Amston Lake Tax District

The board meeting included a review of lake operations, committee updates from the Roads, Lake Health, Beaches and ROWs, Dams, Dock, Long-Term Financial Planning, and Lake Usage committees. Key agenda items involved the election of board members and officers, review of the year-to-date financial results, and approval of the proposed budgets for the General Fund, Road Fund, and a special project for dock expansion. Additionally, the district established the date for the following year's annual meeting.

The board discussed several operational and financial matters, including the potential dock expansion at Main and Lollipop beaches, which will be presented for resident vote at the annual meeting. The board approved the 2026-27 General Fund and Lebanon Roads budgets, incorporating a line item for dam inspections. Discussions were held regarding invasive species workshop takeaways, water quality monitoring results, dock storage inquiries, and ongoing beach and road maintenance projects. Additionally, the board planned for the upcoming annual meeting and addressed committee reports concerning long-term financial planning, lake health, and beach pass operations.

The committee meeting focused on budget planning priorities, specifically regarding sediment testing and baseline data collection for the lake. Discussions included potential updates to aerial drone mapping imagery, the feasibility of a dive-based littoral zone survey to improve vegetation detection, and the management and funding of benthic barriers. Additionally, members shared observations regarding unusual sediment coloration and discussed the importance of soliciting broader community feedback, obtaining independent expert opinions, and leveraging modern tools to summarize historical data for residents.

The committee discussed a budget request of at least $8,000 to conduct two studies: a sediment phosphorus evaluation and an aquatic vegetation survey. The phosphorus study aims to analyze algae bloom and muck formation factors, while the vegetation survey will assess the lake's perimeter for aquatic species and invasive weeds. The committee agreed to support the budget request and expressed interest in including an additional sediment depth or muck testing study. Future action items include obtaining pricing for the extra testing, finalizing the budget request for the board, and facilitating the distribution of drone photographs.

This document presents a proposal for the Amston Lake dock expansion, developed by the Amston Lake Dock Committee. The plan addresses the ongoing challenge of insufficient boat slips by recommending an expansion of existing docks. Key considerations include community concerns, aesthetics, lake health, cost-effectiveness, and return on investment. The proposal aims to increase the total slip inventory from 17 to 18-20 slips and enhance flexibility to accommodate various boat sizes based on community needs, with modifications intended for the 2026 season.