A central concern addressed was the soil erosion and Clean Water Act violations occurring around Deal Lake. Members deliberated on potential legal actions and the necessity of collaboration with local municipalities and the county to tackle these issues effectively.

Another topic of discussion was the goose remediation strategy. The commission is adopting a non-invasive approach to control the goose population by preventing egg hatching without harming the geese. The strategy involves obtaining permission from property owners to access nests and remove eggs, emphasizing communication to ensure the community understands the humane nature of the process.

Further discussions included the progress of the 319 H Grant from 2018, which is pending final approval from the state. Details are being refined to meet the requirements necessary for the grant’s completion. Additionally, the commission is working on restoring the lakes, with specific projects like the involvement of Ocean Cas in the restoration of Terrace Pond and the formation of a new committee for Lollipop Pond. Members also examined the status of a contract with the bdp for a stormwater management grant, focusing on addressing insurance-related concerns that could impact the project.

The commission also tackled the administrative side of their operations, discussing the need for comprehensive liability insurance beyond the director’s insurance. They sought clarification on this topic, which is important for the commission’s legal and financial protection. The weed management program and the renewal of their charter, which outlines their mission and governance, were also on the agenda.

Environmental stewardship was further demonstrated through the commission’s engagement with local schools. A recent visit by fourth graders involved a cleanup and educational activities about the watershed and the commission’s efforts. The poster contest for the National Lake Group, with entries from local students, was an initiative to foster environmental awareness among younger generations.

The commission’s planning board engineer provided an update on a construction project, emphasizing its compliance with stormwater management rules and the Deal Lake Watershed plan. The project includes the installation of underground infiltration basins, treatment devices, rain gardens, and native species, along with a maintenance plan to ensure the continued effectiveness of these systems.

Additionally, the recent oil spill on Sunset Memorial Avenue was discussed, focusing on the cleanup process and the agencies involved. The commission also celebrated the success of the spring cleanup event, which had over 120 volunteers, and acknowledged an award received by a member from the Ocean Chamber of Commerce.

Members expressed their gratitude towards the volunteers, particularly highlighting the contributions of a local organization. There was a suggestion to use magnets in future cleanups to enhance efficiency, with the possibility of involving college students in these efforts.

Technical difficulties experienced during the meeting, such as audio issues, prompted discussions about improving the audio systems for future meetings. Although this did not lead to significant contention among the members, it was recognized as an area for improvement.