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President Jeff Burke called the Van Vliet Lake Association
annual meeting to order at 10:03 am. The following board members were in
attendance: Jill Wilm, Vice President (& Howdy, Chairman of the Bone); Paul
Specht, Treasurer; Mike Czarny, Member-At-Large; Ronie Jacobsen,
Member-At-Large; Jorja Burke, Secretary; Tom Olson, Past President; George
Kupfer, Member-At-Large and Steve Smithson, Member-At-Large. Also in attendance
were Grace Alix, Ken Alix, Nick Andrew, Carl DeStefano, Dena Jersild, Steve &
Nancy Frank, Pat Kupfer, Dick & Carol Novak, Dick Rowe, Bill & Diane Schroeder,
Linda Smithson, Jim Sprester and Don Trimble.
Minutes of the July 3, 2009 annual meeting were unanimously approved with a
motion by Ken, 2nd by George.
Treasurer’s Report by Paul reflected fees to State of Wisconsin to continue
non-profit status, annual dues paid for membership in two lake association
groups and postage to notify members of elections and meetings. Copy on file.
Motion to approve Treasurer’s report by Tom, 2nd by Steve S. Motion passed.
Committee Reports /Old Business:
Ronie reported on Clean Boats/Clean Waters (CB/CW) activities during the past
year. Included in her report is information about the inspection of the
boat/trailer, procedure followed, VVLA progress in the process and training for
volunteers. A copy is on file.
Jeff spoke to communication with Association members/property owners via e-mail
as a replacement for hard mail. Those who wish to receive information in this
manner should verify with Ronie that current e-mail addresses are on file.
Members were assured that every security precaution would be taken to ensure
protection of e-mail identity. In spite of costs involved, hard mail will
continue to be sent to those not having e-mail available.
Mike presented an update on the Aquatic Plant Management Plan (APMP) progress
for Van Vliet Lake. He discussed current status of the APMP, active goals,
process and expectations. Mike also presented information re fishing enhancement
activities. Citing a conversation with Steve Gilbert of the DNR, Mike related
that the DNR is open to discussion re placement of fish cribs, however, habitat
to increase population in Van Vliet Lake is not necessarily needed – with the
diverse weed cover, VVL is perfect! Those wishing further details may contact
Mike.
Copy on file.
Election of Officers:
Slate of officers as presented: President: Ronie Jacobsen,
Secretary: Jorja Burke, Members-At-Large: George Kupfer and Mike Czarny. Motion
to elect the candidates as presented by Bill Schroeder, 2nd by Jill Wilm. Motion
passed unanimously.
Guest Speaker:
Nick Williams, Presque Isle Town Lakes Committee Co-Chair was
introduced. Nick spoke to the creation of the PI Town Lakes Committee under a
resolution approved by the town board in September 2005. He talked about PITLC’s
mission to learn about invasive species, apply for grant monies for projects,
determine what is and is not in our lakes, to monitor the lakes to inform the
public and should invasive species be found in any of our lakes to undertake
treatment plans. Nick also listed accomplishments of PITLC including: Grants
have been awarded for 29 lakes and 2 rivers being studied between 2006 and 2012;
an education grant has been awarded for the construction of kiosks in several
town and DNR landings within Presque Isle; children’s education programs are
conducted at area schools; committee members participate in Clean Boats/Clean
Waters, application of labels containing invasives information to bait
containers at local bait shops; maintain a booth as County Fair; Adopt a
Shoreline programs on some lakes; publishing informational articles in local
newspapers. A copy of Nick’s information is on file.
Possible sanitation facilities for landing:
It was brought to the attention of the Board that some people
using the boat landing area leave human scat behind. Discussion ensued re the
placement of a pit toilet in the landing area. In lieu of this, it was suggested
that a sign be posted directing users to the closest public bathrooms at Big
Lake Park, as an outbuilding at the small landing would be unsightly, have odors
and be open to vandalism as occurred in Wilderness Park. Another member felt
that eradication of spotted knapweed at the boat landing is a more pressing
issue.
Boat wash-down station demonstration:
Jeff reported that a demonstration would take place at the PI
Town Lakes Committee’s next meeting, July 13th. He invited any interested
individuals to attend.
Cooperative efforts for shoreline restoration with native plants:
Ronie offered a sign-up sheet for interested residents. She
cited steep slopes, dying birch trees and beaver remodeling efforts as issues to
consider for remediation. Jeff suggested Iron County Forestry Department’s
Heather Palmquist as a good resource person. She is located in Hurley. Plants
through that facility may be purchased in quantity and are inexpensive, Contact
Jeff for more information.
Working in the Hemlocks:
Tom reported on conversations he’s had with Tia Nelson,
Secretary of the Board of Commission of Public Land, explaining the structure of
the BCPL and the fragility of the Hemlock Forest tract adjacent to Van Vliet
Lake. Declaring the forest a state natural area would protect it, but Tom said
the cost is too high as the value of the land is so high. Another way to offer
protection may be to develop a trail system for hiking. The area has a high
profile within the state of Wisconsin and another department, the Bureau of
Endangered Resources is also interested in protection of the area. Tom would
like to see this tract of land preserved, as is, in perpetuity. He will continue
to work toward this goal. Anyone interested in working on this project should
contact Tom or any of the Board members.
Quarry remediation:
Jeff offered information re the town’s quarry site on Van
Vliet Road. It has become a source of irritation for some in the area, with
noise, ongoing truck traffic, and dust. A Carlin Lake resident would like to
form a remediation committee to address this. Both the County and the State have
quarry remediation laws on the books. Don asked if the quarry could be used as a
crushing site for exterior (brought in) gravel. The answer was not known at this
time.
Other:
Ronie drew our attention to the printout she prepared
outlining tips about the VVLA website.
Association member comments:
Nancy expressed interest in how far from shore one would check plant growth.
Bill referred to the clear-cutting of land on South Crab Lake Road.
Jeff spoke of some of his experiences with residents and visitors during his
tenure as VVLA president.
George thanked Jeff for his efforts in serving as President of the Association
during tumultuous times.
Meeting was adjourned to our picnic at 11:40am with a motion by Mike, 2nd by
George.
Respectfully submitted,
Jorja Burke, Secretary
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