Congamond Lake Payment Agreement Set For Suffield Residents

SUFFIELD, CT — A payment agreement between the towns of Suffield and Southwick, Mass. over use of Congamond Lake was announced Monday by the office of First Selectman Melissa Mack.

The payment covers costs for maintenance, policing and public safety associated with the use of Congamond Lake by Suffield residents. Congamond Lake is situated within the boundaries of both towns.

The five-year memorandum of understanding includes a $2,000 annual fee (to increase by $200 a year) which encompasses yearly licensing charges for Suffield residential property owners whose dock(s), swim float(s), mooring(s) or buoy(s) are located in Congamond Lake.

While the agreed upon payment relieves Suffield owners from their dock fees, town leadership emphasizes it does not relieve them from their obligation to register.

The Suffield Board of Selectmen approved the initiative at its February 20, 2019 meeting.

“I am delighted to have been able to negotiate this arrangement with Southwick and to resolve a
decades-long quarrel that rears its head every spring,” Mack said. “We can now refocus our energies on ensuring the safety of all residents enjoying beautiful Congamond Lake.”

Southwick’s Conservation Commission oversees the Local Permitting Program (LPP) under State Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) authority. Fees collected fund lake enforcement/improvements only, as stipulated by law. The negotiated rate amounts to less
than Southwick would receive in total for each Suffield registration, but represents a significant
savings in administrative time, hassle and ongoing legal fees.

For Suffield, the compromise resolves the issue and promises a commitment to public safety. The agreement settles all disputes and waives Southwick’s right to seek enforcement of any prior LPP nonpayment, penalties, fines, etc. of Suffield property owners.

Details regarding the new process for Suffield residents to register and obtain the required annual
sticker are in the works and will be made available shortly on the Town of Suffield website and
Facebook.

For additional questions, contact Kim Worthington at (860) 668-3838.

Story courtesy of Suffield First Selectman's Office