Lipsett Lake Association Spring Meeting
May 27, 2017
The general meeting of the
Lipsett Lake Association was called to order by the President, Greg Heber, at
9:03 AM at the Lipsie Pines Tavern.
Approximately forty-six members were in attendance. Greg opened the meeting and thanked all for
attending.
Bruce Nelson presented the
minutes from the fall, 2016, meeting. A
motion to approve the minutes was made by Mark Schlitter, seconded by Grace
Huth, and approved by unanimous voice vote.
Mark Schlitter presented the treasurer’s
report highlighting the net income and detailing the revenue and expenses from
January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016, and the period January 1, 2017
through May 24, 2017. A motion to approve the reports was made by
Grace Huth, seconded by Bob Margo, and approved by unanimous voice vote of the
membership. Mark commented on the
excellent work done by Tom Boehne as treasurer and his great assistance in the
transfer of records and assistance in the transition of duties to himself. Mark indicated we received the balance of the
CBCL grant since the fall meeting. He reported
that we have received 35 members’ dues in 2017 amounting to $2,300, reflecting
the increase of dues to $50. The check
book balance is $25,167 as of this date.
Committee Reports
Membership – Ruth Baker and Grace Huth
They are planning to send envelopes containing association information and the brochure “2017 Planning & Progress Summary” on possible zebra mussel
population in Big McKenzie Lake to
non-member property owners on our lake.
Greg authorized spending approximately $50 for postage costs and other
costs.
Loon Ranger – Donna Twining It
was reported that there is one nesting
pair of loons in the bay on the southwest side of the lake. Donna noted that last spring we gave $50 to
the Sigrid Olson Loon Ranger organization to support their activities. Donna made a motion to gift $50 again this
year, it was seconded by Mark Hansen, and approved by voice vote.
Children’s Fishing Contest – Snyders
Chris and Dawnette will continue to manage this program this
year. Please send all reports of fish
caught and any photos to them.
Fundraising – Vacant Greg noted the vacancy and asked for
volunteer/s to staff this function for the association. He emphasized the loss of revenue from not
doing the dock-in this spring and the need to add a meat raffle to our stable
of fundraising activities. There was an
excellent turnout for the spring road clean-up in April. The July 4th boat parade will be
held on July 1st this year with awards for the 1st and 2nd
places for both patriotic and originality categories. A “tie-up” as usual will follow for food,
drink, and social comradery. Next, the
annual corn and brat feed is slated for July 29th and a site for
this event is needed………..Jon Hansen volunteered his property. A band has not been booked…………Mark Hansen
agreed to this gig. The association fall
meeting will be held at Lipsie Pines on September 2nd. The Spooner Golf Course will be the site for
our golf scramble either the first or second week of October. Greg asked for volunteers for dock-out or we
will lose the opportunity again for about $800 in revenue. Last year’s calendar was done by Greg. Photos are needed for next year’s calendar
production by October 28, 2017. Finally,
the Christmas party is scheduled for December 2nd at a place to be
determined.
Lake Management – Bob
Baker Bob asked everyone to read the
McKenzie Lakes “2017 Planning & Program Progress Summary” on zebra mussels
discovered in Big McKenzie Lake. The
report highlights the Burnett County lakes deemed susceptible to zebra mussel
populations, due to the high calcium content in the water. Lipsett Lake is highly susceptible to zebra
mussels due to its high calcium levels. State and local cooperation has resulted in a
plan to monitor and decontaminate all boats at the two private and one public
landing on Big McKenzie. A hot water
(140 degrees F) decontamination unit costing $8,500 to $10,000 will be
purchased for the public landing with a DNR grant. In the interim, the landing will be utilizing
portable sprayers staffed by trained workers.
Bob and Ruth Baker have unselfishly and generously volunteered to
provide decontamination and monitoring of watercraft entering Lipsett Lake
public access on weekends and other dates as needed. A one ounce to one gallon ratio of bleach to
water is sufficient to spray and decontaminate boats/trailers. Bob emphasized and water left in motor props,
live wells, etc. can carry thousands or zebra mussel larvae (veliger). Zebra mussels reproduce at an explosive rate. Lake residents can monitor for zebra mussels
by placing some flat object such as a cinder block under their dock and
periodically checking for the presence of these mussels. Bob recommended the recent issue of Burnett
County “Lakes Lines” for information on this subject. This is sent to all property owners
quarterly. The last few creel surveys
done on our lake found walleyes present in addition to the other known, common
species. After inquiries it has been
determined that no infestations from Big McKenzie through the cranberry
bogs north of the lake is possible.
Water does not flow up hill.
Water from a nearby creek is used to flood the bogs. The south bog may flow at some time into
Lipsett Lake, but is not harmful. The
cranberry bogs are presently being operated as organic. This reduces the risk for herbicides,
pesticides, fertilizers entering Lipsett Lake. Northwest Lakes Conference is to be held June
16th at Hayward High School.
Mark Schlitter motioned a grant of $45 to anyone wishing to attend, up
to 4 persons, and was seconded and approved.
President’s Report
Greg referenced the commentaries recently appearing the
Minneapolis Tribune concerned zebra mussels and other invasive species in
Christmas Lake in Minnesota and Big McKenzie in Wisconsin. He suggested reading these. He made a point of the inclusion of our lake
being one monitored because of our strong lake association and commitment. Greg asked for more volunteering and commitment
for fundraising to accomplish what may be needed in the future. Greg as President, cannot accomplish
everything by himself. He made a request
for assistance in the public access monitoring to provide some relief to the
Bakers.
Old Business
We reviewed the fall meeting suggestion for a dedicated
Lipsett Lake pontoon trailer. It was
decided this would not be feasible due to liability and other concerns. Our lake association dues went up to $50 this
year. Discussion centered on any
negative feedback or resistance to this increased amount. We decided on not doing anything further at
this time until we have more time to evaluate dues paid and total
membership. Greg again thanked the Pearson’s
for their gift to the association. The
concept of dock-in/out services being tax deductible was brought up again. Tom Boehne, who previously researched and
discussed this, detailed the US tax code requirements and math to determine any
deductibility of this service fee.
New Business
The association is currently in need to one director on the
Board. Anyone who is interested can
contact Grace Huth of the nominating committee.
The offices of vice president and secretary are up at the end of this
year. All terms are for a two year
period. Holly Tempel volunteered to
assume the fundraising duties for the association. The aquatic plant survey contemplated for
this year was scrapped. The association
will, however, have the DNR map the curly leaf pondweed in our lake this
year. This should be accomplished the
first through the third week of June.
The increase of dues from $25 to $50 per year was discussed. It was suggested that no one should object to
that minimal amount because of the benefits that accrue to all lake property
owners. Some suggested these benefits
maintain or increase property values.
Thanks to Tom and Ron for placing the buoys in the lake this past week.
Meeting was adjourned
at 9:46 AM Report submitted by
Bruce Nelson, Secretary
“Minutes to be
approved the association vote at the fall meeting in September of 2017”
No comments:
Post a Comment