2009 Annual Meeting
SLPOA
ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES
June 13, 2009
Call to Order: President Jim Ebert called the meeting to order at 10: 06 am. Jim welcomed all to the
meeting on a beautiful day. He then introduced all of the present board members to the membership.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Don Herron to approve the draft minutes from the 2008
annual meeting and 2nd by John Stoebe. The Motion Carried.
Auditor’s Report: Jody Shaw and Don Herron completed the audit on June 2 and confirmed that the
books are in order. A motion to accept the audit report was made by Marvin Kropp and 2nd by Carolyn
Herron. The motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: Gary Grossweiler reported on the state of the Treasury. The current check book
balance is
$ 5,248.36 as of June 8, 2009.
124 members prepaid and 14 members paid today for a total of 138 paid membership.
A motion to accept the treasures report was made by Bob Dimitrijevich 2nd by Don Herron. The motion
carried.
Presidents Report: Jim Ebert gave a summary of what we can expect to hear from the committees and
the guest speaker regarding the great quality of our lake water.
He shared his feelings regarding Star Lake and the love he has for this lake. He is becoming more aware
that Star Lake is becoming a “target” lake ….people that want to live on a good lake think it is a super
lake for fishing and boating recreation.
Star Lake is coming under more pressure for recreation and fishing.
We are under a challenge to preserve our water quality and fisheries. The challenge for us on Star Lake
is to protect our lake status in the realm of the rising pressures.
Do we continue doing what we are doing or do we become more proactive?
Regarding the DNR - new rules and regulation are made usually in the winter; the board is aware of this
and pays close attention to all of this.
If you are concerned about your lake Please become involved - water safety, DNR meetings, Board
meetings, invasive aquatic species watch are all areas that can you volunteers. Jim stated that we all
need to do the right thing to protect and guard our lake.
Nominating Committee: Members of the nomination committee were Brenda Ebanks, Roger Eckert and
Glen Shaw. Brenda Ebanks introduced the nominees Dave Kaser, Stu Peterson and Noah Riley.
Election of Directors: A motion was made by Roger Eckert and seconded by Doris Champlain to approve
a unanimous ballot for the three candidates, Motion approved.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Fisheries: Jim Ebert – A graph report, regarding the state of the fisheries was included in the hand out.
Lake Preservation & Protection: Arlette Preston – The committee is responsible for monitoring the state
level and resources to help with erosion and invasive species,
They are currently meeting with the shoreline specialist to help with the erosion problem on the East
shoreline
Water Quality: Carolyn Herron - this is our 11th year of membership in COLA and doing water testing.
Phosphorus count is improving. Secci Disc - we are also improving in clarity.
We are doing well keeping our lake on an improving line!
The one scary thing is invasive aquatic species “curly leaf pond weed” We do NOT have it currently, but
Big Pine Lake does have it. They have spent over $20,000.00 trying to eradicate this weed.
It is one of the first weeds in the spring to pop up. Carolyn had several samples showing the difference
between Native Pond Weed and Curly Leaf Pond weed.
Curly Leaf Pond Weed - mats up on the lake and then steals oxygen and creates phosphorus in the lake.
It also takes from the good plants that are needed to support the lake and our fisheries. The seeds are
formed in what are called “Turions” that lie in the bottom of the lake and carry the seed to spring for
future plants.
All of the lake testing information can be found at www.rmbel.info – click on lakes info.
Water Safety: Duane Salberg wanted to THANK all of the volunteers who helped put out the buoys –
including Noah Riley, John Richards, Lee Mindemann, and Duane Salberg.
Web Site: Aubrey Ebanks – Told everyone that we have had more “hits”, but the website is still under
utilized. He would like peoples input on what they would like to see on the website.
We currently have the board of directors listed, links to the DNR, local weather, OTC Website, RMB
website, GIS, Meeting minutes, and other articles.
One Question was asked regarding being able to have a Forum (where people can post information or
ask questions) on the website. Aubrey will check on this.
Guest Speaker: MN DNR Invasive Species Specialist or Aquatic Biologist – Nathan Olson. He has recently
moved into this area from Ortonville, MN where he worked for the MN DNR.
Nathan had a presentation regarding Invasive Aquatic Species. An Invasive species is a non native plant
or animal that has been introduced, or moved, by human activities to a location where they do not
naturally occur. These species can potentially cause economic and ecological problems.
The fastest way to spread Invasive Species is by human activity, boats, people, bait buckets etc. Animals,
Waterfowl, and Birds also move invasive species but the DNR can take action to control the human
factor, but not the animal factor.
Examples:
Curly Leaf Pond Weed - It is not native to MN, it is in the area. It can NOT be eradicated it can only be
controlled.
Eurasian Water Milfoil - (12 -21 leaflets per leaf) there are no lakes in Ottertail County with this
particular weed.
Flowering Rush - is in the Pelican River Chain, Lake Melissa and Detroit Lakes, It looks similar to Bull Rush
until it flowers. It can grow in water up to 9’ deep.
These are all very PROLIFIC WEEDS
Zebra Mussels are in Mil Lacs and Prior Lake in Scott County. They attach to everything, boats, docks,
lifts, water pipes, intake pumps and other clams, they cover beaches. They are small, but Zebra
patterned 1 ½ - 2”, they are from Russia originally.
Purple Loosestrife – There are Beetles available that will eat this plant and keep it under control.
Spiny Water Fleas – Rainy River and the Great Lakes both have these. It eats Zooplankton and disturbs
the food chain.
Asian Carp – (Silver, Big Head and Grass) these fish can fly (jump) and cause physical harm. They can also
eliminate all of the other fish in your lake. The main form of transportation is thru bait.
What You Can Do: Plants and water must be removed from your boats and trailers. Don’t jump from
lake to lake with out draining all of the water and plants from your bait, watercraft and trailer. Rinse
your boat in very hot water or dry it out for at least 5 days.
What Lake Associations Can Do – Put up invasive species signs at accesses, distribute pamphlets, public
presentations, lake monitoring, use the media to advertise draining and picking off weeds. You can pay
for say 100 hours of inspection and the DNR will match it. You can privately hire someone, or have
volunteers – the DNR will train thru their volunteer program.
There is a Civil Citation for Invasive Species Transportation.
DNR Responsibility – establish a program to curb the species, provide help to the lakes and its
constituents. Provide assistance to commercial uses.
There are Grant Programs available to help with Invasive Species:
1. Prevention Grants for water craft inspections and public awareness projects.
2. Early Detection and Rapid Response Grant – for Eurasian Milfoil and Flowering Rush only.
3. Pilot Project Grant – for Curly Leaf Pond Weed and Eurasian Water Milfoil. This is for a long term
reduction of invasive species and increase native plants. There must also be a plan to increase water
clarity and decrease phosphorus.
Star Lake has no obvious invasive species at this time.
Questions:
Can Milfoil be controlled biologically? – Not at this time.
Will the DNR provide signage for private accesses? Yes they will.
Are the Public Access signed for invasive species? They should be and the DNR will provide them.
Questions and Discussion: Time was provided for questions from the membership.
Dick York made a statement regarding the Big Island – The property owner has asked that people are
more respectful of his private property.
If we do get an invasive species – how will we pay for it? Jim Ebert addressed the question that the
board is investigating this and will have more information for the membership this winter and spring.
What about spraying for the worms? The SLPOA no longer sprays for the worms …because when they
did spray not all people paid for their part of the spray.
Can anything be done regarding getting a legal opinion stopping fishing tournaments that may bring
invasive species into the lake? If the DNR knows that there is a tournament they will do inspections.
Outgoing Director Recognition: On behalf the board of directors and the Lake Association Jim Ebert
recognized Gary Grossweiler and Ruth Kapaun for their time and service to the Board and the Lake
Association.
Adjournment: A motion to adjourn the business meeting was made by Bob Dimitrijevich and Rick
Spickard, the Motion carried. The annual membership meeting adjourned at 11:45pm. A broasted
chicken dinner catered by the Galaxy Restaurant was served to members and guests.
Respectfully submitted,
Barb DeVillers-Eckert
SLPOA Secretary
Dave and Karen Kaser 218-758Organizational Meeting
SLPOA Board Meeting 6-13-09 after annual meeting.
Jim Ebert called the meeting to order at 11:52 am
Duane Salberg made a motion to dispense with ballots and go to a voice vote for the board elections the
motion was second by Harvey McMahon and the motion carried.
The following positions were elected by unanimous decision.
President - Jim Ebert
1st Vice President – Harvey McMahon
2nd Vice President – Arlette Preston
Treasurer – Stu Peterson
Secretary - Barb Eckert
The next meeting will be Monday, July 13, 2009 7pm at the Lions Club in Dent
11:57 adjournment with a motion from Arlette Preston and 2nd from Stu Peterson
Respectfully Submitted
Barb DeVillers-Eckert
SLPOA Secretary