PPRC Minutes 5.15.26

Pipke Pond Restoration Committee (PPRC) Friday, May 15, 2026 @ 10 am Minutes Call to order @ 10am by Cathy Logan Weber Present: Eric Benn, Cathy Logan Weber, Brian Luetzow, Al Eschenbauch. Al Drum, absent New Business: 1. PPRC discussed with the engineers of DBSterlin (DBS) the comments from the DNR, Forrest Van Asten, dated 3/7/2026. One comment made was #13 that the dock work will not be grant eligible. Minal Hahn (DBS) said that she would discuss the need for the town crew to be able to access the manhole to adjust stop logs for water level management. The stop log structure is 8 ft from shore. Al Drum asked Wendy Soleska, DNR for her input on the dock eligibility for the grant. She will check with her dam safety group and get back to us. Kendra (DBS) also asked Forrest Van Asten about this situation. Eric noted that the pier platform is 19.6’ X 13’. PPRC suggested Wayne Nasi Construction and Howard Bros. for Pier installation. Cathy will look for records for design fabrication for existing S Pond fishing pier. Another comment was concerning the 2 places that the S. pond could overtop might hinder the crew from getting to the stop logs to lower the water level. Al Drum sent pictures of the access road that is available to use in case of an overtopping. Kendra (DBS) has suggested changing the plan to change the S pond outlet to a larger pipe for faster drainage. Uriah Monday (DNR) thought that suggestion might work. Kendra said she will also let Uriah know about the access road. Another concern from Forrest was that the entire pipe along the East side of the S pond might not be filled with concrete. DBS said it could be if necessary. Forrest said the directive to the town was to clear trees and brush from the embankment. DBS commented that it is controversial whether large trees should be removed or are best left in place. Eric will look for supporting information on this subject. Other comments were fairly simple suggestions for DBS to accomplish. 2. See above 3. See above 4. Duplication of #3 5. Beaver damage protection: Al Drum sent pictures of various possible protections for the N Pond outlet structure. Graig felt that the structure they had designed would help to keep the beavers from recognizing the water flow out of the pond and trying to dam it. Old Business: 1. Wetland permit status was discussed. Nicole Hays, DNR had sent an email from 5.5.26 outlining next steps. Eric has everything in order to submit the final permit after approval of the DNR on DBS plans for the Pipke Dam. Adjourned: 12:15 pm