LGA Meeting – June 12th, 2022
Un-Official Summary
A continuation from the May meeting which was cut short due to a storm hitting the area.
Lily Pad Removal – This year will be the last year spraying for Lily Pads as recommended by the DEC and SOLitude Lake Management. The DEC has offered us an open permit for the next 5 years which will allow us to seek treatments without having to go through the lengthy and expensive permitting process.
Muck Treatments – There are two more treatments on our SOLItude contract from last year. The digester treatment will take place tomorrow (June 13th) around noon, and another one will be applied at the end of June.
Lake Restoration/Preservation – Lily Pad Treatments and Muck Digester treatments are by far, the largest expenditures the association has. Our expenditures over the past three years have been roughly $15,000 so far. We can expect these prices to increase significantly due to inflation and may not continue to use the solutions we have been and are looking at other possibilities.
One of these options is to save a few thousand dollars a year that we would spend on lake restoration and purchase a brand new machine from Weeder’s Digest called the Water Bug which will allow us to cut and remove the lily pads via portable, battery powered and remote controlled machine. Please see the videos posted on the website for more information. We will be discussing the feasibility and options to raise funds for this machine in the future.
We ask that this year, you limit the amount of lily pads you cut again, so that when the herbicide is applied later in the summer, it will be most effective. Lily pads that are cut, do not have any chance to absorb the herbicide which will kill the roots of the plant, and will regrow the following year.
The restoration and preservation of Lake Gerry must be a collective effort and can’t be supported by just a few members doing their own thing. We want to encourage all our members and residents of the Lake Gerry community to do their part in helping reduce chemicals and pollutants that enter the lake and promote the growth of algae, lily pads, and the formation of muck. We will be putting together a list of easy and affordable ways you can help.
Pine Road Pavilion – The pavilion itself has been reduced to half of the original size. This will make it easier and more affordable to maintain. Gravel has been placed in the pavilion to help with drainage and footing. Two picnic grills will be going in that can be used by association members. We will be adding a picnic table or two to the pavilion over the next couple weeks. We will be seeking volunteers to help paint the pavilion in the coming weeks. The Fire Inspector would like us to have a fire extinguisher and first aid kit at each pavilion. Those will be purchased and placed in the coming weeks. We ask that you all help take care of the pavilion and take pride in our community. If you see these facilities being abused, vandalized or any property being stolen please contact the police by calling 911.
By-Laws – The by-laws have been revised to include appropriate language that more accurately reflects the time. You can find a copy of the by-laws on the website.
Codes Enforcement – We are working with Codes Enforcement to address the blighted, empty and abandoned houses around the lake that are dangerous, ugly, lower our property values, and have ruined many property sales. Codes has identified many of the properties and are working toward notifying the property owners to encourage clean-up, demolition or sale of the blighted properties. This can be a lengthy process, but hopefully the ball is rolling now and we can clean up the neighborhood.
Beach Upgrades – After last month’s regrading of the beach, we were originally going to not do any more improvements to the beach. However, the floats were deteriorating and not effective, so we installed a new floating pool boundary. We also had a very generous donation of sand to be added to the beach this summer. We look forward to these improvements and hope everyone gets to enjoy the beach this year.
Lake Access Signs – Lake Access signs have been added to three private Lake Gerry Association lanes. Please remember to keep these lanes clear of personal items, boats, cars, and other stuff. Access lanes are only to be used by Lake Gerry Association members. If you see anyone trespassing or encroaching on these private properties, please let us know.
Speed Limit Signs -- A few years ago we sent around a petition to have the speed limit lowered on Charles Kelley Road. There has been little-to-no movement on this issue as it was approved by the town of Oxford, and is now in the County’s hands. We do not anticipate them to agree to lowering the speed limit on Charles Kelley Rd. It was suggested that we put out our own signs to warn of Kids and People Walking. There was some discussion about borrowing an automated speed sign from the town.
Fishing Derby – Will be held this year. We have not decided on a date yet. Traditionally it has been over the 4th of July holiday, and other times during Lake Days. We will post information as soon as we have it.
Dogs -- There have been several incidents regarding dogs around the lake. These dogs have attacked other dogs being leash walked around the lake. If a dog is seen off-leash or is becoming a nuisance on your property or Lake Gerry properties, please contact the Oxford Dog Control Officer @ 607-952-6025. If you are attacked or bit by a dog around Lake Gerry please contact the police by calling 911.
Lake Access -- Only Lake Gerry Association members have access to Lake Gerry and Lake Gerry Association Properties. If someone has not joined or paid their Lake Gerry Association membership, they are not permitted to use the lake. If you have guests visiting the lake please make sure they are using your boats that are properly labeled with a current Lake Gerry Association Boat Sticker, in addition, make sure they have their Lake Gerry Guest Passes. If you know of someone trespassing on Lake Gerry, call 911 and report it.