B.A. Lake Assn.

Annual Meeting Minutes

8/4/2007

Meeting called to order by Sec/Treasurer Sue Pickus.

ATTENDANCE: Andy Kietzman. Mary Ann & Don Erpelding, Darlene & Stan Stender, Joyce Kaatz, Carolyn & John Schmidt, Kaye & Ton Molin, Nancy & John Martin, Betty Haukebo, Linda & Bob Weih, Marie & Kevin Festler, Patsy & Jerry Frosland, Sue & Jim Pickus, Cynthia Smith.

2006 ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES: Approval of minutes was motioned by Joyce Kaatz, seconded by Mary Ann Erpelding & passed by members present.

TREASURER’S REPORT: See attached for report dated 7/31/07. Motion to accept treasurer’s report was made by John Schmidt, seconded by Darlene Stender and passed by vote.

OLD BUSINESS:

Lake Condition

1. Disc Readings: John Martin reported that in June ’07 the readings were the best they have been in 12 or more years, 23-25 feet; in July ’07 reading was 7 feet; in August ’07 reading was 9 feet.
2. Water Quality: Don Erpelding reported on the samplings he has done monthly from May – Dec. to test the water quality in Bad Axe Lake. Water samples are taken from the deepest point of the lake and read for phosphorus, chlorophyll A& sechi (sp?) reading. Results of the 3 factors give the Tropic State Index (TSI). Last year’s TSI placed Bad Axe in the average range, but in the lower ½ when compared to other lakes tested in this region. This year’s readings were again in the average range but placed Bad Axe in the upper ¼ of the same group of lakes. Don cautioned that the average of several year’s readings is necessary to judge the overall quality of our waters. To look up information on the internet go to www.rmbel.info Mary Ann Erpelding motioned to continue the $135/year expenditure for water testing; motion seconded by John Martin & passed.

Loon Population

John Martin reported that we have had 8-10 loons most of the summer. Recently 6 have been spotted, 2 pairs and 2 singles. A baby loon was spotted in July; no longer being seen.

Muskie Population:

Kevin Festler and Bob Weih reported that a few have been caught and several in the 24” range have been seen. The last stocking was in 2005, so this would be the year to stock again. Art Smith has volunteered to get the permit and supervise the stocking. Kevin Festler questioned whether we could stock strains other than the Leech Lake strain. Bob Weih indicated that the DNR has denied that request in the past. Motion was made by John Schmidt, seconded by Tom Molin and passed by vote that Art should arrange for stocking muskies this fall. Kevin requested that Art inquire whether the DNR will let us stock bard &/or spotted muskies.

Beaver Population

Andy reported that Fred Hensel was not interested in trapping here because he felt that our population was down due to old and abandoned lodges; no knowledge of any trapped last winter.

Camp Wilderness

1. New Cub Scout Camp used for first time this year
2. Erosion control is finished with help from Hubbard County Soil and Water
3. Working on the Healthy Lakes & Rivers Project
4. Refurbished 85’ fire tower will go up next month. All are welcome to come and climb up to see the view. Andy reports that the view from 65’ is spectacular!
5. Today is the last day of the camping season.

Clothing

Betty Haukebo reported that our Bad Axe logo disc has been moved from Lake Shirts to Superior sewing. Cynthia Smith passed around information from Lake Art & Chart Art for anyone interested.

NEW BUSINESS/REPORTS

Healthy Lakes

Mary Ann reported that a check for $800 was received. No new class is being run this year because monies from last year are still available and unapplied for. Mary Ann & Andy completed an application 7/30/07 for erosion control and tree planting and submitted an application for $4000.

COLA

Mary Ann reported that the stop aquatic hitckhiker signs are an effort by COLA and that she purchased a like sign for $30.00 and placed it at Isle O Dreams. She also purchased a Hubbard County Shoreland Ordinance & Management for the Lake Assn. Mary Ann also has a DVD titled MN Lakes at Risk that she is willing to loan to anyone who wished to see it.

Mary Ann made a motion that we continue to donate $$ to support the Fresh Water Festival, Kaye Molin seconded and it was passed.

Sue Pickus made a motion that we continue to pay dues and belong to COLA, Betty Haukebo seconded and it was passed.

ByLaws Review

Postponed to next year. Committee will stay the same.

Invasive Species Information

Sue Pickus distributed folders of information from the 6/16/07 Invasive Species meeting held at the Mantrap Conservation Club. Each member received one and one will be sent to members who could not attend the meeting.

Bob Weih emphasized the importance of making all members and their guests aware of the importance of boat, trailer and personal water craft washing.

Sue Pickus commented on how vigilant Dave Steffen is about washing and inspecting all boats & trailers that come through Isle O Dreams. The members present agreed that it would be appropriate to spend association dollars to help the Isle O Dreams purchase pressure washing equipment. It was agreed that we will ask Dave to submit a proposal for the purchase of pressure washing equipment to the Board of Directors, who will make a decision of the dollars to commit to this purchase. Motion was made by Kevin Festler and seconded by Betty Haukebo to give the Board of Directors power to make this decision on expenditure. Passed by vote. (who will talk to Dave?)

Correspondence

Sue Pickus read correspondence received from Pauline Caldwell.

Next Year’s Meeting Dates

Sue Pickus reported that she has received a few calls asking for discussion of dropping our May meeting and moving the annual meeting to late June. If the meeting were on Sunday, the Steffen’s might be able to attend, however, the Camp would not be able to accommodate us. Andy indicated that the best time for the Camp is 5PM on Saturday.

Sue Pickus made a motion and Betty Haukebo seconded that we drop the May meeting and hold our annual meeting on Saturday June 28, 2008 @ 5PM. At Camp Wilderness. Passed by vote.

Elections

Art Smith will be past-President.

Jeff Haukebo will move to President.

Andy Kietzman was nominated and elected Vice President.

Sue Pickus was nominated and re-elected Secretary/Treasurer.

Personal Water Craft

Jim Pickus reported that he is concerned about the use of Personal Water Craft he has observed several times near his dock. He has observed a stern driven boat making tight circles for the purpose of creating waves and at the same time a Personal Water Craft jumping the resulting waves. He indicated that it was unsafe, irresponsible, annoying and unlawful. Several other residents joined the discussion indicated that they had observed similar behaviors by the same users, who were identified as lake residents.

It was agreed by members present that it would be appropriate to send the Personal Water Craft use regulations to all members, that the resident(s) in question should be contacted personally by the observers and that in the future it would be appropriate to call the Water Safety Patrol and ask them to come and take the necessary action.

Meeting was adjourned.