RPA Meeting minutes
Recent Minutes
Richmond Pond Association Draft Minutes
April 28, 2026, by Zoom
Welcome – Louise opened the meeting at 7:05 pm by welcoming all in attendance.
Approval of RPA minutes for October 28, 2025– Doreen made a motion to approve the minutes for October 28, 2025. Motion approved.
Approval of RPA 2025 Annual Report- Doreen made a motion to approve the 2025 RPA annual report. Motion approved.
Updates from Town Hall– Danielle was not present but provided Louise with the following information: The kayak launch, fishing dock, and swimming dock should be installed in the next couple of weeks. Because they have to get into the water for the installation, they are waiting for warmer weather. The Town is not going to advertise for a lifeguard as there have not been any applicants for the past several years. Given the increase in the duties of the boat monitors, the Town used the lifeguard salary to increase the boat ramp monitors pay. The monitors will now make $18 an hour up from $15 an hour. They will start on Memorial Day and end the week before Columbus Day. Neal will find out the date for the beach opening.
A new handicap mat has been installed and has direct access into the water. It is completely out of the sand area, which they believe will avoid many of the problems they've had in the past with the ramp’s stability. Louise did not know for sure if the old ramp was removed.
The protocol for people wanting to use the accessibility chairs is to email or call the town hall to get the code to the storage shed. There is a note on the door explaining this. The RPA has raised the question about off hours and on the weekends when nobody is at Town Hall. To Danielle’s knowledge, there have been no complaints or problems. They are debating on changing the process to either calling Pete on his cell, or have people go through the pond monitors. They will notify us of any changes.
The road plate is still in place covering the culvert hole on Beach Road. They are exploring some options for repairs.
The selectman will be meeting on Wednesday, April 27thto vote on the contract for weed management. The lone bidder was Solitude.
The town is hoping to begin work on the boat wash station this week or next. The highway department is doing the installation work. Once it is installed, the state will come out to train the monitors, and the highway department personnel. The installation will be up and running by Memorial Day. For liability purposes, the boat ramp monitors and the highway department employees are the only ones allowed to operate the washer.
Financial report – Laura reviewed the financials. All the dues have been collected ($2500) and donations received ($4,045). She recently rolled over the RPA CD for 6 months at a rate of 3.64%. The dam fund CD is due to rollover in May. Laura will follow up on the WHH grant to see if this is still available and if it is she will apply for it. A motion was made to accept the financial report, accepted.
RPA participation and confirm volunteer for the Anita Chapman Awarding Committee- Doreen will be the RPA representative on the awarding committee. The meeting is scheduled for May 12th.
Nomination for President- Louise nominated Doreen Donovan for the open President’s position. She accepted the nomination. A vote was taken and her nomination was approved. She will assume this role at the May meeting. This will leave the secretary position open. There were no volunteers at this time.
Project updates & other developments around the Pond
Camp Arrow Wood–Matt reported that the camp is getting ready for their season. There has been an increase in campers each year. They will host a prep school football team at the camp from mid August to November 1st.
They are repairing the baseball and softball fields. The camp is also working on a plan to keep the geese off of the fields. The outdoor lighting will be addressed this spring.
Camp Russell-No update. Cam was absent.
Weed management and lake management plans update-Bruce reported that he has been in contact with Dominic from Solitude. If the contract is approved tomorrow then the Pond will be treated in May for the pre-emergent weeds. The herbicide that will be used to treat the weeds is Sonar. This should be very effective for several years on the invasive Eurasian milfoil, and also have some impact on the other kinds of proliferative species such as Brittle Naiad and Hydrilla. The Order of Conditions granted and the approval by NHESP do not share the same date. As a result, the renewal date for the Order of Conditions will likely be based on the expiration date of the NHESP approval which is December 23, 2029.
One of the orders of condition from the Pittsfield Con Com is to update our Lake Management Plan. It was last updated in 2016. Bruce has been in contact with Ken Wagner who has worked with the RPA in the past on a lake management plan. Bruce shared what would be included in the plan and the cost. The cost is $28,000. Bruce’s concern is if the plan is not updated before the NOI expires, it could make it harder to get approval when it is time to renew. Bruce will follow up with Ken Wagner regarding a time line and a payment schedule.
Matt questioned if UMass might be another resource. He read on UMass Amherst’s website that they have a research center that provides research, educational, and technical resources for sustainable lake management in Massachusetts. Matt will follow up to obtain more information.
Funding proposal for weed management-Funding for weed management was discussed. The funding needs to be in place before the selectmen meet tomorrow. At this meeting we are going by Danielle’s thought that the cost is approximately $88,000. The Town has $37,000 which has accumulated over the past 5 years for weed management. Louise will ask Danielle to reach out to Jim McGrath to ask about funding from Pittsfield.
Ken made a motion that we allocate up to $51,000 for the purpose of paying for this weed treatment with the understanding that if there is money that comes from somewhere else, whether it's the town, whether it's Pittsfield, that that commitment would be reduced. The motion was second. After discussion Louise amended the motion. The amended motion is; the RPA will make up the difference between the actual contract and what Richmond and Pittsfield are able to contribute. If it is more than $51,000 from the RPA, we will have another vote tomorrow by email, by the Executive Board. Motion passed.
Garbage removal update- Miles has continued to monitor and collect garbage from the boat ramp down to the beach. He notes less garbage.
Cyanobacteria update- Bruce posted to the RPA website a seminar on cyanobacteria that was sponsored by Lee’s Department of Health.
Paul Neumann has been in contact with Shannon from LAPA West to schedule dates for testing. Paul will ask Shannon for the past testing data as this may be needed for the lake management plan. Louise may have an individual to resume testing of the tributaries.
Louise and Doreen met with a company out of Woods Holes called Sub Tidal. They have a fresh water monitoring pilot program for cyanobacteria. The program requires a buoy to be placed in the deepest part of the lake. Once placed, the data is transmitted back to Sub Tidal and uploaded to an online dashboard. The data sent includes weather condition, wave dynamics, and temperature, oxygen and cyanobacteria levels, along with nitrogen and phosphorus levels. This data can be accessed at any time by the user. Monitoring would start in May and go until November. An in depth report is included which gives guidance on remediation and prevention. The cost is $1000 a month. This may be a good option but may not be feasible at this time due to the impact weed treatment will have on our budget.
Ken questioned how many lakes LAPA West is testing. Paul will follow up with Shannon on this question and also if she has knowledge of Sub Tidal
Educational initiatives with Richmond Consolidated School- Louise reports that this will be the third year of bringing students to the pond. The students have created 50 pinwheels. On these they wrote messages about how to protect the pond and facts about the pond. The students will distribute them to the communities around Richmond Pond on May 21st with a rain date of May 28th. Louise would like a representative from each of the associations around the pond to be available to receive the pinwheels
The students will also be walking around the pond, looking at the eagles, talking about the flora and fauna. They will clean the swale to keep the water flow as clear as possible going into the lake.
Louise made a motion to approve up to $500 for the Richmond Consolidated School field trip to the pond on May 21st. The motion was second and motion approved.
Approval of funding for new zebra mussel signage- Louise explained that the metal signs are about $65 per sign which includes shipping. 5 signs would cover the associations, 7 if the camps are included. Louise made a motion that we approve the funding for either 5 or 7 signs at $65 apiece. Motion approved.
Funding approval for coffee and cake initiative- Louise would like to reach out and meet at least once a season with each of the communities around the Pond. It could be at their annual meeting. Depending on the time of day, coffee and donuts would be provided by the RPA. This is an initiative to engage the residents of the lake communities and discuss the RPA’s work. The cost would be minimal. The idea was well received.
Outdoor Yoga- Doreen introduced Linda Mitchell. Linda is a yoga instructor who has been teaching community yoga at Richmond Town Hall. Doreen and she had discussed the possibility of bringing her community yoga outdoors at Richmond Pond. Linda described her class. Payment would be $5-$10 a session depending on what people can afford. This was well received. Linda will look at her schedule to see what works best for her with the goal of starting in June.
Historical records consolidation and storage update- Cricket is waiting to get a list of materials to begin to prioritized. Materials need to be triaged and then outline the next steps. Holly thought that a place to start would be the minutes and the water quality monitoring. All this information is filed at the Town Hall.
Pond history book sales update- Kerry reported that all of the 750 books have been sold. She expressed her gratitude to Bartlett’s and their help with the sales. They sold over $6,000 worth of books for the RPA. All of which was given back to the RPA in entirety.
Website – Bruce relayed that he was able to add a bulletin section to the main page. If there's something that somebody wants highlighted such as a meeting or event he can put the meeting on the bulletin with a link. He has updated the minutes and the annual report.
Recent developments around the pond
Community association reports:
Louise announced that the eagles at Branch Farm have at least one eaglet in the nest.
Odds & ends:
Trout stocking- Ken reported that he checked two weeks ago at the Mass Fish and Wildlife website, and at that point, Richmond Pond had already been stocked once. We get 3 stockings in the spring, and 1 stocking in the fall.
Annual Meeting- Louise asked for us to think about the annual meeting such as location and price.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:58 pm
ATTENDEE LIST:
Directors present (voting): Louise Brogan (vice-president, Branch Farm), Doreen Donovan (secretary, Richmond Shores), Laura Rosenthal (treasurer, South Pond Farm), Matt Linick (Camp Arrow Wood), Miles Garfinkel (At-Large), Kerry Hamilton (At-Large), Ken Kelly (independent cottages)
Ex-officio present (non-voting):None
Alternates present: Holly Stover (At-Large), Bruce Wintman (Website director, Whitewood), Cricket Nardacci (Whitewood), Paul Neumann (Richmond Shores)
Guests present: Suzanne Cassidy, Carl Foote, Neal Pilson (selectman), Linda Mitchell
Directors absent: Cam Stockton (Camp Russell), Jonna Gaberman (assistant treasurer, Whitewood)
Ex-officio absent: Danielle Fillio (Richmond Town Administrator) Jim McGrath (City of Pittsfield), Tom Potter (Richmond Con Com)
Alternates Absent: Kais Abderrahim (Camp Russell), Kitty Levitan (Whitewood), Joe McGovern (Camp Russell), Tim Mason (independent cottages), Gordon Dinsmore (South Pond Farm), Linda Kay (Richmond Shores), Al Nardacci (independent cottages)
Richmond Pond Association Draft Minutes
October 28, 2025, by Zoom
Welcome – Louise opened the meeting at 7:05 pm by welcoming all in attendance.
Approval of RPA minutes September 30– Under developments around the pond, Ken suggested an edit to the minutes clarifying that the dock was removed from the Richmond Shores swimming area. The minutes were approved. Doreen will amend the minutes.
Proposed meeting dates for 2026- The proposed dates for 2026 are 4/28, 5/26, 6/23, 7/28, 8/25, 9/22 and 10/27. There are no conflicts with any holidays. As of now the meetings will continue to meet by Zoom. Dates approved. Doreen asked if we may consider moving the meeting time to an earlier start. Louise will canvass the members to ask their preferred meeting time.
There was discussion on how to grow the attendance at our meetings. It is on the Town calendar and in the Richmond Record. Kerry suggested an article in the Richmond Record highlighting experience and backgrounds that would be useful as a RPA board member. Louise plans on doing more outreach at the pond communities during their annual meetings
Updates from Town Hall – No one from Town Hall was present. Louise noted that the handicap mat at the beach has not been removed. She also noted that new sand was added a few months ago but already eroding into the Pond. Doreen noted that the dock has been removed at the boat launch.
Financial report– Laura reported that she has done the filings for the IRS and for Massachusetts. With the increase in donations from the grant, she had to file a 990 form with Massachusetts. She has also sent out thank you notes to the donors.
Laura reviewed the financials. Our income increased by $1000 and there were no expenses. The financial report was approved.
Project updates & other developments around the Pond
Weed Management-Bruce reported that the Pond drawdown will begin November 1st. Pittsfield’s ConCom requested that the weed management permit be tabled until their December meeting. Richmond’s conservation agent is working with Pittsfield’s agent drafting the order of conditions. The hope is, come December, or at least this winter, we'll have new orders of conditions and an approved NOI. The lake management plan is adequate for the NOI but once the NOI is approved, then a re-evaluation will be done to bolster the lake management plan with consideration of the resources that are available to us.
Cyanobacteria Update- Louise reported that as of October 25th, cyanobacteria was still visible in the Pond. As far as she knows no samples have been collected for retesting. Louise will collect a sample to bring to Shannon for testing if the water is clear.
Identification of winter projects and convener for each- Louise presented the winter projects and asked for volunteers to take the lead for each project. Follow up on the projects will be in February.
1. Lake Management Plan- Bruce will take the lead. He will reach out to Jim McGrath and Shannon Poulin for revisions based on the December Con Com meeting. He will also ask for input from Ken.
2. Education Connection for RCS and Outreach to Lake Communities- Louise will head this project. 2026 will include the 4th, 5th and 6th grades. She is hoping to involve the 8th grade in water testing. Louise will also plan for community outreach opportunities.
3. Annual Report-Doreen will do this.
4. 319 Grant Pursuit- Doreen will reach out to Alison Dixon to discuss possible grant opportunities. Holly Stover would like to be involved.
5. Record Digitalization- This will be a team approach with Cricket, Holly, Ken and possibly Kyle Brogan. This will include prioritizing which files should be digitalized and where they will be stored.
6. Zebra Mussel Signs- Doreen and Louise will work on ordering the signs.
7. Designing of Letterhead for RPA- Ken shared the image that his wife designed for the RPA. This is seen in the Richmond Record. Cricket will photo shop the image from the Richmond Record for use as a letterhead.
Update on Camp Russell-Cam was not present. Louise did shut some open windows at the camp. She will follow up with Cam about securing the doors and windows.
Camp Arrow Wood–Matt reported that the hockey teams are in residence at the Camp. Cabins are being renovated. The Camp’s capacity for 2026 is 130 campers.
The light pollution from the Camp was discussed. Ken had received an email from Whitewood’s president expressing concern about the lights affecting their community which led Ken to email Matt with the concerns. Ken did relay that Pittsfield has a zoning ordinance in place for lighting. Matt discussed the safety issue of the lights for campers and staff. He feels that the light on the health center is the cause of the problem. They plan to rotate and lower the light away from the Pond and towards the quad to see if that fixes the problem. Other solutions such as solar or moving the electric lines are not realistic at this time.
Recent developments around the pond
Community association reports:
Richmond Shores – Doreen reported the RSCA has their plowing contract finalized. The catch basins have been emptied. The Halloween caravan with trick or treaters will happen again this year on the Shores.
Branch Farm - Louise reported that the water will be turned off as of November 1st. The gate is closed and locked until May. The eagles remain present.
Whitewood – No new updates.
Independent Cottages- Ken reported that the docks have not been removed yet but will be removed by early November. Ken has had his roof repaired.
South Pond Farm – Laura noted that it is quieter but new residents have moved in. Sand was delivered for their beach but not incorporated. It is covered with a tarp.
Odds & ends:
Meeting Adjourned at 8:28 pm
ATTENDEE LIST:
Directors present (voting): Louise Brogan (vice-president, Branch Farm), Doreen Donovan (secretary, Richmond Shores), Laura Rosenthal (treasurer, South Pond Farm), Jonna Gaberman (assistant treasurer, Whitewood), Matt Linick (Camp Arrow Wood), Miles Garfinkel (At-Large), Kerry Hamilton (At-Large), Ken Kelly (independent cottages)
Ex-officio present (non-voting):None
Alternates present: Holly Stover (At-Large), Bruce Wintman (Website director, Whitewood), Cricket Nardacci (Whitewood), Paul Neumann (Richmond Shores)
Guests present: Dick Stover, Carl Foote
Directors absent: Cam Stockton (Camp Russell)
Ex-officio absent: Danielle Fillio (Richmond Town Administrator) Jim McGrath (City of Pittsfield), Tom Potter (Richmond Con Com)
Alternates Absent: Kais Abderrahim (Camp Russell), Kitty Levitan (Whitewood), Joe McGovern (Camp Russell), Tim Mason (independent cottages), Gordon Dinsmore (South Pond Farm), Linda Kay (Richmond Shores), Al Nardacci (independent cottages).
