Twin Lakes Association Board Meeting December 17, 2025
Present on Zoom: Erica Cohn,Grant Bogle, Russ Conklin, Carey Fiertz, Marie (Interpreter)/ Jeff Bravin,
Jessica Swartz, Danny Vogus, Rich Haupt, Bill Barton, Dan Kadlec, Jackie Blombach, Eric Stoer, Jean Bell, Dave Mathus, Blake Morrison, Jack Mahoney
TLA account balances:
The TLA enters 2026 in a strong financial position. We raise what we spend, so it’s important to have a healthy bank balance entering the new calendar year. In addition to the current account balances, the TLA will receive an additional one third of the hydrilla expenses for Q3 and Q4 as reimbursement via the CT DEEP AIS grant we received for the 2025 season.
Bill Barton proposed a laddered CD program to generate higher returns for the TLA while ensuring we have adequate reserves to pay ongoing expenses. The TLA will also explore brokerage houses, such as Fidelity where we have a relationship. Finally, in the first half of 2026, the TLA will explore options such as an endowment and legacy giving. Bill will help drive this effort with Jean Bell and Jack Mahoney.
TLA projected budget:
Over 90% of the 2025 projected expenses of $425,000 have been paid. Total estimated expenses for 2026 equal $450,000 which includes herbicides, administration costs, monitors, the watershed study and harvesting on West Twin. Projected income is from grants, fundraising, and the Town of Salisbury matches our projected expenses.
Grant status and fundraising:
Grant funding continues to be productive for the TLA. Jackie Blombach presented on the grant programs. For 2025, the TLA reached out to 6 organizations and has received three grants: $25,000 from the Bates Foundation for the next phase of the Watershed Study, $3000 from the Millbrook Garden Club and $5000 from the Jack Langerman Community Foundation. We submitted a grant application to the CT DEEP AIS grant program on December 9 and expect to hear in early 2026.
Fundraising:
Erica Cohn gave thanks to generous residents, the TLA newsletter spreading information, coverage in the local paper, and our end of year appeal. In 2025,we have raised over $450, 000.The TLA has 74 first time donors this year, 139 retained donors, and 12 recaptured donors.
Lake management update:
Russ Conklin gave an update on lake management activities for 2025 and the plans for 2026. Our plans have not changed from the October board meeting report. We will focus on targeted treatment of Curly Leaf Pondweed and Eurasian Milfoil, mostly in West Middle and West Twin. The management of Hydrilla in East Twin will continue with a very similar approach as in 2025. The permitting process will begin before the end of the year. The TLA, in conjunction with the Salisbury School and a resident on West Twin, is developing a comprehensive plan for increasing the maintenance and removal of Tape Grass from the rowing lane in Middle and West Twin. This is a multi step process that involves the donation of equipment to the Salisbury School, which will store, maintain and operate the equipment, and the TLA, which will oversee all permitting, management and fund raising to offset the costs incurred by the Salisbury School. The plan as currently envisioned, is memorialized in a non_binding Memorandum of Understanding between the TLA and The Salisbury School. The Board unanimously (with David Mathus abstaining because he sits on the board of the Salisbury School) approved entering into the MOU with Salisbury School, the transfer of the skimmer and trailer to Salisbury School, and the acceptance of the causeway easement subject to the an acceptable easement agreement..
Communication survey results:
Dan Kadlec reviewed the September communication survey results from 100 respondents. 93% have visited the website more than once, with most focusing on news and the photo gallery. Our members want tips on septic maintenance, lake friendly planting and an electronic directory. Our members are not asking for a more active social media presence by the TLA, but they are open to targeted information. 70% want a printed directory. In general people know about our events. Over half of the respondents said yes to a family membership, which the TLA will explore once again in 2026. .
The meeting was adjourned after 75 minutes.
Board minutes submitted by Erica Cohn, Secretary.