Updated: Wednesday, October 30, 2002 11:44 AM
Newsletters HomeFall 1990 Newsletter
| Topics: Loons We Have Counted Sailing Races and Regatta 1990 28-Acre Island Development Bearly Awake |
Annual
Meeting Minutes Shoreland Zoning Septic Survey News Anticipation |
Loons We Have Counted
Loon counting day at Branch Pond was a blowy, choppy one. Many of the counters, well organized as ever by Gloria DeAngelis, saw no birds at all during the half hour observation-period. Our official count was 10 adults and 2 chicks, down from 13 adults and 2 chicks last year.
On a county-wide basis a slight increase was reported, 193 adults and 37 chicks. There were an additional 44 loons in several water areas that were not included in the overall count.
Two area loons died of lead poisoning after ingesting fish with lead weights and sinkers attached.
Sailing Races and Regatta 1990
Commodore Paul Wight reports that good winds, sunny skies and enthusiast participants made the Sixth Annual Racing Season a Success. All seven races were completed as planned.
George Lewis sailing a Hobie 14, won the First Place Trophy (for the second year in a row). David Whedon, sailing a Hobie 16, won second place and Ralph Whedon, sailing a Sunfish, won third. In order to qualify for a trophy it was necessary to compete in three of the seven races and the three best., standings were used.
The Commodore thanks those who assisted in the races with special thanks to those ladies who prepared the delicious snakes for our social gatherings.
Stephen LaFreniere failed to file additional information required for his appeal of the Maine DEP denial of his bridge permit by the mid-October deadline. To all intents and purposes the denial stands and it appears that no bridge will be constructed.
The island is the last of Mr. LaFreniere's holdings at Branch Pond.
'Would you like to see a bear?' said the editor's wife. It was three in the morning in early October and lo and behold there was the bear that has roamed the eastern shore area this summer. He or she was busy rummaging in the trash barrel at the back corner of the camp. A sharp rap on the window sent-the animal scrambling up the hill, trash bag in mouth.
The annual meeting of BPA was called to order by Peter DeAngelis at 9:30 at on July 21st, 1990 in the auditorium of the Ellsworth City Hall. Eighty-seven interested property owners from the lake were in attendance.
Peter introduced Herbert Gilsdorf, Ellsworth City Manager, who served as moderator with a panel representative from the Water District and the Code Enforcement Office.
Mr. Gilsdorf reiterated that the existing statutes don't favor the lakeshore residents. In terms of the recent increase in land and property taxes, he urged members to use the appeal process. In short, he stated what was to become the general mood and feeling of the annual meeting gathering. That is, property owners on the lake just aren't getting a FAIR TRADE!
A lengthy question and answer session followed. Members of the panel responded to questions from the audience. The discussion centered on varied topics such as:
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Don Hayes well expressed group concern regarding lack of road maintenance. Again, the city's position under the existing statutes continues to be very limited maintenance, so little return for taxes received. |
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Concerns surfaced regarding general access to the lake, the Sand Beach dilemma, as well as, lake access during the ice fishing. |
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John Lyons and Manager Gilsdorf restated the basic concerns of seasonal owners and the precious property concept. |
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Further road maintenance frustrations came forth; namely a) at Walls Farm Road b) Fire Road 329 reported two bus accidents c) Sam fuller reviewed the statutes of private road ways d) request for city assistance with the purchase of culverts. |
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The issue of code enforcement was highlighted with a summary by the enforcement official and the action taken against an owner located in the Cove. |
The panel members were given a generous applause and the meeting continued by chairman Peter directing the group's attention to the agenda items.
Peter gave an update on the LaFreniere land development problems. The DEP denial and the developer's appeal will warrant further attention and following.
Barbara Howd presented the treasurer's report. She provided a written copy of the report to the secretary for proper filing. Balance on hand at beginning of 89-90 $2,759.10, income $3,900.86, expenditures $2,266.32, net income for 89-90 $1,634.54 providing a balance forward as of 7/20/90 of $4,393.64.
Gloria DeAngelis provided an update related to Sand Beach. A recent meeting (7/18/90) had been held with State Parks and Recreation Department personnel in Augusta. She further reported that the State will provide signs indicating - no fires, hours 9:00 am to sunset, take trash out, etc. Jack Slomback will serve as BPA volunteer monitor. Traffic and parking of vehicles will require serious attention.
Gloria also addressed the matter of eligibility for a non profit status for EPA. She touched on the advantages; namely, ability to accept tax-free donations, mailing is less expensive and less BPA liability. Financial reporting and secretary's reports would require audit and would need to meet a recommended format. The association would not be able to lobby at the State level.
Jim Woodall gave an update as to the progress of the study dealing with the BY-LAWS. Ellsworth Bourque, Dick Bourne and Jim reviewed the existing by-laws and are revising the various sections which pertain to: definition of membership, election of officers, executive committee, standing committees. A first mention - concept was also announced to the group. This new concept was a suggestion to explore the feasibility of a part time paid position of a secretary-treasurer-custodian of records position.
Glen Curtis reported as to the water quality condition of Branch. He reported as did DEP that the water quality at Branch is excellent and is remaining at a high stable level. His report is based on samples taken at seven different sites. The cost incurred will be $90. He made mention of a Volunteer Water Sampler Project. An opportunity to purchase a related piece of equipment might well become a feature of the project.
Paul Wight outlined the plans for the scheduled BPA sailboat racing program. A full schedule of six races is planned during July and August. Social gatherings are held after the racing events.
Barbara Howd, our treasurer, reported as to the importance and connection that the BPA has with COLA (Congress of Lake Associations). The BPA belongs and five of the executive committee receive the COLA newsletter.
Dave Hardy, BPA Newsletter editor, requested materials to be forwarded for publication in the newsletter. Three issues are published and mailed to BPA members. Those in attendance expressed their appreciation for Dave's great effort with the Newsletter.
During the final Open discussion period and prior to adjournment the remaining matters surfaced: first, John Lyons from FR 316 indicated a willingness to network from his Deerfield, Illinois home with those who have experience or interest in dealing with various types of toilet-waste systems, second, chairperson Peter was given names from the membership of property owners to serve on the BPA Executive Board. Those named were: George and Charlotte Lewis, FR 311, Steve and Lisa Salsbury, lower lake, Teresa Blanchard and Calvin Anderson, FR 221 and Charles and Carol Rohn, FR 222.
Respectfully submitted,
Dick Mitchell
Secretary
FR 312
667-9283 or 947-7689.
The Maine Shoreland Zoning guidelines are due to be added to local ordinances by December 31, 1991. Cities and towns may set up stricter regulations but must meet the following guidelines as a minimum.
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A 100 ft buffer between any new building and the edge oL any pond or lake larger than 10 acres. |
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A 75-foot protection-zone on each side of major streams. |
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250 foot protection zones-around undeveloped freshwater wetlands that the DEP considers important to wildlife. |
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Trees may be cut to only a six foot path width to the shores of lakes & ponds |
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Residential lot sizes increased to 40,000 sq ft for nee homes adjacent to rivers lakes and streams |
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If a non-con forming structure is damaged or destroyed by more than 50% of its market value, it must be repaired or replaced within one year of the issuance of a permit. Reconstruction and/or replacement should comply as closely as possible to water setback provisions. |
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No road or driveway construction within the zone except where no alternative is available or to provide access to permitted use. |
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No tiling of soil or storing or stockpiling manure within 100 feet of a great pond or river. |
There are other guidelines for timber harvesting, clear cutting, etc. Ellsworth will probably be modifying their ordinances as necessary to deal with both these guidelines and their own water supply protection.
A separate enclosure is a survey of the various forms of septic systems, toilets and related services that have been or are being used around Branch Pond. Our hope is that, in examining the various systems and services and providing a summation of such information to the membership, some guidance will be provided to those facing the task of replacing old equipment or simply buying new. Be aware that my business is not plumbing and although I have researched various systems for my own camps, my Knowledge of such products has been accumulated in the sane fashion as yours has -- daily exposure to the equipment.
Please fill out the enclosed and return to me at the address on the survey. Rest assured that dissemination of the results of this survey will be strictly within BPA. (No salesman or code enforcement officer will call.)
We will leave the matter of identifying yourself on the survey up to you. For purposes of subsequent networking on this subject, knowing who has had what experiences would be helpful. However, we respect your decision on this matter.
John Lyons.
[Note the survey is not included with this web page]
We welcome news or any Branch Pond type classified ads that you night care to run. Send any copy along to Dave Hardy, 95 Greenwood Lane, Waltham, Ma. 02154.
Last year our annual meeting speaker was City Planner Liz Hooper. She left Ellsworth this May.
This year the annual meeting featured City Manager Herbert Gilsdorf. He left Ellsworth in September.
Who will next year's speaker be?
