Run Proceeds:

Jamie reported that the Fun Run grossed $9900. Expenses were $2100, so the DPA netted $7800, a new record! The Board expressed kudos and appreciation to Karen Lowery and Linda Smith for their excellent work on this event.

Marilyn suggested that food be sold next year to increase the profit even further. The Board agreed.

President Sherry Fiust adjourned the meeting at 9:30 pm.

Next Board meeting will be held on Thursday, November 2 at 7:00 pm at the Fiusts’ home at 42 Mathews Drive.

Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn Darack, Secretary

DPA Executive Board Meeting
September 7, 2006

Attendees: Sherry Fiust, Karen Lowery, Brian Cichella, Marilyn Darack, Jim Thompson, Judy Currier, Ted Fiust, Jackie Ducharme, Bob Smith, Josh Saltmarsh, Jill Grenon

President Sherry Fiust called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.

Minutes of the last meeting were read, amended, and accepted.

The Wayland Community Preservation Committee (CPC) has given its approval to fund the SWQC fund an evaluation of pond circulators as a long-term technique for managing the Eurasion Milfoil infestation. This approval, though, is subject to the approvals of Town Counsel and the Conservation Commission and must also go to Special Town Meeting. The Town Counsel must approve because Dudley Pond is owned by the State and leased by the Town of Wayland. The Conservation Committee will be meeting to discuss our article.

The SWQC submitted this Article just in time for inclusion in the Special Town Meeting Warrant. Special Town Meeting is scheduled for November 7, 2006.

Another article for funds for Astroturf at the High School, was approved with no contingencies.

Another Warrant Article requesting matching funds for hand pulling and harvesting also needs approval from the FinCom and the BOS. (The grant to be matched was that procured from the State’s Clean Water Act by Representative Sue Pope.)

Judy Currier said that the town’s budget was effectively closed after the Spring Town Meeting and that any funds requested at Fall Town Meeting need to come either from borrowing or from the Unreserved Fund Balance. Success from either alternative is highly unlikely. Bob Smith will check into this matter.

Sherry distributed a list of people on the Community Preservation Committee, the Finance Committee, and the Board of Selectmen. 

We have received no acceptances from the Board of Selectmen or the Finance Committee for our planned September 16^th guided boat ride tour of Dudley Pond.

Bob Smith called for the DPA to actively advocate for Dudley Pond. The Board agreed that the members of the DPA need to aggressively cultivate a relationship with the BOS to be heard in Town Hall.

Marilyn will speak next Monday and will re-extend the invitation for a VIP boat ride. She will emphasize the importance that the Selectmen become familiar with the resources Dudley Pond has to offer.

All articles to be included in the newsletter must be in by September 15.

Judy Currier will supply pictures of the work being accomplished on the bio-retention cell at the Middle School. She will also supply pictures of the weevils being put into the Pond. Marilyn’s Town Crier letter describing the weevil project may also be included.

It was suggested that a brief article regarding the use of recommended winter de-icing products be included.

There will be a recap of the Fun Run and a description of the pertinent Warrant Articles being submitted for Special Town Meeting.

Karen is pleased with the amounts of donations and, sponsorships, and registrations she has received so far. She has received $5000 from sponsorships, $800 from the sale of raffle tickets, and has 64 people pre-registered to race. She is expecting several more to register by race time.

Bob and Linda Smith have been busy procuring tables, chairs, and volunteers, and making signs. Ted Fiust and Bob Smith will mark the course at 10:30 AM on Race Day. Mike Lowery is making a large sponsor “thank-you” board to display. There will also be a race route board.

Food has been donated by Sudbury Farms, Caraway’s, Whole Foods, and Starbuck’s.

For a complete list of donors and sponsors, go to www.dudleypond.org/sponsors.htm

Brian Cichella and Marilyn Darack will man a membership table.

Ted passed out his latest report dated September 7, 2006. It contains a brief history of weed treatments used since 2003 and a description of Milfoil density in the Pond. Marilyn will pass copies of this out to the Selectmen on Monday night. Read Ted's report here.

There was a discussion as to whether the Executive Board should vote for an additional $1500 for more hand pulling, but decided that this would not be much help at this time. Perhaps that same amount of money could better be used for outreach or education.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn Darack, secretary

Attendees: Sherry Fiust, Ted Fiust, Jim Thompson, Jamie Pierce, Brian Cichella,, Karen Lowery, Marilyn Darack, Jan Dunn, Jackie Ducharme, Grace Olin, Larry Stabile, Bob Smith, State Representative Sue Pope, SWQC Representative Tony Moores

President Sherry Fiust called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.

Minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted.

Report from State Representative Sue Pope:

Sue Pope reported that she was successful in obtaining a $25,000 Clean Water grant from the State.  Her persistence paid off, since her request for this had previously been denied twice. This money, a one time grant which will become available in November, will be earmarked for milfoil removal at Dudley Pond.

Sherry remarked that the TOW historically has paid little attention to Dudley Pond and that the DPA alone can no longer maintain the pond.  We need the TOW to become more aware of DP and its offerings. DP is used by local fishermen, swimmers, walkers, etc., but some town officials have never seen it.  Sue suggested that we arrange a September boat tour for the Board of Selectmen, our state legislators, and a reporter from the Town Crier in order to acquaint them with DP and to bolster support for our needs.

Sue will put in another grant request for next year.

Report from Surface Water Quality Committee member Toni Moores:

Jamie explained that the TOW participates in the Community Preservation Act (CPA), a program funded by an added tax on Wayland residents’ real estate bills.  The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is the body which determines how this money is to be spent. The Conservation Committee has a representative, John Sullivan, to this committee.

Tony reported that a sub-group of DPA representatives met twice with the SWQC to discuss methods of milfoil control. After perusing through more than two dozen options they selected a few of these methods to incorporate into a $75,000 CPA grant pre-proposal to be submitted Tuesday via John Sullivan to the CPC.

A discussion ensued about the necessity of getting community support for this warrant article.

Other than our implementation of the weevil program, the additional milfoil control methods being considered are the following:

(The Conservation Committee wants to see a water circulator used.)

If the Con Com agrees and if the CPC approves, the grant proposal will go into the fall Town meeting Warrant if there is to be a fall TM. We need to find out if a fall TM is to be held. The CPC request is primarily for study work.  Any money for maintenance work (hand-pulling, harvesting) is eighteen months to two years away.

Tony stressed that research has continually shown that no one particular method works by itself and that a combination of techniques has been shown to be more successful. The SWQC is still investigating the drawing down of the water level and dredging, but are not hopeful about these methods, since they present significant problems.  Perhaps a combination of these two, as previously suggested by John Darack during a prior DPA options study, would be feasible.

Tony also reported that we will not know if the weevil program is having success until next summer or fall, 2007.  In the meantime we need to deal with the weed growth by hand-pulling and mechanical harvesting.

Mechanical harvesting is being used by the Town of Wellesley on Morse Pond.  It harvests their weeds twelve to eighteen inches from the bottom, so allows the helpful weeds to outgrow the milfoil.  This program cost them the $250,000 harvester price plus the salary of a full time operator.  We are asking Wellesley for a quote to rent their harvester. An outdated quote was $5200 per harvesting.  It is estimated that we would need three or four harvestings.

Though dealing with a different invasive weed, Wayland’s Heard Pond has been successfully harvested. The SWQC is hoping that some good will from that program will help generate support for us.

Bob Goldsmith, another SWQC member, is investigating the possibility of writing the TM warrant article in such a way that we could procure TOW matching funds.

Bob Smith asked about the difference between sandy verses mucky soil insofar as milfoil growth is concerned.  Sandy bottom sites seem to have less milfoil.  Tony responded that dumping sand onto a mucky bottom has not proven successful, since the sand just penetrates into the muck.

DPA Hosted VIP Boat Ride:

Two possible weekends were chosen to hold this event, during the September 16-17 weekend or during the September 30 –October 1 weekend. Grace Olin offered the use of her patio for beverages and docking.  Jackie Ducharme will help Sherry organize this.

We hope to promote DP as a place for fishing, bird-watching (swans, herons, osprey), canoeing, etc.  Karen Lowery suggested promoting DP as a “scenic way” since so many walkers and bicyclists enjoy our scenery every day.

Fun Run Update by Karen Lowery

Karen reported that 824 flyers were sent out August 3. They were sent to watershed residents and to people who have participated in the last three years’ Fun Runs.  Five hundred more flyers have been printed and are ready to be placed around town.

Sponsors have donated $4950.  Grace said she’d add the last $50 to reach our $5000 sponsorship target.

Karen and her committee are very pleased with the raffle prize offerings this year.  She needs people to sell raffle tickets.  Please contact her if you can spend three hours selling them one day at one of the sales sites.  Anyone can also take some to sell at work, to family, friends, etc.

She needs the signs to get erected around town on Aug. 26. Brian offered to put posters up in the neighborhood.  Sandwich boards will go up near the fire station, at four corners, and in the center of town two weeks prior to the event.

Karen said that Lake Shore Drive is full of potholes.  This is dangerous for the runners.  If you are an abutter and are aware of any potholes near you on the race route, please contact the highway department so they can filled in by race day. Requests must be made in writing (email is best) by August 8^th to Stephen (Stubby) Kadlik at SKadlik@wayland.ma.us.  Mike Lowery has already emailed one request for pothole filling on Lake Shore Drive

Bob will call the Matt Shear Band to ask if they will provide live music.

Brian will have a membership table there. Ted will have a milfoil chart.  Jamie will provide a map with the public access points noted.  There will be a box there for donations toward milfoil control.

The Fun Run has been listed on two online sites: CoolRunning.com and   Runnersworld.com.

High school students are needed to help on the course.  Bob Smith will try to recruit some.

Social Membership Event:

A winter event in January on Super Bowl Sunday, to replace the former Winter Carnival, is being considered. Brian will report back to the board about this possibility.

Fall Meeting:

Fall Meeting will be held on October 29 at the Senior Center in Town Building. Marilyn Darack will reserve the space.   Jim Thompson will try to procure a speaker whose subject will be the history of Wayland.

The newsletter deadline will be mid September.  Jim will contact Maryann Wolfarth to publish it. Sherry will contact the board members and ask that each write an article. 

Handpulling Report:

Ted Fiust handed out his “Interim Report on Milfoil Handpulling” document dated August 3, 2006. So far the divers have pulled over 133, 728 milfoil plants.  This thorough report is available in PDF format on the DPA website (See the link above).

Next board meeting on September 7 at 7 P.M. at  the Fiusts’ home,  42 Mathews Drive

Meeting adjourned at 9:05 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilyn Darack, secretary

Attendees: Sherry Fiust, Ted Fiust, Jackie Ducharme, Jamie Pierce, Judy Currier, Bob Smith, Brian Cichela, Grace Olin. Also, From SWQC: Toni Moores, Jackson Madnick and Bob Goldsmith

Minutes of June 1 were read and accepted

Ice Cream Social: 
It was successful and well attended. 8 new members joined. Some neighbors on Mansion Beach were upset about the crowd. Next such event will need more volunteer co-ordinators. Selectmen were invited, but seemed not to have come. SWQC were there.

Grace Olin suggested Fin. Com. and Selectmen be invited to see the Pond, preferably with a boat ride.

SWQC members Moores, Goldsmith and Madnick: Request had been made for $6000 for Dudley Pond. Short term plans must be made during July. Perhaps more hand pulling. A fall warrant article could be prepared. Long term plans must be thought through.

Town of Wayland has CPC funds. Those funds cannot be used for maintenance. Pond Circulator trial, or Benthic Mats are possibilities

319 Grant Reviewed by Judy Currier: The first priority is to put in the weevils. They have been shipped, and will be placed in the pond in the next few days. Secondly, the bio-retention cell plantings will occur in August, to prevent erosion. Wayland Highway Dept. will assist. 
Third, the outlet opposite the Highway Dept. will be straightened where water enters the pond. Bob Harzel will supervise.

Four storm drain stencils have been provided by the Highway Dept. Storm drains will be labeled, volunteers are needed and will be instructed on how to clean drains and stencil properly. Bill Currier stenciled two drains. Ken Isaacson, Emily Kaye, and Jan Dunn have volunteered, and Jackie Ducharme’s son and other high-schoolers are expected to give 30 hours or more apiece of community service. The 319 Grant is for non-point-source pollution.

Study Committee: Pres. Sherry Fiust recommended formation of a study committee, joint with SWQ and DPA. Those members could review the alternatives , and prepare a warrant article, and apply for Community Preservation Funds. Pond circulators? Maybe more money for weevils? Copies of the 2002 study committee findings were provided. The committee will meet throughout August.

Hand pulling will continue, with the use of current funds. 

Next meeting August 3
Submitted by Grace Olin

Attendees: Sherry Fiust, Ted Fiust, Jim Thompson, Jamie Pierce, Brian Cichella, Karen Lowery

Ted reported that his grid system for statistically measuring milfoil infestation and hand-pulling progress, is a good idea but very difficult to execute. He would like to put the grid system "on the back burner" for now. Instead, Ted would like to compile information from infestation surveys taken in the past.

The Board thought it would be important to collect data on the effectiveness of hand-pulling. There was a discussion on possibly getting a grant next year for this study. Degree candidates in statistics could also be approached to do the research and then publish the results.

Ted said that 2000 milfoil plants have now been pulled. Residents around the pond are noticing that some milfoil plants have already reached the surface of the water. This is occurring earlier than in the past.

John Dwinell and 1 or 2 divers will begin pulling milfoil on Sunday, June 4^th. The DPA will pay John and he will pay the other divers. Divers hired must either be self-insured or work for a company. The Board decided that Ted, John and other divers should put in as many hours as possible, as soon as possible, and not limit themselves to 20 hours a week. John should keep an accounting of diving hours each week and report to Ted every 2 weeks. Ted will then send a report of diving hours to Jamie.

Those who have volunteered to run the divers' boat and empty the bags of pulled milfoil are: John Darack, Jim Thompson, Jamie Pierce, Bill Currier, Brian Cichella. However, more volunteers are needed.

It is also important to get volunteers to pick up floating fragments of the milfoil. Sherry will ask Jackson Madnick about the "Zamboni" weed catcher he made for the front of his boat.

At the ice cream social, Sunday, June 18, information about the milfoil hand-pulling project should be distributed or displayed.

Sherry Fiust called Bob Smith and asked him to be the DPA representative on the SWQC since there were two openings. Bob said he would serve. However, the Wayland Town Manager said that the number of positions on the SWQC had changed from 7 to 5 and there were no openings.

There is some confusion about how this change occurred. It was suggested that a letter be written to the Board of Selectmen requesting information about why the number of representatives was changed from 7 to 5. 

Ice Cream Social:

Brian Cichella presented an update and progress report on the Ice Cream Social to be held at Mansion Beach and on Mansion Beach Rd. The date was changed from Saturday, June 17 to Sunday, June 18.

Mid-Life Crisis band members will donate their time to play. Charles River Canoe and Kayak will rent kayaks. They also donated 3 $80 certificates for canoe or kayak rentals that could be raffled off.

Advantage Marketing will donate 300 servings of Breyer's ice cream with cold storage space being donated by Donelan's. Longfellow Health Club is donating tables and chairs. Cliff Kolovson, Henry Stimpson and Danielle Smith, and Lynn Paolella will do promotion.

There will be display tables to promote DPA membership, to sell DPA hats and t-shirts, and for milfoil education. Volunteers will be Arlene Pollak, Jan Dunn, Lynn Dowd and Alison Laclair and Bob Smith.

Jim Tiberii has volunteers to pick up and take home people who cannot walk or drive.

Jamie Pierce volunteered to arrange for a Sani-Kan to be delivered.

Karen Lowery will create a poster thanking sponsors, a donation box for the ice cream table, and will bring a roll of tickets and a box for the raffle.

The next Board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on July 6 at the Fiusts', 42 Mathews Drive.

Respectfully submitted,
Karen Lowery
For Marilyn Darack, Secretary

Welcome and Introduction of Board Members: Jim Thompson, President

Minutes of the Fall 2005 Meeting were read and accepted: Karen Lowery,Secretary

Treasurer’s Report: Jamie Pierce, Treasurer

Jamie passed out the Treasurer’s Report for Year End 2005 and the Budget for 2006. He noted that:

The Treasurer’s Report was accepted as presented.

Update on State Funding for Milfoil Project: Jim Thompson

Jim reported that State Representative Susan Pope presented the Dudley Pond Milfoil Project to the Commonwealth’s Committee on Lakes and Ponds. She requested State funds be granted to help fight the milfoil infestation in Dudley Pond and support the hand-pulling project. However, the Committee turned down the request. Rep. Pope said she would continue to pursue funding for Dudley Pond by going to the Governor’s Office with the request.

She will contact the DPA with the results.

 Issues for Membership’s Attention: Jim Thompson

Update on the S-319 Grant: Judy Currier

Judy presented the engineer’s drawings and plans of the bioretention cell to be constructed at the Middle School. She reported on the steps of the cell construction, on the plans for reconstruction of the outlet area across Route 27 from the Middle School, on the introduction of the weevils and on the educational portion of the grant. Following is the sequence:

1. In early May, Bob Hartzel will mark out and “flag” the area near the Middle School where the bioretention cell will be created.
2. Next, the Highway Department will dig out the area at a depth of 18”-24” and fill it with stone. This will be the major percolation area.
3. Over the stones, engineered soil will be spread and wild flowers will be planted. This will help filter and clean the water as it runs off the Middle School hill. Drains and pipes will direct the water to and through the bio-retention cell. Then the filtered water will flow under Route 27 in an outlet pipe and empty into the outlet area, which becomes the wetland bordering Dudley Pond.
4. This outlet area has greatly eroded over the years from the water emptying out of the outlet pipe. To prevent further erosion, the outlet area will be dug out by the Highway Department and refilled with "rolls"; much like hay bales, but made from stone and crushed coconut shells. These "rolls" are tight and firm and plants can grow on top of them. These rolls will prevent further erosion of the area as the water flows from the outlet pipe under Route 27. The Highway Department will begin reconstruction of this area when school is out at the end of June.
5. The Road Commissioners and the Highway Department enthusiastically support this project and have been most helpful.
6. On Thursday, May 18th, Judy will be interviewed on WAYCAM, Wayland’s Community TV Station by George Norton on the "Community Pulse" Program. She will discuss the S-319 grant and how the funds are being used.
7. In June, weevils will be introduced in the Chateau Cove and in the Fiust’s cove.
8. Over the summer, the public education component of the S-319 Grant will begin. DPA members will be stenciling storm drains in the watershed. The purpose of stenciling is to raise awareness that what goes in the drain may end up in the Pond. The Highway Department is ordering stencils and spray paint for the DPA to use.

Jackson discussed the SWQC meeting with Neal Seaborn, a member of Wellesley’s Natural Resources Commission. This commission has the backing of town officials, local pond associations and stakeholders who worked together to come up with a 20-year plan for weed control.

As part of this plan, Wellesley purchased a weed harvester. The harvester cuts the milfoil 18 inches from the bottom. Sunlight can then reach the native plants. When the native plants grow, they block the sun from the milfoil and it dies back. Wayland has the opportunity to rent Wellesley’s harvester for milfoil control.

Jackson suggested the DPA invite Wayland town officials to events held at Dudley Pond such as cookouts, boat rides and concerts. Dudley Pond is a resource for the entire town and not just for those people who live in the watershed. Wayland town boards must see the value of supporting and caring for the Pond as a recreational area for the entire town.

Because the Town of Wayland had to cut many budgets this year, the SWQC had trouble getting the funding they needed. With the passing of the override, the Wayland Finance Committee allocated $6,000 to the Dudley Pond Hand-pulling Project for 2006. Jackson is also trying to get a grant from the Conservation Preservation Committee.

Water tests were done this year in 3 of Wayland’s ponds. Testing found evidence of nutrient runoff primarily from lawn care chemicals. Dudley Pond has very high nutrient levels. Jackson reminded DPA members that the Town has top-spread compost that is all natural and free of charge for soil enrichment in gardens.

There was also a discussion about the Solar Bee pond circulators as possible aids in milfoil control. When pond circulators are present, the milfoil dies back. Natick will be testing circulators in an area of Lake Cochituate. The manufacturer, Pump Systems, Inc., is providing a free trial of their circulators. Experts have said that 3 circulators would be needed in Dudley Pond. The closest circulator now being used is in New York State. (www.solarbee.com)

DPA members discussed having an event in May or June, such as an Ice Cream Social and invite Town Committees such as the Finance Committee, the Selectmen and the Conservation Commission to have boat rides on Dudley Pond. Russ Ashton said he would coordinate the event.

Membership Committee Report: Jim Ogletree and Brian Cichella

Jim Ogletree reported that we have 240 member with 169 renewing as of this meeting. Renewals continue to arrive daily and will be addressed through Jim Ogletree’s annual renewal letter to all members.

Brian Cichella reported that he, Arlene Pollak and Jan Dunn have phoned many people in the Dudley Pond watershed including former members. In their conversations, they asked what would encourage people to become members again. Social events and activities that bring people to the Pond are important especially for those not living on the shoreline. Giving housebound residents rides to events could also be helpful.

Henry Stimpson said he would be willing to do publicity for events.

Jackson Madnick cited a COLAP survey that found pond and lake associations with higher memberships also had regular social events. Those with lower memberships dealt primarily with weed control. Most associations’ memberships averaged half to two-thirds of the watershed population. The DPA is less. Of approximately 500 people living in the Dudley Pond watershed, 169 are members in 2006.

Lesley Ormonde spoke on the issue of making the Pond open to all. She said we should “get the word out” that the Pond is an important recreational resource for all. Lesley pointed out that people who don’t live in the watershed often drive to the roads in the area to walk or run each day.

Since a scheduled Spring Cleanup Day is often not well attended,

Jim encouraged all who live in the Dudley Pond watershed to clean up their own land and their neighborhood. He also suggested people go out in their boats and clean up the shoreline as well. 

Marilyn Darack encouraged everyone to take a bag when they take a walk to pick up litter along the way. People who walk their dogs must also remember to clean up after their pets and take responsibility for disposal.

Hand-pulling and Diving Report: Jim Thompson 

Jim reported that, for now, Ted Fiust will be the only person diving and hand-pulling milfoil because he is covered by personal insurance. Liability insurance coverage issues will need to be worked out for other divers. Liability coverage costs approximately $15,000 a year. The Town is not willing to provide this coverage. However, their legal counsel did draft a waiver of insurance that other divers could sign. Professional diving groups do have insurance coverage but they charge $100 an hour for their divers.

Sherry Fiust reported that Ted has already started diving and has pulled 400 milfoil plants. She also said that more volunteers are needed to operate the pontoon boat and collect bags of milfoil from the diving effort. Since the bags are very heavy when wet, volunteers should only work 3-4 hours at a time. Bill Currier volunteered to help.

Lisa Newton reported that she and Ted have developed an experiment to see if hand-pulling is an effective way to control milfoil growth. They are outlining grids on the Pond. Within the grids, some milfoil plants are pulled and some are left alone. Over time, they will observe the difference between the grids where milfoil plants have been pulled and the grids of control plants.

Henry Ormonde asked if it would be appropriate to ask people living around the pond to either pull and remove milfoil appropriately or not to pull at all. Marcia Filurin asked if the DPA should publish a flyer about how to pull and how not to pull milfoil. Marilyn Darack suggested there be an article in the Town Crier about how to pull milfoil. Bill Currier said there could be a date and location where people could come and learn how to hand-pull. Jim Thompson suggested that people who plan to hand-pull their shoreline, should contact Ted Fiust for the proper way to pull up milfoil without leaving fragments.

Fred Pearson noted that in the past, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts had funded dredging at Morse’s Pond in Wellesley and at a pond in Waltham even though it is very expensive.

John Darack reported that there has been a drawdown study for Dudley Pond. He said dredging is a very complex process and, the study found, it would be prohibitively expensive. When dredging is done, the bottom sediment is taken out and must be allowed to drain within the watershed area to make for easier transport. In Dudley Pond’s case, the Study found there was no place to put the sediment to drain in the watershed area.

Events Committee: Russ Ashton

Russ said that the DPA can plan and advertise a variety of events but, drawing on his experience volunteering during political campaigns, it is very important to contact people personally and encourage them to participate.

He said that regardless of how many events we hold, meeting neighbors personally is more effective. Russ said when a person receives a flyer asking them to attend an event, it is easy for them to discard that piece of paper. However, when a Dudley Pond neighbor shakes their hand and personally asks them to attend,” they won’t discard that memory”

Marcia Filurin asked whether people in the Dudley Pond watershed might purchase the parcels of town owned land for septic systems. Jackson Madnick said that these parcels, to be sold by the Selectmen, would probably be offered to the abutters first. Molly Upton said the DPA could go to the Selectmen and suggest they give watershed residents first refusal on these parcels.

Marilyn Darack of the Nominating Committee introduced the new slate of Officers for 2006/07. They are:

President – Sherry Fiust
1st Vice President – Karen Lowery
2nd Vice President – Brian Chicella
Secretary – Marilyn Darack
Treasurer – Jamie Pierce

Judy Currier made a motion to accept the slate of officers. The motion was seconded and a voice vote was taken. The slate was accepted. 

Harry S. Olin Award: Jim Thompson

This year, Jim Thompson presented the Harry S. Olin Award for Dedicated Service to Jamie Pierce. Jamie was honored for years of contributions to the DPA. He is presently serving as the DPA Treasurer and has been on the Executive Board for over 5 years. He has given countless volunteer hours helping with the hand-pulling project and the Annual DPA Run. He also took on the important work of organizing the DPA’s financial records. Thank you, Jamie!

Honoring Jim Thompson: Jamie Pierce

Representing the Dudley Pond Association, Jamie Pierce presented a plaque and a rose bush to Jim Thompson thanking him for being such a committed and effective president. Jim has served on the DPA Executive Board for many years and as the DPA president twice. 

Meeting Adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Karen Lowery, Secretary 

Attendees:Jim Thompson, Steve Robb, Karen Lowery, Brian Chicella, Sherry Fiust, Ted Fiust, Marilyn Darack, Grace Olin, Arlene Pollak, Elliot Pollak, Jan Dunn, Lisa Newton.

Following the reading of the minutes from the March 2^nd meeting, these items and subjects were discussed:

Spring DPA newsletters were printed and, at this Board meeting, were prepared for mailing. Previously, there were approximately 600 newsletters mailed. For this mailing, number of newsletters was reduced to 400. All DPA members and those households in close proximity to Dudley Pond will receive newsletters in the mail. A decal with the DPA logo was included in each member’s newsletter.

Costs for the printing and mailing were:

Printing: $150 for 425 newsletters
Postage:  $60.00 or $ .15 each to mail 400 newsletters (25 were extras)
In addition, 700 new DPA decals were produced for $215.47 or  $ .20 each. 400 decals were included in each newsletter and the balance was held for future use.

Jim Thompson showed an example of the popular Dudley Pond photo postcards that served as Annual Meeting reminders to nonmembers in the past. He suggested the Board consider sending them again in the future, although this latest reduction in the number of newsletters now offers a reasonable compromise and overall reduced cost.

Jim and the Board expressed thanks to Mary Ann Wolfarth for her fine job of editing and layout of the DPA Newsletters.

Jim Thompson, Karen and Mike Lowery attended the Wayland Finance Committee Meeting held at the Town Building on Monday, April 3rd.

Jackson Madnick, Bob Goldsmith and Tony Moores of Wayland’s Surface Water Quality Committee (SWQC) made a presentation to request funding and support from FinCom for milfoil control at Dudley Pond and for water chestnut control at Heard Pond.

Jim reported that the presentation at the FinCom meeting was a response to SWQC’s notification by the Town that their Article requesting funding, was received too close to  the deadline to be included in the Town Meeting Warrant. According to the SWQC, they were originally led to believe that the $6,000 would be included as a budget line item and not require an article.

Jim explained that if the funds are not approved, the DPA might have to pay the entire cost of diving and hand-pulling this year. The estimated cost is $16,000. The DPA membership will need to either approve this additional expense or vote for less hand-pulling in 2006.  The possibility exists that this additional expenditure could be reimbursed, if and when our state grant is approved.

Jim spoke with Representative Susan Pope about possible funding for milfoil control from the Commonwealth. It is possible that in July, State money will become available to fund the Dudley Pond hand-pulling project. Rep. Pope will be in touch with the DPA in the new fiscal year beginning July. 

Ted Fiust will begin diving and hand-pulling on his own in April. Since there are diver liability issues and insurance costs to consider, other divers will not be hired at this time. Ted is covered by his personal insurance.

After exploring liability insurance costs, waivers, and Town insurance coverage a summary of the findings are:

Arlene and Elliot Pollak generously donated their boat to Ted Fiust and the hand-pulling project.

Jim Thompson and Jamie Pierce will work with Ted Fiust by helping on the boat. However, many more volunteers are needed.

The DPA received and Jim read an anonymous letter from a concerned citizen asking that herbicides not be used for milfoil control in Dudley Pond.

The Annual DPA Spring Meeting will be held at the Wayland Rod and Gun Club, 4 Meadowview Road, Wayland, on Sunday, April 30, 5 p.m. The traditional spaghetti dinner will be served followed by a speaker. Dick Hoyt, who was scheduled to speak, had to cancel and the Board suggested other possible speakers. Marilyn Darack, Karen Lowery, Steve Robb and Grace Olin will contract those people suggested.

Marilyn Darack, of the Nominating Committee, will present the new slate of officers for 2006-07 to be voted on at the Annual Meeting.

They are:

President: Sherry Fiust
1st Vice President: Karen Lowery
2nd Vice President: Brian Cichella
Treasurer: Jamie Pierce
Secretary: Marilyn Darack
Social Events: Chairman Russ Ashton 

Wayne Kelley will confirm the Rod and Gun Club location for the Meeting with Paul Ramsey. Wayne will also shop for groceries and supplies for the spaghetti dinner. Jim, Wayne and Bob Smith will be asked to cook.

Next DPA Board Meeting will be held at Sherry Fiust’s house, 42 Mathews Drive, at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 4.

Respectfully submitted,
Karen Lowery

Attendees: Jim Thompson, Steve Robb, Russ Ashton, Brian Cichella, Grace Olin, Jamie Pierce

Following the reading and acceptance of the Minutes from the February 2nd meeting, these items and subjects were discussed:

Membership Committee

The Committee phoned former DPA members and asked them why they had not renewed their memberships. They encouraged them to do so reminding former members that their support was especially needed at this time.

Brian Cichella will continue working with the Membership Committee. He suggested that DPA decals be made up for members to put on their car windows.

Social Events

Russ Ashton reported on the possibility of having a DPA wine-tasting party for adults. He spoke to Lavin’s Wine and Cheese Shop about donating a case of wine, crackers and cheese to the DPA for the event. The cost of attending the wine-tasting party would be $10 for each adult.

Grace Olin offered to have the wine tasting party at her home in conjunction with a potluck supper on Sunday, May 21^st at 5 p.m.

It was suggested that there could be a Sunday ice cream party for children. Bob Hanlon could be contacted and asked to contribute the ice cream. Date and location was not decided.

The Board discussed the issue of insurance for divers. Ted Fiust provides his own insurance. However, the following questions were discussed about the DPA’s and Town’s responsibility toward insuring other divers:

The Annual Spring Membership Meeting will be held on Sunday, April 30 at 5 p.m. at the Wayland Rod and Gun Club. The speaker will be Dick Hoyt.

DPA’s Spring Newsletter will be sent out to all members in early April (April 10.)

The Board discussed whether postcards, announcing the time and place of the Spring Meeting, should be sent to non-members instead of a newsletter. Officers decided to send out newsletters to the entire mailing list.

Items to be included in the DPA Newsletter are: a letter from the President, facts about the S319 Grant, an update on the introduction of weevils to the Pond, the date of the Fun Run and also the date of the Pond Cleanup. The Newsletter will also encourage the Wayland community to attend the Annual Spring Meeting, meet old friends and new and enjoy the free spaghetti dinner!

Marilyn Darack, Chair, and the Nominating Committee, will meet to choose a new slate of officers for the DPA. This slate will be voted on at the Annual Spring Meeting on April 30.

Jamie Pierce reported that he would open a Certificate of Deposit for the Dudley Pond Association’s Endowment Fund in the amount of $6100. At the Fall Membership meeting, the membership votes to transfer $4000 for the Endowment Fund this year, and the additional $2100 represents Endowment Fund donations that have arrived in recent weeks.

The next Executive Board Meeting will be held on Thursday, April 6 at 7 p.m. at Jim Thompson’s house. 

Respectfully submitted,

Grace Olin for
Karen Lowery, Secretary

DPA Executive Board Meeting - Feb. 2, 2006

Attendees: Jim Thompson, Steve Robb, Russ Ashton, Karen Lowery,
Brian Cichella

Minutes: Minutes from the January meeting were read and corrected. 

Annual Spring Members Meeting:

The DPA’s Annual Spring Members Meeting will be held on Sunday, April 30 at the Senior Center in the Town Building. Set up will begin at 4 p.m. and the main meeting and spaghetti dinner will begin at 5 p.m. Karen will reserve the room. 

Our speaker will be Dick Hoyt, historian and author of Wayland A-Z. He will talk about the history of Cochituate and the Dudley Pond neighborhoods.

Nominating Committee:

Jim will contact the Nominating Committee to prepare a slate of candidates for openings on the DPA Board. Elections will take place at the Annual Spring Members Meeting in April. 

Doran Road Town Land:

Molly Upton contacted the DPA regarding the possible sale of the Doran Road Town owned land for housing. In the past, this land was under consideration as a site for a community septic system for the Doran Road residents. This area borders Dudley Pond. Molly believes the Town should keep, rather than sell, this land for the future needs of the area residents. She asked the Dudley Pond Association to consider writing a letter to the Town to support this view.

After a discussion, the Board members came to the conclusion that individuals could write letters on their own to the Town regarding the possible sale of this land. However, the DPA Board could not write a letter in behalf of all Association members.

Surface Water Quality Committee’s Request for Proposal (RFP) Draft:

The SWQC sent the DPA the draft of a letter to Ted Fiust asking him for a Request for Proposal for 2006. Ted is the Director of Dudley Pond’s Hand-Pulling Project. He has given many diving hours, expertise, equipment and time to setting up the hand-pulling project as a means to control milfoil infestation in Dudley Pond. 

The SWQC believes a more formal document would help the Committee understand the needs and recommendations of the Project for 2006. It would also provide a means by which the SWQC could distribute funds, receive reports on infested area of Dudley Pond and set guidelines for insurance and liability. The SWQC invited the DPA to co-sign the letter.

The DPA Board discussed the draft and decided that this letter should be between the SWQC and Ted. However, the DPA is working in conjunction with the SWQC and Ted to resolve and address several issues including timely payment for the dive team, tax reporting, appropriate diving and snorkeling rates, management, insurance and liability.

Funding for Hand-Pulling:

This year, the SWQC is asking the Town for $6,000 for the Dudley Pond Hand-Pulling Project for 2006 as a line item in their proposed budget. 

The Dudley Pond Association will budget $10,000-$12,000 for the cost of hand pulling.

Jim Thompson, will meet with Representative Susan Pope, to explore additional funding options from the State through the Clean Water Act.

Fun Run: 

The date for the Fun Run will be Sunday, September 24.

Membership Committee:

Ideas for membership activities were discussed including a wine-tasting party for adult members. Russ Ashton has been in touch with Grape Ideas and Lavins which may be able to provide a variety of wines for us. It was also suggested that members bring hors d'oeuvres, cheese and crackers etc. The cost would be approximately $10.00 a couple. Discussion will continue at the March Board meeting.

Further discussion will also be held in March about having a DPA yard sale in the spring. 

Brian Cichella reported that former members of the DPA, who did not renew their membership for 2006, would be contacted and encouraged to do so.

Former members will receive a phone call from the Committee giving them an update on the work of the DPA and the importance of their continued membership. A letter in the mail will follow this call. A neighbor will then contact them for membership renewal and to ask for a donation to the Endowment Fund. 

Respectfully submitted,
Karen Lowery, Secretary

The next Board meeting will be held on Thursday, March 2 at 7:00 p.m. at Jim Thompson’s, 22 Sycamore Road. All are welcome.

 DPA Executive Board Meeting - Jan. 5, 2006

Attendees: Jim Thompson, Jamie Pierce, Steve Robb, Russ Ashton, Karen Lowery, Lisa Newton, Grace Olin and Brian Cichella

Highway Department Commended:

Molly Upton called the MWRA to check on drainage problems when she and others saw the water level of the pond rise in December. Bob De Chellis from the MWRA came and dredged out leaves in the outlet stream area using his hand-held equipment but the problem persisted. Molly called again and the MWRA suggested that there might be some type of obstruction in the outlet pipe.

To act quickly and prevent potential flooding, Jim Thompson and John Darack contacted the Director of Highway Operations in Wayland, Stephen (Stubby) Kadlik, to check on obstructions in the outlet steam area. Stubby immediately brought a crew from the Highway Department and cleaned out the tree and brush that was blocking the pipe. One day after the Highway Department removed debris from the outlet stream, the water started flowing again and the pond level also started to drop.