Here are the results of a Fish Survey conducted on Birch Lake, MN on August 24, 2011.
This blog is for communicating with the BLID membership.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
BIRCH LAKE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BLID) Annual Membership Meeting June 15, 2011
The sixth annual membership meeting of the BLID was held in the White Bear Lake City Hall on June 15, 2011 with Chair Jim Grisim presiding. The meeting was called to order at 7:04 P.M. with 14 residents representing 13 of the 62 units in the BLID present and constituting a quorum as specified in Article 5, Section 3 of the BLID Rules of Governance. All notices or the meeting required by Article 5, Section 2 of the Rules of Governance had been complied with. A copy of the persons in attendance is attached.
Motion by Rod Kreuser, seconded by Ron Auger, to approve the tentative agenda. Motion carried.
Motion by Ryan Hoops, seconded by Rod Kreuser, to approve the minutes of the June 16, 2010 annual membership meeting. Motion carried.
The attached treasurer’s report was approved.
Chair Grisim presented a summary of the past year’s activities and future plans. The Star Lakes and Rivers organization awarded Star Lake status to Birch Lake at a ceremony on April 9. Along with the “Star Lake” designation, a $2,400 grant was awarded. A sign will be provided showing the new status; additional signs can be ordered if desired.
No harvesting could be carried out because of the low lake level. As an alternative, Lake Management Inc. applied herbicide to two areas of the lake with less than 50% kill, 80% being considered acceptable. Further treatment with copper salts improved percentage of kill slightly. At no cost to the BLID, Lake Management has agreed to conduct treatments with a different herbicide and to test a limited shoreline area.
Attempts to persuade the City of White Bear Lake to create a lakeshore walking path along Otter Lake Road are proceeding slowly. There are serious engineering problems involved, and projected cost will be calculated. It was suggested that the path be designated a “Nature Trail” to ease engineering requirements. It was also suggested that the BLID alert the White Bear Press to the problem and perhaps pledge some money to help generate interest.
The pump motor for the aerator was replaced, with the old pump being kept as a spare
The DNR has inquired as to the cost of power to operate the aerator.
Bremer Bank has agreed to install shades on their shoreline lights before next nesting season.
The City of White Bear Lake is working on a speed bump plan in conjunction with improvements to North Birch Lake Boulevard
Dale Bacon attended the Minnesota Waters conference this spring. The focus was on invasive species. VLAWMO will conduct an Invasive Species workshop on June 25.
Annual spring cleanup was held on May 5, led by Vice Chair Ryan Hoops. Chair Grisim extended thanks to all participants. Super America again provided coffee and donuts.
Phase 2 of the shoreline restoration project will begin after July 1. Undesired vegetation, including poison ivy and invasive grasses, will be killed off this year, with replanting scheduled for next spring. So, this fall it will look pretty brown until the replanting in the spring of 2012.
As part of its commitment to the Birch Lake Sustainable Management Plan (SLMP), the BLID board has approved partnering with VLAWMO to have a fish survey conducted and a follow-up nutrient lake sediment test performed. The fish survey will provide an indication of the health of the lake. The MN DNR, which usually conducts fish surveys, has indicated that, because of the small number of anglers who fish on the lake, our lake would have very low priority. We hope to hire Steve McComas, of Blue Water Science, to conduct the fish survey some time this summer.
Motion by Steve LaLiberte, seconded by Mary Dee Auger, to stock the lake with fish this summer. The Board had previously approved stocking next spring, as recommended by Rademacher Ponds, the company from which we purchase the fish. The motion was approved on a very close vote.
Several years ago the BLID purchased an easement from a previous property owner for the right to launch and remove our harvester. The question of liability resulting from the steel cable was raised. Motion by Fred Downing, seconded by Rod Kreuser, to install signs on the cable stating that this is private property and that permission to cross it must be obtained from the current property owner. (It was stated that the only public access to the lake is at the corner of North Birch Lake Boulevard-4th Street and Otter Lake Road, but it was subsequently learned that while the City of White Bear Lake maintains a dock at that site, it is not technically a public access.) Motion carried.
Since incumbents Ryan Hoops and Dale Bacon were the only candidates for the Board, motion by Dick Brink, seconded by Dick Gillitzer, to close nominations and declare Hoops and Bacon elected. Motion carried.
Motion by Dale Bacon, seconded by Rod Kreuser, to approve the attached budget for 2012. Motion carried.
Secretary Dick Brink announced the following meeting dates:
Quarterly Board meetings: September 15, 2011; November 3, 2011; February 16, 2012; June 7, 2012.
Annual Membership Meeting: June 20, 2012
The minimum lake depth to operate the harvester is 24 inches. Recent rains may have filled the lake to that depth.
Lake residents will be surveyed to determine areas of interest. Volunteers to take the survey form door-to-door are sought.
Ron Auger expressed thanks to the BLID Board for their work of the past year.
Meeting adjourned at 9:02 P.M.
Richard E. Brink
Secretary
Motion by Rod Kreuser, seconded by Ron Auger, to approve the tentative agenda. Motion carried.
Motion by Ryan Hoops, seconded by Rod Kreuser, to approve the minutes of the June 16, 2010 annual membership meeting. Motion carried.
The attached treasurer’s report was approved.
Chair Grisim presented a summary of the past year’s activities and future plans. The Star Lakes and Rivers organization awarded Star Lake status to Birch Lake at a ceremony on April 9. Along with the “Star Lake” designation, a $2,400 grant was awarded. A sign will be provided showing the new status; additional signs can be ordered if desired.
No harvesting could be carried out because of the low lake level. As an alternative, Lake Management Inc. applied herbicide to two areas of the lake with less than 50% kill, 80% being considered acceptable. Further treatment with copper salts improved percentage of kill slightly. At no cost to the BLID, Lake Management has agreed to conduct treatments with a different herbicide and to test a limited shoreline area.
Attempts to persuade the City of White Bear Lake to create a lakeshore walking path along Otter Lake Road are proceeding slowly. There are serious engineering problems involved, and projected cost will be calculated. It was suggested that the path be designated a “Nature Trail” to ease engineering requirements. It was also suggested that the BLID alert the White Bear Press to the problem and perhaps pledge some money to help generate interest.
The pump motor for the aerator was replaced, with the old pump being kept as a spare
The DNR has inquired as to the cost of power to operate the aerator.
Bremer Bank has agreed to install shades on their shoreline lights before next nesting season.
The City of White Bear Lake is working on a speed bump plan in conjunction with improvements to North Birch Lake Boulevard
Dale Bacon attended the Minnesota Waters conference this spring. The focus was on invasive species. VLAWMO will conduct an Invasive Species workshop on June 25.
Annual spring cleanup was held on May 5, led by Vice Chair Ryan Hoops. Chair Grisim extended thanks to all participants. Super America again provided coffee and donuts.
Phase 2 of the shoreline restoration project will begin after July 1. Undesired vegetation, including poison ivy and invasive grasses, will be killed off this year, with replanting scheduled for next spring. So, this fall it will look pretty brown until the replanting in the spring of 2012.
As part of its commitment to the Birch Lake Sustainable Management Plan (SLMP), the BLID board has approved partnering with VLAWMO to have a fish survey conducted and a follow-up nutrient lake sediment test performed. The fish survey will provide an indication of the health of the lake. The MN DNR, which usually conducts fish surveys, has indicated that, because of the small number of anglers who fish on the lake, our lake would have very low priority. We hope to hire Steve McComas, of Blue Water Science, to conduct the fish survey some time this summer.
Motion by Steve LaLiberte, seconded by Mary Dee Auger, to stock the lake with fish this summer. The Board had previously approved stocking next spring, as recommended by Rademacher Ponds, the company from which we purchase the fish. The motion was approved on a very close vote.
Several years ago the BLID purchased an easement from a previous property owner for the right to launch and remove our harvester. The question of liability resulting from the steel cable was raised. Motion by Fred Downing, seconded by Rod Kreuser, to install signs on the cable stating that this is private property and that permission to cross it must be obtained from the current property owner. (It was stated that the only public access to the lake is at the corner of North Birch Lake Boulevard-4th Street and Otter Lake Road, but it was subsequently learned that while the City of White Bear Lake maintains a dock at that site, it is not technically a public access.) Motion carried.
Since incumbents Ryan Hoops and Dale Bacon were the only candidates for the Board, motion by Dick Brink, seconded by Dick Gillitzer, to close nominations and declare Hoops and Bacon elected. Motion carried.
Motion by Dale Bacon, seconded by Rod Kreuser, to approve the attached budget for 2012. Motion carried.
Secretary Dick Brink announced the following meeting dates:
Quarterly Board meetings: September 15, 2011; November 3, 2011; February 16, 2012; June 7, 2012.
Annual Membership Meeting: June 20, 2012
The minimum lake depth to operate the harvester is 24 inches. Recent rains may have filled the lake to that depth.
Lake residents will be surveyed to determine areas of interest. Volunteers to take the survey form door-to-door are sought.
Ron Auger expressed thanks to the BLID Board for their work of the past year.
Meeting adjourned at 9:02 P.M.
Richard E. Brink
Secretary
Monday, June 13, 2011
Survey Says...
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 ________________________
___________________________________________________________
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 ________________________
___________________________________________________________
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
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