CALL TO ORDER The Annual Meeting was called to order by President Hal Neal at 10:00. Approximately 40 PLPA members attended the August 31, 1985 Annual Meeting at Peck's Boat Barn. Officers and Board Members attending were Hal Neal, Larry Doubleday, Bob Bergmann, Frank Greene, Chet Heal and Tom Lally. In the absence of the Secretary, Katie Bergmann, Bob Bergmann read the minutes of the last annual meeting. There were no corrections and the minutes were approved as read.

TREASURER'S REPORT Elaine Hoye read the Treasurer's Report in the absence of John Synal. As of June 30, 1985, the report showed cash on hand and audited total assets of $7,152.90. Hal Mumford had audited the books and found it to be in order. There were no corrections or additions and the treasurer's report was approved as read. President Neal asked that any unpaid dues be paid to Elaine Hoye before leaving the meeting.

President Neal also brought up the fact that the low lake level had been great concern to many people and he had written a letter to Niagara Mohawk. Then President Neal read the reply letter from Niagara Mohawk, controller of Peck's Lake water level, which commented on the reasons for the low water level during the summer of 1985 and elaborated on their philosophy regarding lake level. As it is a strong indication of their policy in this regard, a copy of their letter is provided in these minutes:

August 20, 1985
 
 
Mr. Harold T. Neal, President
Peck's Lake Protective Association
Peck's Lake Box 108D
Gloversville, New York  12078

Dear Mr. Neal:

As I described in my letter to you on August 6, 1985, our Stations group has reviewed your letter of July 22, 1985 regarding the operation of Peck's Lake. The following information addresses the concerns you have raised.

Niagara Mohawk's normal procedure, for scheduling the gate closing at Peck's Lake, is very similar to the procedure you outlined in your letter. Each year we utilize snow cover survey date that is taken on or about February 1, March 1, March 15, April 1 and April 15. This information is combined with rainfall data to date, projected rainfall data, and historical information to analyze current situations and plan the operation of the gates accordingly.

1985, however, has been a truly unusual year. As you are aware, New York State is suffering badly from serious water shortages due the the thinner snowpack this winter and the lack of rainfall this spring. Reservoirs near New York City are 20, 30 and 40 feet below normal levels; the Sacandaga Reservoir is below normal levels; and areas throughout the State have declared water emergencies, prohibiting all but essential uses of water.

The Peck's Lake watershed suffered from the same situation this spring. When the gates were closed March 28, 1985, lake levels rainfall data and water content of the snow were reasonably close to what has been experienced in recent years. However, a dramatic change occurred in April and May. In 1983 and 1984, 13.5 and 9.8 inches of rainfall respectively in April and May helped fill Peck's Lake to normal levels. In 1985, only 3.7 inches of rain fell in those two months. This lack of rainfall contributed significantly to Peck's Lake, and all of the reservoirs in New York State, experiencing lower levels this year.

In normal years, Niagara Mohawk is able to draw from the lake after it has been filled in the spring. Utilization of one foot of drawdown in each of the months of June, July and August, contributes heavily to hydroelectric generation at our Ephratah station during the summer peak load months. This hydroelectric generation is one of the main reasons Niagara Mohawk has a diverse generation mix and, as a result, the lowest kilowatt hour cost of all the major utilities in New York State.

This year we recognized the problem that had developed and reacted by eliminating all release from the time the gates were closed on March 28 to the present. Considering the statewide water shortage situation, I feel strongly that we have done very well to keep Peck's Lake at approximately elevation 1376.5, within six inches of normal late summer/early fall levels.

Please be assured that Niagara Mohawk will continue to do everything possible to predict future conditions and operate the gates at Peck's Lake accordingly so that all can enjoy the benefits of normal lake levels.

Very truly yours,
John T. Forenoon
General Manager
Northeast Region

LAKE EDWARD President Neal gave Ted Hoye a copy of a letter which the PLPA had received from EnCon as Ted is representing the PLPA in regard to the withdrawal of water from Lake Edward. The PLPA has been concerned that Gloversville would withdraw water from Lake Edward but the August 9, 1985 letter from EnCon stated that they are only testing a pump station and intake facility at Lake Edward.

REVIEW IF EVENTS Bob Bergmann was asked for a report on the Annual Dinner and stated the the third Saturday in August has been selected for the date each year. Bob also asked that people sign a card listing their name and address so we can update the roster. In regard to welcoming newcomers to the lake, Hal wanted to know if we should have a social gathering for that purpose. The consensus was that the Annual Dinner served that purpose. Bernie Sleeper suggested that another golf outing might be scheduled for earlier in the summer and Bernie is going to look into that possibility.

DOGS President Neal read a statement outlining the Board of Directors'' position on dogs which are nuisances. If the Board receives repeated complaints, they will send a letter of complaint to the dog's owner and if no results, a firmer letter will be sent. If there is still a problem, the Board will take the matter up with appropriate authorities and seek action to have the dog removes.

WATER SAFETY Boating and canoeing rules were then discussed and it was hoped that everyone had received a copy of the regulations in that regard.

ROADS The Board has received many complaints about not having speed limits for the Shore Roads and it has been pursuing the matter with the Towns of Johnstown and Bleecker. There is nothing in writing yet but the Board intends to pursue the matter until we get limits. It was also noted at the meeting that 16 new road signs had been installed at PLPA expense, ($780), with volunteer labor. Subsequent "vouchering" to the towns of Johnstown and Bleecker have resulted in reimbursement of all but $45 of the cost, so the PLPA gained 16 signs for $45 and the Towns gained $1500 worth of signs for half price. Both parties made out! Special thanks to the volunteer sign installers

MAILBOXES If we want house to house delivery, we should direct letters to the post office district office in Springfield with copies of the letter sent to various other persons. The names and addresses are to be published in a subsequent newsletter. Until we get such service, we will have to make due with the existing system, and request that you keep your mailbox in good repair. Last year Frank Greene, Hal Mumford and Dan Phelan bolstered up the boxes. Complaints were registered about the numbering of the boxes as we are already up to 108CC, and there were numerous complaints about the inaccuracy of the mail delivery.

WATER QUALITY Larry Doubleday reported that the pH level is good and relatively unchanged over the past 4 or 5 years, however we intend to continuing to monitor. Bernie Sleeper mentioned that quite some time had passed since EnCon collected data for their survey. Larry reported that he had received a letter from the Commissioner of Environmental Conservation in the State of New York committing his organization to finalizing the aquatic life survey run by the State in August 1984. It should be available in late 1985. The Board will then decide whether it should restock the lake. The question was asked if the State had an obligation to restock the lake and both Larry ad Hal replied "NO" as it is considered to be a private lake.

PECK FAMILY REPORT Wellington Peck spoke on behalf of the Peck Family and expressed concern over increased rentals of private homes on the lake because dome homeowners are not insuring that their renters are aware of and are following the deed protections. He also stated that if canoeing is to continue on the lake, rules must be adhered to as that is also a growing problem.
Mike Ringanese then asked Wellington about a shower house to be constructed near the Marina. Wellington said that they had engaged an engineer to design it and that the water would be supplied by a drilled well and the wastewater would be taken care by a septic system or dry well.

ELECTIONS Prior to elections there was a discussion concerning the present method of electing officers. Hal read the Bylaws concerning our present method and a motion was made and seconded to leave it as is. The nominating committee was then asked to present nominations for officers and directors for the next year. Esther Neal submitted the following slate on behalf of herself, Jean Driggs and Norma Young who comprised the committee:

President Neal then read a list of the other six board members and said no to be afraid to call them if problems arise.

Before the meeting adjourned, Larry Doubleday referred to all the problems outgoing President Hal Neal has dealt with and presented Hal with an engraved plaque in appreciation of all his efforts.

Bob Bergmann then moved that the annual meeting be adjourned and Esther Neal seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 11:20am.

Respectfully Submitted,
Dorothy Holly, Secretary

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