August 2025
QQLA ANNUAL MEETING SUNDAY, AUGUST 10, 2025
Meeting officially opened at 10:45 am at Camp Frank A. Day by Don Taft.
74 Members in attendance.
Welcome new members
Introduction of Board of Directors, announcement of retiring members: Judy Nelson, Connie Montrose, Mary Lou Knight, Michelle Mandella. We are in need of volunteers.
Membership gave a round of applause and expressed gratitude to Gus Noriega, the staff and volunteers at the camp for hosting and providing breakfast.
Motion by Don Taft to approve the 2024 minutes, unanimously approved.
Don encouraged members to submit their vote for the photography contest, we had 119 submissions, need to vote on final 12
There are notecards and merchandise available for sale, we are able to take credit cards.
Treasurer's report is available, motion to accept, unanimously approved.
It was noted that there are 30 less members on our list compared to last year,
Lou Fazen made an announcement to encourage everyone to reach out to their neighbors and encourage participation.
Peter Durant our state senator was introduced and expressed his gratitude for our efforts and his continued support to protect and preserve local ponds and lakes.
Doug Vizard addressed the weed issue in NP was aggressively treated this year and members have noticed a difference.
SWWTP: Doug announced his continued efforts to monitor the plant for compliance. Questions remain regarding Infiltration and Inflow (I&I) and the plant is behind with reporting, however Doug remains optimistic that they remain within the allotted parameters.
Bill Seabourne addressed our current fundraising efforts including the Ice Out Contest (which broke even this year) as well as the Poker paddle which was held last month and had very few participants. Next year it will return to the September date.
Bill also announced that we do not feel a need to raise our dues at this point and please reach out to encourage your neighbors to join. 200 families live on our ponds and our membership is well below this.
Maureen Leepak from the Brookfield Board of Health (BBOH) Spoke regarding Beach Closures and Algae Bloom
Beach Closures
The beach on SP is tested every Monday during the summer for E-Coli, the beach will be closed when necessary. Rainy, cloudy days increase E-coli
Toxic Algae Bloom
North Pond has tested positive for cyanobacteria, and is currently closed.
The pond will be retested and will need two negative tests to reopen. Warm and dry conditions increase algae.
Recent events have highlighted the need for improvement in communication between the state and the BBOH.
If you notice algae please report to BBOH, when in doubt…stay out. Very toxic to pets.
Member Questions:
Where do you test for algae? At the kayak ramp
Can residents test themselves? Yes, but expensive, $400 per test.
Maureen advised resident to keep septic up to date, clean up after pets and report any issues to BBOH.
Brookfield Highway Department is working along Quaboag street to improve drainage and soil stabilization.
High water mark: it was noted that we have worked for 4 years to have the high water mark recognized by the state so that a no wake notice can be posted when water level is above 601 feet. This appears to be moving forward.
Resident access to Tantasqua High School Swimming Pool is also moving forward.
Meg Noyes spoke regarding invasive species: Japanese knot weed and purple loosestrife. She is looking for volunteers to help control the spread.
Jen Yorzak spoke regarding Wild Bill Swim, thanking all that participated (129) and volunteered to make the event a success. Proceeds of the event sponsor swim lessons for local children.
Don reminded members of upcoming events, including illumination night and the annual turkey drive.
A monthly newsletter is emailed to each member if you are not receiving it please check your spam folder.
50:50 Raffle prize was $410, won by Skip Nielson and donated to QQLA
Meeting was adjourned at 11:45
Guest speaker, Carl Neilson spoke regarding the alum treatment in South Pond.