President Van Terrell opened the meeting at 9:00 am.

There were 80 people in attendance representing 59 families.

Paul Wight reviewed the 20-year history of the Branch Pond Association founded by Don and Anne Hayes in 1983. Paul talked about the issues addressed by the BPA since it’s formation. The initial task was the conversion of the private ways to Road Associations in accordance with the Maine State Statutes. Other issues addressed by the BPA over the 20-year period were water quality, septic systems, buffer zones, a potential sludge dump, sailing, a watershed survey, boat launch facilities, and invasive aquatic species.

Susan Terrell introduced the subject of invasive aquatic species and their potential danger to our lakes. She set the stage for a presentation by Laura Wilson.

Laura gave an impressive Invasive Aquatic Plant slide presentation. It demonstrated the potential economic and recreational impact and infestation could cause. She also discussed the various methods and costs of control, none of which were permanent or effective. It stressed that prevention was the current best method for safe control.

Susan then discussed the current activities of the BPA Invasive Aquatic Species Committee. The activities ranged from placing warning signs, inspecting boats, surveying the shore, general education, and training people to identify aquatic plants.

The secretary’s report from the 2001 BPA Annual Meeting was read and approved.

The treasurer’s report was read and approved. The balance as of August 3, 2002 was $6,855.28.

Glen Curtis read the 2001-2002 Audit Committee report.

A motion was made and seconded to make the annual BPA dues $20 per household. An amendment was made and seconded to make the dues $25. The amendment was approved. After some discussion the amended motion was defeated.

A motion was made and seconded to make the BPA Annual dues $20 per household effective 1/1/03 with the stipulation that the Executive Board send out a budget as outlined by the Audit Committee prior to 1/1/03. The motion passed.

Glen Curtis talked briefly about the new website www.branchpond.org .

Gloria DeAngelis talked about the loon count on Branch Pond. The official count was 5 adults and 0 chicks. Subsequent to the official count day and time the count was 9 adults and 4 chicks.

A motion was made and seconded to accept the new Board Members. They were John Kaiser from Cove Way, Gary Fortier from Mill Pond, Carl and Candice Winslow from Branchview Drive, and Jean Peotter and Karen Burnell from Sargent’s Drive. The motion passed.

Van discussed the successful winter membership drive that increase the membership from just under 100 to 185 of the 254 lake property owners.

Van then discussed the issue of paving Winkumpaugh Road. It is clearly one of the biggest contributors of non-point source pollution to the lake. A motion was made and seconded for the BPA to support the City of Ellsworth’s desire to pave, ditch and upgrade Winkumpaugh Road. The motion passed only 1 vote shy of being unanimous.

There was some discussion regarding fish stocking in Branch Pond. It was agreed that a small group would investigate this issue.

Based on some comments from the audience Van agreed to speak with the city about the status of paving on Happytown Road.

Van then recognized all of the past presidents of the BPA. He thanked them for the dedication and service as stewards of Branch Pond.

The meeting adjourned at 11:40 am.

Respectfully submitted:
Glen Curtis, Secretary-BPA