Monday, October 8, 2007

BIRCH LAKE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT(BLID)
Board of Directors Meeting
September 20, 2007


The meeting was called to order by Chair Fred Downing at 7:08 P.M. at the White Bear Lake City Hall. The following members were present: Dick Brink, Fred Downing, Jim Grisim, Rod Kreuser, and John Reinhart. Also present, representing the newsletter, Ron Auger.

Motion by Grisim, seconded by Kreuser, to approve the minutes of the June 20, 2007 meeting. On vote, all ayes.

Quarterly Newsletter
Auger reported that Patty Kuppe had agreed to help with future issues of the newsletter. He stated that there should be better communication between the Board and him, especially since he does not own a computer. Copies of future meeting minutes will be mailed to him. In his capacity of coordinating the scheduling of weed harvester operations, he stated that some 80-85 loads of weeds had been removed and transported to the White Bear Township site for temporary storage A number of volunteers have contributed time and expertise in connection with this operation, notably Dick Gillitzer, Gordy Berg, A.J. Kuhlmann, Gary Norman, and Mitch Jensen. (It was observed by the Board than Auger had also contributed a great deal of time.).

The BLID BLOG, set up by BLID member Steve Laliberte can be accessed at http://birchlake-id.blogspot.com/2007_07_01_archive.html. BLID residents with internet access will be able to see what is going on in the District, read the minutes of all meetings, and read BLID newsletters. The Board will be working with Steve on the contents of the BLID BLOG.

VLAWMO Partnership
While not contributing to the BLID’s $6,000 contract with Steve McComas, VLAWMO is cooperating with the BLID and McComas in establishing a sus-tainable lake management plan and maintaining water quality and lake level. It appears that VLAWMO will focus most of its in-depth research on the water coming into the lake. A formal report from McComas is pending, but he has stated informally that the predominant vegetation is fern pond weed.

Treasurer's Report
Grisim presented a formal report showing each check written and categorized the reason for each expenditure. Downing presented an informal summary of activities. Grisim will harmonize the two and present a revised report. Grisim’s report was approved, pending revision.


Board Officer Appointments
The following officers were agreed upon and elected for the 2007-2008 year:

Chair -- Jim Grisim
Vice-chair -- Rod Kreuser
Secretary -- Dick Brink
Treasurer -- John Reinhart.

Check writing
Motion by Downing, seconded by Grisim to amend the current procedure for check writing to provide that two signatures on checks would be required only for checks of $100 or more, one signature sufficing for smaller amounts. On vote: Downing, Grisim, Brink, aye; Kreuser, Reinhart, nay. Motion carried.

Administrative Assistant
Grisim and Brink reported on their interview and favorable impression of Julie Yoho and her exceptional work-relatbed experience, expressing their belief that she could provide some stabilizing help to Board activities. After a review of finances, it was concluded that the Board could afford to have up to 100 hours of work performed by her at the rate of $15 per hour. Motion by Downing, seconded by Kreuser to authorize an expenditure of up to $1500 and to discuss with her the type of work that would be most useful. On vote, all ayes. A special meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, September 25, at 5:15 P.M., and the secretary was asked to see if Ms. Yoho could attend.

Truck Purchase and insurance:
Rather than getting our bank balance too low by paying off the $1,000 remaining on the purchase of Downing’s truck, the secretary was asked to prepare an appropriate conditional sales contract covering the period of July 1, 2007 to August 1, 2008. Grisim reported that for a premium of $425, the truck can be insured for 6 months, with comprehensive coverage extending for 12 months.

Harvesting
Auger recommended that the Board consider hiring one operator to run the weed harvesting equipment in the future. Some volunteer operators have set the cutter too low and damaged the machinery by dipping into the muddy lake bottom near the shore. Some combination of harvesting and weed spraying may be appropriate. McComas will be consulted.

Annual Report
The draft annual report, required by the Board’s Rules of Governance, was approved. Kreuser will make copies for distribution, and Brink will see that they are mailed to the appropriate persons.

Volunteer Recognition
Grisim raised the question of whether the Board should present especially meritorious volunteers with certificates thanking them for their service. While applauding the idea, there was some concern that the feelings of volunteers not receiving such a certificate might be injured.

A form containing a number of survey questions and a request for a permit to operate the aerator was given to Downing to handle.

Meeting adjourned at 10:00 P.M.


Richard E. Brink
Secretary