Meeting Minutes

April 2026 Meeting Minutes

*Minutes are subject to approval at the May 2026 Meeting

Lake Garda Improvement Association

Board Meeting Minutes: April 14, 2026

7:00 pm Farmington Senior Center

Board Members:

Present: P. Anthony, C. Castrogiovanni, R. Cyr, M Duchow, R. Frey, L. Gezelman, S. Manafort, J. McNeill, C. Scully, A.J. Singh.

Absent: J. Cragin

Quorum present? Yes

Proceedings:

• Meeting called to order at 7:04 pm by President, L. Gezelman.
• Motion to approve the meeting minutes for February made by R. Cyr. Second by S. Manafort – motion passed. Motion to approve the meeting minutes for March made by C. Anthony. Second by C. Castrogiovanni – motion passed.
• Board President L. Gezelman called for items of new business.

Treasurer’s Report : Report presented by A.J. Singh and will be placed on record.

Tax Collector Report: Report presented by M. Duchow and will be placed on record.

Lake Report: Permits are being sent to the state by the lake treatment company. Treatment plan is moving forward as normal.

Event Committee Report: N/A

Old Business:

-Lake erosion. Board members L. Gezelman and S. Manafort have had conversations with an engineer, J.J. Hiltbrand Engineers & Surveyors. Phases and recommendations were discussed for the project. Motion made by S. Manafort to spend $12,200.00 for the engineering and phase one. Second by J. McNeill. The motion passed.

New Business:

-Trail report – A review of the trail system from Trail Master R. Cyr was presented. Trail marker maintenance was also discussed.

-Lake street road problems. The president got quotes to replace 67 feet of the road that is in bad condition. A motion was made by L. Gezelman to hire Kencore Construction in the amount of $6,381.00 for the work. Second by R. Cyr. Motion passes.

-New committee suggested by C. Castrogiovanni. It would be a welcoming committee for people who are new to the association. C Castrogiovanni made a motion to start the “Welcome to Lake Garda Committee. Second by Suzanne Manafort. Motion passes.

Public Comment: N/A

Motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:33 by S Manafort second by C. Scully. Motion passed.

Next meeting will be held at 321 New Britain Ave on May 12th, 2026

Respectively submitted by LGIA Secretary P. Anthony.

March 2026 Meeting Minutes

Lake Garda Improvement Association

Board Meeting Minutes: March 10, 2026

7:00 pm Farmington Senior Center

Board Members:

Present: P. Anthony, J. Cragin, R. Cyr, M Duchow, R. Frey, L. Gezelman, S. Manafort, J. McNeill,  C. Scully,

Absent: C. Castrogiovanni, A.J. Singh.

Quorum present? Yes

Proceedings:

• Meeting called to order at 7:01 pm by President, L. Gezelman.
• Board President L. Gezelman called for items of new business.
• Meeting minutes to be placed on record and voted on next month.

Treasurer’s Report – Report presented by L. Gezelman and will be placed on record.

Tax Collector Report: Report presented by M. Duchow and will be placed on record.

Lake Report: Permits are being sent to the state by the lake treatment company. Treatment plan is moving forward as normal.

Event Committee Report: 100 year anniversary events list was presented by J. McNeill.

Old Business:

– Lake erosion – Board members L. Gezelman and S. Manafort had conversations with an engineer. He will be investigating and giving us a quote.

-Review of the letter sent to the resident on Strong Street and next course of action.

-Attorney search update – Kent Mancini of Cramer and Anderson is a name proposed for a new attorney for the association. Motion by J. Cragin to hire Kent Mancini as the new attorney for the LGIA. Second by J. McNeill. Motion passed.

-Discussion about the sidewalk project that the town of Burlington is doing.

New Business:

-Discussion about our logo and getting it re-designed. Motion made by S. Manafort to spend 50.00 to create a design file of our logo with a graphic designer. Second by J. Mcneill. Motion passes.

-Snowplowing on Lakeview has been subpar this year. Discussion was had about what can be done about it. We will be assessing our current contract for future years.

-Budget was reviewed prior to the April meeting when it is voted on. Motion made by S. Manafort to be presented at next month’s meeting. second by R. Cyr. Motion passed.

Public Comment: N/A

Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:21 by J. Cragin second by S. Manafort. Motion passed.

Next meeting will be held at 321 New Britain Ave on April 14th, 2026

Respectively submitted by LGIA Secretary P. Anthony.

February 2026 Meeting Minutes

Lake Garda Improvement Association
Board Meeting Minutes: February 10, 2026
7:00 pm Farmington Senior Center

Board Members:
Present: P. Anthony, J. Cragin, R. Cyr, M Duchow, L. Gezelman, C. Scully, A.J. Singh.

Absent: C. Castrogiovanni, R. Frey, S. Manafort, J. McNeill.

Quorum present? Yes

Proceedings:
· Meeting called to order at 7:03 pm by President, L. Gezelman
· Board President L. Gezelman called for items of new business.
· Motion to approve the meeting minutes motion by J. Cragin, second by R. Cyr – motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report – Report presented by A.J. Singh and will be placed on record.

Tax Collector Report: Report presented by M. Duchow and will be placed on record.

Lake Report: Payment for CT Pond Services was sent. Permits will be submitted soon.

Event Committee Report: N/A

Old Business:

• Meeting with engineers regarding erosion issues on Lake Street will be happening soon.

New Business:

-Discussion about a potential raise in association fees. A plan will need to be made before this is presented to the association members.

Public Comment: N/A

Motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:39 by J. Cragin second by M. Duchow. Motion passed.

Next meeting will be held at 321 New Britain Ave on March 10, 2026

Respectively submitted by LGIA Secretary P. Anthony.

January 2026 Meeting Minutes

Lake Garda Improvement Association

Board Meeting Minutes: January 13, 2026

7:00 pm Farmington Senior Center

Board Members:

Present: P. Anthony, C. Castrogiovanni, J. Cragin, R. Cyr, R. Frey, L. Gezelman, S. Manafort, J. McNeill, C. Scully.

Absent: M Duchow, A.J. Singh.

Quorum present? Yes

Proceedings:

• Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm by President, L. Gezelman
• Board President L. Gezelman called for items of new business.
• Motion to approve the meeting minutes motion by R. Cyr, second by J. McNeill – motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report – In the absence of the treasurer the report was not presented, but will be placed on record. A request for a year to date report in the future.

Tax Collector Report: The report was reviewed will be placed on record.

Lake Report: Pricing for the lake treatment company will remain largely the same. S. Manafort made a motion to accept the contract. C. Castrogiovanni seconded. Motion passed.

Event Committee Report: N/A

Old Business:

-The Lake erosion issue. The president and S. Manafort will be going to a wetlands meeting asking for more information and pricing.

-Logs to be picked up at Battistoni Beach.

-Venice Street septic tank is now connected to sewer.

-Zoning is getting involved with the big truck on Circle Drive.

New Business:

The LGIA will need a new lawyer. J. Cragin proposed Bob Reeve in Unionville. The board will look at a few options and get pricing.

100 year anniversary event planning from J. McNeill. Ideas listed below for the regatta weekend.

• Community Tag sale
• Ice cream social
• Face painting
• Scavenger hunt around the lake.
• Regatta
• T-Shirts
• Moonlight kayak

A meeting was had about a wall with LGIA property owner Stephen Michna about a wall on association property. The attorneys for both parties will be in contact about what was discussed.

Public Comment: N/A

Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:03 by J. Cragin second by R. Cyr. Motion passed.

Next meeting will be held at 321 New Britain Ave on February 10, 2026

Respectively submitted by LGIA Secretary P. Anthony.

Public Comment:

LGIA member asked about the need for a silt fence on the hill on Lake St. where the trees were taken down and a garage will be built. Member also asked about a silt fence above the Lake St. property with a pool as there is a concern among members around erosion potentially running into the lake now that there are literally no trees to prevent soil from washing down the hill.

A member mentiod recently, member asked LGIA to follow-up on drain maintenance.

Motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:58 by R. Cyr- Motion passed.

Board President called for an Executive Session at 8:07 pm.

No written minutes were taken at the Executive Session.

Motion to adjourn the Executive Session by S. Manafort at 9:29 pm seconded by C. Castrogiovanni

December 2025 Meeting Minutes

Lake Garda Improvement Association

Board Meeting Minutes: December 9, 2025

7:00 pm Farmington Senior Center

Board Members:

Present: R. Frey, S. Manafort, C. Scully, M Duchow, L. Gezelman, C. Castrogiovanni, J. McNeill, R. Cyr

Absent: P. Anthony, A.J. Singh, J. Cragin

Quorum present? Yes

Proceedings:

• Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm by President, L. Gezelman
• Board President LG called for items of new business.
• Motion to approve the meeting minutes motion by S. Manafort, second C. Castrogiovanni  – motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report – Report presented by L. Gezelman and will be placed on record.

Tax Collector Report: M. Duchow presented the tax collectors report which will be placed on record. He also reported that 38 liens were placed in 2025 up from 30 liens in 2024. He also reported that 50 East Shore Blvd will be auctioned by bank lien holder. Seventeen accounts are currently in the hands of our collection lawyer. He also noted the CT Office of Policy and Management put out a Best Practice for Special Tax Districts manual.

Lake Report: President L. Gezelman presented preliminary figures for control of lake erosion which included 9,000 to 10,000 for engineer and to coordinate with town(s) inland wetlands regulations. LGIA will also need surveys and soil tests. Additional costs of 25,000 to 30,000 in prep costs. L. Gezelman suggested the board look into grants to help cover the cost of necessary erosion control. Other board members suggested we solicit more quotes for comparison.

Event Committee Report: A Carol sing to be held on December 20, 2025

Old Business:

R. Cyr provided a trail update – 4 new trail markers and additional round blue markers were added to the trails. Next year, the trail upgrades will move to 8 acres.

New Business:

Idle Lane property owner demolished the blighted property.

Public Comment:

LGIA member asked about the need for a silt fence on the hill on Lake St. where the trees were taken down and a garage will be built. Member also asked about a silt fence above the Lake St. property with a pool as there is a concern among members around erosion potentially running into the lake now that there are literally no trees to prevent soil from washing down the hill.

Another concern was expressed by LGIA members that two trees were cut down by accident by the tree company and that an association Birch tree was damaged by Battistoni Beach. The board approved two dead trees to be removed at Battistoni.

A member mentioned that kids were throwing rocks into the lake.

Another member mentioned a drain located in from of his house by Children’s Beach needs maintenance and oversight. He paid to have the drain cleaned recently, member asked LGIA to follow-up on drain maintenance.

Motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:58 by R. Cyr- Motion passed.

Board President called for an Executive Session at 8:07 pm.

No written minutes were taken at the Executive Session.

Motion to adjourn the Executive Session by S. Manafort at 9:29 pm seconded by C. Castrogiovanni

Respectively submitted by C. Scully filling in for P. Anthony

November 2025 Meeting Minutes

Lake Garda Improvement Association

Board Meeting Minutes: November 11, 2025

7:00 pm Farmington Senior Center

Board Members:

Present: R. Frey, S. Manafort, C. Scully, A.J. Singh, L. Gezelman, C. Castrogiovanni, J. McNeill, R. Cyr, J. Cragin

Absent: P. Anthony, M. Duchow

Quorum present? Yes

Proceedings:

• Meeting called to order at 7:03 pm by President, L. Gezelman
• Board President LG called for items of new business.
• Motion to approve the meeting minutes motion by S. Manafort, second C. Castrogiovanni  – motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report – Report presented by A.J. Singh and will be placed on record.

Tax Collector Report: Report passed along by L. Gezelman. The report will be placed on record.

Lake Report: Waiting on quote for 2026 lake treatments/maintenance contract.

Event Committee Report: No report

Old Business:

Status of the lake erosion project which is currently on hold – funding was appropriated and is in 202-2026 budget. LGIA needs to find an engineer to assess the project.

New Tree removal date for the trees on Lake Street is 11/24/25

New Business:

Idle Lane property owner advised LGIA of his plans to demolish an old existing structure. Homeowner will seek all the appropriate permits.

LGIA members who reach out to the board regarding improvement(s) on their property will be advised to make sure they know their property boundaries and if not to have the property surveyed prior to making any improvements.

Public Comment:

LGIA member proposed we do not lower the lake this winter due to the lake erosion. Same member also suggested we plant trees to replace the trees the association must remove. The replacement trees will not be pine trees.

Another member asked if there were methods to prolong the life of the lake. Another member suggested the board create a plan and include potential costs to address prolonging the life of the lake.

Motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:52 by J. Cragin seconded J. McNeil. Motion passed.

Next meeting is December 9 Farmington Senior/Community Center

Respectively submitted by C. Scully filling in for P. Anthony

October 2025 Meeting Minutes

Lake Garda Improvement Association

Board Meeting Minutes: October 14th, 2025

7:00 pm – 321 New Britain Ave – Farmington Senior Center

Board Members:

Present: P. Anthony, C. Castrogiovanni, M. Duchow, R. Frey, S. Manafort, C. Scully, A.J. Singh, L. Gezelman, J. McNeill, R. Cyr, J. Cragin.

Absent: N/A

Quorum present? Yes

Proceedings:

• Meeting called to order at 7:03 pm by President, L. Gezelman.
• Motion to approve the September meeting minutes motion by J. Gragin, second by M. Duchow, Motion passed.
• Board President LG called for items of new business.

Treasurer’s Report – Report presented by A.J. Singh and will be placed on record.

Tax Collector Report: Report presented by M. Duchow and will be placed on record.

Lake Report: Treatments are done for 2025. Contract for 2026 will be received in December.

Event Committee Report:

Old Business:

-Dog on Washington Street. Conversations with our lawyer were had in regards to liability for the association.

-Discussion about a well that is on association property and what to do with it. An easement was suggested. Selling a small piece of association property to the well owner was also suggested. It was determined that more research is needed before bringing this matter to a vote. Options will be presented at the April general meeting

-Extension of the boardwalk at Battistoni Beach update. The project has been approved by the town for a permit and the project will begin in a few weeks.

New Business:

-Tree removal on Lake Street is needed urgently. Motion made to remove the tree by S. Manafort, seconded by J. Cragin. Motion carries.

-New sidewalk has been requested between Westside Blvd and Rio Road. The town of Burlington has been looking into this and the project will likely be completed in 2026.

-A Drain on Lakeview Street has a portion that has a sinkhole. A quote in the amount of $1,400.00 plus paving costs. J. Cragin made a motion for the repair in the proposed amount. Second by M. Duchow. Motion carries.

Public Comment:

Motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:35 pm by J. Cragin, seconded by R. Cyr. Motion passed.

Next meeting is November 11^th at 321 New Britain Ave – Farmington Senior Center.

Respectively submitted by P. Anthony

September 2025 Meeting Minutes

(Meeting Minutes subject to approval at the October 2025 meeting)

Lake Garda Improvement Association

Board Meeting Minutes: September 9th, 2025

7:00 pm – 321 New Britain Ave – Farmington Senior Center

Board Members:

Present: P. Anthony, C. Castrogiovanni, M. Duchow, R. Frey, S. Manafort, C. Scully, A.J. Singh, L. Gezelman, J. McNeill, R. Cyr, J. Cragin.

Absent: N/A

Quorum present? Yes

Proceedings:

• Meeting called to order at 7:05 pm by President, L. Gezelman.
• Motion to approve the August meeting minutes motion by R.     Cyr, second by M. Duchow, Motion passed.
• Board President LG called for items of new business.

Treasurer’s Report – Report presented by A.J. Singh and will be placed on record.

Tax Collector Report: Report presented by M. Duchow and will be placed on record. Delinquencies are up from 49 to 68 year over year which represents a significant amount of money.

Lake Report: Final treatment of the year was done last week. We will get a quote for the 2026 season at the end of the year or early in 2026.

Event Committee Report: Chili Cookoff and Apple Pie Bakeoff will be on Saturday, October 11^th. Rain date is October 12^th. J. McNeill has posted a list of the upcoming events.

Old Business:

-A non-member was using the lake recently. The president will be following up with the household as they are eligible to join the association.

-Question about extending the boardwalk. The vice president will be getting a quote.

-Trail posts were purchased by R. Cyr. They need to be prepped before they are installed. New trail markers were also purchased. Comments that the trails look great.

New Business:

-The Annual Regatta was a success with many people participating

-The pollinator pathways group is going to hold off on a few plantings as longer grass and native plants have been coming in naturally.

-The sign on Moore Beach has been fixed.

-Next month will be elections for the 5 directors and 2 board members.

Public Comment:

Motion to adjourn the meeting at 7: by S. Manafort, seconded by P. Anthony. Motion passed.

Next meeting is October 14^th at 321 New Britain Ave – Farmington Senior Center.

Respectively submitted by P. Anthony

August 2025 Meeting Minutes

Lake Garda Improvement Association

Board Meeting Minutes: August 12th, 2025

7:00 pm Moore Beach

Board Members:

Present: P. Anthony, M. Duchow, R. Frey, S. Manafort, C. Scully, A.J. Singh, L. Gezelman, J. McNeill, R. Cyr, J. Cragin.

Absent: C. Castrogiovanni

Quorum present? Yes

Proceedings:

• Meeting called to order at 7:03 pm by President, L. Gezelman.
• Board President LG called for items of new business.
• Motion to approve the July meeting minutes motion by S. Manafort, second by, J. McNeill.  Passed.

Treasurer’s Report – Report presented by A.J. Singh and will be placed on record.

Tax Collector Report: Report presented by M. Duchow. Delinquencies are still up from last year. The report will be placed on record.

Lake Report: fourth treatment was done last week. One more treatment in September.

Event Committee Report: The Regatta is on Saturday.

Old Business:

-East trail off Pine Drive is now open with fresh wood chips. The west trail will take several more weeks.

-New posts for the trails will be purchased and in place in the coming months.

New Business:

-Discussion was had about a dog issue. The president clarified with the police the procedures for how to deal with this. Further talks ensued about whether we notify the owner with a letter. The president will contact our lawyer for best course of action.

-Tree work cleanup was discussed.

-The 100 year anniversary of the lake is next year. Ideas were discussed for what we could do to make the event special.

-The pollinator pathways group completed work around the lake.

Public Comment:

Motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:51 by J. Cragin, J. McNeill seconded. Motion passed.

Next meeting is September 9^th at 321 New Britain Ave.

Respectively submitted by P. Anthony

July 2025 Meeting Minutes

Lake Garda Improvement Association

Board Meeting Minutes: July 8th, 2025

7:00 pm Farmington Senior Center

Board Members:

Present: M. Duchow, R. Frey, S. Manafort, C. Scully, A.J. Singh, L. Gezelman, C. Castrogiovanni, J. McNeill, R. Cyr, J. Cragin

Absent: P. Anthony

Quorum present? Yes

Proceedings:

• Meeting called to order at 7:03 pm by President, L. Gezelman
• Board President LG called for items of new business.
• Motion to approve the June meeting minutes motion by R, Cyr, second S, Manafort passed.

Treasurer’s Report – Report presented by A.J. Singh and will be placed on record.

Tax Collector Report: Report presented by M. Duchow. Delinquencies are up 20% from last year. The report will be placed on record.

Lake Report: Lake was treated on July 7^th. Next treatment in 5 to 6 weeks.

Event Committee Report: J. McNeill reported that LGIA will hold an ice cream social on July 13^th at 2:00 pm.

Old Business: None

New Business:

J.McNeill presented a proposal for anti-erosion project on 8 acres with a total cost of $302.25 also utilizing free leave mold from Tunxis Meade. Motion by J. McNeill second R. Cyr passed.

Removal io trees on Barker St. J. Cragin proposed removal of 4 trees with a total cost of $4,800. Motion J. Cragin second S, Manafort passed.

Boat rack concern by C, Castrogiovanni not enough spaces for all the boats, Battistoni boat rack is full.

Update lake treatment notices per the board

Public Comment:

Motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:41 by by S. Manafort C. Castrogiovanni seconded. Motion passed.

Next meeting is August 12^th at Moore Beach.

Respectively submitted by C. Scully filling in for P. Anthony