Friday, April 13, 2007

The meeting was called to order at 7:19pm at the home of Bruce Biederman & Mary Leffler – 686 Halsey Avenue SE. There were 22 people in attendance representing 14 households.

Randy Latzig with Community Lawn Care was the guest speaker. The company gives a percentage of the cost of their lawn fertilizer and weed control services or products back to a non-profit organization of the customer’s choice, which could be the Lake Martha Lake Improvement Association. A few of the organizations that they give back to are the Buffalo Music Department ($5,000 given to them this year), Meals on Wheels, Timber Bay, and the St. Francis Church signed up this year. They have two programs; 1) they apply the fertilizer and weed control for you, which would give a 10% return to the non-profit organization of your choice, or 2) you purchase and pick-up the fertilizer products then apply them yourself, which would give a 24% return. They have the service of only spraying for weeds if you so desire after you do the fertilizing yourself. They only apply and sell granular fertilizer, as it is a time-release product that they feel is best for lawns. They use a liquid product for the broadleaf weeds, such as dandelions, clover, and thistle. They also include crabgrass control. You can order any combination of the five applications or of the programs offered. There is no minimum of customers needed in order for the non-profit organization to get the return. Generally the fertilizer product is not delivered, but if there were a large number of people from one neighborhood that ordered the do-it-yourself program, they would consider doing so. Other services that they offer are mowing, Spring and Fall clean-up, over-seeding and tree feeding (no Dutch Elm control), plus they are looking into snowplowing during the winter – however no returns are provided on these services. There is no group discount, as they contribute part of the costs to the non-profit organization of the customer’s choice. Since Community Lawn Care is affiliated with Centra Sota Co-Op, he will check on the possibility of creating the same type of “give back” deal on the purchase of copper sulfate.

Dave Tabbut passed around a personal information update sheet – e-mails, phone numbers, etc.

The minutes from the winter meeting in March were accepted as written.

Vicky Rydberg explained the reason for the dormant fee charges. Bill Tregaskis said that we should just go to a different bank. Julie Kasa mentioned that there are interest-bearing checking accounts available; especially if that is the only reason we have a savings account. Dorothy Brede agreed that we should change banks. Dave Tabbut offered to talk to the bank, as he has been their customer for almost 30 years. He will report his progress at the next meeting, at which time we can decide what to do. Vicky R. gave the Treasurer’s Report numbers. Craig Kasa stated that he has a few more checks that need to be deposited. Paul Johnson motioned to pay Vicky R. back for her personal payment of the dormant fees. Julie K. seconded and the motion carried.

Craig K. said that 33 people have signed up for the lake weed treatments - four people ordered the second treatment. He thinks that the second treatment can also be ordered later in the season, but he will double check on that.

Paul J. said that per radio personality Joe Soucheray, a re-freeze of a lake does not count. Everyone agreed that March 29^th is the official ice-out date. Dorothy B. won the contest.

Polly Willhite is no longer able to do the duties of the Hospitality Committee. Dorothy B. volunteered to do cards and flowers, but not the welcome baskets. Trice Grossinger volunteered to help her. It was suggested and accepted that immediate neighbors will welcome new residents to the area. They will introduce themselves, giving the new residents a Lake directory, and inviting them to a Lake Association meeting.

It was mentioned that Buffalo Bituminous was sold. Dorothy B. said that everyone would be given options for paying the road assessment. Andy Brallier stated that he would call the Township about them cleaning up all of the sand that they put on the road by mistake this winter. He would like to suggest that others call as well. Craig K. said for Andy to say that he is calling on behalf of the Lake Association. Mike Rydberg said to also ask them to clean out the culvert.

Bill T. asked about installing natural weeds. Bob Halagan said that it is the lakeshore that needs to be properly landscaped for the clarity of the lake and erosion, etc. Nancy Halagan brought her book to share and said that there is a website about this topic on the DNR’s website. It was mentioned that Howard Lake did a great job of this. Dave T. said that the “swamp” would be a great place to do stuff.

Bob H. presented some more LID information. He said that only a petition with 26% of the lakeshore properties that stated the reason for wanting a LID would have to be submitted to the County. He wondered if the County would try to put us under the Lake Charlotte LID. Mike R. asked if it would be worth it with the high membership number – per Craig K. there are 45 lake properties with 33 of them being members and doing the lake weed treatment. Paul J. expressed that it would not be worth it at this point. Bob H. did mention that as a government entity we could save sales tax, etc. He suggests talking to Lake Charlotte people.

Craig K. inquired about Metro Paving for driveways. The Halagans and the Frumps went together and got a good deal with Oman Brothers in St. Michael when they originally had their driveways done. Craig will collect company names to inquire about a group discount from.

Andy B. motioned to adjourn. Julie K. seconded it at 8:23 pm.

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