Bear Lake Watershed Alliance Annual Meeting July 29, 2023

Present: Jeff Sanborn, Kay Johnston, Ron Cowden, Barbara Cummings, Rich Russell, Dave Adams, Mike Little, Karen Powers, Dan & Marla Morris, Carol Loutd, Fred McNulty, Mike & Barb Carey, Phyllis Cowden, Elizabeth Ozden, Mark & Robin Spangler. Chuck Eminger, Peter Ayers, John Virga, Don Raiff

Breakfast of toasted waffles, sausage, fresh fruit, juice, and coffee were served at 8:30 am.

The meeting was called to order at 9 am by President, Jeff Sanborn, at the Bear Lake United Methodist Church.    Jeff announced that the syrup for the breakfast had been donated by Brixstone Farms.  Extra bottles would be auctioned at the end of the meeting with the proceeds donated to the Food Bank at the Methodist Church.

Jeff welcomed all present and thanked them for coming.  He introduced the officers and spoke of the need for a Vice-President, welcoming any possible candidates.  Jeff introduce and thanked  John Virga and Dave Adams for their assistance with cooking the breakfast.

Jeff called for a motion to approve the Minutes of the 2022 Annual Meeting.  Motion made by Dave Adams and seconded by Rich Russell.  Motion Passed.   Jeff called for a motion to approve the Minutes from the June 29, 2023, BLWA meeting.  Motion made by Karen Powers and seconded by Phyllis Cowden.  Motion passed.

The Treasurer’s Report was presented by Karen Powers, Treasurer.  Karen referred to three printed reports available to the attendees: Funds Summary, Funds Summary Fiscal Year End, and Proposed Fiscal Year Budget.  Karen reported that the BLWA was in fiscally sound condition.  Contributions for the Dick Graham Memorial had been received and were being used accordingly.  In the budget, money to acquire property in the Big Bay had been dropped from the budget.  The BLWA has 151 Member, 22 Single Members, 86 household members, and 43 life members. Rick Russell questioned the amount of funds BLWA  has in the Community Foundation.  Karen reported that there was $25,622. BLWA funds in the Community Foundations. Motion to approve the Treasurer’s report was made by Dave Adams and seconded by Mark Spangler.  Motion passed.

Concerning the nomination and election of officers, Jeff reported that the BLWA does not have a Nominating Committee Jeff presented Karen Powers for the Office of Treasurer.  Her position was approved by acclaimation .  Jeff further explained that the BLWA does not have a candidate for Vice-President and is open to any recommendations or nominations.  A possibility is to accept a candidate on a pro tem status.

Old Business

Drain Testing.   Jeff reported that testing has not been done since Chelsea Cooper left the Conservation District.  Such test is done during or immediately following significant rain fall at four locations.  Such testing measures sediment or other harmful items going into the lake and needs to be done by the same person.   Previously, testings had been taken to Traverse City for results.  Don Raiff added that E-coli results need to be on the BLWA  Website.  He indicated that one drain had high E-coli results; that drain is one that was a crushed drain in need of repair.

E.coli

Don Raiff reported that this testing is done by the District 10 Health Department.  Such testing is done three times a year at six locations, seven feet from the edge of the water.  A fourth time has been done with no results reported yet.  So far, results have shown very low E.coli content, which is good news.

Water Quality Report

The Bear Lake Village has requested the assistance of the BLWA in responding to the damaged drain issue.  BLWA would like to pursue grant(s) to help fund the project.

As far as the water quality testing, the level of the water is decreasing.  The heat and boats on the water affect the quality. Clarity taken at 11 feet is good.  Bear Lake is in the top 15% of the lakes in Michigan.  It is important to maintain testing and to stress keeping boats clean to monitor what is going into the lake.

Mary Buell Park – Dick’s Bench

Dick reported that the bench honoring Dick Graham was complete with engraving and is being installed in the Buell Park by Legacy Furniture.  The cost of the installation is $150.  Dedication of the bench will take place September 30 with Dick’s family in attendance.

Rain Gardens

Maintenance of the Rain Gardens had been of interest to Dick Graham. A bench honoring D. Lauth is currently placed at the Gardens.  It has been arranged for Field of Dreams to maintain the Gardens on a contract basis three times per year.  Pleasanton Greenhouse will maintain the Buell Park Gardens on the same basis.  Any extra Memorial funds will be used to maintain the two Gardens.  The Garden at Hopkins Park is maintained by the school.

New Business

A Budget has been planned, and a Proposed Budget has been presented.

John Virga questioned if the BLWA is aware of the E. coli in Crystal Lake, Beulah Beach.  Rich reported that the Beach has been opened again.

Dave Adams reported on testing of 25 acres adjacent to the Lake and stressed the importance of staying aware of what is going into the lake.  He indicated that the weeds we have in the Lake are good for the Lake. Milfoil can only come into the Lake off of boat bottoms.  The Lake Improvement Board monitors this and has a very good report.

Karen reported on the need for a Website Coordinator.  Thus, the good resource for BLWA information is now in Limbo.

At this time, the meeting moved to the presentation by Keaton Foster on Farming and a Watershed.    Because of a family emergency, Keaton is unable to be at the meeting.  Jeff presented a written report from Keaton.

Rich Russell stressed that the “Wateshed” is not just the Lake.  The Lake is only approximately 10% of the Watershed.  90% of the lands around the Lake are important and the BLWA community needs to embrace the farming community.  The BLWA is pleased that Keaton has a strong attachment to the farm community and will chair the responsibility of reaching out and connecting the farming community to the BLWA.

There being no additional business to come before the BLWA, the Annual Meeting was moved to adjourn at 9:55 pm by Karen Powers and seconded by Rich Russell.  Motion passed and meeting adjourned.

Following the Meeting, Jeff conducted an auction of the remaining bottles of Brixstone Farms Maple Syrup.  The auction raised $270. which was donated to the Bear Lake United Methodist Church Food Bank.