Town of New Chester

This document outlines the McGinnis Lake District's Lake Management Project Plan for 2025-2026. The plan details scheduled activities, vendor responsibilities, and completion dates for comprehensive lake management. Key initiatives include selecting vendors, performing lake surveys, obtaining DNR permits for Eurasion Milfoil and Curly-Leaf Pondweed treatments, implementing aerator system operations, and conducting potential weed harvesting, all in adherence to DNR recommendations and approvals.

The meeting included a review of the treasurer's report, which showed the beginning and ending cash balances, total cash inflows, and outflows. An update on the winter aerator operation was provided, noting it's running well since being turned on December 2. Discussions also covered planned lake management activities and ongoing monitoring of lake water quality, including temperature, dissolved oxygen, and clarity. The boat launch is awaiting gravel from the County.

The McGinnis Lake District meeting included a presentation of the proposed 2021 budget, which detailed revenues from tax levies and carryover funds, as well as expenditures for administration, lake management, weed control, lake surveys, fisheries, and easement maintenance. The annual meeting also involved a review of weed spraying activities and harvesting, with discussions on the impact of a virus on planned cutting schedules. Additionally, the election of the Lake District Treasurer position was held, with Ken Roberts agreeing to serve another term. The 2021 budget was approved, and there was an open discussion about the damage caused by geese, including potential harvesting and egg destruction measures.

The meeting included a presentation of the 2022 Proposed Budget, which detailed revenues from a tax levy and carryover funds, and expenditures for administration and lake management, including lake weed control, permitting, lake surveys, and a contingency fund. There was a review of weed and goose control activities, including spraying for curly pond leaf and Eurasian Milfoil, nest egg oiling, and goose roundup. The election of a Lake District Secretary position was held. Open discussion covered concerns about the goose control program, aeration activities, Air BNB rentals, clean waters activities, fish stocking, and the tax levy structure.

The meeting included updates on the dam, including the purchase of equipment for real-time water level updates accessible through the Adams County Land & Water Conservation Department website. There was a discussion on the public notice for the proposed treatment of curly leaf pondweed and Eurasian milfoil, with Cason Land & Water Management to conduct the treatment pending D.N.R. approval. New business included the introduction of Keifer Sroka, the new water resource specialist, consideration of purchasing a dissolved oxygen meter, and efforts to secure American Rescue Plan Act funding for monitoring equipment. The removal of Nancy Schmidt from the district checking account was discussed, along with available D.N.R. grants, the Friend of McGinnis Lake Adopt a Hwy spring clean up, and the Adams Co. Land & Water meeting and annual tree sale. The meeting also touched on the need for volunteers for CLMN.