Friday, July 9, 2004

The meeting was called to order at 7:25pm at the home of Jim & Angela Miller – 7412 9^th Street SE. There were 9 people in attendance representing 7 households.

There was one correction made to the minutes from the June 11, 2004, meeting – the secchi disk reading measurements were in feet, not inches. The minutes were accepted noting this correction.

Joy Morris was not present to present the treasurer’s report. However, she will get a copy of it to Angela Miller for the minutes before the next meeting.

In Sue Brallier’s absence, Angela Miller presented a copy of all of the secchi disk readings to date. They will be posted on the website.

Mike Rydberg explained that Andy with the Wright County Soil & Water, plus Joyce Stecker as President of the Lake Charlotte Association would not be in attendance of the meeting as planned since he had given them a tour of Lake Martha earlier in the afternoon. Lake Charlotte had initiated this survey for recommendations as to what they could do in regards to the landslides that they have had this summer and as to the increasing number of weeds in Lake Charlotte. The Lake Charlotte Association’s theory was that the weeds were coming from Lake Martha’s run-off. However, Andy with Wright County Soil & Water concluded that Lake Martha is in pretty good shape compared to Lake Charlotte. Joyce Stecker was impressed - and a bit embarrassed - as to the quality and clarity of Lake Martha. Andy will prepare a soil & water plan for agricultural run-off, of which the Lake Associations will use to work with the area farmers to help improve the current condition of both lakes. He also suggested a “weir dam”, which is a type of metal dam. Mike R. mentioned that the culvert on Miles Olson’s farm is ¾ under water. Plus, during their tour, nothing was flowing out of the culvert. Dave Tabbut asked if it would be possible to make the dam adjustable since Lake Martha is water-fed. Chad Kugler inquired about the cost of such action – would the County pay for it? Mike R. responded that the County might want help with the cost from the Association(s), yet Andy will create a proposal of what they think that they can do.

Jeanni Tregaskis brought up the question of a second copper sulfate treatment for algae being done this year. Mike R. stated that the burlap bag last year didn’t work very well. However, this year he had drilled holes in pvc pipe under a 50 gallon barrel containing the product & installed a ball valve, which worked really well this year with the help of Bruce Biederman. They were able to get in between the docks, they made two passes down the channel, plus they went in the backwaters. He said that 50 pounds of the copper sulfate did about four to five houses. Scott Pearson stated that he was sure that his beach area had the most scum of the lake, but the day after the treatment it was gone. Several people expressed being surprised & pleased with the results as well. Theresa Witstine commented that when they moved in Nancy Halagan told her to not plan a party after the 4^th of July, because the lake would be green – not this year, it’s so clear. Dave T. inquired about the cost per bag of the product. Mike R. said that it was $60.00 to $63.00 per 50-pound bag from Midwest AquaCare. Dave said that he was at CentraSota & saw 50-pound bags for $42.00 each. Yet, it would take two days for them to order the quantity that we would purchase. Mike R. stated that a second application could be done this year if more algae is noticed & it is thought necessary. Chad & Rachel Kugler said that they didn’t even know that there was curly leaf in the lake being new residents recently. Someone asked if the Association had a State Tax ID number in order to avoid the sales tax on products, such as the copper sulfate, used in a service. Dave T. said that the Association did have one in the 1970’s. Mike R. said that he was positive that they expire; yet it is an easy process to obtain one.

The plan for the 2004 Annual Picnic is a Mexican catered event. Theresa W. said that the mini-biff company that has been used the last couple of years contacted her & stated that they would give us the same rate as last year.

Jeanni T. mentioned that she uses the Directory quite a bit for phone numbers. Dave T. had his with him.

In Mary Leffler’s absence, Mike R. reported that she had delivered the welcome baskets to all of the new residents. Chad & Rachel K. said that they received theirs & that it was great with the Directory & lots of coupons for many of the local businesses. Dave T. asked if Mary had delivered one to the Erickson’s. Mike R. said that he wasn’t sure.

Mike R. mentioned that Brad Miller will put the cutter boats on his parent’s land in Maple Lake & that the delay was finding trailers big enough to carry them. Chad K. said that he has a 3,000-pound trailer & that his dad has a 7,000 pound one. He’ll talk to Brad about using one of them.

Dave T. stated that there are new flotilla pictures & some 4^th of July pictures on the website.

The dangers to boats of the rocks that are under water by Dave Tabbut’s beach were brought up. After Jeanni T. questioned the cost of having the rocks permanently marked, Dave T. said that he used to mark them.

Mike R. said that Halsey is scheduled to be paved in 2005, per Joyce Stecker per Dennis Bisman, Chairman of the Rockford Township. However, they are planning to move the road back to its original route, which is closer to Lake Martha.

Scott Pearson motioned to adjourn at 8:05pm. Jim Miller & Jeanni T. seconded.

As of May 26, 2004, the checking and savings accounts had a total of $1,804.45, after paying for the printing of the Lake Directories and the copper sulfate for the algae treatment. There are currently 37 paid members.

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