Bear Lake Watershed Alliance Meeting October 25, 2023
Present: Jeff Sanborn, Karen Powers, Kathy Sundbeck, Rich Russell, Bob Yates, John Virga.
The meeting was called to order at 7:04 pm by Jeff Sanborn. Jeff lead the pledge of allegiance and welcomed everyone to the meeting. Jeff introduced himself, the officers, and Kathy Sundbeck as a committee chair.
Motion was made to approve the minutes from September 27, 2023. Motion was made by Rich Russell, second motion by Kathy Sundbeck. Motion made to approve the meeting agenda, first motion by Karen Powers, second motion by Rich Russell.
Under the treasurer’s report, Karen presented and reviewed the BLWA funds summary as of 9-30-23. Some of the BLWA Funds have been put in CDs. There are three separate $10,000 CDs which were purchased through Honor Bank (total of $30,000) with an interest rate of 4.675%, which will mature on March 5, 2024. At Filer Credit Union there are two CD(s) – one for $5,000 at 4.75% (matures Feb 21,2024), and one for $2,500 at 4.25% (matures August 21, 2024). Decision was made to continue having the meeting schedule printed in the historical society calendar for 2024 for $25.00. Motion was made to accept the treasurer’s report, motion made by Kathy Sundbeck, seconded by Rich Russell.
Old Business:
Latest on the vice-president position: Jeff Sanborn sat down with John Virga and Mike Genther and they have agreed to serve as co-vice presidents. Mike will be the primary VP and John will be the secondary VP. They will be taking classes for water testing and potentially help with storm drain testing. Jeff accepted both John Virga and Mike Genther as co-vice presidents.
Water quality testing: Jeff Sanborn discussed water tests being performed and the cost. Samples need to be obtained after a significant rain event and are taken at three different storm drain sites. Presently, the BLWA pays $2,670.00 a year for water testing. A question was asked as to how our lake compares in testing to other lakes in Michigan. Jeff Sanborn stated that we are in the upper 15% for overall water quality as compared to lakes of similar size to Bear Lake.
Logo: Lauren Gilmore, art teacher at Bear Lake Schools, will have a competition with the 11th and 12th graders, starting May 2024. The logo will be presented at the next meeting in May and decide which logo is the best for our organization.
Trifold handout: Jeff Sanborn is still working on the trifold handout. It will be discussed further at the next meeting in the spring.
Website coordinator: Chuck Eminger has spoken with Brittany Genther and she has agreed to be our new “Webmaster” for the BLWA website. Thanks so much Brittany!!! It was discussed that Brittany needs compensation for her time (to be discussed and decided later).
Rain Garden maintenance: In the spring, at our first meeting, will need a committee to sign up and help clean the rain garden at May Buell park. Field of Dreams will be doing the clean up at the rain garden at the Library.
New Business:
Booth at Bear Lake Days: Would like to try and have a booth on Saturday of Bear Lake Days to help educate the community on what the watershed is all about and answer questions. Will have to discuss further at the spring meeting in May. We will need enough people to man the booth, it is required to have someone there while booth is open. Perhaps have another group share our booth?? John Virga had some great ideas on how to draw people into the booth, will discuss more details in May.
Wetlands: The wetlands preservation idea is under review and being discussed again.
End of year letter: Jeff will write up the end of year newsletter. This will be sent out by mail and also put into the Bear Lake Bulletin. John Virga has volunteered to be in charge of stuffing envelopes for the end of year letter large mailing (to be in the mail by Dec 1st). He may be looking for volunteers to help!!!
Social event: BLWA will be hosting a “social event” next summer. The date is Sunday August 18th, 2024 from 1-4pm. Location is yet to be determined.
Motion to adjourn the meeting made by Jeff Sanborn, seconded by Karen Powers, and passed by the attendees. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted by Kathy Sundbeck (Secretary protem)
