2008 Association Meeting Minutes
September 13
The meeting was called to order by President Phyllis Mead at 10 AM. There were 21 members present.
The minutes from August were read. Dick Arndt made a motion to approve the minutes, and MariAlice Arndt seconded - motion passed.
Jim Guldseth presented the treasurer's report. The checking account balance is $1,361 -72. Reported income was $90 and total expenses were $248.52 - the majority of it was for the picnic expenses. Jim renewed one CD on August 8 with a rate of 3.1% The balance is $5,635. The other CD was renewed on July 18 with a rate of 3.5%. The balance is $1 1,130.85. Ron Sluka made a motion to approve the treasurer's report, and Kathy Sluka seconded - motion passed.
Old Business
• Picnic - Lori Gherna reported 50 to 60 people attended. Those that were there said it was an enjoyable time for both the children and the adults. The entertainment provided was especially appreciated and enjoyed by all. One concern was that bar patrons were eating the food meant for the picnic.
• Fall Yard Waste Day - Scheduled for today, Saturday, 9/13 from noon to 4 pm.
• Spotted Knapweed - The Rossini Trail is filled with the weed. The issue was brought up at the Town Board meeting Friday night. The Board members will try to get some of the bull weevils to help eliminate the weed. People have noticed some by the West Branch Rd as well. A suggestion was made to try and get a group together in the Spring to pull the weed
New Business
• Road side pick up - Planned for Tuesday afternoon, 9/ 16.
• Loon Watch - 2 adult loons spotted on the big lake. The dead loon has been transferred to the DNR office in Two Harbors. It will be donated for educational purposes.
• Water Clarity - Scott Mead reported the big lake's clarity level in August was 7 1/2 to 8 feet.
• Burning Permit Fee - It was noted the Pequaywan Inn has been charging a nominal fee for issuing permits. The DNR does not charge for the permits, but locations who issue permits, have the right to assess a processing fee.
• Halloween Party - The members chose Thursday evening, 10/30 for the event. It will be held at the Inn. The Association will pay for the hot dogs and the candy. Kathy Sluka will check with the Homemakers group to have them bake cakes for the cake walk.
• Pequaywan Lakes Association Committees - The Association Board met recently and established various committees. (Please see below.) There are vacancies on all of the committees and more volunteers are needed. Please contact Phyllis Mead if interested in participating.
Kathy Sluka moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:45 AM. Ron Sluka seconded - motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Lin Johnson
Association Committees
PROGRAM COMMITTEE — identify topics for meetings and obtain speakers
educational programs and materials
Members: Marilyn Bamford and Judy Strom
SERVICES COMMITTEE — identify services that could benefit members, such as Trash Day, Brush Day, etc., determine costs, solicit volunteers
Members: Dick Arndt and Scott Mead
EVENTS COMMITTEE — evaluate and plan community building events such as the annual picnic, solicit volunteers to provide treats for monthly meetings
Members: Lori Gherna, Kristi Helgen, April Smitke, and Donna Johnson
SAFETY/WATERCRAFT/FIRE — develop programs or communication concerning safety on water and land, buoy placement, courtesy
Members: Deb Pomroy and Ray Barnes, Jan Kolehmainen, Scott Mead, Dick Arndt
LAKE QUALITY — develop programs or communications that promote water quality in our lakes, water testing, shoreline (regulations, protection, erosion prevention), zoning issues
Members: Mark Merrill, Mary Beth Schultz, Judy Strom, Phyllis Mead, Dexter Larsen
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION — tree issues, invasive species, loon watch, pest management mining
Members: Lorene Sorlien, Kris Larsen, Marcie Ceryes, Deb Pomroy, Ray Barnes
FINANCE
Members: Jim Guldseth, Jan Kolehmainen
HISTORY OF LAKE AREA — compile history of the lake association and area through interviews with long-time residents and solicitation of historical photos and documents from residents
Members: Phyllis Mead, Deb Pomroy, Kris Larsen, and Kathy Sluka
August 9
The meeting was called to order by Scott Mead, Co President, at 10:05 A.M. There were 24 members present.
Minutes of the July 12 meeting had appeared on the Association's web site and distributed at this meeting. Lydia Thering moved to approve the minutes. Cam Johnson seconded the motion. Approved.
Jim Guldseth presented the Treasurers Report. The checking balance as of August 9th is $1,524.24. Ted Granquist moved to accept the report. Lori Gherna seconded. Approved. There are 84 paid members.
OLD BUSINESS
Missing buoy: Scott Mead reported that the buoy in front of Gordon Ramsay’s cabin on the Big Lake is missing and to be on the lookout for it.
Pontoon ride exchange: Phyllis Mead, Co President. thanked Marialice and Richard Arnt, Terry Condon, and Don and Faye Swanstrom for providing pontoons for the exchange. Also thanks to Marialice and Richard for hosting the picnic after the rides.
Annual Association Picnic: Lori Gherna reported that the picnic on August 23 will begin at 3:0 p.m. with the kids games. There will be burgers, brats, and hot dogs. Bring a dish to share.There could be a tug-of -war between the two lakes. Scott Mead will do cowboy poetry. The plans are for 60 to attend. There will be a sharing table with lake history and photos. Phyllis thanked Lori for getting the picnic organized.
Cell Phone Report: Terry Hanson had talked to AT&T and was told that the more people that requested the service could get the service. A request has been made to AT&T. 1-800-331-0500 is the number to call for information. The suggestions for a place for a tower were the Pequaywan Volunteer Fire Department acreage or the township corner lot on the Rosinni-Pequaywan Lake intersection.
NEW BUSINESS
Spotted knapweed: Spotted knapweed was shown and Deb Pomeroy gave information about the invasive plant and the problems of having it in the area.
Loon Report: Lorene Sorlien reported that a dead loon was found on the Big Lake and reported to the DNR. The loon is in Donna and Arne Johnson’s freezer until further notice. There has been a lot of loon activity on the Big Lake. There are two baby loons.
Clarity Report: Scott Mead reported 7.5 feet clarity on the Big Lake. Since 2003 the clarity on the Big Lake has gotten worse. It was suggested that a committee be formed to work on water quality and shoreline problems. Judy Strom made a motion that the association hire a professional to do water quality testing of the two lakes so there would be a baseline before mining on the range starts. Seconded by Cam Johnson, Approved. There will be a Water Quality Alert posted in the Newsletter.
Election of Officers and Lake Representative Directors: Marilyn Bamford made a motion that the current board of officers be elected minus Scott Mead as Co-President. Seconded by Marialice Arndt. Approved. The new by-laws do not include a co-president. Judy Strom made a motion that Richard Arndt be elected lst Vice President, seconded by Terry Hanson. Approved. Scott Mead made the motion that Jan Kolehmainen represent the Big Pequaywan Lake as a representative director. Seconded by Cam Johnson. Approved. Judy Strom made the motion that Mark Merrill represent Little Pequaywan Lake as a representative director. Seconded by Ray Barnes. Approved.
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President
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Phyllis Mead
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2-year term
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lst Vice President
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Richard Arndt
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1 year term
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2nd Vice President
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Judy Strom
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2 year term
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Secretary
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Lorene Sorlien
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1 year term
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Treasurer
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Jim Gulseth
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2 year term
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Represenative Director
Big Lake
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Jan Kolehmainen
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2 year term
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Representative Director
Little Lake
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Mark Merrill
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2 year term
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President Phyllis Mead 2 year term
Jan Kolehmainen reported that burglaries had occurred on Salo Lake recently. It was also reported that mail had been taken out of mailboxes along Highway 44.
Motion by Ray Barnes to adjourn, seconded by Lydia Thering. Approved.
Lorene Sorlien , Secretary.
Following the meeting: Program by Pequaywan Fire Department and EMTs
July 12
The meeting was called to order by Copresident Phyllis Mead at 10:05 A.M. There were 29 members present.
Minutes of the June 14th meeting had appeared on the Association website and distributed at this meeting. Richard Arndt moved to approve the minutes. Terry Hanson seconded the motion. Motion passed. The treasurers report was corrected to read $1,374.88 for the checking account balance that was reported at the June meeting.
Jim Guldseth presented the Treasurer’s Report. The checking account balance as of September 1st, 2007 was $1,582.49. Since September 1, 2007, income has been $,1048.80. Expenses have been $1, 176.41. New checking balance as of July 12, 2008, is $1,454.88. CD # 1 -$11, 130.85 @ 3.5% , 13 months, due July 18, 2009. CD# 2-$5,000.00 @ 4.10% due August 8, 2008. Ray Barnes moved to accept the report. Bob McDonough seconded. Motion passed.
The total paid membership for this year is 78.
Official Incorporation of Pequaywan Lake Association Bylaws: Phyllis Mead gave a brief description of the history and legacy of the Lake Association dating back to 1945 when it was called the Pequaywan Improvement Association. She explained the process of incorporating the Lake Association. Phyllis thanked Dexter Larsen and Judy Strom for their hard work and extra hours put into the new by-laws process. She also thanked members for their constructive comments on the transfer from the old to new organization. If approved, these by-laws can be amended if necessary in the future years. These changes are being made so we can give the organization back to the members.
Judy Strom made a motion that the Pequaywan Board of Directors as members of the Pequaywan Lakes Association accept those paid members of the Pequaywan Improvement Association of record as of July 12, 2008. Phylis Mead seconded the motion. Board approved. The members of the Pequaywan Lakes Association voted to accept the by-laws. Ray Barnes moved to approve. Lori Gherna seconded the motion. Approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Annual Association Picnic: The picnic has been rescheduled for August 23, starting with children's games at 4:00 P.M. Lori Gherna reported on what progress had been made with the Inn. It was suggested that the kids games be an hour before the picnic. She’ll report back at the August 12th meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
Lake Association Meeting: August 9. Election of officers. Two representative directors will be elected. They will represent each lake. The program following the meeting will be the Pequaywan Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad.
Cell Phone Service: It was suggested that a committee be formed to explore getting cell phone service in the area.
Water Clarity Report: Scott Mead reported on 3 readings, 10 ½ ft. , 9 1/2ft, 9 ft. Carol Bradbury reported that the water clarity is down on the Little Lake.
Loon Report: 10 loons were seen gathering on the Big Lake. No baby loons on the Littie Lake this year.
Motion by Richard Arndt to adjourn , seconded by Bob McDonald. Meeting adjourned.
Lorene Sorlien, Secretary
June 14
The meeting was called to order by Co-President Scott Mead at 10:05 A.M. There were 27 members present.
Treasurer Jim Guldseth was not able to attend the meeting so an unofficial treasurers report was given. The checking account balance is $13,74.88. CD #1 $11,130.85, CD #2 $5,505 (@ 4.25%) These have been in 3 month time periods. A money transfer will be required by the incorporation process. Members are reminded to pay their dues.
Minutes of the May 10th meeting had appeared on the association web site and also distributed at this meeting. Phil Erickson moved to approve the minutes. Ted Grandquist seconded the motion. Motion passed.
OLD BUSINESS:
Articles of incorporation and by-laws: Dexter Larsen reviewed the changes and additions to the articles of incorporation and by-laws. The articles of corporation have been filed with the Minnesota Secretary of State. Discussion followed with questions and comments from the membership. The articles of corporation and by-laws will be put on the association web-site and those without access will receive them in the mail. Last years members and this years members will have a chance to review them before voting at the July 12th meeting. Co President Phyllis Mead thanked Dexter on behalf of the membership for his hard work and extra hours put into this project.
Buoys: Dick Fisher has put out buoys on Little Pequaywan and Dale Gauthier on Big Pequaywan. Scott Mead has 3 new volleyball sized buoys and will decide where they will be put on the big lake. There is still a need for cinder blocks to weight them. No Wake buoys or signs can’t be enforced.
Road clean up: Thanks to those who participated in the road clean-up on May 12th. Volunteers were: Roy Wallace, Bob McDonough, Arnie Johnson, Dave & Judy Olson, Carole & Carl Trotter, Carmen Freeman, Carol Nelson Maynard,
Judy Strom & Lee Kaplan and Scott Mead
Yard waste day: Richard Arndt reported a good turnout on May 31st. The next brush day will be Saturday, September 13, Noon to 4 p.m.
NEW BUSINESS:
Annual picnic : The annual picnic will be held Saturday, August 2nd at 4:00 P.M. (Note: Watch for updates on this date. It may change.) Lori Gherna, picnic coordinator, will report back at the July meeting. It was suggested that it would be a celebration of the new (incorporated) association and to celebrate the history of "The Lakes. " Entertainment was also suggested. Picnic free to members, and maybe $10 for non-members.
Lead fishing tackle: Scott Mead had cleaned out his tackle box and passed around a bag of lead tackle he found. There will be a "Clean Out Your Tackle Box" at Gander Mountain on June 30h from 1-6 p.m. It was suggested that members bring their tackle boxes to annual picnic for clean out. Lead tackle is a hazard to loons, fish and the environment in general so members are encouraged to not use them.
Guest Speaker: Be prepared to discuss water issues with our guest speaker, Amy Loiselle of the DNR, at the July 12 association meeting. Concerns could include water levels, monitoring,and water quality(ph levels , etc.) to have as a baseline before mining operations north of us begin.
Pontoon ride exchange: A pontoon ride exchange will be held Saturday, July 12 with a pot luck picnic at Richard and Marialice Arnts on the Big Lake.
Lake Association elections will be held at the August meeting. Consider how you can have an active part in protecting and enhancing our unique area. Contact anyone on the board to be included. Nominations will be invited from the floor, with the board acting as a nominating committee in advance of the August election.
Mileage reimbursement for those private individuals presenting programs for us: It was suggested that we use the federal rate. This will be discussed and acted upon after we are reorganized as an incorporated lake association.
Water Clarity: No report this month.
Loon Report: 3 adult loons on the big lake.
Motion by Karen Toomey to adjourn, seconded by Doug Dressen. Meeting adjourned.
Lorene Sorlien, Secretary
May 10
The meeting was called to order at 10 a.m., May 10, by President Phyllis Mead. 35 present.
Minutes of the Sept. 1, 2007, meeting appeared in the May association newsletter and are posted on the web site. Ray Barnes moved to approve the minutes. Marialice Arndt seconded the motion.
There was no treasurer report.
A moment of silence was held for those association members who had passed away in the last several months: Jerry Goad, Chuck Gronseth, Dick Madden, Carrie Ostrander, Warren Atol, and Phil VanBrocklin. Our sincere sympathies to their families; they will be missed. Copies of their obituaries from the Duluth newspaper are posted on pequaywanlakes.com (click here to read).
Old Business
Buoys: Co-president Scott Mead reported on his research on regulations for buoys marking shallow spots on the Big and Little Lakes. Buoys can be purchased for $15 and would be anchored by concrete blocks. If anyone has blocks to donate for this purpose, please contact Scott at 848-2051. Dick Fisher volunteered to see what areas of the Little Lake should be marked and Scott will survey the Big Lake
No Wake Zone: There was a discussion on whether a No Wake Zone, which would require boats travel at a slow speed as to not have large wakes, should be declared through the channel in the Little Lake. Waves from speed boats cause substantial erosion to property along both sides of the channel, especially when the water is high. No decision was made on posting a sign, but it was recommended that boaters stay in the middle of the channel, that boaters try to wait until another boat has made it through the channel before entering so boats can stay in the center, and boaters try to be as considerate as possible of cabin owners in this area.
Water Levels: Warren Johnson raised a question about the level of water in Little Pequaywan, whether the level is higher in recent years, and whether the damn at the end of Little Pequaywan has been changed by the DNR. A DNR water hydrologist will be speaking at the July meeting and she will be asked to research this topic and offer recommendations.
Power Lines Marker: The Coop Power and Light has installed warning balls on the wire that goes across the channel at the south end of Little Pequaywan.
New Business:
Dates for association meetings have been published but program topics might change due to the availability of speakers. The program on shoreline and lake levels, scheduled for June, has been moved to the July meeting and the fishing program will most likely be in September. Members were urged to suggest topics of interest for programs.
Other dates were discussed:
May 18 - Burning of the yard trash
May 21 - Hazardous Waste Collection at the North Star Fire Hall, 2 to 7 p.m.
May 31 - Yard Waste Day, gravel pit near the beginning of the Big Lake, 8 a.m. to noon
June 7 - Community rummage sale
June 14 - Association meeting
July 6 - Fire Department Pancake Breakfast
Annual Picnic: Discussion centered on how to increase attendance at the picnic, perhaps by having it later in the day and seeing whether the Association could take over the Inn for the evening. Games for children would be in the late afternoon. Lori Gherna has agreed to coordinate the picnic again and if anyone has suggestions for the event, please contact her. More discussion on the picnic and determination of the date will be done at the June 14 meeting.
Trash Day: In response to discussion of whether the Association should hold a Trash Day this year, Jerry Rosdahl suggested that it be held every other year. That idea was supported since there did not seem to be a need expressed this year.
Bylaws: A discussion was held on the proposed bylaws for the Association. Several suggestions have been received for changes and revisions will be highlighted and another discussion will take place at the June meeting.
Tree order: Eight members had ordered trees through the Association which had placed the order with the St. Louis County Soil and Water Conservation District. It was decided that next year the order would be placed earlier to assure a wider selection. Thanks to Scott Mead and Dick Arndt for picking up the trees in Eveleth
Road Clean Up: May 12.
Loon Watch: Carmen Freeman reported on seeing three loons on the Little Lake, around April 21-22. While there was still ice on the lake, there was open water around the river. Lorene Sorlien reported that the first loon was heard on the Big Lake May 1. May 3rd -1st seen on lake, May 4 - lst pair seen on lake.
Immediately following the meeting, Deb Pomroy gave a presentation on the growing presence in our area of spotted knapweed, an invasive plant that is toxic to the soil around it. She cautioned people to wear gloves if they pull it.
(See http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/plants/spotknapweed.shtml for a photo and more information.)
Deb also gave an update on the Star Lake Program, under consideration by the State Legislature. One of the advantages of being a Star Lake is eligibility for grants.
Judy Strom taking minutes for secretary Lorene Sorline.
