Jill thanked Tom Olson, outgoing president for his 12 years of service since the inception of the association.  She also thanked Jim Sprester for his years of service as Secretary and Nancy Frank for her years of service as Treasurer.  Jill asked if anyone had not received the current newsletters or if anyone had an address change.  It was determined that the required quorum for the meeting was present.

2. Jeff Burke reported on zoning.

He indicated that letters had been sent to all lake properties regarding changing from recreation and general business to the most restrictive zoning possible or R1 residential.

Of the Seventy-six parcels, six properties responded to remain recreational and 16 did not respond to the options. The result was that the County Zoning Committee passed a resolution that 54 of the properties will become R1 40 days after June 20, 2006. A concern was expressed by Jeff Burke that failure to change from recreation to R-1 would result in many properties becoming investment properties utilized for rental purposes and that would have a deleterious impact on the quality of Van Vliet Lake.

Don Trimbel said that he just wants us to move forward on the R1 issue and end conflict over the situation.

Jay Novak said that zoning was a very passionate issue and that his mom wants people to have a choice.

Jill thanked Jeff for all of the work on the R1 issue.

3. By-law changes were presented by committee member George Kupfer.

 All members received written copies of the proposed changes. The committee contributed many hours to developing the proposed changes. Two additional revisions were added to those that had been distributed to correct the by-laws to present practice. The first was to correct the stated dues from $10.00 to $15.00, and the second was to correct the fiscal year from “calendar year” to “July 1 to June 30 year”. A summary of some of the major proposed revisions that were distributed earlier were:

Only active, paid members can vote and those. Active members who have requested a ballot 14 days in advance of a meeting can cast an absentee vote. However, non-active members who do not pay will receive newsletters and all information but they cannot vote. Absentee ballots will be allowed for Association Board and Officer elections, for votes on revisions or additions to the By-Laws, and for other matters as determined by the Board.

George also said that qualifications for board members will include having been an active member in the association for one year preceding their election.

Motion was made by George Kupfer to adopt the revised By-Laws as proposed in the copy of the proposed revisions that was distributed prior to the meeting and including the revisions to the dues and the membership year. Seconded by Steve Frank. Passed by a vote of 27 “yes” and 2 “no”. (The required 2/3 majority for By-Law revision was obtained.)

Jim Sprester thanked George for all of his time in reviewing the by-law changes.

4. Van Vliet Hemlocks

Jill reported on the hemlocks by reading a letter written by Tom who was unable to attend. She said that it is through his efforts of writing letters, phone contacts, attending meetings etc. that the State has pushed the Van Vliet Hemlocks into the top six natural areas to be preserved.

Jill read a description of how the Discovery Center would like to use the area for study and recreation.

Ronie Jacobsen said that she lives near Parfrey’s Glen and she is concerned about restrictions that may be placed on use of the area if it is acquired for public use preservation such as no dogs etc. It was stated that, generally, controlled public use is encouraged, not discouraged.

5. History Report

Jim Sprester asked for anecdotes, stories, photo’s etc. from everyone to make the history of our lake more interesting. He has interviewed some lake residents.

6. Lake Management Plan

CDs are available for all those who wish to have a copy of the report; they can be obtained by contacting Jill Wilm.  Jeff Burke is still taking secchi disc readings as part of the data collection.

7. Election of Board Members

The slate of nominations for officers that was suggested by the Board had been distributed with the Agenda. There were no further nominations from the floor. The results of the secret written ballot for two year terms are as follows:

President- Jeff Burke (27 aye, 2 nay)
Vice President- Jill Wilm (26 aye, 3 nay)
Member At Large- George Kupfer (29 aye, no nay)
Member At Large- Bill Schroeder (29 aye, no nay)

To replace Nancy Frank, who resigned as treasurer, Paul Specht has agreed to fill that unexpired term.

There were no known candidates for the position of Secretary to replace Jim Sprester who resigned from that position. Jill asked for interested individuals to notify her. The Board will make an interim appointment to fill the vacancy.

8. Garlic Mustard Alert /Boat Landing Monitoring

Bill Schroeder passed out information on garlic mustard. Jill Wilm reported that garlic mustard, a very aggressive invasive specie, has been reported in Presque Isle Township. It can take over large areas and replace native species. Volunteers to help pick garlic mustard at the PI Rearing Pond should contact Jill.

Also, Jill and Jorja Burke are seeking volunteers to monitor the boat landing and remind users of invasive species concerns.

9. Social Events

By a show of hands, there was little interest shown in a social event this summer.

10. Treasurer’s Report

Nancy Frank reported that the current balance is $1700 and that current paid households number 43.

Lake Management Plan Grant has been successfully completed. All payments to Blue Water Science have been made.

11. New Business

One member inquired about the cause of the low water levels. Jeff Burke reported that residents of Averill Lake and Presque Isle Lake share this concern. According to DNR Staff, the destruction of the beaver dam on the Presque Isle River is probably not a violation of state law. The next manmade control device is the dam on the river near Marenisco. At this point, we have been unable to determine if there is a governmental unit willing to look into the issue. George Kupfer believes that this change in the water level will have a negative impact on Van Vliet Lake and that DNR has an obligation as steward of Wisconsin waters to provide us with a report or information regarding this matter and the appropriate follow-up actions to correct this problem. Letters and copies could be sent to the Governor, DNR Secretary, Town and County regarding this issue.

Motion by Jim Sprester to direct Board to write letters to potentially responsible governmental bodies regarding maintenance of lake levels and especially as it relates to low waters levels on Van Vliet Lake, the destructions of beaver dams and maintenance of levels at the Marenisco dam and to coordinate efforts with property owners on Averill and Presque Isle Lakes. Seconded by Nancy Frank. Passed unanimously.

There was also a discussion of aquatic weed growth and the large outgrowth this year.

Motion by Jim Sprester to direct Board to investigate current status of weeds and determine if a cyclical effect, review Lake Management Plan and provide a report at next annual meeting. Seconded by Dick Novak. Passed unanimously.

12. Meeting was adjourned at 12:15 P.M..