Bear Lake Watershed Alliance Meeting May 24, 2023
Bear Lake Watershed Alliance
Meeting Minutes – May 24, 2023
Present: Jeff Sanborn, Phyllis Cowden, Kathy Sunbeck, Robert Holman, Rita Holman, Joe Pellegrino, Mike Genther, John Virga, Barb Cumming, Chuck Eminger, Robert Yates, Dave Adams, Mike Carey, Rich Russell.
The meeting was called to order by President, Jeff Sanborn at 7:03 pm. Jeff Sanborn led the Pledge of Allegiance and expressed appreciation to those in attendance. The Officers were introduced. Karen Powers, Treasurer, will join the meeting via phone call. The minutes from the October 26, 2022 were read and approved with a motion from Jeff and second from Phyllis Cowden.
Karen Powers joined the group and gave the Treasurer’s report. Karen reported that there are now some 150 members of the BLWA. In Dick Graham’s absence, there must be another person as a signee on the checking account. It was moved by Karen and seconded by Phyllis that Jeff would fulfill that position. Motion passed. Jeff questioned if there had been any more funds received for the Dick Graham memorial. None have been received at this point. Rich Russell questioned if storm drain testing is an ongoing budget amount and if we are designating tests. Jeff responded that the amount budgeted is open because testing is dependent on rainfall. It is capped at $5,000.
It was indicated that E-coli testing is the largest expense. Chuck Eminger reported that District. 10 might do this testing which would reduce the cost. There are three tests for each site at six locations. The District 10 cost in 2021 was $2,160. This past year has not been billed yet. Jeff will investigate District 10 doing the E-coli testing. A motion was made by Phyllis to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented and seconded by Karen. Report approved.
Old Business
Agricultural/Forestry/Community Outreach. Based on discussion at the October 2022 meeting concerning possible leader(s) for the groups, Rich Russell reported that Josh of the Conservation District indicated that he would be limited in involvement. Keaton Foster, also mentioned previously, was not present at this meeting. Rich Russell proposed that we appoint Keaton Foster as overall Chairperson of all three segments and allow him to appoint leaders of the subdivisions. Keaton knows the farming community and indicated to Rich that he would be pleased to be a BLWA representative to that community. BLWA also welcomes volunteers to be involved. Mike Genther might represent the Forestry area. Rich asked that for future BLWA literature, the agricultural segment be included.
Drain Testing. Testing that is done by the Conservation District is posted on the BLWA website, bearlakewatershed.com. Another report will be coming out soon. Four drain testings were completed last year and were included in the Beal Lake Bulletin. The next testing will be water and E-coli. Jeff listed those who do individual testing in the Data Report from last year, which is sent to all members. Anyone can go to the monitoring report to get information. Jeff offered to send out E-coli test results to anyone who would like them. Testing is done at six sites, three different times, with all locations done on the same date This testing is coordinated by Don Raiff. New equipment is being used which results in cost increases. Rich suggested that a summary of results and how to get information be included in the Bear Lake Bulletin which is currently being prepared. Jeff will send information to the Bulletin. Mike Genther indicated that anyone can go on NOAA.gov for more specific map information.
Website Update. Laurie Hietanen is the Web Master for BLWA and has done a remarkable job creating and maintaining the Website which has improved significantly. All members are encouraged to visit the site, bearlakewatershed.com.. Since the beginning of 2023, there has been 244 website visitors and 860 pageviews. 60% of visitors entered the weblink directly and 36% found the Website via Google or another search engine.
Fundraiser. BLWA is not able to have a fundraiser this year. Jeff expressed that the Alliance would like to have, at least, one fundraiser next year. It takes approximately 12+ volunteers to organize and conduct an event. It was stopped as a result of COVID and has not been re-instated. John Virga indicated willingness to have an event at his Manor location, where previous events had been held. Other possible locations will also be explored.
New Business.
Search for new Vice-President. Since Jeff has assumed the responsibility of President, BLWA is searching for a Vice-President candidate. A younger person with some expertise would be welcomed. Mike Genther was mentioned as a possible candidate and will respond to the Board. A person for the position can be appointed.
Dick’s Memorial. At this point, $2,060. has been donated for the Richard Graham Memorial. Jeff has met with Legacy Furniture for the purchase of a bench to be placed in the Rain Garden. He showed a picture of the bench. With the bench and engraving, the cost would be approximately $800. Jeff added that an option might be to create a scholarship/endowment with the additional money. Dave Adams suggested that contact be made with the Educational Foundation as a source for continual funding. Rich added that a tree or butterfly bush be placed next to the bench in the Garden. Details are yet to be finalized. Jeff suggested that the Bench might be the same color as the one at the library. After the bench and tree/plant are established, a dedication will be scheduled. Labor Day might be a date when the family is gathered for the holiday.
The Memorial Service honoring Dick will take place May 25, 2 pm at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Manistee. Visitation is 1-2 pm. A reception is following the service at the VFW Hall on 28th St., Manistee.
Water Testing – BLIB vs CLMP. The Cost for testing with CLMP is $180. per year.
Invasive testing – three levels, five sites, 5 times per year – is paid for by the Riparians.
Testing is quite involved. Jeff recommends keeping both resources for testing
Information.
New Tri-fold Pamphlet. Jeff showed the Tri-fold Pamphlet containing BLWA information which is outdated. Jeff supported updating the pamphlet, so it is available for the public.
Logo. Jeff would like to have the Bear Lake High School art class design a LOGO for the BLWA so that interested persons can identify the Alliance.
Officer Comments. Jeff showed possible resources for water information. He referred to the Shoreline Stewards. Any interested person can go online and rate his/her property in relationship to the lake. Another resource is the CLMP 2022 Data Report for Bear Lake, Manistee County, which will be on the BLWA website.
Public Comments. Chuck Eminger suggested that the BLWA have District 10 define the requirements for testing septics for new homeowners of units sold. Chuck would like to know what parameters are being used. At this point, there are no requirements for regular property testing. The Board of Health will check the water if requested.
Rich suggested that a schedule of BLWA Public Meetings and the Annual Meeting be prepared and put on the website. The regular Public Meeting is held the fourth Wednesday of each month except for the month of July. Also, it would be good to have a speaker at each Annual Meeting.
There being no additional business to come before the Meeting, Jeff thanked all for attending. The Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.