2008 Monthly Meetings:

January    February     March    April    May    June
July    August    September    December

Bi-annual Membership Meetings:

DPA Executive Board Meeting
December 8, 2008

Attending: Lafe LaClaire, Jamie Pierce, Mike Lowery, Lisa Jacobs, Grace Olin, Jackie Ducharme, Suzanne Stimpson.

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 P.M.

The minutes from the semi-annual general meeting in October were approved unanimously.

Dudley Pond Representative to speak at a DAR meeting

Suzanne Stimpson requested that a member of the DPA board or community make a brief presentation at a meeting of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) in January. Some names were suggested and Lafe and a few others will make some inquiries. Lafe will follow up with Suzanne.

Spaghetti Dinner and Board Meeting

There was great feedback from the general meeting. The milfoil is under control and will only need minimal follow up in 2009.

The DPA community received a letter from Arlene and Elliot Pollak thanking the DPA for renaming the endowment fund, “The Arlene and Elliot Pollak” Endowment Fund.

Annual Fun Run Restructure

Prior to this board meeting, the Fun Run team consisting of Sherry Fiust, Linda Smith and Karen Lowery brainstormed about how to restructure the event. They wanted the Board’s participation and support for a transition team to come up with a new structure by late January. The Fun Run has become too large- both in size and $$$ - for the current two co-chair structure to be sustainable. In Karen’s absence, Mike Lowery presented the team’s recommendation for a new Fun Run organization:

Planning should begin in early January and end a month or so after the event.

There should be separate teams, all reporting to one chair person. These teams would include sponsorship, registration, finance, publicity, the course itself, awards, refreshments, signage and graphics, raffle, the separate events (kids race, walkers, the run), race day set-up, etc. There would some overlap among the teams and that would part of the sorting out process to be done in January. This transition team would formalize job descriptions, roles and find the people. Sherry, Linda and Karen would like to be part of this transition team and would like a board member to be involved. Jamie Pierce volunteered.

The earliest tasks would be: to find a chair person, start getting sponsorships, and finding a new race timer.

A motion was made and seconded to endorse this preliminary transition plan and approve the transition team of Linda, Karen, Jamie and Sherry. It passed unanimously.

Pond Maintenance/Street Drainage

Mike Lowery drafted a letter/report to the Conservation Commission re: the NOI and order of conditions. Mike is keeping on top of all the requirements and documentation needed from the original project. The air circulators will be “toned down” when they return to the pond next spring. (Mike- what does this mean??? And is there anything else to say about this?)

There have been pockets of Lake Shore Drive that have had poor drainage and the town has been less than willing to make repairs. We will get a list of the problem areas around the pond and strategize about how to present it to the town. The town should be doing maintenance twice a year, but the sticking point is what is considered public vs. private around the pond.

Lafe has been reviewing statutes and needs to talk to some others in the community that have had experience dealing with the town on these issues. The key is to accept all the roads around Dudley Pond as public roads. DPA can apply political pressure and Mike has asked the board to endorse a best management practices proposal when it comes to maintaining storm drains and runoff. Our property values and assessments should reflect the level of services that the town provides on all the roads around the pond.

The Chateau

There was an article in the Town Crier about new owners at the Chateau who plan to revamp the space. The new owners want to be more involved with the DPA so the board will try to meet them and see what we can do together.

Other business

DPA clothing inventory: we’re running low. Lynn Dowd, who has been managing this, will work with Lafe to order more items, with fewer XL sizes.

Event Participation: Lisa and Lafe will write a 2009 “event participation” policy.

Treasury Report: Jamie reviewed the numbers and recent contributions to the Arlene and Elliot Pollak endowment fund which has reached $55K.

Lisa will send a news release to the Town Crier about DPA’s decision to rename the endowment fund.

A motion was made and seconded and the meeting was adjourned at 9:15pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Jacobs
Secretary

DPA General Meeting & Spaghetti Dinner
October 26, 2008

Board Members in Attendence: Lafe LaClaire, Brian Cichella, Jamie Pierce, Mike Lowery, Karen Lowery, Lisa Jacobs

After a delicious spaghetti dinner, Lafe LaClaire called the meeting to order at 5:55 P.M.

Milfoil Eradication/Sonar Application

Mike Lowery summarized the actions and results of the herbicide application this summer. He started by giving a brief history: from the day in 1983 when milfoil was discovered by Elliot Pollak, to a picture of an (almost) weed free Dudley Pond in 2008. There were 4 Sonar treatments spread throughout the summer. Handpulling removed an additional 6800 plants. In areas where handpulling or the herbicide didn’t work, Con Comm has given the DPA ongoing permission to spot treat the pond using Triclopyr this year and during 2009. Mike is optimistic that we can avoid additional sonar treatments in 2009 if handpulling and Triclopyr is used where needed.

The root causes of milfoil growth are: nutrients from leaves and muck, septic systems (both healthy and faulty), and lawn chemicals runoff. The Wayland SWQ wants to create regulations to monitor and curtail these runoffs.

The $50,000 that Scott Brown and Tom Conroy helped to secure for the pond cleanup, has been cut as result of the state budget tightening.

Fun Run Results

Karen Lowery reported on the 2008 Fun Run on Sept. 7. Despite Hurricane Hannah blowing through Boston the night before, race day turned out to be beautiful and 377 runners/walkers (up from 200 in 2007) completed the Fun Run/Walk, the Kids Run, and the Fitness Walk. We raised over $14,000 for the DPA.

This year we invited teams to run at the event. We had a team from the Wayland HS Track Team and 4 political teams with over 40 participants led by local candidates Scott Brown, Tom Conroy, Sue Pope and Sarah Orozco.

Karen listed the sponsors for this years Fun Run. Riemer and Braunstein was our major sponsor again this year. In addition, there were 3 Platinum Sponsors, 11 Gold sponsors and 24 Silver sponsors. There were 23 raffle sponsors and 4 refreshment sponsors. A new category called "contributing sponsors" was created for DPA members and friends who wished to contribute to the run, and over $1,000 was raised this way. Karen finished her report by thanking the many wonderful volunteers and sponsors that made this the best and most profitable Fun Run in its history.

(In the budget portion of the meeting, the association agreed to allocate an additional $600 (total $1200) to hire a timer for next years race.)

Treasurer’s Report and Budget Approval

Jamie Pierce went over the income statement and budget in detail. A copy of these reports are included.

In the Fund Balances portion of the statement, the Endowment Fund has $54,774, invested in CD’s and the S-319 Grant Fund has $2,371 in it. Judy Curry announced that the S-319 Grant Fund was no longer being used but the DPA could still use it for weed control. A motion was made and seconded, to transfer the $2,371 from the S-319 Grant Fund to the Milfoil Fund which currently has a $0 balance. The DPA membership approved the motion unanimously.

Bob Goldsmith will be representing the DPA in town budget negotiations for 2009. He believes that at level funding next year, the DPA should have enough funding for handpulling and spot treatments.

Prior to voting on the budget, two motions were presented and seconded to amend the budget as follows:

Increase amount budgeted for the Fun Run timer from $600 to $1200, which was passed but with 2 dissenting, and

Transfer $4,000 from operating budget to the Endowment, which was approved unanimously.

The budget was approved unanimously.

Recognition

Lafe LaClaire brought up a motion to rename the DPA Endowment Fund to the Elliot and Arlene Pollak Endowment Fund to honor their 25+ years of dedication and service to DPA. Marilyn and John Darack came up with this great way of keeping Arlene and Elliot in our community despite their impending move to Natick. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

We will start a campaign to add to the Elliot and Arlene Pollak Endowment Fund. Lafe will email the membership requesting donations.

Lafe honored Sherry Fiust, the former DPA President, with the Harry S. Olin Award for all her tireless effort to get the milfoil out of Dudley Pond. It worked!

Karen & Mike Lowery created and presented a plaque honoring Elliot and Arlene Pollak thanking them for their service and friendship to the DPA over the past 28 years.

Other Business

Jamie Pierce announced that his band, Mid Life Crisis, is participating in a fundraiser for Wayland non-profits and charities, at the Chateau on Nov. 15 after 8pm.

Judy Curry asked us to use the search engine "Goodsearch" where $.02 goes to charities for each search you make.

There are no social or fundraising events until May. Anyone wanting to be part of a winter event, a social event or fundraiser should send your ideas to Brian or other members of the board.

A motion was made and seconded and the meeting was adjourned at 6:45pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Jacobs
Secretary

DPA Board Minutes
9/22/2008

Attendees: Brian Cichella, Karen Fahrner, Allison LaClaire, Lafe LaClaire, Jack Peters, Jamie Pierce, Sherry Fiust, Karen Lowery, Mike Lowery

Minutes of last month's board meeting were approved.

Fun Run: The financial results of the Fun Run were reported. After expenses, the DPA took in $14,000! This is much larger than previous Fun Runs, due to several factors: 1) greater number of Sponsors, and higher sponsorship levels, 2) More participants in the 5k, 2-mile and kids events – 348, including all three events, 3) the weather, which was almost perfect. In addition, the board recognizes all the volunteers who helped make the Run such a success with their hard work and support.

If the Fun Run continues to grow in popularity, we need to change how we do things to avoid some of the race-day snafus that occurred. Several ideas were discussed, including more volunteers handling registrations, and reorganizing the Fun Run Committee such that more people are responsible for different pieces (e.g., Sponsorships, Raffle Prizes, Race-Day, etc.) to spread the work around more evenly. The board asked Karen Lowery to recommend a new structure for the Committee, so that we can begin approaching people to volunteer for the various positions.

Fall Membership Meeting: The meeting will be held on Sunday, October 26 at 5:00pm. Lafe will ask Lisa Jacobs to reserve the Senior Center. Agenda items for the Meeting may include: Fun Run report, Milfoil treatment report, Treasurer's report, and a plea for more volunteer support for events such as the Fun Run. A suggestion was made that a “buddy system” would be helpful for new volunteers, such that experienced volunteers help new folks become oriented to the tasks, other DPA people, etc. Lafe will call Bob Smith to see if he can spearhead the food effort again for the meeting.

Fall Newsletter: This needs to go out in early October, prior to the Membership Meeting. Lafe will contact Mary-Ann Wolfarth to see if she will handle layout chores again. He will also assign articles to be written by several people. Pictures of the Fun Run will also be included.

Winter Event: Brian Cichella began a discussion of what kind of Winter event might be planned. A lengthy discussion ensued about revamping the Winter Carnival, but that will not happen due to liability concerns. The idea of a fundraiser party was discussed, but it was felt that we just don't have the capacity to take an event like that on at this time. In the end, it was decided to forego a Winter event.

Milfoil Treatment: Mike Lowery reported that FASTest samples were taken today (9/22) to test for Sonar concentration. Results should be available later in the week. Allison LaClaire and Ted Fiust have done underwater surveys, and have found very little evidence of existing milfoil. The SWQC has decided to hand-pull root crowns, and that will continue. The task is becoming harder due to the decomposition of the root-crowns. Three test areas have been identified where we will not pull root-crowns, to see if there's a discernible difference in those areas in the Spring, in terms of regrowth.

The SWQC voted to spend up to $5,000 on the hand-pulling effort, and the DPA board had previously agreed to cost-match at a rate of 25%, and therefore the board voted to contribute $1250 to this hand-pulling effort.

Respectfully submitted,
Jamie Pierce (for Lisa Jacobs)

DPA Board minutes 8/18/08

Attendees: Brian Cichella, Jamie Pierce, Lisa Jacobs, Lafe LaClaire, Jack Peters

The meeting was called to order at 7:15. A motion was made and seconded to approve the meeting minutes from 7/21/08.

Fun Run Update

Jamie reported that DPA has received $8150 in fun run sponsorships with several hundred in additional funds pledged but not collected. We were able to increase the number of larger sponsors this year. About 30 registrations, in all categories, have been received. The T shirts have been ordered.

Swan Update

One of Dudley Ponds residents, Andrea Failla, noticed that one of the cygnets had a fishing line caught in its wing and mouth and called Tufts Veterinary School who sent someone over to check it out. The cygnet was taken to the vet hospital where the line was removed and the cygnet was given a good prognosis. Andrea and her neighbor Wayne Kelly brought the recovering cygnet out in a boat so it could be reunited with the rest of the family who were quite excited to get their baby back. This brought up a discussion about how to educate the pond residents and visitors about fishing lines, lures, and our pond wildlife. Lisa Jacobs will compose a letter to the editor to the Town Crier as well as writing a brief summary, to be distributed throughout the pond community, of how NOT to feed the pond wildlife, and how to take precautions when fishing in the pond.

Sonar Application

The fourth and final application was done in early August. There's a WSWQ meeting going on today to discuss what follow up (hand pulling, additional applications) will be needed to ensure success following the Sonar treatments.

Other Business

John and Marilyn Darack were thanked for creating a lifetime membership for Debbie Weiner who recently purchased a house on the pond.

Brian will be looking for volunteers to staff his social committee to plan upcoming events this winter. He'll use the membership table at the fun run to recruit.

Lafe has received communications from Nyanza, a superfund cleanup site with excess funds. He will see if we can tap into some of this money for weed control in Dudley Pond.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:50pm. The next board meeting has not been scheduled yet.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa Jacobs
Secretary

DPA Board minutes
7/21/08

Attendees: Brian Cichella, Jamie Pierce, Mike Lowery, Lisa Jacobs, Karen Lowery, Lafe LaClaire

The meeting was called to order at 7:35 pm. Lafe LaClaire was delayed and didn't arrive until 8:15pm.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the meeting minutes from 6/9/08.

Fun Run Update

Karen Lowery reported $5,650 received in sponsorships with $800 additional funds pledged but not collected. $700 of this total was received from individual contributors, an increase over last year. There are 4-5 large sponsors from last year that haven't made the commitment this year.

Mike Lowery will set up the brochure with all the company logos, and send to Kinko's for printing over the next few days. There will be a flyer processing party at the Lowery's on July 30, from 5-7pm. Karen will be ordering 20 fewer T shirts this year.

Karen reviewed the roles and responsibilities for the day of the event.

Sonar Application

Mike reported that the third booster application, which included slower releasing pellets, was completed last week. There have been 4 sample areas tested to assure that we are in compliance with the 12 ppb concentration called for in the contract. There's a good chance we'll have a fourth and final booster application in August.

There was an article in the Town Crier stating that the $75,000 funds that Tom Conroy submitted in the state budget for Dudley Pond was cut, along with many other programs that the governor vetoed. We will follow up to see if there's anything more we can request from the Commonwealth.

Pond Maintenance Framework update

Ted Fiust and the pond maintenance team will meet and develop a plan to address the second stage of milfoil removal.

Ice Cream Sundae Social

There were over 100 people at the event, despite the rain and overcast skies. Jim Thompson, who oversaw the canoes and kayaks, said that 57 people had taken them out, and that 44 of the 57 were from Wayland. DPA got a few new memberships. Some of the environmental vendors who had made a commitment for a table at the event did not show up, and Brian would like to increase the visibility of this educational component to our social events.

Brian submitted expenses of $205.56 from the event. The $50 unused gift certificate from Donelan's will be used for the Fun Run.

Future Social Events

The Board discussed other social events that we can hold in the future, especially during the winter/ end of January. There was a discussion about including a silent auction at one of those events. Brian will start planning the event in September and will model it after the Fun Run planning process - using separate meetings exclusively for this event.

Event Participation Policy

As more corporations and organizations ask to be part of our social events, we need to develop a policy of who should participate- based on a balance between community outreach and finding entities that support the goals of the pond (like environmental education). One differentiation is whether it is a commercial or a non-commerical event. Another criteria may be if the organization offers reciprocity for DPA to participate in their events. Lafe and Lisa will create a working document for a future discussion.

IT policies

The information needs of DPA are changing and Lafe is using this opportunity to develop an information infrastructure using Google and other hi-tech tools. One of the key areas will be to centralize the DPA membership and database.

The next meeting will at Lisa Jacobs' house – 8 Lake Shore Drive, on Monday, August 18 at 7pm.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:10pm

Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Jacobs
Secretary

DPA Board Meeting
June 9, 2008

Attendees: Lafe LaClaire, Brian Cichella, Jamie Pierce, Mike Lowery, Jack Peters, Jackie Ducharme, Karen Lowery, Lisa Jacobs, Grace Olin

Lafe LaClaire called the meeting to order at 7:15 P.M.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the May 12, 2008 meeting minutes. The executive committee voted to approve the previously emailed copies of the meeting minutes in lieu of reading them at the beginning of each meeting.

Pond Cleanup

About 10 people showed on May 17 to help clean up the pond, both on land and in boats. Cleanup was focused at Rocky Point, the Chat, and Mansion Beach. The Smiths helped bring the trash to the dump. Early next year, Lisa Jacobs will contact Cliff Kolovson from the Wayland Cleanup committee, to coordinate next year's cleanup efforts.

Milfoil Eradication/Sonar Application

The second application was done on Thursday, June 5. Water samples will be taken in a few weeks. Signs were put up around the pond giving residents information about the second application.

The milfoil is showing signs of distress. It takes about 45 to 60 days after the first treatment (5/12) to evaluate (by end of June, beginning of July). The Pond Maintenance Plan and the hand pulling follow-up has been delayed a few weeks: we have lent Ted Fiust to Lake Cochituate to hand pull there so they can open the town beach. There may be a need for a 3rd or 4th application depending on results. The goal is to maintain at least 12 ppb.

The Wayland SWQ is developing standards for septic systems and lawn fertilizer levels.

Jack Peters is unearthing a 2002 DPA weed study and Mike will look for the slide show with narration.

The $50 – 70K earmarked for pond cleanup didn't pass the senate and is currently in conference committee. SWQ will approach our state senator Scott Brown about appropriating funds for the pond.

Newcomer's Pot Luck Dinner

The Newcomers Pot Luck dinner on May 18 started at the Salitskys and moved to Molly Upton's when the rain came. 6 out of 20 new couples to the neighborhood showed up along with about 20 other “old-timers” and board members.

Fathers Day Sundae event

We're putting up posters in strategic spots along routes 20, 27, and West Plain St., around the pond, and at Happy Hollow School . A notice will appear in Thursday's Town Crier for the June 15th event. Friendly's will provide the ice cream and accessories. Donelan's will store it for us and give us a $50 gift card.

Russell's and Longfellow Health Club will provide most of the tents and tables for the ice cream table and the band. Charles River Canoe & Kayak will provide boats. Jim Thompson will oversee this activity with help from a team of local girl scouts who have safety training. The kayaks will be dropped off at 11AM; the event goes from 12:30 to 3:30 pm. Midlife crisis will provide the entertainment.

Only one environmental vendor is confirmed- Russell's. Rodenheiser Excavation hasn't confirmed. DPA will have an info table selling raffle tickets and providing new membership forms.

Fun Run Update

Karen Lowery reported that $1850 of the pledged $2500 has been received. The majority of the donations come in June & July.

A new Fun Run event, the fitness walk, will begin at 10:30 and will follow the 5K route. Sylvia Greene will lead the walk which is expected to return to Mansion Beach before the Kids Race starts.

The Wayland HS Track Team has been approached as “super sponsors”. They will invite other area HS track teams to participate, and by acting as liaisons, they will get a free race and community service points.

We will ask BJ's to donate water, and get more donations from Stop and Shop and Whole Foods.

A silent auction was suggested as a fundraising idea, but not for the Fun Run. It will be put on the agenda for another social event or a winter fundraiser.

Lafe will contact unicycle.com to be part of the fun run events.

Grace volunteered to sell raffle tickets at the Sundae event.

The next meeting will be June 26 from 7:30-8:30.

Other Business:

Hi tech: Lafe is exploring how to use technology to improve our communications. Mike Lowery is providing additional resources.

The topic of bringing in larger donors and our public recognition of them was brought up as a mechanism to contribute to DPA's trust fund, and for long term planning purposes. This discussion requires much thought and will be tabled for another meeting.

There was a brief discussion about what types of organizations to include in our events. We'd like to do more community outreach but stay within our “focus”. We will review the DPA by-laws before our next meeting.

DPA will be responding to new housing issues on the pond.

The date and time of the next DPA meeting has not been set yet. Lisa Jacobs has offered to host the monthly meetings at her house. Karen Lowery will coordinate snacks for July and we will rotate that function each month.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:10pm

Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Jacobs
Secretary

DPA Board Meeting
May 12, 2008

Attendees: Sherry Fiust, Brian Cichella, Jamie Pierce, Mike Lowery, Jack Peters, Jackie Ducharme, Karen Lowery, Lisa Jacobs, Lafe LaClaire, Bob Smith, Grace Olin, Alison LaClaire.

Newly-elected president Lafe LaClaire called the meeting to order at 7:18 P.M.

Sonar Application

The Sonar application was done on Friday, May 9. The level was 12 parts per billion. ACT will return on May 21st to test the levels and make adjustments. Mike Lowery has posted a slide show at: http://picasaweb.google.com/Wayland.SWQC/2008DPTreatmentPhotoVideos

The next step is to figure out whether it is successful, and to design a program to keep it that way. Mike Lowery will manage this project with Jack Peters, Alison LaClaire and Ted Fiust. Ted has a comprehensive report, including maps, outlining “lessons learned” and other observations over the many years of trying to control the milfoil. This report, still in draft form, will be finalized for Mike's team.

Mike also reported that the broken circulator has been repaired, and the other two have had parts upgraded. Dany Boudrais of EcoGuide took some pre-Sonar water samples and measurements, and will likely be back in July to follow up.

Treasurers Report

Jamie Pierce reported that DPA has given the 25% promised - $1400 - to SWQC out of the total $5600 for the NOI. SWQC has since received two additional invoices from ACT totaling about $29,000.

Newcomer's Pot Luck Dinner

Brian Cichella has sent out invitations to DPA newcomers for the Pot Luck dinner on May 18 at the Salitskys. Board members are invited to attend. There's no plan B for moving the party indoors in case it rains but Molly may offer her house. We'll bring membership forms; 6 people joined from last year's newcomer's dinner.

Ice Cream Social

Brian Cichella passed out posters for the June 15th event. Friendly's will provide the ice cream and accessories which will be stored in their Sudbury store until the day of the event. We will ask Donelan's for a donation and/or store credit. Russell Gardens will provide the tents for the ice cream table and the band. Charles River Canoe & Kayak will provide boats again this year, but they have no extra staff to help at the event. DPA will work on a solution: some combination of getting volunteers, a lifeguard, and hiring someone. Bob Smith will also contact his daughter's girl scout troop who has experience in this area. Jim Thompson has a contact at Charles River who may be able to help. The kayaks will be dropped off at 11AM; the event goes from 12:30 to 3:30 pm. Mid Life Crisis will provide the entertainment again.

There will be several environmental vendors there. Rodenheiser Excavation may come with a truck. Russell's Garden will have a kiosk with a horticulturalist, and possibly Jack Russell himself. George Russell (no relation), who manages the transfer station will also provide an information table. DPA will have an info table selling raffle tickets, and providing new membership information.

We will talk to Wayland Fire and Police about providing resources which may include closing Mansion Rd. The Highway Department will provide us with cones to slow down traffic.

Fun Run Update

Karen Lowery convened the first meeting of the 2008 Fun Run steering committee in April. $1450 has been pledged of which $350 has been received. Village Bank has become our first platinum sponsor with a $500 donation. We're looking for a few sponsors at the $1,000 level. The board was informed that Tom Conroy made a generous contribution to the DPA.

The registration process and tickets will be the same as last year. We will try to contact Wayland Cable TV in an effort to increase publicity for the event. There was a suggestion to look for a starter who is a town official. Tom Conroy is a possibility as an “honorary” starter, but last year he ran and presented the trophies. Lafe has volunteered as a backup starter. The next meeting will be May 22.

New Business:

Jamie Pierce reported that Tom Conroy has earmarked $50,000 for the DPA. The earmark must still pass the Senate and survive the governor's office. We want to provide Tom with a complimentary DPA membership. Since he is already on our email list, he is already receiving all membership benefits.

There will be a Dudley Pond cleanup this Sat. from 1-3. Notices were put in the Town Crier and around the pond. The plan is to meet at Mansion Beach at 12:45, then spread out to town land by foot, and in boats to clean up the pond perimeter.

As part of the transition from the old board to the new board, Sherry gave an overview of where the paper and electronic files were. Lafe discussed using Google mail and its applications: calendars, word processing, databases, etc. to centralize and disseminate DPA info. He will investigate the possibilities. As a start, he will register a new website – dpawayland.org.

There was a discussion about using the DPA membership list for DPA business only. All recipients should be put in the bcc area so there's no chance to use the membership list for personal purposes.

A new membership welcome kit is being compiled.

The date and time of the next DPA meeting has not been set yet.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:05pm

Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Jacobs
Secretary

Dudley Pond Association Annual Spring Meeting Minutes
April 27, 2008
Fortieth Anniversary of the DPA

Senior Center, Wayland Town Building

President Sherry Fiust called the Meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.

Minutes of the Fall 2007 Meeting were read and accepted.

Talk on Organic Lawn care by Jim Reinertson:

Mr. Reinertson is a turf grass agronomist and owns a company called Purely Organic Lawncare. He spoke of the need for the use of organic lawn care in a watershed area and cited many examples of how well these products work in our climate. He also warned about companies who claim they use only organic products, but actually use synthetics.

Milfoil Control Update by Mike Lowery:

Mike thanked the members of the DPA for their support of the Dudley Pond Weed Management Program and of the Wayland Surface Water Quality Committee (WSWQC) during the Conservation Commission hearings. He said that the DPA and the WSWQC are now in a new and good relationship. The DPA contributes funds, but it is the Town of Wayland (TOW) that has taken the responsibility of managing the bodies of water in its care.

We now have an approved five year plan for Dudley Pond weed management. It starts with a floridone treatment which will reduce the weeds to a manageable condition. For five years there will be a monitored follow-up with aggressive hand pulling. Herbicide spot treatments will be undertaken only if needed. The goal is to use chemicals as little as possible.

The circulator program will continue with sampling and testing. Mike warned that there may be an algae bloom following the floridone treatment and that it may be necessary to turn off the circulators for an unspecified period of time.

The first Sonar (floridone) treatment will be in early to mid May. This treatment will be stronger and longer than those of the past. For one hundred twenty days the outlet will be blocked so the treated water will not exit into Dudley Brook. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the State of Massachusetts, and the Wayland Conservation Commission, regular use of the pond is in no way prohibited or unsafe during this period. The chemical concentration, twelve parts per billion, is ten times less than that allowed in drinking water sources.

The WSWQC is also planning on drafting regulations regarding the use of lawn chemicals and the maintenance of septic systems.

The floridone will affect other plants. During the hand pulling phase those indigenous plants will be allowed to re-grow. Sonar is the most selective herbicide available.

Treasurer's Report by Jamie Pierce:

In honor of the DPA's 40th anniversary, Jamie exhibited a copy of a 1972 treasurer's report. The balance then was $211.47.

After Jamie completed his report, Massachusetts Representative Tom Conroy announced that he would try to get an earmark grant from the State into the FY09 state budget. The amount to be requested is yet to be determined, but will probably be in the range of $25,000 to $40,000.

Board Nominations and Vote by Sherry Fiust:

Sherry thanked Steve Garone and Jackie Ducharme for serving on the nominations committee.

The candidates are:
Lafe LaClaire, President
Jack Peters, 1^st Vice President
Brian Cichella, 2^nd Vice President
Jamie Pierce, Treasurer
Lisa Jacobs, Secretary

A motion was made and seconded to elect all the candidates and was passed unanimously.

Fun Run Update by Karen Lowery:

Karen Lowery and Linda Smith are the co-chairpersons for this event. It will be held on Sunday, September 7, 2008.

Karen reported that the 2007 Fun Run had 250 participants and included world class runners, the Wayland High School track team, and fifty children. It netted approximately $9200 which was used to help fight milfoil. An ambitious goal of $12,000 has been set for the 2008 Fun Run.

Karen urged all DPA members to make an effort to save Dudley Pond by identifying run sponsors, becoming an individual or family sponsor, pledging to buy a quantity of raffle tickets, selling raffle tickets, or by being a volunteer for the event.

Social Event Update by Brian Cichella:

Brian announced that the Newcomers' Pot Luck Supper will be held on May 18 at 5:00 P.M. at the Salitsky residence, 29 Bayfield Road. There are twenty new families to the watershed and he will urge them to come.

The Fathers Day Ice Cream Social will be held on June 15^th at Mansion Beach. Friendly's will supply the ice cream. Charles River Kayak and Canoe Company will also be there.

Memorial Day Parade by Sherry Fiust:

Sherry said that the DPA needs to have a respectable number of marchers, or else we might want to reconsider any DPA participation in this event. Alison LaClaire volunteered to serve as the coordinator for the DPA contingent this year.

New Business:

Sherry thanked Arlene Pollak for being the DPA historian and providing the old newspaper clippings that were displayed. She also thanked Jamie Pierce for putting together the excellent slide show of past DPA events.

Arlene resigned from her position of historian.

Linda Smith requested a Dudley Pond Spring Cleanup and asked for six volunteers to organize it. Lisa Jacobs, Lisa Miller, Cheryl Kreinbring, Brian Cichella, Lisa Newton, and Jackson Madnick will serve as the committee.

On behalf of the Board and the DPA, Jamie presented Sherry with a bouquet of flowers and a gift certificate to Blue Ginger Restaurant. This is in appreciation for Sherry's hard work, dedication, and passion throughout a very trying two year term as president.

Ted Fiust also presented Sherry with a bouquet and thanked the DPA for giving him back his wife!

Sherry adjourned the meeting at 7:18 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn Darack, secretary

DPA Executive Board Meeting
April 9, 2008

Attendees: Sherry Fiust, Bob Smith, Brian Cichella, Jamie Pierce, Marilyn Darack, Mike Lowery, Jack Peters, Ted Fiust, Jackie Ducharme, Karen Lowery, Lisa Jacobs, Lafe LaClaire, Bob Goldsmith, Toni Moores, Grace Olin, Arlene Pollak, Marcia Filurin, Judy Currier, John Darack, Rick Cresswell

President Sherry Fiust called the meeting to order at 7:35 P.M.

The minutes of the last meeting had been read and accepted via email.

Additional Funding for Summer Weed Project:

Sherry asked Bob Goldsmith if the Surface Water Quality Committee will need the DPA to contribute any extra funds toward the floridone follow-up treatment this summer. Since the tax override will probably pass, it may not be necessary for the DPA to do this. Bob will let us know.

Determination of Items for Spring Meeting Agenda:

1. Sherry has planned a celebration in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Dudley Pond Association. At the Spring Meeting, Marcia Filurin and Karen Lowery will decorate the Senior Center and Linda Smith will make a special celebratory cake. Sherry asked for pictures of past DPA events so that Jamie and she can make a montage to present at the meeting.
   
2. Now that the Conservation Commission has passed the 2008 Weed Management Program and that the requisite waiting period has passed, we can now proceed with that program. Mike will describe the floridone application and follow up procedure to the membership.
   
3. There will be a speaker to inform the membership about organic lawn care.
   

The new DPA Executive Board members to be voted upon at Spring Meeting are:
President – Lafe LaClaire
1st Vice President –Jack Peters
2nd Vice President - Brian Cichella
Secretary – Lisa Jacobs
Treasurer – Jamie Pierce

New Business:

Mike Lowery announced that the SWQC will be asking for help from DPA members this summer.

Brian reminded the Board that the Newcomers Pot Luck Supper will be held on May 18th at the home of the Salitskys.

Brian also reported that the planning for the Fathers Day Ice Cream Social is underway. Friendly's has agreed to provide 120 servings of ice cream for this year's event. Russell's Garden Center and Charles River Canoe Company have also been contacted.

Sherry has been working on the newsletter. As usual, Jamie will take care of the mailing labels.

Sherry ended the meeting, her last Board meeting as president, by thanking the SWQC members and all others who have helped with the DPA efforts over the last two years.

President Sherry Fiust adjourned the meeting at 7:50 P.M. The date and time of the next DPA Board meeting will be announced.

Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn Darack, secretary

DPA Executive Board Meeting
March 5, 2008

Attendees: Sherry Fiust, Bob Smith, Brian Cichella, Jamie Pierce, Marilyn Darack, Mike Lowery, Jack Peters, Ted Fiust, Jackie Ducharme, Karen Lowery, Lisa Jacobs, Jim Thompson

President Sherry Fiust called the meeting to order at 7:12 P.M.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted.

Notice of Intent (NOI) for 2008 Weed Management Program:

Mike Lowery, WSWQC member, informed the Board that an objection to the NOI would probably be filed with the Conservation Commission. State Law says that any abutter, or ten citizens of the town, or any aggrieved citizen may file such an objection. That law requires that written materials must be filed by those who have participated in the process.

Mike recommended that the DPA strongly urge its members to attend the March 13 ConCom hearing in order to support the NOI.

Discussion and Approval of Transfer of DPA Funds to WSWQC:

Sherry led a discussion pertaining to the DPA's commitment to the WSWQC to defray some of the cost of the NOI preparation. The DPA membership had approved a total of $15,000 for weed control at Spring Meeting, 2007.

The invoice for the NOI preparation, which also included two expert appearances at hearings, was $5650. Jamie Pierce made a motion that the DPA contribute $1400 toward the NOI preparation cost. The Board unanimously approved the motion. Mike agreed with the Board that Jamie would sign all future WSWQC invoices toward which the DPA contributes.

DPA Executive Board Nominations for 2008:

Jackie Ducharme, from the nominations committee, announced that all positions are filled except that of President. She and others will continue to contact members until a nominee is found. It is crucial that a new President step forward, since the term of the present President expires at Spring Meeting.

New Business:

Brian Cichella informed the Board that this year's Newcomers' Putluck Supper will be held at the Salitsky residence at 29 Bayfield Road on May 18, 2008.

President Sherry Fiust adjourned the meeting at 8:40 P.M. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, April 10th at the Fiusts' home at 42 Mathews Drive

Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn Darack, secretary

DPA Executive Board Meeting
February 6, 2008

Attendees: Sherry Fiust, Bob Smith, Brian Cichella, Marilyn Darack, Mike Lowery, Jack Peters, Ted Fiust, Jackie Ducharme, Karen Lowery, Grace Olin

President Sherry Fiust called the meeting to order at 7:12 P.M.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted.

Preparation for 2/14/08 Conservation Commission Hearing:

DPA Executive Board Meeting
January 10, 2008

Attendees: Sherry Fiust, Bob Smith, Jamie Pierce, Marilyn Darack, Bob Goldsmith, Mike Lowery, Jack Peters, Marcia Filurin, Jackie Ducharme

President Sherry Fiust called the meeting to order at 7:05 P.M.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and amended to add that Housing Authority's Request for Quote is for hiring a consultant.

Update and Status of NOI for the SWQC Dudley Pond 2008 Weed Management Program:

Sherry informed the board that the Notice of Intent (NOI) for the proposed weed program is due to the Conservation Commission by January 31st. The hearing date is yet undetermined. Mike Lowery will be the presenter. Bob Goldsmith will recuse himself, since he sits on both the SWQC and the ConCom. Bob feels that the hearing will not conclude in one night, and that it will likely be continued two weeks later.

Bob gave Sherry a disk containing numerous articles with supporting evidence for herbicide treatment. He said that, after diligently researching the literature regarding fluridone, he was unable to find any scientific evidence that it has been proven harmful to humans or to fish. Bob's conclusion is that fluridone is safe and that there is no alternative for Dudley Pond. Either we use the fluridone or we lose the pond.

Sherry asked Mike and Bob what the DPA could do to assist the SWQC in obtaining approval of the weed management program under consideration.

Mike suggested that the DPA submit a letter to the ConCom officially stating our position and also present evidence of public support for the proposed program. Either individual letters or a common letter signed by many citizens would be fine. Marcia Filurin suggested that a petition be circulated and that those asked to sign be given an informational article regarding the environmental impact of Sonar. To be accepted, any documents need to be submitted to the ConCom no less than two weeks prior to the hearing. Any documents relating to scientific evidence should be signed and notorized.

Regarding the hearing itself, Mike recommended that the DPA identify three or four individuals who will prepare to speak if called upon during the public comment period.

Bob advised Sherry to specify in our packet to the ConCom the amount of money the DPA is planning to contribute to the new weed management effort. Also, it would be supportive to inform the ConCom about all the DPA funds that have been committed to combat milfoil during the past several years.

Bob cautioned the DPA to have an alternate plan ready in case we fail to gain ConCom's approval. Sherry and Jamie Pierce answered that the DPA still has ConCom's permission to carry out harvesting if the need arises.

Update on DPA Board Nominations for Spring Meeting by Jackie Ducharme:

Jackie reported that she and Steve Garone have been busy attempting to recruit DPA members for the next board. At this point, the only definite is Jamie Pierce, who has graciously agreed to continue on as treasurer. Other positions are still being discussed with various people. Jackie and Steve will continue to update us on their progress.

New Business:

Jamie passed around a flier regarding a COLAP workshop to be held on January 25. Further information is available on the COLAP website.

Bob Goldsmith asked about the amount of money the DPA would be willing to commit to the cost of the NOI for the weed program.

President Sherry Fiust adjourned the meeting at 8:10 P.M. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, February 14th at the Fiusts' home at 42 Mathews Drive.