Meeting called to order by VVLA Vice President Jill Wilm at 10:20am. Association members present: Grace Alix, Ken Alix, Jim Awe, Jorja Burke, Paulette Cary, Mike Czarny, Fred & Sarah Hansen, George & Pat Kupfer, Dick & Carol Novak, Jon Novak, Tom & Barbara Olson, Chris & Stacy Redel, Dick Rowe, Bill & Diane Schroeder, Steve Smithson, Robert Stewart, Don & Jean Trimble, Jill Wilm, Buckett’s Bay folks, and members’ families and friends!

President’s message: Read by Jill, as president Jeff Burke was unable to attend, the message referred to the subjects of weed control, weed harvesting (commercial and personal) and lake water levels and beaver dam removal. Copy on file.

Report - Mike Czarny: Current issues include historical data relating to water levels, water levels and weed growth, weed control, what we can do and DNR requirement permitting. Copy of information Mike presented is on file. (Weed report).

Discussions included: George Kupfer addressed the purchasing of herbicides and the need for DNR permits; Tom Olson asked if members might be willing to donate $200-$300 dollars in order to fund a commercial weed harvesting (@ $10,000-$20,000) – a show of hands survey - 17 yes, 1 no, 2 would rather explore chemical means; Lake Management Plan is in effect for three years, what do we need to do to keep the plan current? George commented that an area in which to update our plan might be in the relationship of AIS (aquatic invasive species) in Van Vliet Lake. Handouts were distributed to those present showing statistics on drought severity from January 1985-June 2007, and photos of the weed cutting machine.

Steve Smithson gave a summary of the reconstruction of the weed harvesting boat/machine and stated that it is ready. Steve also stated that a permit to harvest is required by DNR and a shore crew and place to dump weeds would be necessary. Insuring of workers was discussed.

Tom thanked Steve, Mike and Jeff for their efforts in getting the boat/cutter up and running.

A motion was made by Paulette Cary, second by Dick Novak, to proceed with a survey of VV Lake Association membership with the idea of mechanical harvesting to determine how many would be in favor of this weed control method. Voice vote – all in favor, none opposed. Motion carried and survey will be sent out this winter.

Don Trimble thanked the VVLA Board for the work they’ve done this past year!

Elections – The following positions are to be filled: Vice President, Treasurer, and 2 Board Members-at-Large. As candidates for “members-at-large” Steve Smithson and Ronie Jacobsen submitted information regarding their qualifications. Nominated to continue in their positions were Jill Wilm, Vice President and Paul Specht, Treasurer. A motion was made by Mike Czarny, second by George Kupfer, to accept the nominees. Motion passed unanimously. There were no absentee ballots to be counted.

Treasurer’s Report – Paul Specht: Beginning balance June 30, 2006 - $1,794.66. Receipts include dues and donations of $985.00. Disbursements for WI Lakes Association annual dues, Department of Financial Institutions annual dues and Web-site construction costs total $136.55 for an ending balance on August 18, 2007 of $2,643.11. (Report on file.) Paul reported that 34 Van Vliet Lake households are represented by 47 Lake Association Members.

New Business: Members made personal donations totaling $100.00 for the Presque Isle Community Library. A brick will be purchased for the garden walk.

Jill invited all to meet for a walk through the Van Vliet Lake Hemlock Forest following the meeting and picnic lunch.

Paulette requested that our Parcel Map of 2000 be updated. She and George will work on this project.

Adjournment: Motion by Paulette, second by Mike to adjourn to our picnic at 11:45. Motion carried!

Respectfully submitted,
Jorja Burke, Secretary