2007 Association Meeting Minutes
September 1
The meeting was called to order by Co President Phyllis Mead at 10:05 AM. There were 31 members present.
The minutes of the August 10, 2007 meeting were read. Phil Erickson made a motion to approve the minutes, and Bob McDonough seconded – motion passed.
Jim Guldseth presented the treasurer’s report. The checking account balance is $1,582.49. Jim just received the bill for the dumpster immediately prior to today’s meeting. The cost to the Association will be $541.80. Ray Barnes made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report, and Ron Sluka seconded – motion passed.
OLD BUSINESS:
TRASH DAY – Saturday, August 18
Judy Strom reported 14 people utilized the dumpster this year. The dumpster was filled again this year and Judy felt it was a success. As noted above, the cost was $541.80; but this was offset by fees members paid to dispose of their trash.
POWERLINE WARNING BALLS – LITTLE LAKE:
Jim Guldseth reported that Cooperative Power & Light Co has the warning balls at their office and will install them either in this fall or winter. The power lines will need to be lowered in order to install the balls. Jim will continue to follow up with CLP to ensure this occurs.
FALL YARD WASTE DAY:
Scheduled for Saturday, 9/15 – 9 am to noon. Members are reminded that branches can be no more than 8” in diameter.
ASSOCIATION INCORPORATION:
Co President Phyllis Mead explained to the members, present at the meeting, the purpose for recommending having the Association incorporated. This would protect the officers and the Association from liability. Some concerns were raised as to what the benefits would be to incorporate. Phil Erickson, who is an attorney, stated there is no downside to incorporating, but by not incorporating, the association and its officers would not be protected against liability. Phyllis was asking for members to vote today to create the documents to incorporate. Information regarding incorporating process would be included in the fall newsletter. Ron Sluka made a motion to approve the beginning process of incorporation for the Association. Phil Erickson seconded the motion – motion approved by the members.
LAKE BUOYS:
Phil Erickson reported he has been checking into having standard markers for hazardous areas identified on both lakes. This would ensure everyone, on both lakes, will know what these markers are for. He will continue to follow up with the sheriff’s department.
Members, at the meeting, shared their appreciation to Dale Gauthier, for taking on the responsibility, of putting marker buoys out on the Big Lake for many years.
NEW BUSINESS:
Deb Pomroy circulated a specimen of Curly Leaf pond weed, which is an invasive water plant.
LOON WATCH:
Lorene Sorlien reported there were 3 adult loons, and 1 young one on the Big Lake. Kathy Sluka reported there were 2 adults and 1 young loon on the Little Lake.
WATER CLARITY:
Scott Mead reported that the clarity level was @ 10 and ½ feet two weeks ago. Two days ago the clarity was at 8 feet.
Dale Brooks submitted an email report to the Secretary for the clarity on the Little Lake for the summer. Please see information below:
"Here are the water clarity results if you would like to report them on my behalf. I’m not sure why the readings are better this year. Last year averaged about 13ft. and as you can see the readings are much better this year. I would note that the last 3 readings are at 19 or 20 feet when normally this time of year the readings drop.
"The narrow part of the lake where I take the position 1 reading is in front of Bill Wade’s house and the Position 2 reading is in the middle of the “bowl” part of the lake.
June 4, 2007 6:00pm (Monday) windy and overcast
Position 1 (narrow part of lake) – 16’
Position 2 – 15.5’
June 10, 2007 4:00pm (Sunday) Sunny
Position 1 (narrow part of lake) – 20’
Position 2 – 19’
July 6, 2007 10:30am (Friday) Sunny
Position 1 (narrow part of lake) – 18.5’
Position 2 – 16.5’
July 28, 2007 11:00am (Saturday) Sunny
Position 1 (narrow part of lake) – 19.5’
Position 2 – 19.5’
August 12, 2007 4:00pm (Sunday) Sunny
Position 1 (narrow part of lake) – 19’
Position 2 – 20’
August 26, 2007 5:00pm (Sunday) Partly Sunny
Position 1 (narrow part of lake) – 19’
Position 2 – 19’
Thanks,
Dale"
ROAD CLEAN UP:
Co President Scott Mead scheduled Monday, Sept 17 as the next road clean up date. Those involved will plan to meet at the Fire Hall at 9 am. The Association renewed the road clean up agreement for another 2 years.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2008:
PRESIDENT: Phil Erickson nominated current Co Presidents Scott and Phyllis Mead to serve next year. Judy Strom seconded nomination – members present approved.
VICE PRESIDENT – Current Vice President Phil Erickson retired from position. Jan Kolehmainen nominated Judy Strom. Loreen Sorlien seconded nomination – members present approved.
SECRETARY – Current Secretary Lin Johnson retired from position. Ray Barnes nominated Loreen Sorlien. Phil Erickson seconded nomination – members present approved.
TREASURER – Phil Erickson nominated current Treasurer Jim Guldseth to serve next year. Ray Barnes seconded nomination – members present approved.
ATV TRAIL CLOSURE REQUEST:
Ron Sluka reported the DNR had contacted him regarding possibly closing the trail, at the end of the West Branch Road, which runs from the Big Lake to Bear Lake. Any one with questions or concerns should contact the DNR office in Two Harbors.
WHITE LAKE FISH CENSUS:
Arnie Johnson reported the DNR conducted a fish census on White Lake. This should be done approximately every 5 years. It is believed the last census taken on the Big Lake was in 1991.
Immediately following the meeting a program on the tree diseases and appropriate species for this area will be presented. (Note the link on the Home page for the DNR newsletter on this topic.)
Phil Erickson moved to adjourn the meeting at 11 AM. Ray Barnes seconded – motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Lin Johnson
Secretary
August 11
The meeting was called to order by co-president Scott Mead at 10 a.m. There were 35 members present.
Jim Guldseth presented the Treasurer’s Report. The Association took in $285 in dues in the last month and had $107 in expenses related to the picnic. The checking account balance is at $1,432.90. Ray Barnes moved to accept the report and Lorene Sorlien seconded. The motion passed.
The total membership for this year is 93 families.
Old Business
Summer Picnic: Lori Gherna reported on the summer picnic which was held July 28. There were fewer attendees than last year and 57 tickets were turned in. The games for kids went well and the Inn was cooperative in setting up tables, etc. Thanks to Lori, Ron Alstead, Kristie and Henry Helgen and April Schmitke for helping out. There was some discussion of whether having the picnic be in the late afternoon and evening might increase attendance.
Trash Day: Trash Day is set for Saturday, Aug. 18. Judy Strom passed around a sheet listing items that can and cannot be included and also a sign up sheet for volunteers. The approximate cost will be $432 plus any extra weight. The dumpster will be delivered by 8:30 a.m. and picked up at noon. While the Association is picking up the majority of the cost, there will be a $5 charge for a car trunk load and $10 for a pickup truck or SUV. Members only are allowed to bring items.
Fall Yard Waste Day: The date is set for Sept. 15 from 9 to noon at the gravel pit on #44 near the beginning of the Big Lake. Users are reminded that branches cannot be more than 8 inches in diameter.
Pontoon Ride Exchange: Phyllis Mead reported that the exchange was well received by those who participated. There were two pontoons on the Little Lake and two on the Big Lake. Another ride will be scheduled either this fall or next summer depending on interest expressed.
New Business
Incorporation: Phyllis Mead reported that the Association is investigating being incorporated in order to provide liability coverage to Association officers and members. Dexter Larsen is helping with the legalities. The Association would incorporate as a 504c non profit. Articles of incorporation and bylaws will be shared with members as they are drafted.
Association History: It was discussed that the Association would solicit stories and photos about early days at the lakes to be compiled in a book and also on the Association web site (pequaywanlakes.com). If you have any such material, please sent to Phyllis or Scott Mead.
Lake Buoy: There was discussion on whether the Association should put out buoys near obstructions on the Big Lake .
Loon Watch: Lorene Sorlien reported that there is one baby loon on the Big Lake. Kathy Sluka reported that the baby loon on the Little Lake is now turning colors. Both sets of loons have been more vocal than usual due to the eagles which have been flying over the lakes. Kathy referred people to the Conservation Volunteer web site (http://conservationvolunteers.org) and its magazine which had a good article on loons.
Lake Clarity: Scott Mead said that the lake clarity on the Big lake was at 11 feet at the beginning of August. The best reading had been 13.5 earlier in the year. Scott said the drop in clarity was to be expected this time of year.
Road Pickup: A date of Monday, Sept. 10, was proposed for picking up trash on area roads.
Rental Property: There had been several complaints to the St. Louis County Planning Department about someone operating a resort (rental) on Little Pequaywan. Scott Mead said he had talked to a representative of the Planning Department who is sending out a letter to the owner to stop the rental which is not allowed under current zoning. The owner will be able to apply for a conditional use permit, but the granting of such will be conditional on neighborhood response and a public hearing will be held. Concerns were voiced about the fact that such rentals would mean more boats and jet skies being taken in and out of the water and the potential for harmful species and weeds to enter the lake.
Next meeting: The next Association meeting will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept.1. There will be an election of officers. Following the formal meeting, a forester will conduct a program on trees, insects and disease. Please send in your suggestions for future topics for presentations at meetings.
The meeting adjourned at 11 for a special presentation on fly fishing by Paul Schmidt.
July 7
The meeting was called to order by Co President Scott Mead at 10:05 AM. There were 34 members present.
The minutes of the June 9, 2007 meeting were read. Kristen Larson made a motion to approve the minutes, and Ron Sluka seconded – motion passed.
Jim Guldseth presented the treasurer’s report. The checking account balance is $1,254.49. The two CD’s total balances are $15,910.07. The total for the three accounts is $17,164.56. Ray Barnes made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report, and Bob Wallace seconded – motion passed.
UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER:
PONTOON RIDE EXCHANGE – TODAY!
Those that are interested will first meet at the Church on the Little Lake. The time is from 1 to 3 PM. Then, people will meet at the Arndt’s on the Big Lake. The time for that is from 3 to 5 PM.
DRAGONFLY PRESENTATION –
Immediately following today’s meeting.
PICNIC – Saturday, July 28 @ noon
Lori Gherna checked with John Lucia about having the picnic at the fire hall. John said that was fine, but Lori and the other committee members feel it would be better to have it at the Inn. There is more room for people to sit, space for the children’s games, and better parking availability. However, she still needed to check with Marlin, from the Inn, to see if that was acceptable. Phyllis Mead made a motion to for Lori to check with the Inn for approval to hold the picnic there. Jim Guldseth seconded – motion passed.
Other picnic items to consider –
In the past, Marlin has had the tent set up and provided some tables and chairs – this will need to be checked on as well.
People should bring their own table and chairs
Beverage tickets will be distributed for pop, beer or ice cream – which will be paid for by the Association.
TRASH DAY – Saturday, August 18
Judy Strom reported she is waiting to hear back from Hartels for confirmation for dumpster rental. This year it will be open to only Association members and there will be a $5 fee for a car trunk full of trash, and a $10 fee for SUV or truck size.
OLD BUSINESS:
YARD WASTE DAY:
20 loads were brought in and everything went very well – no issues at all. The Fire Department will burn the brush in the fall.
NEW BUSINESS:
LOON WATCH:
Lorene Sorlien reported there were 8 loons on the Big Lake – 2 were babies. Nesting loon seen on the Little Lake.
WATER CLARITY:
Scott Mead reported that the clarity level was @ 12 and ½ feet last week. The best has been 13 and ½. He submits a report to the MPCA at the end of the season.
ASSOCIATION BYLAWS AND INCORPORATING:
Co President Phyllis Mead checked with Phil Erickson, who is an attorney, regarding if the Association should consider incorporating. Phil’s advice is the Association’s Officers could be held personally liable if something were to happen. The Association should have insurance to protect itself. Dexter Larson, also an attorney and present at the meeting, said the cost is minimal to incorporate and he would donate his time to draw up the papers. The Association would have to just pay for filing fees. More discussion on this to follow at later meetings.
DONATION TO FIRE HALL:
Phyllis asked Ron Sluka if the Fire Hall would like the Association to donate or restock supplies since we meet there. Ron said the meeting room is available to everyone, and that is the purpose of the room. Ron said the fire department would prefer for the Association to restock something if it is low.
Gordy Larsen made a motion for the Association to donate $50 annually to the Fire Department, as well, and designate it for supplies. Jan Kolehmainen seconded the motion – motion passed.
SECOND PONTOON EXCHANGE:
There were some people, who were interested in the pontoon ride today, but were unable to attend due to other conflicts, would like to have a 2nd one scheduled. This will be revisited at a later meeting. One suggestion was to hold it in September.
POWER LINES ON LITTLE LAKE:
Jim Guldseth brought up a concern, regarding the power lines across the channel, on the Little Lake. The lines are unmarked, and could be a potential hazard, for planes landing on the lake. He had contacted Cooperative Power, in the past about this, but has not had a response from them. A suggestion was made for Jim to write a letter to the power company, as a representative of the Association, and copy the Association. The copy of the letter will be in the Association’s file that we brought this concern up to the power company.
Next Meeting –
The meeting is scheduled for August 11, 2007 @ 10 AM at the fire hall.
Cameron Johnson moved to adjourn and Loreen Sorlien seconded. Motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 11:15 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Lin Johnson
Secretary
June 9
The meeting was called to order by co-chair Scott Mead at 10 a.m. There were 42 members present.
The minutes of the May 5th meeting were available to read and were reviewed. Minutes were approved. MSP Erickson/Kohelmainen.
Jim Guldseth gave the treasurer’s report. The checking account has a balance of $1,154.49. The CD balance is $15,910.10. A total of $176.03 was paid to Judy Strom for expenses. The accounts total $17,064.59. Treasurer’s report was approved.
Scott thanked those members who participated in the road trash pick up and the property owners who keep their area roads clean. Dave and Judy Olson, Barb and Ted Granquist, Arnie Johnson, Dick Madden and Scott made up the crew.
Old Business
Reminder about blacktopping driveways and if the group did it, there would be a break in cost. This would also apply if concrete is ordered.
Dates to Remember
June 9 Brush pile day 12:00-4:00
July 1 Sunday Pancake feed at the Firehall
July 7 Association meeting 10 AM Dragonfly program by Kurt Mead immediately after the morning meeting. Kurt is the author of the guidebook “Dragonflies of the Northwoods.”
Pontoon Rides Lake Exchange
• 1:00-3:00 Little Lake Load at the chapel dock.
• 3:00-5:00 Big Lake Load at Arndt’s dock
Sign up for driving and riding at the July 7th association meeting. Everyone bring their own life jacket. It was suggested property owners put their names on a lakeside sign.
July 28, Saturday. Association picnic at 12:00.
Lori Gherna, Sue Pelto, April Smitke, and Kristi Helgen will be in charge of the games. It was suggested the event be held at the Fire Hall and a donation be given to the fire department. Lori said she would check with John Lucia regarding this.
August 18 Trash Day. Members only.
It was suggested that a fee of $10 be charged for pickup truck and trailer loads with a $5 fee for a car trunk load. Members were reminded to break things down as much as possible. Good items should be donated to Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Freecycle.com. St. Vincent DePaul was mentioned as a donation possibility. There was some interest in holding neighborhood rummage sales before trash day. Plans will be firmed up at the next Association meeting.
New Business
Jan Kolehmainen talked about spruce bud worm on his property. It was suggested we have a program about tree varieties appropriate for our area and tree care.
The Brimson Farmers Market will be held Saturdays starting in July. Call Marilyn Bamford for information.
Loon watch: a pair and a single on the big lake. Lorene Sorlien reporter.
Big lake clarity: 11.5 feet. Meads reporters
Next meeting, July 7th at 10 AM at the Fire Hall. Dragonfly program to follow. Pontoon ride exchange beginning at 1 PM.
Kris Larsen spoke briefly about public meetings regarding forest classification upcoming June 20th at Cotton and June 21st at Rice Lake.
Meeting was adjourned at 10:55.
(Thanks to Lorene Sorlien for taking minutes in Lin’s absence!)
May 5
The meeting was called to order by Co President Scott Mead at 10 AM. There were 24 members present.
The minutes of the September 2, 2006, meeting were read. Phil Erickson made a motion to approve the minutes, and Lorene Sorlien seconded – motion passed.
Jim Guldseth presented the treasurer’s report. The checking account balance is $1,060.52. The two CD’s matured last month and Jim renewed one for 12 months for 5.15% ($10,582.73) and the second one for 8 months for 5.10% ($5,325.34). The CD total balances are $15,910.07. The total for the three accounts is $16,970.59. Phil Erickson moved to approve the treasurer’s report, and Ted Granquist seconded – motion passed.
UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER:
Road Clean Up: Meet at Mead’s on Monday, May 7 @ 9 AM for coffee and clean up starting at 10 AM. If it rains plan on meeting the next Monday, 5/14. There is a two mile stretch on 44 that is done. Scott Mead would like to see the West Branch Road be done sometime as well.
Co President Phyllis Mead has invited a Boreal Natives representative, to give a short presentation, regarding suitable lake shore plants, at the next Association meeting, scheduled for Saturday, June 9. The rep will bring some plants for people to purchase as well.
Yard Waste Day: Saturday, June 9 @ noon to 4 PM. Association members can bring yard waste to the site next to the storage sheds on Highway 44. Eight inch diameter branches are the largest size allowed.
Garden Club: Meets the last Tuesday of the month – unless there is a holiday. Due to the upcoming Memorial Holiday, the Garden Club will meet Tuesday, May 22.
Church Service: Sunday, May 27. Choir practice starts at 9:30 AM and the service starts at 10 AM.
DNR Public Open House: Thursday, June 21 at Rice Lake Townhall @ 6 to 8 PM. Discussion regarding their plan for off-road trails in Cloquet Valley State Forest.
Dragon Fly Presentation: Saturday, July 7 at Association meeting. Kurt Mead will be the speaker.
NEW BUSINESS:
DIRECTORY/NEWSLETTER:
Judy Strom provided updated directories which are free to Association members.
She was also responsible for the newsletter which was mailed and emailed to members earlier this month. She emailed the newsletter to 80 people which helped to defray mailing expenses. 120 were mailed and, as of today, none were returned due to incorrect addresses.
Please contact Judy if you would like to provide her with your email address (lake@superiorassociates.com)
The association members expressed their appreciation and thanks for all her hard work for both the directory and newsletter.
DUMPSTER RENTAL:
Although it was popular last year, it was very costly to the Association. Discussion regarding dumpster rental, for this year, will be discussed at the next meeting. A couple of items to go over will be possibly charging members, and determine the number of dumpsters needed.
COORDINATING LANDFILL TRIPS:
Dick Madden made a suggestion to coordinate a group trip to the Rice Lake Landfill to fully utilize coupons recently mailed out. These coupons are good for appliances and tires. This could be planned for the same day as Dumpster Day. More discussion on this will be done at a future meeting.
COORDINATING BLACKTOPPING DRIVEWAYS:
Dick Madden would like to get the word out regarding blacktopping driveways. It would be less expensive if a group of people would have it done at the same time.
AREA RUMMAGE SALE:
Kris Larson and Deb Pomroy have volunteered to co-chair arranging an area rummage sale. Details will follow at a later date.
PONTOON RIDE EXCHANGE:
Discussions will be held at next month’s meeting, regarding a Pontoon Ride Exchange, for people between the big and small lakes.
PICNIC:
A tentative date of Saturday, July 28 has been established for this year’s picnic. The Association meeting will be held prior to the picnic that same day. Lori Gherna will check with the group, who arranged games for the children, if they would be interested in helping again this year.
ASSOCIATION ATV RESOLUTION:
After much discussion the members voted to approve the following statement regarding an ATV trail system in our area to present at the next Township Board Meeting which is Tuesday, 5/8 at 7:30 PM.
To preserve the tranquility and the environment of Pequaywan Lakes Area, which is located entirely within the Cloquet Valley State Forest, the Pequaywan Lakes Area Association states that it is against any new ATV trails or the expansion of any ATV trails in the Pequaywan Lakes area, and urges the St. Louis County Commissioners, and the Department of Natural Resources, to adopt a Limited OHV use classification status for the Cloquet Valley State Forest.
Kris Larson made a motion to approve the statement, Judy Strom seconded. The motion passed.
LOON WATCH:
Lorene Sorlien reported the 1st loon heard on the big lake was on Sunday, 4/22. A pair and a single were first seen on Monday, 4/30. She asked residents to keep their boats away from any loon nests.
Next Meeting –
The meeting is scheduled for June 9, 2007 @ 10 AM at the fire hall.
Phil Erickson moved to adjourn and Dale Brooks seconded. Motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 11:10 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Lin Johnson
Secretary
