BLID Quarterly Meeting June 5, 2014

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Call to order at 7:04PM with the following members present:  Dale Bacon, Ryan Hoops, Tom Merritt, and Jim Grisim.  Steve Laliberte was absent.

Motion (Grisim/Merritt) Move to approve agenda.  Motion carried.

Motion (Hoops/Grisim) Move to approve the minutes of April 10, 2014.  Motion carried.

Motion (Hoops/Grisim) Move to approve Treasurers Report.  Motion carried.

VLAWMO Update: 

Grisim reported VLAWMO deciding on projects for summer especially areas, such as Lambert Creek, with e. coli (this does not affect Birch Lake).  Stephanie and Christine reported the Birch Lake restoration site on the north shore looked good.  Bacon reported on a visit by the ladies on June 3 to Birch Lake and Dale’s request to get an OK to dam the outlet of the marshland to the north of Birch.  If the water table stays high, it may kill back the Reed Canary Grass which is becoming a major problem not only in crowding the marsh but also now showing on the north shoreline near Dale’s house.

State of the Waters Conference:

Bacon reported on the meeting that he found to be most worthwhile.  He recommended other such meetings be attended.  The attendance was about 350, many from lake associations plus DNR and PCA staff.  Legacy Amendment is source of funding for water protection. There are now 42 LIDs in State.  Kentucky blue grass is a major problem caused or exacerbated by mowing too close to shores.

Conservation MN Membership:

Bacon will mail check and application form as approved at earlier meeting.

Contract Status:

Aspen contract for harvester rental is signed.  Phiel contract for electricity is signed.  Both are kept in BLID cabinet at City Hall.

Member Spreadsheet:

Bacon updated the data and sent it to Board members.  Thank you, Dale.

Harvester Repairs:

Hoops reported the work has been done.  Painting is planned for after the season.

Buckthorn Removal Project:

Bacon purchased the Lance and herbicide shells.  Nick Nash accepted to be a trial site.  Bacon proposed we visit homes particularly on west shore to explain the project and get agreement to proceed with marking and injecting.  Bacon will establish a date. 

Clean Up Day: 

Grisim reported a disappointing level of participation.  Next year, the idea will be to try to engage area businesses, especially those whose employees walk around the lake on lunch hour.

New Member Packet: 

Bacon will mail to Board.   It has been reduced to a short letter.

2015 Budget and Levy:

Merritt presented the budget plan reviewed at the April 10 meeting. 

Motion:  (Merritt, Grisim) The 2015 budget was approved and a levy of $155 per parcel was approved.

Annual Meeting:

Each Board member will recruit for attendance to ensure a quorum.

Storage:

Bacon led a discussion about getting all BLID property identified and stored in one location under the control of BLID rather than in member homes.  The purchase of a Pod (20’ length?) will be pursued and likely located adjacent to the harvester/trailer at the City lot.

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn  (Hoops, Grisim)  Passed

Meeting adjourned at 9:00PM

Minutes prepared by Tom Merritt