The health and ongoing viability of the lake in the center of our subdivision has been of concern to the residents and the Trustee for many years.  Since the construction of the lake in the early '70s it has been maintained by the subdivision. Improvements have been initiated by the Trustees and the property owners adjoining the lake.  During this period, 

• the lake has been dredged, 
• a concrete retaining wall has been built where the major runoff enters the lake on the north end, 
• algae eating carp have been introduced, 
• fish have been stocked every few years, 
• chemicals to reduce algae levels have been added during the summer months and, 
• to reduce soil erosion, lake front walls have been constructed by many of the lake front property owners.

During the 1998 annual property owners meeting, there was discussion about the possible need to again dredge the lake.  Some sections of the lake were obviously shallow and it was assumed that there had been considerable siltation since the lake was last dredged.  After considerable discussion it was decided that,

• a Lake Committee should be formed to include Trustees and other Dougherty Lake residents,
• a consultant should be hired to perform a study of the lake and recommend action,
• the liability of Four Winds Farm and MSD should be determined and,
• a plan to include necessary action, costs and recommendations for funding should be drafted and presented at a special meeting of residents.

During 1999, several meetings of the Lake Committee were held.  Meetings were also held with a representative of the Missouri Conservation Committee and with an engineer from the consulting firm of Horner & Shifrin.

In June a proposal to determine the siltation rate of the lake was received from Horner & Shifrin.  This proposal was discussed by the Trustees and presented to all Lake Committee members along with a cover memo from Joe Odgers stating the Trustees concerns about the cost of the proposed study and posing questions for the Lake Committee. 

Siting health reasons and certain dissatisfaction with the methods of the Lake Committee, Steve Behrndt resigned.  Thankfully, prior to his resignation, Steve provided a lengthily memo and vital insight for further consideration by the Committee.

During the Summer months no further activity occurred.

In mid October, Joe Odgers drafted and distributed a memo to all Lake Committee members.  A meeting was called and held on October 20th at his home.  All members attended except George Griffin and Jim Meanor who were not available.  Topics of the meeting were:

• The Horner & Shifrin proposal
• Alternate methods to determine the health of the lake
• Funding for possible major lake repair

An alternative method of determining the health of the lake was proposed by Joe Odgers.  He mentioned that several lake front property owners had asked about the possibility of draining the lake so that repairs to their retaining walls could be facilitated.  Odgers suggested that at the time of draining the lake The Subdivision should hire a lake expert to view the lake and provide an opinion on possible problems and help determine if, and when, dredging or other improvements should be made to the lake.  Based on the unfeasibility of the Horner & Shifrin proposal this more simplified approach was unanimously approved by the attending Lake Committee members.

John Ahrenbeck presented a sophisticated spread sheet analysis of  methods to fund the project if it was determined that dredging of the lake should be done.  His suggestion would establish a "sinking fund" which would be funded by an additional assessment spread over a period of years.  The possibility of obtaining a loan which would be paid back from such an assessment was also discussed.

Minutes of the meeting were prepared by Joe Odgers and distributed to all Lake Committee members.  Subsequently, a reaction was forthcoming from the two committee members who had not been able to attend the meeting.  Jim Meanor was positive about the approach of draining the lake.  He also suggested that at that time we should have a survey done to determine the lake bottom topography.  George Griffin had a dissenting view and requested that a portion of his previous memo to The Committee be addressed at the property owners meeting on November 16, 1999.  The following is the text George would like to be discussed at the property owners meeting.

"I continue to be of the opinion (the same opinion I had in November of 1998) that it is in the best interest of the residents of Dougherty Lake Subdivision to have the Board of Trustees:

a) Retain the services of a qualified professional engineering firm through the process of competitive bidding.
b) Have that engineering firm determine if we, in fact, have a sediment/siltation problem in Dougherty Lake at the present time (without first lowering the lake).
c) If the engineering firm determines that we do have a sediment/siltation problem in Dougherty Lake also determine the severity of that problem and what the engineering firm recommends we do to remedy or correct it.
d) Determine what it will cost to remedy or correct the problem and whether or not the required work can be done in stages over some reasonable time period to ease the financial burden which all residents of Dougherty Lake would have to bear under the provisions of the Restrictive Agreement."

The meeting began promptly at 7:00 p.m. Charles Schrock started the meeting by introducing the Trustees and Lake Committee who were present; Trustees: Charles Schrock, John Steuterman, Brian L’Hommedieu, and Carel Reynolds; Lake Committee: Joe Odgers, Jim Meanor, Jim Harris, and John Ahrenbeck. Charles thanked the Lake Committee for their efforts.

Charles started by stating that this was an informal meeting designed to share the findings of the Lake Committee.  The following agenda, list of experts consulted on the project and map of the lake was supplied to everyone in attendance. Charles went over the agenda explaining each step and asked that questions be held until the end.

1. BACKGROUND
Last Annual Meeting Much Discussion, Few Facts, No Plan
Trustees Agreed to Study and Come Back with a Proposal That:

a) Involved Knowledgeable Experts 
b) Is Fact Based
c) Decided What Is Essential Now / Latter
d) Understand Cost, and
e) Present Proposed Action Plan

a) Lake Dynamics
b) Survey of Lake Depth via Boat and Formal Survey
c) Lowered Lake Level for Tie Wall Repairs
d) Silt Samples Analyzed
e) Had Dam, Spillway, Drain Valve & Under Road Pipe Inspected
f) Investigated Ecological Health of Lake
g) Investigated Permit Requirements to Move Silt

a) Repairing Spillway Valve
b) Plan to Move –40+ Truck Loads of Silt From of North End of Lake this Year

a) Major Dredging NOT Required for - 5 Years
b) Will Complete Other Repairs to Dam etc. within 12 Months
c) Plan to Install Aerator in Lake (similar to City of Des Peres)

In July we dropped the lake to allow homeowners to repair their walls and to take a closer look at the bottom of the lake. The homeowners chose a contractor and work began.  The Trustees choose to allow the contractor to access the lake via the common ground next to ChuckToedtman’s property to eliminate the need to tear up each homeowner’s lot to access their walls. 

Based on a manual survey of the lake and an instrument survey, it was determined that we have approximately 1 ½’ of silt at the northern end of the lake, more at the southern end. It was determined that if we decided to remove some dirt out of the lake, we would have to test the dirt, and that was done.

We hired Reitz and Jens, the firm who designed our dam, to inspect the dam. Minor work needs to be done to the dam and the valve and valve stem need to be replaced. 

Carel Reynolds explained the work several lake experts did in helping us determine the health of the lake. The bottom line is that we do not have an unhealthy lake, just a dirty one.  We need to: a) not restock the lake as often; b) treat the lake with chemicals often to stop the algae; c) remove some of the dirt that had caused the north end of the lake to become too shallow; and d) install an aeration system to help keep the lake healthy.  Our plan is to do all of the above in the near future.

Lee Foster commented on what a great job the lake committee and Trustees have done and that they appreciate our due-diligence. He also asked that we ask the truck drivers who will be removing the dirt to please drive slow through the subdivision and clean up after themselves. He also asked that we thoroughly check out the noise an aerator will make, for the benefit of the homeowners who live on the lake and suggested we install a light on the fountain. We agreed that we would check into everything and if necessary, run the aerator only during the day.

Chuck Toedtman asked why we did not just remove all of the dirt that had accumulated in the bottom of the lake, and we explained that we did not have the funds to do that, and that we did not want to assess the homeowners the amount needed for that much work. Installation of the aerators will help manage the silt problem. Jim Harris added that we would most likely not have to dredge for at least 10 years, if ever.

Jim Matcuk asked how long the work would take and Charles responded that we would get it done as quickly as possible but that we are waiting to find a place to take our dirt.

Mike Lohuis suggested we put the dirt in the dip in the back of the playground.  Charles explained that we could not do that because it would run into the creek behind the playground.

Charles announced that we would be taking nominations for two new Trustees at the annual meeting, which will be held on November 12th at 7:00 p.m. at Des Peres City Hall. 

Charles stated that he had been asked about maintenance of the area between the sidewalk and street.  His findings are that the trees and grass are yours to take care of. 

Charles ended the meeting by thanking everyone for coming. 

This combined meeting between the Trustees and Lake Committee started at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Carel Reynolds.  Those present included: Trustees, Charles Schrock, John Steuterman, Brian L’Hommedieu and Carel Reynolds; Lake Committee, Joe Odgers, Jim Meanor and Jim Harris. 

Welcome Chuck Colby, Lake Management Services.
1) In depth discussion of lake proposal.
Chuck explained his proposal for work to be done on the lake. He did an excellent job explaining his opinion of our situation as he sees it.
2) Questions and Answers
Many questions were posed to Chuck.  1) Since we have a stream fed lake, and since during rain storms much of the water flows out of the lake, would it not be difficult for us to use biological treatments in the lake as it would just wash out?  His answer was probably yes.  2) Regarding the chemical treatment of the lake, we currently use copper sulfate (however we pointed out that it had not been done so far this year). Is that not enough to control the algae?  His answer was that the chemical Cutrine (not sure of spelling), would work better, but would also be more expensive. 3) Regarding the bubbler type aerator, he suggested we put that as our #1 priority in maintaining a healthy lake. 4) Regarding stocking the lake indiscrimanently, we have only stocked the lake 2 or 3 times in 20 years, which is not too much. He did point out that the grass eating carp are eating all of the vegetation, which does not promote spawning. We were OK with that, as we do not want a large amount of vegetation in our lake. 5) Regarding the shallow water in the north end and along the sea wall, we agreed and will try to address it in July 2000. 6) Regarding installing a fish habitat, we would prefer to table this for now, as there are enough fish for now. 7) Regarding the survey, we have already obtained a simple survey from Chuck, so the issue was mute. 

We thanked Chuck for attending the meeting and answering our questions, and he left the meeting.

Meeting between Lake Committee and Board of Trustees
1) Discuss proposal for island vs. shoreline disposal of dirt. To build a wall around either, we would need to drop the lake further.
a) Price from Tiny to build island and deepen lake - $7689 (equip. $4500)
b) Cost to repair 30’ x 25’ of Chuck Toedtman’s yard with sod and common ground with seed and straw - $1475
c) Cost to repair 30’ of Chuck’s tie-wall - $780
d) Sidewalk repair if needed @ $5/sq ft. (check with Des Peres on status of their work)
e) Gabian wall around island or west edge of lake - $58.60/sq.ft.
f) Tie-wall around island or west edge of lake - $57.60/ft (5’ tall)
Joe Odgers did not like the idea of the island and stated that we will still have to dredge eventually. Jim Meanor stated that we need to move the large rocks in the north end back under the spillway where they came from.  Jim Harris suggested we simply clean up the lake for now. John Steuterman was concerned about the shallow areas, which go out 50’ or more. He stated that is we simply move the dirt around, it would not solve the issue completely. Jim Meanor had concerns with Tiny’s bid to build the island, stating that it was too low in his opinion. 

 2) Discuss Chuck Colby’s proposal – benefits, risks, costs, etc.
Everyone was in agreement that we need to go forward with the installation of an aeration system and treat for algae.  We will continue treating with copper sulfite since it has worked in the past.  Charles will address the schedule of applications with Bill Ward. This work will take place after the lake is raised back up. Jim Meanor suggested that we go forward with the in-depth survey so that we have a more accurate record of what we have in the lake bottom should be decide to dredge in the near future. Jim Meanor and Jim Harris will contact the proposed survey companies, decide on who will do the work and schedule it to be completed by July 30, 2000. The rest of Chuck’s proposal was tabled for now.

3) Dam inspection  - $1026 with Reitz & Jens
Jim Meanor and Jim Harris were asked to take charge of contacting Reitz & Jens for the dam inspection.  Jim Meanor has extensive experience with dam compromises. This work is to be completed prior to the lake coming back up on August 1, 2000.

The lake committee left the meeting at approximately 9 p.m.

Proposal from Chuck Colby.
 Problem #1 - Planktonic algae bloom. 

Stop feeding the geese and address how to get rid of them. Install a bubbler type aerator to help oxidize nutrients.  Apply the non-chemical, all natural plant extract NWC that causes plankton to photosynthesize at an accelerated rate. Treat weekly adding biocultures of bacteria and enzymes called POND-TREAT, which will prevent algae from returning. The biocultures work by digesting the same nutrients algae live on therefore out competing algae for their food.  These biocultures also clear murky water, eliminate odors and digest nitrogen and phosphorous from fertilizers. Using POND-TREAT and bubbler aerators together can actually digest sludge off the bottom and postpone the need for future dredging and lake renovation indefinitely. 

Do not stock our lake indiscrimanently. There are no rooted plants n our lake as the grass carp have eaten all of them. Plants are the primary food source for aquatic microorganisms and insects. Encourage the removal of grass carp as caught. 

Deepen some of the shoreline and remove the accumulated silt in the upper cove. The silt is high in nutrients and the shallow water allows sunlight to penetrate throughout the water column to the bottom. Both of these are major contributors to the algae problem

Our lake has very little habitat for fish to hide in.  We need to provide a habitat for fish by constructing at least ten “fish beds” made of cedar or hardwood trees.

The survey results suggest that we do not have enough depth to move the dirt/silt around. If we do anything, we must remove some of it, although it is not a serious problem.

Do we try to remove some dirt now or not? Chuck Colby believes he can solve the problem without dredging, but if we do, where do we take it?
The lake committee recommended we find a place within our property to take it, perhaps behind the park area.

If so, where do we enter the lake? 
The only two choices we have are either through Chuck Toedtman’s yard or through the common ground on Beaver Dam Road.  If we go through Chuck’s yard, we need permission and a contract for repairs.  It is recommended that the Trustees contact Chuck as soon as possible to discuss.

If we decide to hold off dredging until next year, how do we access the lake at that time? 
We have only the common ground at our disposal.

Status on dam inspection.
Carel Reynolds is obtaining bids from Farnsworth Polk and Intuition and Logic. This work is on schedule for this summer.

Who will open the dam on Monday?  Mark? And who else? Who will monitor it to be sure it doesn’t go down too far. Chuck Colby recommends no more than 3’ or we will have a fish kill.
Joe Odgers offered to handle lowering the lake with the help of Mark and his workers. Carel will ask Bill Ward to assist monitoring. 

Meeting was adjourned.

This meeting was held at the home of Carel Reynolds at 10:00 a.m. and all current members of the Lake Committee were present.  They included Carel Reynolds, Joe Odgers, Jim Harris, John Ahrenbeck and Jim Meanor.  George Griffin previously served on this committee however he resigned prior to this meeting. 

It was the consensus of the committee that our game plan should be thought out thoroughly to determine the best action plan at the lowest cost to the residents.

Jim Harris did some research on rainfall in St. Louis, and it was decided that the best time to drop the lake would be early summer, perhaps in June, after the rainy season.  Joe Odgers has the key to open the dam, and Roy Sullivan knows how to go about it.

We would then contact residents who live on the lake to let them know when the lake will be dropped so that they can plan to make repairs to their walls.  Joe Odgers has already sent letters to all of the lake residents telling them that we planned to do this.  It was brought up that several residents might not want to repair their walls, even though their wall may be an eye sore to the neighborhood and in our opinion fall under “regular maintenance guidelines’ for both Dougherty Lake and Des Peres.  Carel will check the indentures, meet with the Trustees, and contact our attorney to determine if we can insist that these repairs take place.

While the lake is down, we would hire a survey engineer to help us determine the level of silt, obtain a contour map showing where the high points are and how much if any silt needs to be removed.  Joe Odgers will contact various survey companies and report back to the committee. In our estimation, this first portion would most likely cost no more than $2,000 or $3,000.  This amount can easily come out of the general fund.

We are of the opinion that we do not have a large problem and that our responsibility is to simply bring the lake back to where it needs to be for the foreseeable future.  We may be able to simply move some of the build up to the deeper end of the lake rather than incur the expense of removing it. 

Once this is done, we can contact the appropriate authorities to see what we can and should do.  We must be very careful when disposing of silt and dirt and want to abide by the letter of the law.  We will assess these issues, obtain bids on the cost of this project and then notify all residents of our findings.   A special meeting of the entire subdivision would be called sometime in August or September of this year to share our findings and ask for input.  This would allow plenty of time for the residents to ponder the issue before a general vote at the annual meeting in November.

Our meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m.
       Respectfully submitted,
      Carel Reynolds, Lake Committee Chair

CC:  Lake Committee Members and Dougherty Lake Trustees