MINUTES
OCTOBER 28, 2004
MEETING of GENERAL MEMBERSHIP
President Stan Goldsmith called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Board members present were Stan Goldsmith, President, Sam Skillman, Vice President, Bill Wallace, Treasurer, Julia Moore, Secretary, Richard Beaton, Dennis Boley, Gerry Caprario, Bill Morgan, Fred Tannehill, Butch Shaffer and Joe Weatherspoon. Approximately 60+/- members were present.
Stan asked all present to introduce themselves.
Secretary Julia Moore reminded attendees minutes of all meetings are posted on the web site. She asked members to please feel free to contact her if they needed. She also asked all attendees to please sign in on the sheets provided and emphasized giving us their new e-mail addresses if they had one.
Treasurer Bill Wallace reported that we have collected $11,553.80 from 255 member households clean up day sponsorships and that the balance in our account is $4,050.21.
Stan then asked Bill Wallace to begin the Committee reports section.
Regarding our Navigation and Hazard Marking Project, at an August 2, 2004 meeting to discuss issues with the LVLA Board, Ms. Teresa Rogers, Reservoir Superintendent, AEP acknowledged that only 3 or an assumed 16 mileage markers on Leesville Lake are visible. Moreover, she agreed that none of the existing markers are lighted for night functionality. But, she would not acknowledge that AEP originally established this system.
Moreover, Ms. Rogers professed difficulty in determining what the costs of restoration, replacement and annual maintenance might be, and asked LVLA for an estimate.
Optimistic that AEP might entertain underwriting all or part of these costs, an estimate was prepared and discussed at the August 12, 2004 LVLA Board meeting. The estimate called for approximately $12,000 to replace the entire system, bringing navigation accuracy to the sites (e.g. mile separation), and lighting each site with solar powered lamps to give day/night utility. An additional $1,700 was estimated for annual maintenance and upkeep amon the 16 site system. The LVLA Board unanimously approved the estimate and agreed to submit it to Ms. Rogers, again stating the utility of this system in support of boating safety on Leesville Lake, and pointing out that the cost of system restoration exceeds the ability of LVLA to fund through annual membership dues. The estimate was submitted on August 17, 2004.
To date, Ms. Rogers has not responded to this letter nor returned phone calls inquiring as to its receipt.
In prior correspondence, the LVLA Board has called on AEP through Ms. Rogers’ office to endorse the need for governmental support for hazard markings required throughout Leesville Lake. To date there has been no response to this request, as well.
In follow up to Bill’s report Mr. Haskins reported that there is now a pile-driver on the lake, suggesting it could possibly be used to help with putting up the signs.
John Banyi suggested that the Corps of Engineers might be a possible alternative to get the job done. He also suggested we report AEP’s lack of response to FERC. Stan agreed that we would.
Since AEP has not acknowledged installing the original markers, Butch Shaffer agreed that he could look at mile marker #8 and see if there are any markings on it regarding installation or manufacturer.
Stan thanked members for their suggestions and reiterated that mile markers and navigational aides are becoming more and more important as more and more new people begin to use the lake.
Roger Winters asked if AEP managed other lakes. The response was yes, Claytor and SML. Stan also pointed out that TLAC at SML and other counties are providing a great deal of the funding.
Sherwood Zimmerman mentioned that perhaps we could get together volunteer labor for the sign project. Stan reminded us that we still need approval from the correct concerned party before we can begin.
Continuing with committee reports, Richard Beaton, showed us samples of other lake maps and told us a map for Leesville Lake is in progress. He expects the map to be completed in less than a year. It was asked if we would have to fund the setting up of the map. Richard answered, no, we only were responsible to buy whatever maps we needed or wanted.
Sam Skillman, Chairman of our Clean Up Committee reported that we have all exerted a good effort over the last year and that there has been good participation around the lake during a full day clean up in May and 2 half day clean up sessions in September. He estimates that we’ve removed 4-5 tractor trailer loads of debris. The AEP skimmer was here in May for 19 days and Sam thinks we will get no more skimmer time. Sam thanked residents and individuals for cleaning and burning saying it shows AEP and others that we’re willing to work and help the process.
Sam went on to say that even with all our volunteer efforts there were not enough resources to handle the quantities of debris we had recently.
After Sam and other Board members visited Claytor Lake, they learned that Claytor had bought surplus equipment and AEP loaned them a conveyor.
Sam asked for volunteer to form a committee to brainstorm about equipment, costs, disposal sites, means of disposal, etc. to present to AEP. He is hopefully this group could form quickly.
Gerry Caprario voiced his concern that Leesville is never mentioned in conjunction with SML.
Ron Long suggested it’s time we all start sending letters and pictures directly to FERC. Names and addresses to send letter and pictures to are on our website www.leesvillelake.org.
It was also suggested that the Board prepare a listing of essential points/sample letter to make sure all points are covered if members wish to write to state representatives, counties, or FERC.
Fred Tannehill suggested we try to get the media more involved in LVL concerns.
Stan emphasized that we need to be able to involve and incorporate all the counties. He agrees the volunteer effort has been impressive but not nearly enough. He thinks we must be smart about finding ways to get rid of debris. Claytor Lake is a good example but not the only one.
Bill Wallace continued committee reports by discussing Water Quality. Bill’s first topic was the Water Quality Sampling Program. Currently, Leesville has two water sampling stations under the Smith Mountain Water Quality Monitoring program run under contract with Ferrum University, and 5 water sampling stations under the VADEQ Water Quality program. A dedicated water q2uality program tailored to Leesville Lake is needed.
A proposal has been prepared to obtain contract support in developing a water quality sampling program that is uniquely tailored to LVL, and to develop and provide follow-on analyses of data obtained to support promulgation of water quality reports. An additional 15 data sampling points are proposed to bring the LVL sampling density on part with the program on-going at SML.
A preliminary estimate of the non-recurring cost of this proposal is $10,000. An additional $6,500 recurring annual costs is estimated to sustain the operation of the program.
Bill’s next discussion covered the Riparian Buffer Demonstration Project. The weekly 13 foot fluctuation in water level on Leesville Lake has generated significant shoreline erosion, and probably silt build-up at the face of Leesville Dam.
Alternatives to rip-rap stabilization methods are needed. A project demonstrating use of non-invasive plants and trees is needed to make the property and homeowners in and around the lake aware of methods and techniques for using native plants for shoreline stabilization.
A proposal has been prepared to support establishment of a riparian buffer project. The estimated cost for this project, assuming donated land is $5,000.
Bill’s final topic was regarding a Project to Estimate the Leesville Lake Service Life. A recent trip to Claytor Lake revealed that Claytor has only about 40 years remaining on its estimated 100 year service life. This estimate was derived by the Army Corps of Engineers following their assessment of the silt buildup at the face of Claytor Lake Dam several years ago. AEP joined with Friends of Claytor Lake to petition this assessment.
It is not known whether there has been a service life assessment at either dam in the Smith Mountain Pumped Storage Project. Unofficial reports have suggested that the silt buildup at the face of smith Mountain Dam may have reduced water depths there by as much as 100 feet. If this is accurate, Leesville Lake could be in similar difficulty.
Richard Beaton suggested that LVLA should be a member of the Roanoke River Basin. Stan reported that although we have not paid any money, we do receive information and invitations to their meetings.
Linda Morgan asked what happens at the end of the useful
life. (Was there an answer to this question)
Stan asked for a volunteer to attend a DEQ meeting on 11/04.
Safety and Security Committee Chairman, Gerry Caprario, gave our litter bags, brochures on boating safety, and emergency whistles for those who participated in a safety questionnaire. He also questioned attendees about number, size, and use of life jackets.
Gerry announced that he is becoming a certified vessel examiner—hopefully by next spring.
Sherwood Zimmerman asked if any thought had been given to regulating the size of boats on the lake. Stan thinks it falls under boating safety and we will look at.
Roger Winters asked if we had a fish stocking plan. Dennis Boley replied that we have an excellent stocking program—walleye and striper in particular. He also asked for any volunteers to go with a fish biologist, Dan Wilson, next year to do fish studies on the lake.
Joe Weatherspoon cautioned about using corn on the lake to attract geese. He says to please don’t feed the geese as they then don’t want to leave.
Bill Wallace suggested the Safety Committee look at increasing safety inspections.
In closing Stan said it was critical that we have the support of the counties around the lake to accomplish all the projects/needs we’ve discussed. We have begun which makes an impact on the counties and AEP. AEP may make a case that we be part of the TLAC (Tri-County Lake Area Commission) group at SML. We want our own. There will be presentation to each county board of supervisors. We won’t be asking for money yet—only getting the counties to agree to the concept of working together for the lake. If formed the TLAC type group will be the primary caretaker of the lake.
A final question was asked about who’s accountable for cutting trees and letting them fall/lay in the water. (I didn’t write down the suggestions or answer here. Anyone remember? Also does anyone know the lady’s name who asked?)
FOLLOW-UP ACTION ITEMS
- Report to FERC regarding AEP’s lack of response to our navigational aid and mile marker proposal
- Bill should contact Corps of Engineers as possible alternative source for help with mile markers and navigational aids
- Butch to check mile marker 8 for manufacturer information
- Sam to find volunteers to form a brainstorming committee regarding how best to proceed with lake clean up
- Board to prepare and post on web format and/or essential points for members who may wish to write letters to state representatives, FERC, county administrators, etc.
- Stan to find member volunteer to attend DEQ meeting 11/04
- Dennis to find volunteers to work with Dan Wilson, fish biologist
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
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Julia B. Moore, Secretary
October 30, 2004
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