Thank you for taking this short survey. We will use this information to determine the future course of action of the BLID.
How long have you lived on the lake? _________
Please rate each of these from 1-5 with 1 being the most important to you.
_____ Use the lake for swimming or boating
______ Visual appearance of the lake
______ Have a healthy lake
______ Keep or increase the number of birds and fish on and in the lake
______ Maintain the value of my property
Please rate each of these activities from 1-4 with 1 being the most important to your family.
_____ Boating
_____ Swimming
_____ Fishing
_____ Walk around the lake
_____ Enjoy the view from your home
How do you feel about weed harvesting as a control method?
_____________________________________________________________
Chemical Control? ______________________________________________
How important is the control of the lake vegetation?
____ Highest priority and more important than anything else
_____Equally important with the health of the lake or other lake projects
_____Not as important as other things that could be done on the lake
How important are these projects to you?
Please mark with: Very / Kind of / Not really
____________ Cleaning up more of the shoreline
____________ Making the walking path along Otter Lake Road safer
Is there anything you would like to know more about that has to do with the lake? I am interested in learning more about….
____________________________________________________________
How would you rate the BLID Board in looking after your concerns on the lake? (please circle one)
Great Pretty Good OK Could be better Bad
And Why? ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Communication:
Are you adequately informed of the BLID activities? Yes / No
Do you find value in the newsletter? Yes / No
Is it frequent enough? Yes / No
Would you be ok with an electronic copy? Yes / No
What other areas would you like the BLID Board to focus their efforts and the members’ resources on:
______________________________________________________________
Do you feel that the activities of the BLID have enhanced the health and awareness of the lake and shoreline? Yes / No
Rate the financial cost (levy) for the work being done on the Birch lake:
Good / Fair / a little too low / a little too high / too high / way too high
If you are looking to volunteer for a project on the lake, please finish the following sentence;
I would be interested in volunteering with ________________________
___________________________________________________________
This blog is for communicating with the BLID membership.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
How to: Add a side walk to Otter Lake Road.
April 28th 2010 – Emailed Victoria Reinhardt (Chairperson of the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners) who referred me to
May 11th 2010 Darren Tobolt (Aide to Ramsey County Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt) who referred me to
May 25th 2010 Connie Bernardy (Active Living Ramsey Communities! Director) who referred me to
May 26th Bill Short, (Clerk Treasurer of White Bear Township) who referred me to
May 26th Jim Robinson (WBL Community Development Director) who reffered me back to Connie Bernardy
July 2th Carol Nelson (Birch Lake Resident) introduced me to Ellen Richter (Assistant to the City Manager)
July 6th Ellen Richter (Assistant to the City Manager) is checking to see what the city can do.
Aug 9th- Julie Kleinschmidt (Ramsey County Manager) referred me to Ken Haider
Aug 17 – Kenneth G Haider (Ramsey County Director & County Engineer) – states the city must initiate the project, and the county would contribute 25% of the cost
Aug 19th- Kenneth Haider (Ramsey County Director & County Engineer) – reffered me to Mark Burch
Sept 2nd – Mark Burch (City Engineer)- explained that the county constructed a wide shoulder on Otter Lake Road for pedestrian use several years ago.
Sept 9th- followed up with Mark Burch to see what alternative options we have, awaiting his reply.
January 10th follow up with Mark Sather- no reply
January 19th 2nd follow up with Mark Sather “do not have any additional information at this time.”
January 30th – Meet with Renee Tessier (Ward I Councilperson), she offered to present the project at a City Council meeting
February 18th - Mark Sather “we hope to have some sort of proposal that can be considered by the county but unless staff is redirected by the Mayor and City Council from other assigned priorities we will get to it as soon as we can.”
Februay 18th – Mark Bruch “Otter Lake Road is a county road and any work we propose there will need to be coordinated with them”
March 14th Darren Tobolt–“ We are working with the Mark Sather and the Interim County Engineer to come up with a solution”
June 3rd Mark Burch – “We are working on the trail proposal as time allows. We did complete a survey of the existing roadway this week and will download the data when we get time. (We are in the middle of a busy construction season.)”
May 11th 2010 Darren Tobolt (Aide to Ramsey County Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt) who referred me to
May 25th 2010 Connie Bernardy (Active Living Ramsey Communities! Director) who referred me to
May 26th Bill Short, (Clerk Treasurer of White Bear Township) who referred me to
May 26th Jim Robinson (WBL Community Development Director) who reffered me back to Connie Bernardy
July 2th Carol Nelson (Birch Lake Resident) introduced me to Ellen Richter (Assistant to the City Manager)
July 6th Ellen Richter (Assistant to the City Manager) is checking to see what the city can do.
Aug 9th- Julie Kleinschmidt (Ramsey County Manager) referred me to Ken Haider
Aug 17 – Kenneth G Haider (Ramsey County Director & County Engineer) – states the city must initiate the project, and the county would contribute 25% of the cost
Aug 19th- Kenneth Haider (Ramsey County Director & County Engineer) – reffered me to Mark Burch
Sept 2nd – Mark Burch (City Engineer)- explained that the county constructed a wide shoulder on Otter Lake Road for pedestrian use several years ago.
Sept 9th- followed up with Mark Burch to see what alternative options we have, awaiting his reply.
January 10th follow up with Mark Sather- no reply
January 19th 2nd follow up with Mark Sather “do not have any additional information at this time.”
January 30th – Meet with Renee Tessier (Ward I Councilperson), she offered to present the project at a City Council meeting
February 18th - Mark Sather “we hope to have some sort of proposal that can be considered by the county but unless staff is redirected by the Mayor and City Council from other assigned priorities we will get to it as soon as we can.”
Februay 18th – Mark Bruch “Otter Lake Road is a county road and any work we propose there will need to be coordinated with them”
March 14th Darren Tobolt–“ We are working with the Mark Sather and the Interim County Engineer to come up with a solution”
June 3rd Mark Burch – “We are working on the trail proposal as time allows. We did complete a survey of the existing roadway this week and will download the data when we get time. (We are in the middle of a busy construction season.)”
Friday, June 18, 2010
BIRCH LAKE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BLID) Annual Membership Meeting June 16, 2010
The fifth annual membership meeting of the BLID was held in the White Bear Lake City Hall on June 16, 2010 with Chair Jim Grisim presiding. The meeting was called to order at 7:07 P.M. with 15 residents, representing 16 of the 62 units in the BLID and constituting a quorum as specified in Article 5, Section 3 of the BLID Rules of Governance. Grisim noted that all notices of the meeting required by Article 5, Section 2, of the Rules of Governance had been complied with.
The Board members were introduced to the meeting attendees.
The proposed agenda was approved.
Motion by Rod Kreuser, seconded by Jane Bacon, to approve the minutes of the June 17, 2009 annual meeting. Motion carried.
Treasurer Rod Kreuser presented a summary of income and expenditures for calendar year 2009 (copy attached). Motion by Bacon, seconded by Grisim, to approve the report. Motion carried.
Chair Grisim reported on 2009 activities and future plans. A new harvester entrance and exit ramp, formed of concrete planks, has been installed, but because of unusually low lake levels, no weed harvesting could be carried out. The low lake level has also caused a problem when outboard motors snag the air lines running from the onshore compressor to the aerators in the lake. Some of these lines are only 10-12 inches below the surface. All lines will be run through PVC pipes and anchored with additional cinder blocks. Gordy Berg and Fred Downing will install additional buoys and provide signs warning boats not to enter the area.
Ron Auger has been taking water samples for the DNR’s monitoring of Birch Lake for over 20 years and will continue to do so. He reported that lake level on June 16, 2010, was the same as on April 9, indicating that we have maintained the same level but not increased depth. Grisim reported that conductivity measurements (which indicate salt content and are a measure of pollution) are higher in Birch Lake than in other lakes in our watershed. This is a concern, because it may lead to its being considered “impaired.” A VLAWMO report shows that 8 out of 13 lakes in the watershed are impaired; Birch Lake is not.
Grisim stated that the lake has been recently stocked with 500 bass, 500 walleye, and 75 perch.
The Board, together with VLAWMO, is monitoring drainage from the basketball facility currently being constructed near the hockey arena to see that drainage is adequately filtered.
15 persons showed up for the annual cleanup day on May 1, and many others participated either before or after that date.
Patrice Kuppe and Ron Auger cooperated to produce an informative newsletter on behalf of the BLID.
A cooperative pilot program to restore 125 feet of lake shoreline along North Birch Lake Boulevard is in process. Total cost of the project is roughly $22,000, with VLAWMO and the City of White Bear Lake providing most of the funds; the BLID contribution is $3,000. On the evening of June 23 volunteers are invited to help plant native flowers and grasses. Board member Dale Bacon is heading up the BLID committee.
A new statewide program invites lake associations that are actively working to improve or maintain the quality of their lakes, to apply for “Minnesota Star Lake” designation. It is believed that such designation might make an organization eligible for additional state grant money for future projects. We are submitting an application to become a Star Lake.
Vice-chair Ryan Hoops is trying to obtain governmental support for extending a walking path along Otter Lake Road where it abuts Birch Lake. We believe a safety issue is involved. Having contacted five different governmental bodies, he is currently dealing with the City of White Bear Lake.
Board member Bacon and Chair Grisim will develop a questionnaire to be used in a survey to determine the desires of BLID members in improving the lake. Volunteers will distribute questionnaires house to house and may incidentally obtain additional e-mail addresses to facilitate contact and communication of activities to BLID members.
An operating procedure manual will be developed for the BLID
Steve Nokomis will be consulted as to test acreage for herbicides. Large-scale use of herbicides risks promoting algae bloom. It is understood that the DNR will permit no more than 15% of a lake area to be treated with herbicides. With a lake area of 129 acres, no more than 19 acres could be treated. Ron Auger noted that the DNR will grand individual lakeshore property owner’s permission to treat 50 feet of waterfront with herbicide; any areas so treated count toward the permissible 15%
There being no candidates for the BLID Board other than incumbents Jim Grisim and Rod Kreuser, motion by Neil Franey, seconded by Nick Nash to cast the elective ballot of the organization for Messrs. Grisim and Kreuser. Motion carried, and the two were declared duly elected.
Motion by Neil Franey, seconded by Daniel Anderson, to approve the attached proposed budget for calendar year 2011. Treasurer Kreuser pointed out that typically 3 of the 62 units in the BLID fail to pay their assessments, meaning that income received in 2010 will be about $1,300 less than assessed. There will be some carryover from the previous year, so no problem is anticipated. Unspent funds resulting from inability to harvest weeds will enable us to perform needed repairs on the harvester if harvesting is possible this summer.. On vote, motion carried.
Motion by Dick Gillitzer, seconded by Ryan Hoops, to adjourn. Motion carried, and meeting adjourned at 8:15 P.M.
Richard E. Brink
Secretary
The Board members were introduced to the meeting attendees.
The proposed agenda was approved.
Motion by Rod Kreuser, seconded by Jane Bacon, to approve the minutes of the June 17, 2009 annual meeting. Motion carried.
Treasurer Rod Kreuser presented a summary of income and expenditures for calendar year 2009 (copy attached). Motion by Bacon, seconded by Grisim, to approve the report. Motion carried.
Chair Grisim reported on 2009 activities and future plans. A new harvester entrance and exit ramp, formed of concrete planks, has been installed, but because of unusually low lake levels, no weed harvesting could be carried out. The low lake level has also caused a problem when outboard motors snag the air lines running from the onshore compressor to the aerators in the lake. Some of these lines are only 10-12 inches below the surface. All lines will be run through PVC pipes and anchored with additional cinder blocks. Gordy Berg and Fred Downing will install additional buoys and provide signs warning boats not to enter the area.
Ron Auger has been taking water samples for the DNR’s monitoring of Birch Lake for over 20 years and will continue to do so. He reported that lake level on June 16, 2010, was the same as on April 9, indicating that we have maintained the same level but not increased depth. Grisim reported that conductivity measurements (which indicate salt content and are a measure of pollution) are higher in Birch Lake than in other lakes in our watershed. This is a concern, because it may lead to its being considered “impaired.” A VLAWMO report shows that 8 out of 13 lakes in the watershed are impaired; Birch Lake is not.
Grisim stated that the lake has been recently stocked with 500 bass, 500 walleye, and 75 perch.
The Board, together with VLAWMO, is monitoring drainage from the basketball facility currently being constructed near the hockey arena to see that drainage is adequately filtered.
15 persons showed up for the annual cleanup day on May 1, and many others participated either before or after that date.
Patrice Kuppe and Ron Auger cooperated to produce an informative newsletter on behalf of the BLID.
A cooperative pilot program to restore 125 feet of lake shoreline along North Birch Lake Boulevard is in process. Total cost of the project is roughly $22,000, with VLAWMO and the City of White Bear Lake providing most of the funds; the BLID contribution is $3,000. On the evening of June 23 volunteers are invited to help plant native flowers and grasses. Board member Dale Bacon is heading up the BLID committee.
A new statewide program invites lake associations that are actively working to improve or maintain the quality of their lakes, to apply for “Minnesota Star Lake” designation. It is believed that such designation might make an organization eligible for additional state grant money for future projects. We are submitting an application to become a Star Lake.
Vice-chair Ryan Hoops is trying to obtain governmental support for extending a walking path along Otter Lake Road where it abuts Birch Lake. We believe a safety issue is involved. Having contacted five different governmental bodies, he is currently dealing with the City of White Bear Lake.
Board member Bacon and Chair Grisim will develop a questionnaire to be used in a survey to determine the desires of BLID members in improving the lake. Volunteers will distribute questionnaires house to house and may incidentally obtain additional e-mail addresses to facilitate contact and communication of activities to BLID members.
An operating procedure manual will be developed for the BLID
Steve Nokomis will be consulted as to test acreage for herbicides. Large-scale use of herbicides risks promoting algae bloom. It is understood that the DNR will permit no more than 15% of a lake area to be treated with herbicides. With a lake area of 129 acres, no more than 19 acres could be treated. Ron Auger noted that the DNR will grand individual lakeshore property owner’s permission to treat 50 feet of waterfront with herbicide; any areas so treated count toward the permissible 15%
There being no candidates for the BLID Board other than incumbents Jim Grisim and Rod Kreuser, motion by Neil Franey, seconded by Nick Nash to cast the elective ballot of the organization for Messrs. Grisim and Kreuser. Motion carried, and the two were declared duly elected.
Motion by Neil Franey, seconded by Daniel Anderson, to approve the attached proposed budget for calendar year 2011. Treasurer Kreuser pointed out that typically 3 of the 62 units in the BLID fail to pay their assessments, meaning that income received in 2010 will be about $1,300 less than assessed. There will be some carryover from the previous year, so no problem is anticipated. Unspent funds resulting from inability to harvest weeds will enable us to perform needed repairs on the harvester if harvesting is possible this summer.. On vote, motion carried.
Motion by Dick Gillitzer, seconded by Ryan Hoops, to adjourn. Motion carried, and meeting adjourned at 8:15 P.M.
Richard E. Brink
Secretary
Monday, March 29, 2010
BIRCH LAKE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BLID) Board of Directors Meeting March 18, 2010
Call to order: 7:05 p.m., Chair Jim Grisim presiding
Members present: Jim Grisim, Ryan Hoops, Rod Kreuser. Also present, Julie Yoho.
Motion by Grisim, seconded by Kreuser, to appoint Julie Yoho secretary in Dick Brink’s absence. Motion carried.
Motion by Kreuser, seconded by Hoops, to approve agenda with addition of receipt storage discussion. Motion carried.
Motion by Kreuser, seconded by Hoops to approve the November 5, 2009 meeting minutes. Motion carried.
Kreuser provided treasurers report. BLID received $1,398.00 less from the City than expected/budgeted. Likely from properties which were assessed but did not pay. This is something that will have to be kept in mind when the budget is developed at the next meeting. Motion by Hoops, seconded by Grisim to approve the treasurer’s report. Motion carried.
Grisim reported on the north shoreline project. A meeting will be held on April 14 at 7:00 pm at 1411 Birch Lk Blvd. VLAWMO has had the property assessed is prepared to be involved. The city will help to clear the site. BLID is to provide the labor. Volunteers are to contact Patty Kuppe or Dale Bacon if they would like to help.
Kreuser reported on fish stocking. Krueser will work with Rademacher Ponds again. A mix of bass and walleye 7” fingerlings have been stocked in the past.
Motion by Grisim, second by Krueser to spend a maximum of $1300 to stock with a 50/50 mix of fish. Motion carried.
Grisim reminded everyone that the clean up day is set for May 1st. Volunteers are to meet at SA.
Grisim reported the newsletter was sent out last week to all members. Hoops will post on blog.
Grisim reported the MN Shallow Lakes Conference will be April 5. If anyone is interested in attending let Jim know.
Grisim reported the White Bear Basketball facility construction will be starting, with opening expected in the fall.
Grisim discussed the possibility of having herbicide test areas in the lake. BLID could consider treating 2-3 acres if it can’t be harvested this summer. Kreuser will ask Steve McComas for an evaluation of which areas of heavy growth for possible treatment. Keep this issue on the agenda next meeting for further consideration.
BLID receipts – Kreuser asked if there was a lockable storage space for BLID receipts to be kept. Julie will check the existing file cabinet to see if it can be secured.
Hoops discussed the possibility of having a sidewalk on the east side of lake as it is a safety issue to walk there. Grisim will provide Hoops with a contact person with the city to start with. May be something the BLID could ask the city to consider.
Motion by Kreuser, seconded by Hoops to adjourn. Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Julie Yoho
Secretary for the day
Next quarterly meeting June 3, 2010
Members present: Jim Grisim, Ryan Hoops, Rod Kreuser. Also present, Julie Yoho.
Motion by Grisim, seconded by Kreuser, to appoint Julie Yoho secretary in Dick Brink’s absence. Motion carried.
Motion by Kreuser, seconded by Hoops, to approve agenda with addition of receipt storage discussion. Motion carried.
Motion by Kreuser, seconded by Hoops to approve the November 5, 2009 meeting minutes. Motion carried.
Kreuser provided treasurers report. BLID received $1,398.00 less from the City than expected/budgeted. Likely from properties which were assessed but did not pay. This is something that will have to be kept in mind when the budget is developed at the next meeting. Motion by Hoops, seconded by Grisim to approve the treasurer’s report. Motion carried.
Grisim reported on the north shoreline project. A meeting will be held on April 14 at 7:00 pm at 1411 Birch Lk Blvd. VLAWMO has had the property assessed is prepared to be involved. The city will help to clear the site. BLID is to provide the labor. Volunteers are to contact Patty Kuppe or Dale Bacon if they would like to help.
Kreuser reported on fish stocking. Krueser will work with Rademacher Ponds again. A mix of bass and walleye 7” fingerlings have been stocked in the past.
Motion by Grisim, second by Krueser to spend a maximum of $1300 to stock with a 50/50 mix of fish. Motion carried.
Grisim reminded everyone that the clean up day is set for May 1st. Volunteers are to meet at SA.
Grisim reported the newsletter was sent out last week to all members. Hoops will post on blog.
Grisim reported the MN Shallow Lakes Conference will be April 5. If anyone is interested in attending let Jim know.
Grisim reported the White Bear Basketball facility construction will be starting, with opening expected in the fall.
Grisim discussed the possibility of having herbicide test areas in the lake. BLID could consider treating 2-3 acres if it can’t be harvested this summer. Kreuser will ask Steve McComas for an evaluation of which areas of heavy growth for possible treatment. Keep this issue on the agenda next meeting for further consideration.
BLID receipts – Kreuser asked if there was a lockable storage space for BLID receipts to be kept. Julie will check the existing file cabinet to see if it can be secured.
Hoops discussed the possibility of having a sidewalk on the east side of lake as it is a safety issue to walk there. Grisim will provide Hoops with a contact person with the city to start with. May be something the BLID could ask the city to consider.
Motion by Kreuser, seconded by Hoops to adjourn. Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Julie Yoho
Secretary for the day
Next quarterly meeting June 3, 2010
Thursday, November 19, 2009
BIRCH LAKE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
QUARTERLY BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
November 6, 2009
Call to order: 7:05 P.M., Chairman Jim Grisim presiding
Members present: Jim Grisim, Rod Kreuser, Dale Bacon, Dick Brink
Member absent: Ryan Hoops
Also present: Julie Yoho
The following persons were also present: Member Dave Bartle, John Steinworth of the White Bear Lake Conservation District, Member Ron Åuger, Member Neil Franey, and Member Bill Gebhardt.
The tentative agenda was approved.
Motion by Bacon, seconded by Kreuser, to approve the September 16, 2009 minutes. Motion carried.
Motion by Brink, seconded by Grisim, to approve the treasurer's report, a copy of which is attached. Motion carried.
Grisim reported that the White Bear Lake City Council had approved the 2010 budget at its October 27, 2009 meeting. He will check to see whether Council approval will be required for future budgets. He will also check into making sure future documents refer to White Bear Lake Improvement District, not White Bear Lake Improvement Association.
Kreuser reported that the ramp improvement project had been completed. Excavation to a depth of 24 inches has been carried out and the muck hauled away. The reconstructed ramp includes, from the bottom up, a layer of contractor's fabric, expanded steel panels, rock, and concrete planks interspersed with rocks. It was noted that Grisim had carried out considerable negotiation with the DNR to obtain approval of the construction. With the coordination and equipment provided by Rod Kreuser, and the help from all the members who showed up for the project, the ramp turned out exceptionally well. The project met the objective of having a better ramp with a long term solid surface for future weed harvesting.
Bacon reported that the 900-foot northwest shoreline project was proceeding slowly, the BLID working cooperatively with VLAWMO and the City of White Bear Lake. VLAWMO has hired a consultant to survey the shoreline, and actual work is expected to begin in the spring. Last year's application for a $10,000 grant from Minnesota Waters will be revised and resubmitted. The land on which construction will take place is owned by Richard E. Smith, Jr., but he is expected to convey it to the City of White Bear Lake by quitclaim deed.
Dave Bartle presented a detailed report on the level of Birch Lake over the past ten
years, noting that it is currently 19 inches lower than it was at the time harvesting was suspended in 2008. It was agreed that lake level will be evaluated when the ice goes out next spring to determine if harvesting of weeds is feasible. If harvesting is not feasible, Bartle proposed that chemical treatment of selected weed areas should be carried out, paying for it with the approximately $10,000 that is allocated for the harvesting program and other line items in the budget. Ron Auger suggested that the area at the shoreline, which is always too low for harvesting, is a likely target area. Any homeowner can apply chemicals to his property to a distance believed to be 150 feet. Pertinent information will be researched for accuracy and provided to residents. The DNR approves weed harvesting for up to 30% of lake area, and only 15% is eligible for chemical treatment. Because the weeds in Birch Lake are native fern pondweed, the DNR will not provide any funds for treatment.
Bartle also provided information on the use of sterile triploid herbivorous carp for weed control, a practice followed successfully in several Southern states. Because Minnesota prohibits the use of carp for this purpose, it would be necessary to sue the State DNR to obtain permission. The process would be both long and expensive, requiring ichthyological and limnological experts to support the suit. Board members indicated that they would not pursue such an action at this time.
The Board has received a request from Fred Downing for early payment of the 2009 installment on the agreement for purchasing harvesting equipment. Motion by Grisim, seconded by Kreuser, to pay the next installment before the due date of December 1. Motion carried.
Motion ;by Brink, seconded by Kreuser, to adjourn. Motion carried, and meeting adjourned at 8:50 P.M.
Richard E. Brink
Secretary
QUARTERLY BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
November 6, 2009
Call to order: 7:05 P.M., Chairman Jim Grisim presiding
Members present: Jim Grisim, Rod Kreuser, Dale Bacon, Dick Brink
Member absent: Ryan Hoops
Also present: Julie Yoho
The following persons were also present: Member Dave Bartle, John Steinworth of the White Bear Lake Conservation District, Member Ron Åuger, Member Neil Franey, and Member Bill Gebhardt.
The tentative agenda was approved.
Motion by Bacon, seconded by Kreuser, to approve the September 16, 2009 minutes. Motion carried.
Motion by Brink, seconded by Grisim, to approve the treasurer's report, a copy of which is attached. Motion carried.
Grisim reported that the White Bear Lake City Council had approved the 2010 budget at its October 27, 2009 meeting. He will check to see whether Council approval will be required for future budgets. He will also check into making sure future documents refer to White Bear Lake Improvement District, not White Bear Lake Improvement Association.
Kreuser reported that the ramp improvement project had been completed. Excavation to a depth of 24 inches has been carried out and the muck hauled away. The reconstructed ramp includes, from the bottom up, a layer of contractor's fabric, expanded steel panels, rock, and concrete planks interspersed with rocks. It was noted that Grisim had carried out considerable negotiation with the DNR to obtain approval of the construction. With the coordination and equipment provided by Rod Kreuser, and the help from all the members who showed up for the project, the ramp turned out exceptionally well. The project met the objective of having a better ramp with a long term solid surface for future weed harvesting.
Bacon reported that the 900-foot northwest shoreline project was proceeding slowly, the BLID working cooperatively with VLAWMO and the City of White Bear Lake. VLAWMO has hired a consultant to survey the shoreline, and actual work is expected to begin in the spring. Last year's application for a $10,000 grant from Minnesota Waters will be revised and resubmitted. The land on which construction will take place is owned by Richard E. Smith, Jr., but he is expected to convey it to the City of White Bear Lake by quitclaim deed.
Dave Bartle presented a detailed report on the level of Birch Lake over the past ten
years, noting that it is currently 19 inches lower than it was at the time harvesting was suspended in 2008. It was agreed that lake level will be evaluated when the ice goes out next spring to determine if harvesting of weeds is feasible. If harvesting is not feasible, Bartle proposed that chemical treatment of selected weed areas should be carried out, paying for it with the approximately $10,000 that is allocated for the harvesting program and other line items in the budget. Ron Auger suggested that the area at the shoreline, which is always too low for harvesting, is a likely target area. Any homeowner can apply chemicals to his property to a distance believed to be 150 feet. Pertinent information will be researched for accuracy and provided to residents. The DNR approves weed harvesting for up to 30% of lake area, and only 15% is eligible for chemical treatment. Because the weeds in Birch Lake are native fern pondweed, the DNR will not provide any funds for treatment.
Bartle also provided information on the use of sterile triploid herbivorous carp for weed control, a practice followed successfully in several Southern states. Because Minnesota prohibits the use of carp for this purpose, it would be necessary to sue the State DNR to obtain permission. The process would be both long and expensive, requiring ichthyological and limnological experts to support the suit. Board members indicated that they would not pursue such an action at this time.
The Board has received a request from Fred Downing for early payment of the 2009 installment on the agreement for purchasing harvesting equipment. Motion by Grisim, seconded by Kreuser, to pay the next installment before the due date of December 1. Motion carried.
Motion ;by Brink, seconded by Kreuser, to adjourn. Motion carried, and meeting adjourned at 8:50 P.M.
Richard E. Brink
Secretary
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
BIRCH LAKE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BLID) Annual Membership Meeting June 17, 2009
The fourth annual membership meeting of the BLID was held in the White Bear Lake City Hall on June 17, 2009 with Chair Jim Grisim presiding. The meeting was called to order at 7:07 p.m. with 14 residents, representing 13 of the 62 units in the BLID and constituting a quorum.
There being no objections, the proposed agenda was approved. Motion by Patrice Kuppe, seconded by Rod Kreuser, to approve the minutes of the June 18, 208 Annual Membership Meeting. Motion carried. Grisim reported on the past year's activities of the organization. The weed harvester was removed earlier than usual because of low lake water levels. It was determined that a tow truck should be used to remove the harvester in the future. Consistent with the concept of using professional help in the harvesting program, the 85 loads of weeds harvested were allowed to dry and then hauled to the composting site by Barefoot Landscaping Co.. Working with VLAWMO. and Steve McComas of Blue Water Science, our study on developing a long term sustainable lake management plan was completed, concluding that the BLID is "doing lots of things right" and recommending that we continue to monitor water quality. Board members have attended pertinent seminars and workshops. A dozen or so persons took part in a lake shore cleanup day on May 2 (a few people did cleanup work earlier). We will continue to have "Lake Cleanup Day" on the first Saturday in May. Aerator hoses have broken loose from their moorings in a a few places, and a more effective anchoring method will be developed. Board member Ryan Hoops agreed to lead the aerator hose "re-stringing" project.VLAWMO has offered to sponsor rain garden workshops if there is sufficient interest. Thanks to the efforts of Patrice Kuppe, the third annual BLID newsletter was published. Members present expressed their appreciation for the newsletter and the communication of BLID activities Weed control this year is complicated by low lake level. The Board researched the use of herbicides as an alternative to harvesting the weeds. Herbicide literature was on display and available for members to review. For lakes less than 15 feet deep, the DNR will approve the use of herbicides over 15% of the area. In our case, with a maximum depth of 6 feet and an area of 129 acres, we could treat up to 19 acres at a cost of roughly $1,000 per acre. Steve McComas does not consider herbicidal weed control very successful, especially with the fern pond weed predominant in Birch Lake.
In an attempt to use our weed harvester this year, we will seek approval of extending the ramp at our easement and dredge an area 2 feet deep, 18 feet wide and 40 feet long to permit the harvester to come close enough to the shore to enable transfer of weeds to our trailer.An application for a permit to carry out the project has been submitted to the DNR. Multiple environmental agencies need to approve lake dredging, including DNR Wildlife, DNR Waterways, VLAWMO, the City of White Bear Lake, the Federal Corps of Engineers, and the State of Minnesota Soil and Water Division. Unfortunately, even if the dredging is approved, we may not be able to harvest this year unless the lake level rises significantly.
Richard Brink being the only candidate for election to the Board, motion by Nicholas Nash, seconded by Patrice Kuppe, to cast the unanimous ballot of the group for Brink. Motion carried Kreuser presented the attached treasurer's report and the attached proposed budget for 2010. If there is no weed harvesting this year, the 2010 budget would be reduced by only about 25%, since about 35% of the budget goes toward purchase of he harvester. The final payment for the harvester and trailer will be in 2010, and thereafter the budget should be reduced by $8,148.84, the amount of the payment. Motion by Neil Franey, seconded by Patrice Kuppe, to approve the budget. Motion carried. The group expressed the sentiment that, if weed harvesting cannot be carried out this year, the unused budgeted amount should be considered for other projects or used to reduce the amount owed on the harvester and trailer.. Motion by Patrice Kuppe, seconded by Rod Kreuser, to ask the White Bear Lake City Council to amend the Order establishing the BLID by amending Article 6 to read as follows:
This Order shall remain in effect until dissolved by resolution of the
White Bear Lake City Council after receiving a request from the District's Board of Directors, or upon receiving a petition signed by owners of not less than fifty-one percent (51%) of the parcels in the District, or at the initiative of the City Council. Motion carried.
Motion by Neil Franey, seconded by Patrice Kuppe, to amend the BLID Rules of Governance as follows: Add the following paragraph to Article 7, Section 2: A property owner of the District who cannot attend the Annual
Membership Meeting may vote by giving his/her written proxy to
a property owner who will be present at the Annual Membership Meeting. Delete the following paragraph from Article 7, Section 3: Anyone desiring an absentee ballot should submit a written request to the Board at its business address (4701 Highway 61, White Bear Lake, MN 55110) no later than 30 days prior to the Annual Membership Meeting. Motion carried. The following four persons agreed to be members of a committee to consider ways to improve the northwest shoreline (roughly from the property of Nicholas Nash to the bridge) and to make specific recommendations to the Board: Dan Anderson, Nicholas Nash, Patrice Kuppe, Mary Dee Auger. Board member Dale Bacon agreed to organize and lead the group. Board Secretary Dick Brink stated that he will determine ownership of the land involved.
In the general discussion period, cleanup of the northeast corner of the lake, which has a high nutrient level, was urged. If weed harvesting is impossible this year, reallocation of the funds budgeted for that purpose should be considered. Use of the aerator in the summer was discussed. Nicholas Nash discussed the desirability of speed bumps to slow down traffic on North Birch Lake Boulevard.. Meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m.
Richard E. Brink Secretary
There being no objections, the proposed agenda was approved. Motion by Patrice Kuppe, seconded by Rod Kreuser, to approve the minutes of the June 18, 208 Annual Membership Meeting. Motion carried. Grisim reported on the past year's activities of the organization. The weed harvester was removed earlier than usual because of low lake water levels. It was determined that a tow truck should be used to remove the harvester in the future. Consistent with the concept of using professional help in the harvesting program, the 85 loads of weeds harvested were allowed to dry and then hauled to the composting site by Barefoot Landscaping Co.. Working with VLAWMO. and Steve McComas of Blue Water Science, our study on developing a long term sustainable lake management plan was completed, concluding that the BLID is "doing lots of things right" and recommending that we continue to monitor water quality. Board members have attended pertinent seminars and workshops. A dozen or so persons took part in a lake shore cleanup day on May 2 (a few people did cleanup work earlier). We will continue to have "Lake Cleanup Day" on the first Saturday in May. Aerator hoses have broken loose from their moorings in a a few places, and a more effective anchoring method will be developed. Board member Ryan Hoops agreed to lead the aerator hose "re-stringing" project.VLAWMO has offered to sponsor rain garden workshops if there is sufficient interest. Thanks to the efforts of Patrice Kuppe, the third annual BLID newsletter was published. Members present expressed their appreciation for the newsletter and the communication of BLID activities Weed control this year is complicated by low lake level. The Board researched the use of herbicides as an alternative to harvesting the weeds. Herbicide literature was on display and available for members to review. For lakes less than 15 feet deep, the DNR will approve the use of herbicides over 15% of the area. In our case, with a maximum depth of 6 feet and an area of 129 acres, we could treat up to 19 acres at a cost of roughly $1,000 per acre. Steve McComas does not consider herbicidal weed control very successful, especially with the fern pond weed predominant in Birch Lake.
In an attempt to use our weed harvester this year, we will seek approval of extending the ramp at our easement and dredge an area 2 feet deep, 18 feet wide and 40 feet long to permit the harvester to come close enough to the shore to enable transfer of weeds to our trailer.An application for a permit to carry out the project has been submitted to the DNR. Multiple environmental agencies need to approve lake dredging, including DNR Wildlife, DNR Waterways, VLAWMO, the City of White Bear Lake, the Federal Corps of Engineers, and the State of Minnesota Soil and Water Division. Unfortunately, even if the dredging is approved, we may not be able to harvest this year unless the lake level rises significantly.
Richard Brink being the only candidate for election to the Board, motion by Nicholas Nash, seconded by Patrice Kuppe, to cast the unanimous ballot of the group for Brink. Motion carried Kreuser presented the attached treasurer's report and the attached proposed budget for 2010. If there is no weed harvesting this year, the 2010 budget would be reduced by only about 25%, since about 35% of the budget goes toward purchase of he harvester. The final payment for the harvester and trailer will be in 2010, and thereafter the budget should be reduced by $8,148.84, the amount of the payment. Motion by Neil Franey, seconded by Patrice Kuppe, to approve the budget. Motion carried. The group expressed the sentiment that, if weed harvesting cannot be carried out this year, the unused budgeted amount should be considered for other projects or used to reduce the amount owed on the harvester and trailer.. Motion by Patrice Kuppe, seconded by Rod Kreuser, to ask the White Bear Lake City Council to amend the Order establishing the BLID by amending Article 6 to read as follows:
This Order shall remain in effect until dissolved by resolution of the
White Bear Lake City Council after receiving a request from the District's Board of Directors, or upon receiving a petition signed by owners of not less than fifty-one percent (51%) of the parcels in the District, or at the initiative of the City Council. Motion carried.
Motion by Neil Franey, seconded by Patrice Kuppe, to amend the BLID Rules of Governance as follows: Add the following paragraph to Article 7, Section 2: A property owner of the District who cannot attend the Annual
Membership Meeting may vote by giving his/her written proxy to
a property owner who will be present at the Annual Membership Meeting. Delete the following paragraph from Article 7, Section 3: Anyone desiring an absentee ballot should submit a written request to the Board at its business address (4701 Highway 61, White Bear Lake, MN 55110) no later than 30 days prior to the Annual Membership Meeting. Motion carried. The following four persons agreed to be members of a committee to consider ways to improve the northwest shoreline (roughly from the property of Nicholas Nash to the bridge) and to make specific recommendations to the Board: Dan Anderson, Nicholas Nash, Patrice Kuppe, Mary Dee Auger. Board member Dale Bacon agreed to organize and lead the group. Board Secretary Dick Brink stated that he will determine ownership of the land involved.
In the general discussion period, cleanup of the northeast corner of the lake, which has a high nutrient level, was urged. If weed harvesting is impossible this year, reallocation of the funds budgeted for that purpose should be considered. Use of the aerator in the summer was discussed. Nicholas Nash discussed the desirability of speed bumps to slow down traffic on North Birch Lake Boulevard.. Meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m.
Richard E. Brink Secretary
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