ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF PEMBROKE WATERSHED ASSOCIATION INC. PEMBROKE, MASSACHUSETTS

The purpose of the Pembroke Watershed Association, as filed with the Secretary of the State of Massachusetts, and accepted on July 29, 2005 is to engage in the following business activities:

THE CORPORATION IS FORMED FOR THE FOLLOWING CHARITABLE AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES WHICH SHALL AT ALL TIMES BE CONDUCTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE TO PROTECT AND IMPROVE THE WATER QUALITY OF THE PONDS OF PEMBROKE; TO STABILIZE AND PROTECT WATER LEVELS; TO DEVELOP AND PRESERVE THE PONDS IN PEMBROKE AS COMPLETE RECREATIONAL BODIES OF WATER; TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT THE SURROUNDING WATERSHED AND TO INFORM THE PUBLIC ON THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER QUALITY, STABILIZATION AND PROTECTION.

Meeting Minutes

Pembroke Watershed Association Annual Meeting Minutes
Date: May 1, 2024
Time: 5:58 PM

• Call to Order and Introductions
  The meeting was called to order at 5:58 PM. Board members introduced themselves:
  • Adam, Judy, Bob, Darren, and Michelle.
• Attendance: 22 members were present.
• Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
  • A motion to approve the minutes from last year’s annual meeting was made by John and seconded by Patty. Motion passed.
• Election of Officers
  • President: Bob Kenny was elected President. (Motion by John, seconded by Patty)
  • Treasurer: Judy was re-elected Treasurer. (Motion by John, seconded by Patty)
  • Tracy’s position was officially changed to Director of Government Relations.
• President’s Report (Bob Kenny)
  • Water Treatment: Oldham Pond was treated last summer. Delays were due to coordination between Hanson and Pembroke.
  • Eastern Mussel Study: The eastern mussel population in Oldham Pond has increased since 2013. The alum treatment had no negative effects on the population.
  • Acknowledgments: Thanks to Sarah Trant for her work on the raffle and the “Pembroke Celebrates” fundraising efforts. A similar raffle is planned for September.
  • Website Update: The PWA website has been updated and is now fully operational.
  • State Earmark: The PWA received a $25,000 state earmark. Plans include: Purchasing new testing equipment to replace the donated equipment (Motion by Trant, seconded by Tracy)
  • Furnace Pond: Furnace Pond remains in poor condition. Past plans to dredge the pond were canceled due to hazardous materials found in the muck. A cleanup event will be coordinated with the PWA cleanup efforts.
  • Town Collaboration: PWA continues to have a strong working relationship with Pembroke and Hanson.
• Treasurer’s Report (Judy)
  • Income: Flat year-over-year.
  • Net income for the year: $250 (down from $1,200 last year).
  • Revenue sources: membership dues, donations, raffles, and fundraising events.
  • Expenses: $500 scholarship, Annual water testing, Website maintenance costs.
  • Motion to accept the Treasurer’s report made by Patty, seconded by Tracy. Motion passed.
• Membership Report
  • Last year’s membership totaled 90.
  • Current membership stands at 58 confirmed members, with 8 pending.
• Vice President’s Report (Darren)
  • Exploring alternative technologies for water treatment beyond chemicals.
  • Collaboration with Janine Anderson from the Farmers Market Board to include PWA in weekly events.
• Water Quality Report (Adam)
  • All testing data has been digitized.
  • Testing resumed for Little Sandy and Stetson ponds.
  • Outreach initiatives with local schools have started.
  • Data gaps have been addressed.
  Goals for 2024:
  • Purchase new testing equipment.
  • Use mapping software to identify non-point pollution sources and potential solutions.
  • Engage property owners and encourage participation in PWA efforts.
• Community Feedback
  • Members expressed appreciation for PWA’s efforts and shared pride in the accomplishments of PWA and the town of Pembroke.
• Fundraisers and Events
  • Towne Tavern Fundraiser: Date TBD.
  • Pond Cleanup Event: Date TBD.
• Closing Notes
  • Suggestion for next year: Adjust the order of presentations, starting with Adam’s water quality and testing report.
• The meeting adjourned at 7:37. Minutes submitted by: Michelle Cincunegui