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Location: Ken and Cheryl Miller's
Attendees: Kirk Carlson, Trisha Carlson, Jon Fogelberg, Joan Fogelberg,
Dennis Harlander, Dodd Knutsen, Nancy Knutsen, Grant Miller, Tobie Miller,
Ken Miller, Cheryl Miller, Rebecca Seidel
Special Guests: Robert Korth - University of Wisconsin Extension Lakes,
Brook Waalen - LWRD, and Dennis Radcliff - Polk County Board
The meeting was called to order at approximately 1:00 on October 26,
2002.
Cheryl Miller welcomed everyone and introduced Robert Korth of the University
of Wisconsin Extension Lakes.
Robert Korth was invited to speak about what it means to form a Lake
Association and what it takes to get started. According to Mr. Korth,
Wisconsin ranks #1 in the nation for lake assistance. Wisconsin provides
assistance in the form of grants via two programs. The first is the Lakes
Protection Program. The Lakes Protection Program purchases land to preserve
wetlands, etc. The second program is the Lakes Planning Program. $21 Million
in grants has been distributed by the state to provide for long range
lake planning. The maximum per grant is $10,000 and requires a 25% contribution
from the organization applying for the grant and 75% is provided by the
state. In order to be eligible for the grant, the organization must be
a Qualified Lake Association.
The following criteria apply to become a Qualified Lake Association:
1. Must be incorporated under State Chapter 181
2. Must have dues - generally in the range of $10-$25
3. Must allow membership to those living within 1 mile of the lake
4. Must be in existence for a minimum of 1 year
Becoming a Qualified Lake Association also has the following benefits:
1. Serves to help educate Lake Association members and others about the
Lake
2. Serves as volunteer organization to help with Lake cleanup or other
tasks
3. Serves as a social group to help neighbors get to know each other
Wisconsin has approximately 800 Lake Organizations. There are three different
types of Lake Organizations: Lake Associations, Lake Districts, and Sanitary
Districts. Lake Associations have no official power except to work together
to make sure the Lake is taken care of. Lake Districts have the power
to increase the tax mil rate by 2.5. Sanitary Districts maintain the sewer
and water of residents of the lake. Lake Districts and Sanitary Districts
are reserved for very large lakes.
Mr. Korth provided information about the State Lakes Conference and recommended
sending a representative from our group. The conference will be held in
Green Bay on April 10-12th. The fee is $150 per attendee.
Mr. Korth was very informative and encouraging regarding forming a Lake
Association for Lotus Lake.
Brook Waalen also spoke briefly about the fact that Lotus Lake is part
of the Horse Creek Watershed. In addition, he spoke about the Lotus flower.
Lotus Lake is one of the few lakes in Wisconsin with the Lotus flower.
On conclusion of the guest speakers, Cheryl Miller asked those present
if they were interested in forming a Lake Association. Everyone agreed
that it was important to form a Lake Association. The next order of business
was to choose a name. A suggestion was made for Lotus Lake Assocation.
Tobie Miller made a motion to approve and Trish Carlson seconded.
The next task was to appoint officers. The following members were nominated
and approved for a term of one year by all members present:
Cheryl Miller - President
Joan Fogelberg - Vice President
Trish Carlson - Treasurer
Rebecca Seidel - Secretary
Trish agreed to research opening a checking account and depositing the
membership dues. See attached Treasurer's report.
In order to become a Lake Association, incorporation paperwork must be
filed. The filing fee is $35. A motion was made by Nancy Knutsen to incorporate
and was seconded by Ken Miller. Cheryl Miller agreed to file the paperwork.
There was discussion about the time, place, and topic for our next meeting.
Several members expressed concerned about the health of the lake and the
possible impacts of Lead from the nearby Rod and Gun Club. Members discussed
the need to become more informed about the possible dangers. Cheryl Miller
agreed to contact Danny Ryan of the DNR to see if he could be the guest
speaker at our next meeting.
Trish and Kirk Carlson discussed the fact that they were approached by
the DNR to have their water tested. At this time, there is no sign that
the ground water is not acceptable for drinking. The report they received
from the DNR is attached. Trish also made several phone calls and did
research on the possible lead problem in Lotus Lake. That report is also
attached.
During Trish's research, she also found that there is a carp and minnow
ban on Lotus Lake. Trish's report and information from the University
of Florida are attached.
Members also discussed the possibility of sponsoring a pot-luck picnic
in the spring at Lotus Lake Park. Additional details and planning will
be discussed at a future meeting.
At 4:15 p.m. a motion was made to adjourn.
Quote of the Meeting: Don't change the place. Let the place change you.
-Robert Korth
Rebecca Seidel
Soon to Come......
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