Board of Directors Meeting Minutes March 7, 2023
TURTLE FLAMBEAU FLOWAGE – TRUDE LAKE
PROPERTY OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION
March 7, 2023 – 6:00 p.m. Via Zoom – Courtesy of Terry Daulton
6:16 PM- Call to Order: Randy Schubert, President
Present: Randy Schubert, President; Jeff Malison, Vice-President; Roger Nelson, Treasurer; Todd Jirous, Secretary; Directors: Jim Kohl, Randy Payne, Jeff Wilson, Joanna Vodicka.
Previous meeting minutes presented by Randy S:
Motion to approve the meeting minutes for April, May and October as presented; motion was second and the vote was unanimous.
Treasurer Report by Roger N:
Total balance currently is $20,250. For transparency’s sake, it does cost us $2.50 per member to belong to the “Lakes Association”. Last year we collected $1,800 toward the Aquatic Invasive Species effort (AIS), and spent $2,500.
Discussion was had on possibly getting a CD for our fund surplus? Most financial institutions won’t let “Associations” Invest. Jeff M. and Roger N. to check with some other financial institutions to see what’s available.
Randy P. asked about what is the expectation for the AIS fund…are we expected/required to stay within the fund balance? Jeff M., should we raise/ consider raising the dues to support AIS?
What can we anticipate for future expenses for Curly Leaf Pondweed? CLP is currently just North of Lake of the Falls.
Move forward this year with the AIS fund.
What are the two most costly items in last year’s operation? The Driftwood was $820, AIS was $775
A motion was made to approve the Treasure’s report as presented, a unanimous vote carried.
Water Level Report:
Current water level is 1568.00, or 4.0 feet below full pool. This year is NOT out of line with where we have been historically. With the current snowpack, Excel foresees hitting the expected Spring fill.
Fish Management Report- Jim:
Not much to report currently. There are some Walley watch and Sturgeon watch projects going on, along with some shoreline erosion projects.
Water Quality Report- Todd:
We just received the early Spring message from Sandra Wickman, looking to line up delivery of water sampling supplies for this sampling year. Volunteers will receive a follow-up from Todd in about a week. We could still use a water sampling volunteer for the Murray’s Landing area if anyone knows of someone in that area. Todd is continuing to cover the sampling for this location. Randy P. mentioned that he would like to learn more and Todd will connect off-line with Randy.
Invasive Species Report- Randy P:
Randy asked if its possible for us to get a Grant to help fight the Curly Leaf Pondweed? There may be funds available from the Department of Land Conservation. We are not structured as a 501C3, so that limits our ability to secure Grants in many cases. The Natural Resources Foundation may have funds available though.
Education/Communication Report- Terry:
Terry D. is in the process of organizing the committee to meet. Terry expressed an interest in not being the Editor in the future. Right now it is Terry, Jean, Chad and Mary Nelson has helped lately and done a wonderful job.
Stakeholders Meeting- Jeff:
Randy S. and Jeff W. attended the Stakeholders meeting.
Beth F. is gone, and there is no coverage and no law enforcement on the Flowage.
They will get the docks in on time and have one LTE hired.
Beth was presented the new book “Wrong Tree”.
Randy S. noted that it was a productive meeting. Excel shared their contact information with the group.
The open Game Warden position will not be replaced in 2023 as expected.
New Business:
>Jeff W. to is going to do another Adventure Tour in 2023
>Joanna is continuing to message AIS Control, and refreshing that message to stay current and keep members engaged. What can we do in the Immediate Future for the largest return, and maybe we need to give Fisheries more attention? a) Sturgeon watch- waiting to hear from Zach Lawson, b) Erosion Control and damage to spawning grounds, c) Any “Stocking Information” that we can provide?
> Roger presented the Proposed Budget for 2023
> Dialog on Jeff’s new book “Wrong Tree” and selling the book and donating back to the Association, and is there a conflict of Interest?
> Jeff M on the Webpage and the History of the Flowage and mentioning Mike Hittle’s book
> Jeff W- the 100th anniversary of Flowage is just 3 short years away.
> Annual meeting to be June 24th at 10 am at the Community Center. Randy S. to check out the availability, and can we “Zoom” the meeting with the intention of having more folks involved and engaged in the meeting?
> Elections- up for election this year are: Roger N., Todd J., Jeff W., and Joanna V.,…all are good with staying on.
> Jeff W noted that he put out an “Advisory Question” for Small Mouth Bass
> There was dialog had on “Open Water” near Horseshoe Lake, near the Rock Dam.
> Motion was made to accept the Budget that Roger presented earlier; the motion was seconded and it passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm
Respectfully submitted
Todd Jirous
Secretary