Board members present at the meeting on Isola Bella:
Grant Bogle, Bill Barton, Dan Kadlec, Danny Vogus, Jackie Blombach, Jeff Bravin, Rich Haupt, Russ Conklin, Carey Fiertz, Jean Bell and Jessica Swartz
Approximately 88 Members Present
TLA News:
Excellent exciting news: Through July 31, no new hydrilla plants have been found in the lake system which may allow for fewer herbicide treatments for hydrilla in 2027. Data collection for the watershed study will conclude this year followed by analysis of all the data this fall and spring, which will facilitate longer term management discussions beginning next year. We are exploring purchasing a high pressure hot water decontamination system. West Twin Tape Grass harvesting began in July and is a collaboration between the TLA and TSS.
Grant reinforced the lake health initiatives introduced in June from Nature’s Action Guide such as turning off lights at night, removing invasives, expanding shoreline vegetative buffers as well as pumping septics every other year.
Recognition of gratitude for their service to our board members stepping down including Bill Barton, Jeff Cox, Jack Mahoney, Blake Morrison, and Eric Stoer.
Board Elections:
Four TLA members are standing for 3 year board terms:
Kim Gilman, Cathy Durning, Cam McClearn and Dag Skattum
Will Webb will join the board as the ex-officio director representing TSS.
A vote was taken to add Kim, Cathy, Cam and Dag to the board and all were unanimously voted in. Dag was elected to the role of Senior Vice President and Russ was elected as VP of Lake Management.
Governance Docs By laws TLPF:
These revisions were initiated to bring the TLA bylaws into compliance with CT corporate law and IRS regulations. Changes include:
- A 3 year board term
- Approval of the annual TLA budget by membership
- The American School for the Deaf, Twin Lakes Beach Club, The Salisbury School and O’Hara’s landing will have automatic representation to the board
- Provide a mechanism for members to remove directors
- Establish a quorum for membership votes of at least 25 members present
- Elevate the position of VP of Lake Management to officer
- Allow for membership vote by written ballot in lieu of attending a meeting
- Clearing delineating the duties of each officer
A motion was initiated, seconded and the bylaws were approved by unanimous vote.
The Twin Lakes Preservation Fund
The purpose of the TLPF is to provide financial support for projects and initiatives that enhance the mission for the TLA to preserve and protect the lakes watershed and system. This is a long term initiative and the focus going forward to build this fund will be on planned giving. A motion to approve the charter was initiated, seconded and passed unanimously.
2027 Budget:
YTD July 2026, the TLA has received in donations and in grants/other income for a total income of $217,535 for current operations
Separately, the LPF received $331,338 in donations
Total Expenses YTD July are $223,339 of which 84% are for lake management expenses
Bank balances as of August 5, 2026 total $401,074
Checking/MM: $236,276 Earmarked: $ 110,953
CD’s: $203,761
TLA Projected Expenses
Solitude: $ 150,000
NEAR: $ 150,000
Admin/Other: $ 20,000
Monitors: $ 50,000*
Watershed Study: $ 20,000**
WT Harvesting: $ 35,000***
Biomass Removal: $ 25,000***
Total: $ 450,000
Projected Income:
Dues & Donations: $ 275,000
Town of Salisbury: $ 75,000
Grants: $ 100,000
Total: $ 450,000
A motion to vote on the budget was introduced, seconded and was passed unanimously.
Other business:
Thank you to ASD for allowing the TLA to use their facilities to host the meeting, picnic and venue for Twin Lakes Day.
The meeting was adjourned after 75 minutes.