Bear Lake Watershed Meeting May 22, 2024

Present: Jeff Sanborn, Rich Russell, Karen Powers, John Virga, Phyllis Cowden, Greg St. Clair,Lari St, Clair, Dave Adams, Mile Little, Tyler Dula, Mike Carey, Chuck Eminger

The Meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm by President, Jeff Sanborn. Jeff introduced the officers, and Committee member, Kathy Sundbeck who was not in attendance.

Furthermore, he introduced John Virga as the temporary Vice President; and Rich Russell who will be part of the meeting business.

Jeff addressed the Agenda and made corrections to its content: Under Old Business, two item were added: the Logo and Trifold discussions.

Under New Business:

discussions concerning the need for a Membership Chair and a Nominating Committee Chair, as well as Reports from the Officers were added. A motion to approve the corrected Agenda was made by Karen Powers and seconded by John Virga. Motion passed.

Karen Powers, Treasurer, presented the BLWA Funds Summary as of 04/30/2024. She indicated that some funds had been moved to Certificates of Deposit. The interest being paid on the deposited amounts are: Filer Credit Union, 4.75 % and 4.0% and the Honor Bank, 4.69% A motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report was made by Phyllis Cowden and seconded by Rich Russell. Motion passed.

Old Business

Water Quality Samples. Jeff indicated a need for a volunteer(s) to take water samples from the lake at Village sites, and deliver them to S&S Environmental, Cedar Run, for analysis. Each time samples are taken to S&S, the charge will be approximately $300.

Jeff welcomed any volunteers. At a later point in the meeting, John V. expressed a willingness to collect the water samples and take them for analysis.

Rain Garden Maintenance. A Rain Garden was established a year ago at the corner of Lakeside Ave. and Butwell Rd. (Mary Buell Park) in honor and memory of President Dick Graham who passed away. Jeff indicated that volunteers are needed once a month to maintain the Garden. Dick’s daughter is here occasionally and assists with the maintenance when she is here. Rick reported on the Rain Garden at the Library which will be maintained by Janelle Reed. Jeff expressed the importance of displaying the goals/purposes of the Rain Garden and recognizing volunteers who assist with the upkeep. John V. will prepare a draft of a plaque/sign stating the purpose and present it at the next BLWA meeting.

Wetlands Discussion. Rich Russell presented information on the Wetlands and the BLWA involvement in its protection. He indicated that he is attempting to set a meeting with land owners on how the Alliance would like to protect the Lake and Wetlands in the Big Bay area. There are many options which could be explored in the future. Rich will keep the Alliance posted.

Social. Jeff reported that there will be a BLWA Social Event August 18. The format is to be a catered Meet and Greet event under a tent with tables and chairs. During the event, an Art Drawing for the selection of the BLWA Logo will be conducted. At the present meeting, attendees are to select their top four choices from the Logo samples on display. The top four from this meeting will be on display at the Social event. Attendees at the Social will be asked to vote for their choice by placing a money contribution in the box of their logo choice. The choice which receives the most money contributions will be declared the BLWA Logo. The Students whose logos are being voted upon will receive a portion of the collected money.

Trifold. Jeff discussed the importance of preparing a written Trifold to advertise the advantages of the Bear Lake area. Jeff indicated the importance of working together with other Bear Lake organizations for its preparation. Chuck Eminger suggested the need for having individuals are skilled at photography. Mike Carey expressed an interest in working on the Trifold. Jamie at Jackpine in Manistee is a source for helping to construct it. Such a piece would be an excellent resource to help citizens have better information and understanding of what the BLWA is and what it does. It was suggested that a map of the Watershed and pictures of areas such as the Rain Gardens be included.

At this point. Tyler Dula, a Conservation Specialist with the County Conservation District, was introduced and spoke of what the District does and how it can work with the BLWA in presenting meaningful information to the area citizens. Such information may also be used in the preparation of the Trifold. It was noted that Tyler is a valuable ongoing resource for BLWA business.

New Business

Election of Officers at July Annual Meeting and Meeting Breakfast. The Annual Meeting and Breakfast is scheduled to take place Saturday, July 27, at the Bear Lake Community Church. The meeting begins at 9:30 am and will include a Waffle Breakfast, prepared by John Virga and three other volunteers. Keaton Foster, Brixstone Farms, will contribute syrup for the event and will also serve as the Keynote Speaker. Tyler Dula may also assist with content preparation. All members of the BLWA are encouraged to attend this important Annual Meeting. At this event, the President and Secretary positons are elected. Appointment of Temporary President. With regret, for health reasons, this meeting will be the last for Jeff Sanborn who has been serving as President for the remainder of this term. Rich Russell has agreed to serve as Temporary President. The positions of President and Secretary will be elected at the Annual Meeting to complete the full slate of officers for the next term. On behalf of the officers, a motion was moved by Karen and seconded by Phyllis C. to accept Rich Russell as Temporary President and John Virga as Temporary Vice-President for the balance of this term. Motion passed. Much appreciation and good wishes go to Jeff for his many contributions and service to the BLWA. In his departing remarks, Jeff stressed the need for a Membership Chair and a Nominating Committee Chair.

Attendance at Bear Lake Days. Jeff expressed a desire for the BLWA to have a more visible presence at Bear Lake Days in the coming year. It is hoped that the proposed Trifold may be completed and available for use by that time.

Public Comments.

John V. presented information on his attendance at the Michigan Lake & Streams Association Conference which he attended. He was energized by what he witnessed at the Conference which may be helpful to the ongoing BLWA operation. In addition, John attended The Small Town Development Conference and felt the importance of protecting the Wetlands around the Lake. He spoke of “Lake Huron Forever” and getting municipalities to work together with the wide resources available from the Conservation District. Chuck Eminger suggested presenting another meeting to show citizens what might be of use to our communities and BLWA.

Dave Adams representing the Lake Improvement Board reported of seven places in the Lake in which a different chemical was used each year to attempt to create a more positive treatment of harmful/invasive plants.