(UNAPPROVED DRAFT)
BASS LAKE REHABILITATION DISTRICT
ST. CROIX COUNTY, WISCONSIN
www.blrd.org
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Monday, September 12, 2016
St. Joseph Town Hall – 1337 County Road V
Commissioners Present: Tom Spaniol, Chair and Town of St. Joseph Representative
William Holmberg, Commissioner
Ron Laumeyer, Commissioner
Cecil Chally, Secretary
Bill Lawson, Commissioner
John Haag, Treasurer
Chris Babbitt, St. Croix County Board Representative
Commissioner Absent: None
Residents Present: Regina Ripple, John Lehto, Tim Riemenschneider, and Perch Lake resident and guest Ted MacMiller.
1. Call to Order
Chairman Tom Spaniol called the Board of Commissioners Meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Roll Call: All Commissioners present. Motion to Adopt the Agenda made by Bill Lawson and seconded by Ron Laumeyer. Motion passed.
2. Secretary’s Report – Cecil Chally, Secretary
Copies of the minutes of the June 06, 2016, Commissioners Meeting were previously mailed. A Motion to approve the Minutes was made by Bill Lawson and seconded by Ron Laumeyer. Motion passed.
3. Treasurer’s Report – John Haag, Treasurer
John Haag presented the Treasurer’s report. He reported current bank balances and the District’s financial condition. Checking Account Balance is $5855.54 and the Savings Account Balance is $3622.24 for a total of $9477.78.
A Motion to accept the Treasurer’s report was made by Cecil Chally and seconded by Ron Laumeyer. Motion Passed.
4. Election of Officers for 2016-2017
Tom Spaniol will remain as Chair for September and November. John will remain as Treasurer. Cecil Chally will remain as Secretary. Ron Laumeyer will serve the two year term and Bill Lawson will serve the three year term. There was discussion concerning Bill Holmberg becoming Chair in April since Tom Spaniol may not seek reelection to the Town Board and thus his appointment as the Town Board representative will expire.
5. BLRD Lake Quality Management Plan
· Update on Grants(CBCW and I-LIDS) – Bill Holmberg
There was considerable discussion about the AIS grant for I-LIDS. The grant was apparently for $5373.75. The survey revealed no Eurasian Milfoil although this was not completely accepted. Some residents report seeing some.
July 4th inspection weekend only had two volunteers.
Lake inspection hours totaled 212 hours at 13.50 per hour.CBW work by Sarah was considered excellent and Jordan Jones and Maddy Riemenschneider worked and trained her.
· Update on Lake Management Plan – Tom Spaniol
There is still a wait on the surveys. There was a discussion on storm water runoff and the lake level. Bill Lawson commented that the lake level rise was probably secondary to the heavy rains last year in addition to the rain fall this summer. There was discussion about how to engage property owners and neighbor to neighbor approach was suggested.
There was a lengthy discussion about the phosphorous level of which a majority comes from runoff into the lake. There was a discussion about the concentration of phosphorous at the bottom of the lake was 300 mg per liter, so the suggestion was brought up to pump water from the bottom to lower the overall lake phosphorous level. Alum treatment was also discussed and was felt to be expensive.
There apparently will be a last $400 to the pasture owner due to the purchase of the property by the County.
· Fish Cribs, Woody Debris Report – Tom Spaniol
There was a lengthy discussion about placement of fish cribs in view of the DNR’s Marty Engel’s retirement and the lack of personnel to help do the work in 2017. There are currently 60 cribs in the water and the goal was 100. Six people is the minimum required to do the job and it was felt that the DNR should drive the project. High school student help could consider this a community project.
· Invasive Species
The weevils and their on shore habitat during the winter were discussed and the benefit in controlling the milfoil was noted. Zebra mussels and various forms of control and the variable distribution in the lake were noted. Copper screens are apparently quite effective on water intakes.
Water quality was discussed as well as the oxygen measuring apparatus (i.e. a digital oxygen measuring device) which cannot be borrowed from the DNR. Sharing with a device with other lakes was brought forth as a cost solution. There is apparently no oxygen below 20 feet. Someone suggested pursuing a grant for a device. Water clarity was noted as improved over two years ago.
6. Ordinance Enforcement, Landing and Signage
· Buoys
Apparently there was a loose buoy by Stouts property.
· I-LIDS
See above.
· Water Patrol Boat
Chuck Struemke gave a recap of this summer’s activity.
There were two contested citations. There was a discussion about additional law enforcement help especially in difficult situations. Tom Spaniol will have a discussion with the Sheriff’s Department.
· Signage on Bass Lake Road and 132nd Avenue
No Parking signage has been placed by the Town.
7. County and Town Updates
Chris Babbitt discussed water quality and the impact of dairy expansion and the waste management associated with it especially in the Emerald area. There are six contaminated wells in the area. There was also discussion about possible increased wind farms.
Tom Spaniol discussed the inclusion of the Bass Lake Management Plan, as well as the Perch Lake Management Plan, into the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.
There discussion about internet access(i.e. cable and WiFi). Apparently AT&T is building a tower at River Road and Trout Road.
A Fire Truck needs to be replaced at the cost of approximately $625,000 as well as work on the Town Hall roof which will be financed by a ten year loan.
8. News, Updates and Plan
No news about the Ice Fishing Contest for 2017.
9. Public Comment/Resident Concerns
Lake residents brought up the concern about the trailer parked on the point across from Coughlin’s point to Board Commissioners via phone calls. Chris Babbitt will bring this to County.
10. Review of Building Plans, Shoreline Restorations and Other Plans
Bill Holmberg discussed the possibility of improvement to his property.
11. Next meeting November 14, 2016 at 7:00pm at Town of St. Joseph Town Hall
12. Adjournment:
A Motion to adjourn was made by Cecil Chally and seconded by Bill Lawson. Motion passed. The Commissioner’s Meeting thereupon adjourned at 9:20p.m.
Recorded by:
Cecil Chally, Secretary
NEXT COMMISSIONERS MEETING: November 14, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Town Hall.