The July 4, 2009 meeting of the Save Hyde Lake Association was called to order at 10:40 am by Timothy Aiken.
Officers present: T. Aiken; 9 members in attendence

Old Business:
Septic System Upgrades: Reminder that to qualify for grant money available, homeowners must file paperwork and be approved prior to work. John Stein, a certified installer, has completed several upgrades and has taken care of the permitting process as part of his work. It was recommended that Mr. Stein could be a good resourse for information from anyone considerng a septic system upgrade. It was pointed out that the Eljen Biomat system is the preferred installation in Theresa Township

Jefferson County Federation of Lakes: Andy and Tim Aiken had volunteered to receive training in the area of septic upgrade, but have not yet been involved in this. It was noted that there is no link to the county organization's website and we would look into this.

Aquatic Vegetation and Mapping: It was suggested that to implement mapping, a portable GPS system could be employed to take readings on the lakeand to be most effective, one person should be responsible for these readings. Gene posed a question regarding the purpose of mapping. Response  that mapping would provide data for potential future assistance from NYS as efforts to eradicate invasive species continues. A second suggestion to record data was to hire an ariel photographer to gain a visual image of growth density. There is no information on potential cost involved but this approach would require yearly data collection for comparison. Lake homeowners present agreed that one can expect milfoil to be found anywhere in Hyde Lake with water depths of 10 feet or less.If anyone is interested in exploring possible methods of mapping, please email Joyce or Tim. (See link to google earth image of lake with milfoil beds highlighted on this website)

New Business:
CSLAP Report has been made available and provides comprehensive data for the 2008 collection year. The 2009 water testing will include information on bacterial content. Also water testing includes bottom testing and evaluates clarity. All testing is taken at one consistant sight.

Lake Level/Beaver Activity: The Spillway has been built up by beaver activity. This has caused hydrolic pressure at several points where the spillway and shoreline meet. There is a serious concern that a massive breach could occur which would cause a dramatic lowering of the lake with potential damage to the associated road and farmland. The engineer who designed the spillway was contacted about two months ago. He responded to a query of how high the water could be to remain safe, and responded that he did want even one foot of water to be above the dam. Since the Lake Association became liable for maintainence of the dam, upstream and down, by installing a man-made structure, it is imperative that members take an active role in reducing the threat of a breach. To that end, two pipes have been placed at the spillway site to move water out of the lake in a controlled manner. The recommendation is to fully install a Clemson Pipe (now 80% complete) which meets guidelines to protect the beaver and water levels. Currently, the pipes are not working effectively due to the beaver activity. The members present agreed that volunteers will be requested for a weekend of spillway/dam clean-up and the full implentation of the Clemson pipes on a weekend in mid-August. More information with possible dates will follow. A motion was made by Gene, seconded by Bill, to reimburse Joyce for the costs of the pipe currently in place. The motion to reimburse Joyce $288.00 passed unanimously.

A discussion of the rocky area at the North End of the Lake which is currently masked by high water levels was brought up. Members want lake users to show caution in this area, but will not put up any danger markers due to legal issues surrounding the maintainence of such buoys.

Fall meeting will be held at Bill and Jean Decker's. Date to be determined.

Dues may be mailed to the treasurer.

Motion made and seconded to close meeting at 11:30.

Minutes submitted by Susan McParland