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Bay Betterment Association Located on the Seaway Trail between Rochester and Syracuse, N.Y. near the southern shore of Lake Ontario. The Finger Lakes and The Erie Canal are only minutes away. |
The August 19, 2007 meeting of the Bay Betterment Association was called to order by President Sam Colvin at 10:00 AM. There were 24 people in attendance. Bonnie Scoville from The Pleasant Beach Hotel joined us. She gave us a brief background of herself and her husband H. In addition to being in the restaurant business, they have been in the custom home construction business. They finally decided on coming to Fair Haven and set to work. They employed 40 people this season – all from the community. Bonnie mentioned that a business contributes to tax revenue; Mayor McVea added that ⅔ of the Village budget comes from taxes – excluding the B&B tax which goes to tourism. The Pleasant Beach Hotel has rented 200 rooms so far; and had a positive July 4th experience and comments. Boaters will probably be the largest area for expansion. Increased boating traffic will not only add to their business, but will also create increased traffic at other local businesses. Bonnie mentioned that the August 4th weekend was busier than July 4th. It shows that people are here the rest of the time, not only on the 4th. After Labor Day there will be special hours – check the website for updates. Current plans are to be closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and play it by ear. There will be a New Years Eve party, and then probably re-open in April with limited hours – expanding as needed. Then Bonnie asked about the BBA. Sam explained that the focus of the BBA is to do what is needed to make the bay better. He gave a brief history starting with getting West Bay Road paved, through getting water lines and weeds. In 1980 the association was formed. The BBA maintains a neutral position on issues. Mayor McVea mentioned the October 2 meeting of the Tourism Bureau at Sabin Hall – he’s interested in pressing for more attention for Fair Haven. He mentioned the critical status of the Chamber of Commerce, the work they do and the need. WIFI is available in the vicinity of the Village Hall and Pleasant Beach. Treasurer Judy Neidrich reported $210 in income and $133.49 in expenses. The total of checking and savings accounts is $13,439.10. Anita Hadcock spoke on the results of research on weeds, and silt in Meadow Cove. She spent time talking with Cayuga County Soil & Water who confirmed that high phosphorus increases weed growth. Sewers will go a long way toward correcting this situation. There’s a phosphorus-free fertilizer which Soil & Water will sell in volume at a very reasonable cost. People who are interested could buy as a group and get a bulk shipment. Other measures to help control weed growth - remove weeds when you cut them, use a mulching lawnmower instead of tossing weed clippings in the bay, and use barley bags (under the dock) in the spring to control algae. With regard to using alum to control weeds as has been done elsewhere, Soil & Water isn’t sure about it; they want to do more research and will give an opinion. Anita is working up information that will be accessible via her e-mail. The barley bags can be made by using deer netting, a swimming noodle, and barley straw. Roll the barley straw and noodle in the deer netting like a burrito. You’ll want this to float just under the surface of the water. It will inhibit algae growth without affecting aquatic life. These are good for about 6 months, so putting them out as early as April or May wouldn’t be too early. The barley bags will probably be more successful in coves. She’ll be looking for a source for barley straw. Soil & Water will be able to provide a contact. The DEC will sent permits regarding dredging in Meadow Cove. LaValley needs to be consulted. There’s some possibility for funding after facts are gathered and the dollar amount of the project is determined – possibly check with Pat Ridgeway. Sam briefly mentioned that he had copies of the LOCI News – the Lake Ontario Coastal Initiative – which is in the second year of a five year implementation phase. They are accumulating feedback which will have an impact on final decisions. Stats and Information available in the Democrat & Chronicle from Rochester: Lake Ontario is 9” below the 100 year average Temperatures are 20 0gher than average Rainfall is 200wer than average Sam brought up the issue of voting with backup information from Mayor McVea – after the last elections Congressman Walsh won by a slim margin. We need to remember that Congressman Walsh is currently our biggest ally – 550f the monies for our sewer project are attributed to his efforts. In the past he’s supported (with monies) repair to our seawall and dredging the channel. Money for dredging is not automatically in the Army Corps of Engineers budget – Congressman Walsh was able to get money to dredge and that will continue to be the way it is. Sam urged people to consider re-registration for voting so you will have the opportunity to vote the Congressman. Registration forms are available at the Post Office and we’ll try to have a supply available at the September BBA meeting. There’s no residency requirement to register; you must be a property owner; once you re-register your previous registration will be cancelled automatically. Once registered, be sure you vote; if you’re away vote by absentee ballot. If an average of 200 people vote in an election, you would have greater impact with a vote in the Fair Haven area than most districts where people own homes. Weed cutters will be back in the bay the third week in August. At West Barrier Bar, “no swimming” will be stenciled on both sides of the pier. The sheriff’s boat will be enforcing no channel swimming. The meeting was adjourned at 11:30. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Marlowe Secretary | . |