1974/06/10MINUTES
EXECUTZVE BOARD
June 10, 1974
On this date the Executive Board met with the New Britain Water Board
at their Administration Building, 1000 Shuttle Meadow Avenue, New
Britain, at 8:00 p.m.
Those present from Berlin were: Mayor Arthur B. Powers, Deputy Mayors
Joseph P. Lanzonl, and Loren Otckinson, Chief Robert Skinner, Berlin
Police Oepartment and Lawrence graham, Superintendent of Parks and
Recreation.
Mayor Powers addressed the New Britain Water Board, chaired by Alfred P.
Cassella, by saying that our reason for being present tonight was to
once again ask the Water Board of New Britain to reconsider our request
to use Harts Pond for recreational purposes, that is, fishing from shore.
Mayor Powers said, ! have long been an advocate of multiple use of water.
We have so little water available, that we must use it in as many ways
possible, so long as we do not endanger that water by polluting it.
Other Water Boards in other cities and towns are allowing fishing and
some even allow boating in reservoirs as long as they are kept free from
vandalism and littering. We are not asking to allow fishing from boats
of any kind, only from shore. Harts Pond is such a natural beauty and
it is adjacent to our golf course and picnic area. There should be no
difficulty in patrolling the area as fishing would be allowed from the
south and west sides only and possibly a portion of the north. None will
be allowed from the east. Mr. Graham, our Superintendent of Parks and
Recreation has indicated that he has, a large enough staff to patrol the
area and some of this patrolling would actually be from a rowboat with
his men keeping a watchful eye for anyone breaking any of the rules which
we would strictly enforce. Patrol ~ould also ~e done from shore. Our
park crew would see that there was no litter in the area. The Mayor said
that Chief Skinner has also expressed a willingness to cooperate to the
fullest in patrolling the area. Harts Pond's water goes into Wassel Res-
ervoir where it sits. The possibility of fishing from shore polluting the
water is mtntmal and more likely none at a11, according to Dr. Chotkowski,
our Health Director. This is a secondary compensating reservoir so this
should be no problem.. The Mayor continued, again ! appeal to you to allow
fishing from shore and we will keep the strictest control, through con-
stant patrolling and the enforcement of strict rules and regulations. If
you wmld agree, we would gladly open it on a probationary period. If you
felt everything was not up to snuff, yOU could always withdraw permission.
This pond could be enjoyed by old and young alike, and it would be open to
both Berlin and New Britain residents.
The group then got into a discussion of a car which had been found in the
pond. Chief Skinner gave his report on what happened and Mr. McManus and
Mr. 01son from New Britain told a slightly different variation of just
exactly what happened. Mayor Powers said that all this could be resolved.
We are trying to point out to you that we. don't want the Lower Harts Pond,
although we wish we had both, however, since this problem with the car
happened at the Lower pond, it has nothing to do with our. wanting the use
of the Upper pond.
Executive Board Minutes -2-
6/10/74
After lengthy discussion, Mr. Gagliardi, a member of the New Britain
Water Board, said that he would like to see the area before making a
decision. Other members of that Board agreed this would be the best
course to follow. Chairman Cassella said that even if the Board were
to agree at this point Berlin must remember that there would be further
contingencies to be looked into, for example, financial liability,
drownings, etc. Mayor Powers said he was sure we could work out these
things with Corporation Counsel.
it was agreed that a visit would be made to the area and then the
Water Board would discuss the matter at a subsequent meeting and make
their decision. Chairman Cassella did say that the reports received
from their staff is that the cooperation they get from Berlin is nil.
Chief Skinner replied to this by saying t.hat if they contact him di-
rectly they will receive full cooperation.
It was agreed that the Executive Board, Chief Skinner and Mr. Graham
would meet with the New Britain Water Board on Thursday, 27 ~une lg74
at 10:30 a.m. at Ttmberltn.
Mayor Powers assured the Board that they would have the full cooperation
of Town Officials, and thanked the Board for its kind consideration and
cooperation.
adjourned (that is the portion at which the Executive Board
The meeting
was present) at g:O0 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Pa, tricia A.' C'asel-l'a
Secretary