March Newsletter
Our lead story is news from the sewer committee:
As many of you have seen in the local newspapers the sewer bids were opened on Jan 30th and were higher than anticipated. The low bid turned out to have a significant math error and was withdrawn by the vendor. The other two bids were millions of dollars higher. (details are posted on the Town website).
The committee has been actively working to understand why there were fewer bids than expected and why the bids were much higher than our engineering estimate. Meetings have been held with two of the bidders and discussions with some of the non-bidders. From this effort, a list of suggestions has been generated for changes to our bid requirements that could reduce the project’s cost.
Discussions are also underway to determine the next steps to take. One option is to take the input from these discussions, make appropriate changes to our specification, and rebid the project as soon as possible. Another option would be to perform further analysis and plan to rebid the project in 2020.
An effort is also underway to evaluate options for applying for additional grant funding to offset the potential higher than expected costs.
President’s Report
Recently the people who love and support Ballston Lake have received some very discouraging news. The bids on the sewer project for around the lake and adjoining Buell Heights area have come in over budget. I sincerely hope and pray that a solution can be found to reverse this present situation. The scientific evidence supporting the Lake Sewer Project is irrefutable. The Lake must have our help to avoid a complete breakdown of water quality.
The good news is that the people who have spent many years working on this project are continuing their efforts to develop a new plan for this very important project. The committee is looking at several options that may change the timing of various parts of this project, but still, get the job done in the long run.
It is the duty of every person around the Lake to come together with our support for the sewer committee at this difficult time. It may take longer than hoped for, but this project MUST be done.
-Peter Herman, President
DATE CHANGE
The March BLIA Board Meeting has been postponed and is rescheduled for Tuesday, April 16 at 7PM at Carney’s. The meeting is open to all BLIA members. Please mark your calendars and try to attend.
Safety Notice
NYS Law passed in 2009; Anyone out on the water in a craft less than 21 ft long must be wearing a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device from November 1st – May 1st.
BLIA Board Changes
The beloved (or hated) New England Patriots did it again. Another Superbowl championship. At the helm of this great team is Tom Brady, one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. When will he hang up his cleats? He is at the top of his game and who knows. The Ballston Lake Improvement Association has its own Tom Brady. Our president, Peter Herman,has been at the top of his game, leading this organization for years. His love of Ballston Lake is unwavering and his tireless dedication is a standard that is hard to emulate. Peter has decided to pass the gavel. He has submitted his notice of resignation to the board that in June, at the annual meeting, he will be passing the torch. We will be honoring him at that annual meeting. This resignation is a wake up call to our organization.
So, please respond to the Nominating Committee’s Plea: Wanted – BLIA Members willing to get involved in our organization. There are several open seats currently on the BLIA Board of Directors roster. If you have an interest in serving on the board; contact Nominating Committee members Joanne Frame (518) 384 1940/ maddysma@nycap.rr.com, Ann Pierce 399-6308 / pep416@aol.com , or Joanne DeVoe 518 573-0773 / devoepr@nycap.com. A slate will be presented at the Annual Meeting on Tuesday, June 18 at 7PM at the BL Fire House. A director serves a 3 year term, tries to attend the 5 annual meetings, and can choose the area they would like to assist with.
WELCOME
BLIA member, Marisa Goddard, is stepping up to the plate as additional support for our web site and social media activity. Thank you, Marisa. BLIA members wishing to suggest social media items may contact her at: goddard.marisa10@gmail.com.
TREASURER
Larry Hausheer has been appointed Treasurer of BLIA by Board President Peter Herman and the BLIA Board of Directors. Welcome Larry and sincere thanks to Judy Brodeur who has held this position for several terms.
Basic Boating Course
United States Power Squadron basic boating course – BLIA will sponsor a United States Power Squadron basic boating course for four evenings at the Ballston Lake Firehouse on Rt. 146A. This course, which is approved by New York State, will be conducted by Dr. Peter Herman, a certified Power Squadron instructor. It consists of eight hours, split between four nights, two hours each night. The classes will be held from 6:30 – 8:30 pm on Tuesday, May 14th, Wednesday, May 15th, Tuesday, May21st and Wednesday, May 22nd. Upon completion of all eight hours, the student will receive a registered card and a boating certificate.
Students must be at least 10 years of age to take the course. New York State requires ALL operators of personal watercraft (jet skis) to hold a NYS approved
boating certificate and be at least 14 years of age. Non personal watercraft (motor boat) operators between 10 and 18 must have passed the course and earned the certificate. The cost of the course is $40.00 for the first family member and $15.00 for each additional family member. To register for the course, or for any other questions, please contact Peter Herman at pandsherman25@gmail.com or 518-399-5803.
