Bear Lake Watershed Alliance Meeting September 27, 2023

Present:  Jeff Sanborn, Karen Powers, Phyllis Cowden, Kathy Sundbeck, Robert Holman, Rita Holman, Chuck Eminger, Don Raiff, Terry Langston, John Virga

The Meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm by President, Jeff Sanborn.  Jeff led the Pledge of Allegiance and welcomed everyone in attendance.  Jeff introduced himself, the officers, and Kathy Sundbeck as a Committee Chair.  

Jeff addressed the Agenda with items to be added:  The Logo under Old Business and Next Year’s Fundraiser, the Trifold Handout, and Bear Lake Days under New Business.  The Agenda was approved as revised.

Under the Treasurer’s report, Karen presented and reviewed the BLWA Funds Summary as of 08/31/23.  Karen led a discussion to set up CD(s) from the cash balances at the Honor Bank.  She suggested  a 12-month CD and  a 6-month CD and indicated that the shorter term produces more interest.  It was agreed to consider setting up several CDs.  Karen also presented a bill to be paid to the Field of Dreams for care of the Rain Garden at the Library.  She also reported that the state filing has been done.  Chuck Eminger questioned if the signage on the bank accounts had been updated.  Jeff  indicated that he will take care of this responsibility at Honors Bank.  Phyllis Cowden moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report including the creation of the CDs.   It was seconded by Kathy Sundbeck and approved by the attendees.

Old Business

Election of Officers – Vice-President(s) Needed.   Jeff stressed the need for filling the Vice-President’s position.  It is a “must have” in order to establish a quorum for meetings.  Jeff reported that he has asked two people to consider being Co-Vice-President’s – John Virga and Mike Guenther – and is awaiting their final response.  He also had a list from Chuck Eminger of possible candidates which have yet to be contacted.

Disposition of Water Quality Samples.   Per the Quality Lake Monitoring Program, Lake samples have been taken to Cadillac, September 22.  Results will not be available for some time.  Clarity samples have been taken – now at a depth of 10 ½ feet.  Bear Lake is now in the top 15% of lakes for clarity and content.  Prior to this time, the rain runoff samples had been taken by the Conservation District.  The person who routinely handled the sampling has left the District.  Jeff has contacted the District to inquire about a new hire fulfilling such responsibility.  He was told that the newly hired person will be handling Education primarily.  Jeff further reported that we could take the samples if we could secure the appropriate viles for testing and have a person to fulfill the activity.  It was also discussed that the Bear Lake Village could be a source for collecting samples.  Such a responsibility would be a paid position. Don Raiff reported that he is investigating a source for taking run-off samples.  He also reported on a very sophisticated  testing for Ecoli.  He anticipates getting results from Prof. Sky Pike from Ferris University.

May Buell Park – Benches and Weeds – Rain Gardens.  Jeff made reference to the Rain Garden at the May Buell Park, located at the intersection of Lakeside Ave and Butwell Rd.  Pleasanton Greenhouse will provide flowers to be used for the Dick Graham Memorial.  There is still a question of ongoing paid services from Pleasanton Greenhouse  and Field of Dreams for maintaining the two Gardens Karen had, however, presented a bill received from Field of Dreams for care of the Library Garden. 

Dick’s Memorial.  There will be a public Memorial Service in honor of Dick Graham at the May Buell Park on September 30 at 11:00 am. Dick’s family will be in attendance to honor Dick and to witness the dedication of a Memorial Bench, placed in the Park Rain Garden in Dick’s honor and memory. 

Logo.  Jeff would like to have a new Logo created for the BLWA and has been attempting to contact the Art teacher at the Bear Lake High School for assistance. He has suggested the possibility of a student contest to create a new Logo design.  A gift card would be presented to the student who creates the selected design.

At this point, Don Raiff asked if there was progress in determining BLWA projects for the next year.  Possibilities are a BLWA FUNdraiser and the development of a walkway in the Big Bay Wetlands area for access to move around the lake area.  Rich Russell will work on acquiring possible easements from the land owners in order to build such a walkway.  No one can build a building on the land, but a walkway could be acceptable.  Such a project could be a good basis for fundraiser goal.  It is important to have a written plan for such a project.

New Business

Thank you to Keaton Foster and Bear Lake United Methodist Church for Use of Facilities.  Jeff expressed appreciation to Keaton Foster for the donation of the syrup for the BLWA Annual Meeting Breakfast.  There were 17 people in attendance.  It was suggested that the date for the Meeting – the last Saturday in July – be put on the calendar for the next year.  Extra bottles of the syrup were auctioned and raised $260. for the Food Pantry.  $150. was paid for the use of the Church.  John Virga recommended submitting  news of the event on “Love Bear Lake.”

Refrigerator Magnets & Bear Lake Days.  Jeff  presented the completed refrigerator magnets which have a visual message listing what citizens can do to keep the Lake clean.  Jeff would like to have a booth at next year’s Bear Lake Days to have the magnets and a revised trifold available for distribution.  Jeff also indicated that he would like to join with the Bear Lake Promotors in creating the trifold.

Next Year’s Fundraiser.  The BLWA did not have a fundraiser this year.  Jeff indicated that the Association needs to have some kind of event next year.  It could be a FUNdraiser or FUNDraiser.

Trifold Handout.  Jeff referenced the printed trifold the BLWA has had in the past and his desire to create an updated version to publicize Lake information.  He expressed his need for help in creating the trifold and would like all three Bear Lake organizations and, possibly, businesses to be included in the trifold.

Public Comments

Don Raiff raised the concern about  the care of septic systems around the Lake since the sewer project is no longer in existence.  He expressed concern from the Property Owners that we need to focus more on the use and care of septic systems.  More could be done on an educational effort to educate Lake property owners on how systems work and how to care for them.  He would like the BLWA to be a part of the process. Another possibility would be to create a fund to assist those who might need financial help in monitoring systems.  It was also suggested that the Bear Lake Village may be a part of the effort.

Chuck Eminger asked if a Website Director has been acquired.  Kim had been a possibility but has not responded.  The BLWA is still in need of a person to assume this position.  It was suggested to check with the local school system for a possible candidate.

It was indicated that John Virga might help periodically with the collection of the rain runoff samples.  It was also suggested that SOS Analytical might be of assistance in the rain run-off responsibility.

There being no additional business to come before the meeting, Karen moved to adjourn.  The motion was seconded by Jeff and passed by the attendees.

Respectfully Submitted,

Phyllis Cowden

SecretaryPresent:  Jeff Sanborn, Karen Powers, Phyllis Cowden, Kathy Sundbeck, Robert Holman, Rita Holman, Chuck Eminger, Don Raiff, Terry Langston, John Virga

The Meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm by President, Jeff Sanborn.  Jeff led the Pledge of Allegiance and welcomed everyone in attendance.  Jeff introduced himself, the officers, and Kathy Sundbeck as a Committee Chair.  

Jeff addressed the Agenda with items to be added:  The Logo under Old Business and Next Year’s Fundraiser, the Trifold Handout, and Bear Lake Days under New Business.  The Agenda was approved as revised.

Under the Treasurer’s report, Karen presented and reviewed the BLWA Funds Summary as of 08/31/23.  Karen led a discussion to set up CD(s) from the cash balances at the Honor Bank.  She suggested  a 12-month CD and  a 6-month CD and indicated that the shorter term produces more interest.  It was agreed to consider setting up several CDs.  Karen also presented a bill to be paid to the Field of Dreams for care of the Rain Garden at the Library.  She also reported that the state filing has been done.  Chuck Eminger questioned if the signage on the bank accounts had been updated.  Jeff  indicated that he will take care of this responsibility at Honors Bank.  Phyllis Cowden moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report including the creation of the CDs.   It was seconded by Kathy Sundbeck and approved by the attendees.

Old Business

Election of Officers – Vice-President(s) Needed.   Jeff stressed the need for filling the Vice-President’s position.  It is a “must have” in order to establish a quorum for meetings.  Jeff reported that he has asked two people to consider being Co-Vice-President’s – John Virga and Mike Guenther – and is awaiting their final response.  He also had a list from Chuck Eminger of possible candidates which have yet to be contacted.

Disposition of Water Quality Samples.   Per the Quality Lake Monitoring Program, Lake samples have been taken to Cadillac, September 22.  Results will not be available for some time.  Clarity samples have been taken – now at a depth of 10 ½ feet.  Bear Lake is now in the top 15% of lakes for clarity and content.  Prior to this time, the rain runoff samples had been taken by the Conservation District.  The person who routinely handled the sampling has left the District.  Jeff has contacted the District to inquire about a new hire fulfilling such responsibility.  He was told that the newly hired person will be handling Education primarily.  Jeff further reported that we could take the samples if we could secure the appropriate viles for testing and have a person to fulfill the activity.  It was also discussed that the Bear Lake Village could be a source for collecting samples.  Such a responsibility would be a paid position. Don Raiff reported that he is investigating a source for taking run-off samples.  He also reported on a very sophisticated  testing for Ecoli.  He anticipates getting results from Prof. Sky Pike from Ferris University.

May Buell Park – Benches and Weeds – Rain Gardens.  Jeff made reference to the Rain Garden at the May Buell Park, located at the intersection of Lakeside Ave and Butwell Rd.  Pleasanton Greenhouse will provide flowers to be used for the Dick Graham Memorial.  There is still a question of ongoing paid services from Pleasanton Greenhouse  and Field of Dreams for maintaining the two Gardens Karen had, however, presented a bill received from Field of Dreams for care of the Library Garden. 

Dick’s Memorial.  There will be a public Memorial Service in honor of Dick Graham at the May Buell Park on September 30 at 11:00 am. Dick’s family will be in attendance to honor Dick and to witness the dedication of a Memorial Bench, placed in the Park Rain Garden in Dick’s honor and memory. 

Logo.  Jeff would like to have a new Logo created for the BLWA and has been attempting to contact the Art teacher at the Bear Lake High School for assistance. He has suggested the possibility of a student contest to create a new Logo design.  A gift card would be presented to the student who creates the selected design.

At this point, Don Raiff asked if there was progress in determining BLWA projects for the next year.  Possibilities are a BLWA FUNdraiser and the development of a walkway in the Big Bay Wetlands area for access to move around the lake area.  Rich Russell will work on acquiring possible easements from the land owners in order to build such a walkway.  No one can build a building on the land, but a walkway could be acceptable.  Such a project could be a good basis for fundraiser goal.  It is important to have a written plan for such a project.

New Business

Thank you to Keaton Foster and Bear Lake United Methodist Church for Use of Facilities.  Jeff expressed appreciation to Keaton Foster for the donation of the syrup for the BLWA Annual Meeting Breakfast.  There were 17 people in attendance.  It was suggested that the date for the Meeting – the last Saturday in July – be put on the calendar for the next year.  Extra bottles of the syrup were auctioned and raised $260. for the Food Pantry.  $150. was paid for the use of the Church.  John Virga recommended submitting  news of the event on “Love Bear Lake.”

Refrigerator Magnets & Bear Lake Days.  Jeff  presented the completed refrigerator magnets which have a visual message listing what citizens can do to keep the Lake clean.  Jeff would like to have a booth at next year’s Bear Lake Days to have the magnets and a revised trifold available for distribution.  Jeff also indicated that he would like to join with the Bear Lake Promotors in creating the trifold.

Next Year’s Fundraiser.  The BLWA did not have a fundraiser this year.  Jeff indicated that the Association needs to have some kind of event next year.  It could be a FUNdraiser or FUNDraiser.

Trifold Handout.  Jeff referenced the printed trifold the BLWA has had in the past and his desire to create an updated version to publicize Lake information.  He expressed his need for help in creating the trifold and would like all three Bear Lake organizations and, possibly, businesses to be included in the trifold.

Public Comments

Don Raiff raised the concern about  the care of septic systems around the Lake since the sewer project is no longer in existence.  He expressed concern from the Property Owners that we need to focus more on the use and care of septic systems.  More could be done on an educational effort to educate Lake property owners on how systems work and how to care for them.  He would like the BLWA to be a part of the process. Another possibility would be to create a fund to assist those who might need financial help in monitoring systems.  It was also suggested that the Bear Lake Village may be a part of the effort.

Chuck Eminger asked if a Website Director has been acquired.  Kim had been a possibility but has not responded.  The BLWA is still in need of a person to assume this position.  It was suggested to check with the local school system for a possible candidate.

It was indicated that John Virga might help periodically with the collection of the rain runoff samples.  It was also suggested that SOS Analytical might be of assistance in the rain run-off responsibility.

There being no additional business to come before the meeting, Karen moved to adjourn.  The motion was seconded by Jeff and passed by the attendees.

Submitted by Phyllis Cowden (Secretary)