The most pressing discussion revolved around the Clean Lakes Committee’s request to reallocate $20,000 for herbicide treatment at Lake Manawanaki and Forge Pond. Initially, the $80,000 grant was intended for echo harvesting, but delays in obtaining dredging permits necessitated a shift in strategy. Dave Bar from the Clean Lakes Committee emphasized the urgency of herbicide treatment to combat invasive plant growth exacerbated by nutrient influxes. Despite an agreement to use a portion of the funds for herbicide treatment last year, the treatment was not executed. Bar now sought approval to use the funds for the upcoming summer, coinciding with the water department’s bidding process for treatments.

The committee acknowledged that the original agreement allowing the reallocation of funds was still valid, enabling the Clean Lakes Committee to proceed without additional formalities. Invasive plant growth at Lake Manawanaki had reached unprecedented levels, prompting swift action. Bar highlighted that a recent change in infrastructure could have contributed to increased nutrient influxes, worsening the issue. The committee hired consultants to prepare dredging permit submissions, though these were not expected to be completed until the following summer.

The management of Lake Balanche was another focal point, with discussions on improving the effectiveness of winter drawdowns. Historically, lowering the water level exposed sections of the shoreline to freezing, helping eliminate invasive species. However, warmer winters have reduced the efficacy of this method, leading to a need for alternative strategies. A proposal was made to conduct a hydrologic and hydrodynamic analysis to understand the lake’s outflow better and explore potential modifications to the outlet structures. The estimated cost for the study was $30,000, with suggestions to split costs between the Littleton CPC, Westford CPC, and Friends of Forge Pond.

Contingency plans for matching funds were also discussed, with the Friends of Forge Pond expressing willingness to contribute if necessary. The committee considered the need for permits if future dredging exceeded 100 cubic yards of material. Participants acknowledged the importance of consensus-building and engaging both towns in the process.

Financial status and budget allocations were reviewed, focusing on the need for clear plans and costs for upcoming projects. The committee aimed to streamline the process by bringing eligibility discussions and funding applications simultaneously. Budget balances across categories, including historic resources and open space, were presented, with a total balance of approximately $2.2 million. Concerns were raised about accounting for funds allocated to the affordable housing trust, prompting updates from relevant departments.

The conversation also covered historical funding patterns, noting years with minimal financial activity. The committee reflected on past projects and discussed the possibility of using current balances to pay off bonded projects, such as the roof of the Baptist Church. The potential for collaboration with nonprofits for public use of the Baptist Church property was mentioned, rather than selling it to a developer.

Future planning included the allocation process for the next fiscal year, typically occurring in February. Outreach to various departments was ongoing to gather funding requests. The committee emphasized the importance of public engagement, scheduling a public hearing in January for community input on the fiscal year 2027 budget. This format aimed to provide a structured avenue for public participation, countering previous sentiments of inadequate discourse.