2006 Association Meeting Minutes
Sept. 2
The meeting was called to order by President Ron Sluka at 10:05 AM. There were 25 members present and introductions were made.
The minutes of the July 22, 2006, meeting were read. Phil Erickson made a motion to approve the minutes and Chuck Lucas seconded – motion passed.
Arnie Johnson presented the treasurer’s report. The checking account balance is $2,201.47. The CD balances are $15,204.39. The total for the accounts is $17,405.86. Jim Guldseth moved to approve the treasurer’s report and Phil Erickson seconded – motion passed.
OLD BUSINESS:
Loon Watch:
Big Lake – Two pairs seen on the lake. There was a nest on the north end and one egg was seen – but no chicks. Largest group noted were 8 at one time.
Water Clarity Testing:
Scott Mead reported on the latest test he conducted on the big lake. The clarity level has risen to 10.5 feet.
Dale Brooks reported he has performed 5 tests on the little lake and the clarity readings have been between 11.5 feet in June to 14 feet in August.
Trash Day/Dumpster Rental – August 19
Judy Strom reported the trash day was very successful. Total spent was $1,132.60 Weight: 9.71 tons Two dumpsters were packed full
Recommendations for next year.
• Keep limitation of one car/truck per member
• Keep member requirement
• Investigate possibility of charging something to defray costs
• Solicit input as to how much.... will we still need 2 dumpsters
• Make sure folks tear down and compact as much as possible
Thanks to volunteers and particularly Chris Ringsred.
Phil Erickson made a motion to approve payment of $1,132.60 for the dumpsters. Scott Mead seconded – motion approved.
Thank you to Judy for a terrific job in arranging this.
NEW BUSINESS:
Brush Burning –
Saturday, September 2, 2006 is the first day open for people to bring their yard waste to the gravel pit. It is available from 10 am to 4 pm and open to everyone in the township.
Ron Sluka reported the fire department would like to purchase a fire burner to burn the brush pile. Phil Erickson made a motion to approve the purchase of a burner – not to exceed $50. Don Bullene seconded the motion – motion passed.
Don Bullene reported to the group about the MSRPO organization (Minnesota Seasonal Recreational Property Owners). This group lobbies the state government for lower property taxes. The dues are $50 a year and a newsletter is provided to its members. Please see their website — www.msrpo.org — for more information.
Road Clean Up -
This should be done in September – Ron Sluka will arrange to have this done.
Halloween Party –
April Smitke and Sue Pelto have volunteered to be responsible for planning the party.
Christmas Party –
The Association decided to have a mid-winter event replace the Christmas party in order to reach out to more residents and members. Phil Erickson made a motion approve the change. Lorene Sorlien seconded. Motion passed.
Election of Officers for 2007-
**All positions are open**
PRESIDENT. Judy Strom nominated Scott and Phyllis Mead as Co-Presidents for the position of President.
VICE PRESIDENT. Donna Johnson nominated Phil Erickson.
TREASURER. Scott Mead nominated Jim Guldseth.
SECRETARY. Phil Erickson nominated Lin Johnson.
By acclimation, all candidates were approved for positions listed above.
Both Ron Sluka (current President) and Arnie Johnson (current Treasurer) are retiring from their positions. Due to their long service to the Association, Judy Strom made a motion to grant them life time membership in the Association. Phil Erickson seconded the motion – motion passed.
Next Meeting –
The meeting is scheduled for May 5, 2007, at 10 AM at the fire hall.
Phyllis Mead moved to adjourn and Phil Erickson seconded. Motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 11:15 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Lin Johnson
Secretary
July 22
The meeting was called to order by President Ron Sluka at 10:05 AM. There were 40 members present and introductions were made.
The minutes of the June 24, 2006 meeting were read. Kathy Sluka made a motion to approve the minutes, and Lydia Thering seconded – motion passed.
Arnie Johnson presented the treasurer’s report. The checking account balance is $2,202.04. The CD balances are $15,204.39. The total for the accounts is $17,406.43. Phil Erickson moved to approve the treasurer’s report and Jerry Rosdahl seconded – motion passed.
OLD BUSINESS:
Loon Watch – Updated information – baby loon born on July 2 on the little lake.
Water Clarity Testing - Scott Mead reported on the latest 2 tests he conducted on the big lake. The first clarity test showed 8 feet and the second was at 9 feet. There was no report available for the little lake
Trash Day/Dumpster Rental – August 19
Due to the high level of interest from members utilizing the dumpster it was determined that two dumpsters would be needed. Lydia Thering made a motion to approve the 2nd dumpster and Phil Erickson seconded. Motion passed.
A sign up sheet was distributed for those willing to volunteer to help man the site. The first volunteers will need to be at the site starting at 8:30 until 3:30. The hours for those to drop off trash will be from 9 to 3.
This is for Association members use only. A membership list will be at the site for volunteers to check names.
Non members will be allowed to check at 3 pm to see if room allows for more trash. If there is room, they will need to pay the Association dues in order to dump their trash.
Pot Luck – Scheduled for Saturday, July 29 and to be held at the Inn at noon.
Kathy Sluka made a motion to have the Association donate the cost of the plates, silverware, napkins, and cups. Phil Erickson seconded – motion passed. Kathy will be responsible for purchasing these items.
Ron Sluka and Dick Madden will get the tent up and have chairs brought over from the fire hall.
A motion was raised to provide a door prize of a $25 gift certificate from the Inn. Scott Mead approved the motion, and Lydia Thering seconded. Motion passed.
NEW BUSINESS:
Brush Burning –
Marialice Arndt reported that in partnership with the township and county, the gravel pit on Hwy 44 will be available for area residents to drop off yard waste. Yard waste is considered to be grass clippings, leaves, pine needles, twigs and logs no larger than 8 inches in diameter.
The fire department will do a controlled burn at the area.
Will be available four times a year – twice in the fall and twice in the spring. Tentative dates (subjected to approval by township) discussed at the meeting are:
Fall: Saturday, Sept. 2nd (noon to 4 pm) and Saturday, Oct. 21st (10 am to 2 pm)
Spring: Saturday, May 5th (10 am to 2 pm) and Saturday, June 9th (noon to 4 pm)
Zero tolerance for abuse – site will be shut down if that occurs.
Volunteers will be needed to monitor deliveries and man the site.
Deb Pomroy informed the group about a noxious weed – Spotted Knapweed, which is growing along the roadways. Weevils have been released in some of the area to control the plant.
Dan Dexter presented information for lake residents regarding protecting the health of lakes
Potential threats:
Failing septic systems
Lawn fertilizers/sod
Geese
Exotic aquatic species
Boats used in other lakes
A decrease in the duck population may be attributed to the geese on the lakes.
The lakes have been free of purple loosestrife since 1991. (Update since meeting – Dan found a small patch on the big lake the same evening as the meeting. The DNR control crews have already taken care of it.)
Excellent fishing in both lakes and the fish population is good.
Responsibility falls on all lakeshore residents to take care of our lakes. It is important to continue to educate and provide information to all lake residents.
Next Meeting - The next meeting is scheduled for September 2, 2006 at 10 AM at the fire hall.
The meeting adjourned at 11:30 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Lin Johnson
Secretary
June 24
The meeting was called to order by Vice President Phil Erickson at 10 AM. There were 38 members present.
The minutes of the May 27, 2006 meeting were read. Cameron Johnson made a motion to approve the minutes, and Don Bullene seconded – motion passed.
Arnie Johnson presented the treasurer’s report. The checking account balance is $2,082.04. The CD balances are $15,055.75. The total for the accounts is $17,137.79. Lorene Sorlien moved to approve the treasurer’s report and Lydia Thering seconded – motion passed.
OLD BUSINESS:
Activities Committee report – Please see the information of the group’s recommendations that was mailed to the Secretary by clicking here.
Fire Sign – If a resident is interested in purchasing the new two sided fire sign, please contact Sharon Lewerer at the County at (218) 726-2920. The cost is $25. You will receive the sign only and complete instructions on how to place it. See attached documentation on this as well.
Loon Watch – Updated information. Carmen Freeman reported seeing 3 adults and no chicks on the little lake. Lorene Sorlien reported a group of 5 to 6 that were together on the big lake. There is a nest at the north end of the big lake.
Water Clarity Testing - Scott Mead reported 2 tests have been done on the big lake. The first test showed the clarity level at 9.5 feet. The second test’s clarity was at 9 feet. This is down from the first year it was performed – that came in at 12 feet. There was no information available for the little lake at the time of this meeting. Gordy Johnson noted fertilizing lawns and/or laying sod is very harmful when runoff occurs, from the yards, into the lakes.
NEW BUSINESS:
Trash Day/Dumpster Rental – The date of Saturday, August 19 was chosen to have a dumpster available for Association members to dispose of waste items. The dumpster will be located at the Fire Hall and the time frame will be from 9 am to 3 pm for one day only. This will be for Association members’ use only. Association volunteers will take turns staffing the site. It was agreed by the group, members will only be allowed one car or one pickup load due to the number of people interested. Judy Strom provided the information below as to what items are and are not allowed. Deb Pomroy made a motion to approve the date and dumpster rental, and Ray Barnes seconded. The motion passed.
Types of items permitted
Furniture and rugs
Treated lumber
Lawn mowers (empty of gas/oil)
Concrete or cinder blocks (limit two because of weight)
Building material/ scrap wood/ siding/ small amounts of
sheet rock
Roofing (small amounts and non-asbestos)
Window screens
Types of items not permitted
Mattresses or box springs
Hazardous waste — paint, fluorescent tubes, medical
Batteries
Chemicals —- motor oils, gas, antifreeze, cleaning products
Explosives (ammunition, etc.)
Yard waste (grass, leaves, brush)
Appliances and electronics
Railroad ties and tires
Cellulose insulation, Asbestos
Household garbage (food)
Pot Luck – The date of Saturday, July 29 was selected for the pot luck which will be held at the Inn starting at noon. People are asked to bring a dish to share. Everyone is welcomed whether they are an Association member or not.
Each attendee will be given a ticket to use for pop or ice cream provided by the Inn. Jason Smitke volunteered to track the tickets turned in and note what it was used for. The Association will reimburse the Inn for these items.
April Smitke will be in charge of the games for the children. Ribbons will be given to the children participating in the games.
Gordy Johnson suggested having a door prize as well. This will be determined at the next Association meeting on July 22.
Grass Mowing (around sign) – Dick Madden has been taking care of keeping the grass mowed. Cameron Johnson made a motion to reimburse him for gas for the lawn mower. Lorene Sorlien seconded. Motion passed.
Brush Burning – Marialice Arndt will find out what the guidelines are, at the next town board meeting on July 11, and report back to the group.
Next Meeting - The next meeting is scheduled for July 22, 2006 at 10 AM at the fire hall.
Betty Johnson moved to adjourned and Cameron Johnson seconded – motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 11:15 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Lin Johnson
Secretary
May 27
The meeting was called to order by President Ron Sluka at 10:05. There were 34 members present and introductions were made. Ron took a moment to thank everyone for their prayers, thoughts and cards remembering their daughter Shelly.
The minutes of the September 24, 2005 meeting were read. Richard Arndt made a motion to approve the corrected minutes, and Karen Toomey seconded – motion passed.
Arnie Johnson presented the treasurer’s report. The checking account balance is $1,999.53. Arnie transferred $10,000 from the CD that matured in Oct, 2005, to a 17 month CD that will mature on March 6, 2007. The remainder of the funds, ($5,000+) is in a short term CD that will mature on July 6, 2006. The total for the accounts is $17, 055.28. Ray Barnes moved to approve the treasurer’s report and Jerry Rosdahl seconded – motion passed.
OLD BUSINESS:
Dumpster Rental - Judy Strom discussed the details regarding the cost of renting a dumpster for a day for association members to utilize. She contacted Hartels Waste. They quoted her a charge of approximately $500 for a 30 yard container for a day’s use. Judy distributed a list of items that are not allowed in the dumpster. But, after some discussion, it was determined that some items, people would like to put in the dumpster, are not allowed. Karen Toomey passed around a list for people to write down items they would like to dispose of. Judy Strom will contact Hartels and see if there is any flexibility to what can be put in this dumpster. She will report back at the next meeting.
Road Clean Up - Ron reported the road clean up went very well and thanked those that participated. A special thank you to Dick Madden for his extra efforts to keep the trash picked up on the West Branch Road. There will be another road clean up scheduled in the fall. If anyone sees garbage blowing out of the garbage truck we should contact the company to make them aware of that.
Information Packets – Phyllis Mead and Judy Strom did a fantastic job putting together the information packets which were distributed earlier this spring. There was excellent information included relevant to living in the country and on a lake. A directory, listing residents that lived on both big and little Pequaywan Lakes was included. However, in the past, the directory originally included all residents in the area – i.e., White Lake, Cloquet River Rd, etc. The members would like to have the directory include residents from the 2 lakes and the Cloquet River Rd. A suggestion was made, in order to receive a directory; people should pay the Association fee of $10. Judy passed out directories and membership cards to the members in attendance.
NEW BUSINESS:
Position Updates – John Lucas is fire chief for the Pequaywan Lakes Fire Department and Marialice Arndt is the Clerk of the Township.
Pot Luck – The date of Saturday, July 29 was selected to have the pot luck. Again, discussion was centered on having people volunteer to be in charge of games and getting prizes. After much discussion, Ron asked Karen Toomey if she would know of anyone interested in being responsible for lining up the games. Judy Strom offered to send out an email to see if anyone would be interested in being the point person responsible for the games and prizes. Karen Toomey sent around a sign up sheet for anyone interested in helping as well.
Loon Watch – 2 loons were seen on the big lake and 2 loons were seen on the little lake as well.
Water Clarity Testing - Scott Mead reported clarity on the big lake was about 10 feet – good for this time of the year. Dale Brooks has not put his boat in yet and has not done a clarity test on the little lake yet.
Fire Number Sign – Richard Arndt reported there are new two sided signs that have the fire number on both sides. The signs should be placed 90 degrees to the road to see the numbers from both directions. The sign should be placed closer to the road as well. The cost is $25 for a sign and he will provide a phone number, at the next meeting, for people to call to order a new sign.
Information sign – West Branch Rd – The sign needs to be repaired or replaced. The township board is trying to find someone to repair/replace it.
Lakeside Chapel – The first service will be held on May 28, 2006 @ 10 AM. This is the 34th year people have gathered for worship in the area.
Pancake Breakfast – The Pequaywan Fire Dept has scheduled their pancake breakfast fund raiser for Sunday, July 2, 2006.
Burning Brush – Mark Freeman burned the brush pile on West Branch Rd. According to Ron, the county will not assign an area for a brush pile. Also, North Star did not want to expand their area.
North Shore ATV Club – Ron mentioned young people, from the ages of 12 to15, need to be certified in order to operate ATV’s. They will be fined if they are not certified. There are two locations where training and testing is available this summer: Cloquet, MN - June 27 and Alborn, MN - July 12th.
Next Meeting - The next meeting is scheduled for June 24, 2006 at 10 AM at the fire hall. Marialice Arndt volunteered to bring treats.
John Lucas moved to adjourned and Karen Toomey seconded – motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 11:45 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Lin Johnson
Secrectary
