Meetings

Saturday, June 2, 2007
Killaloe Public School

Opening Remarks

The meeting was called to order by President Dave Lemkay at 9:05 a.m. Dave welcomed members to the third AGM and made mention that when the steering committee first met in 2004, three elements were recognized for the formation of a successful association. The three areas of endeavour continue to guide the Association, now in its third year: Membership, Communication and Water Quality.   In mentioning the communications program he paid tribute to John Gulland for excellence in creating and maintaining an excellent website.

Minutes of the 2006 AGM

Secretary Bill Clark delivered the minutes of the August 26, 2006 Annual General Meeting as also posted on the web site. There were no additions or changes from the floor.

Motion by George Wilcox and seconded by Cairine Cybulski that the minutes be adopted as read.

Carried

Treasurer's Report

In the absence of Treasurer Weldon McEachen, Vice-president Kevin O’Connor presented a financial report.

The report highlighted:

1)     The bank balance as of May 8 2007 was $859.12

2)      Outstanding cheques to be written total $572.47, leaving a net balance of  $286.65.

Kevin advised that the only significant payment through the fall and winter was $1544.00 for Directors and general liability insurance.

Motion by Leslie Moore and seconded by Paddy Clark to accept the financial report as presented.

Carried

Report on the Bonnechere Union Public Library

Dave Lemkay introduced Neida Markham of the Bonnechere Union Public Library who made a short presentation highlighting the renovations to the Library and the services offered to residents.  She emphasized the significance of a strong library membership to qualify its revenue base to underwrite its services. She outlined the variety of specialized products and the availability of high speed Internet access, urging all G.L.P.O.A. members to join the library.

Membership Committee Report

Dave Lemkay introduced Gail McPhee, Chair of the Membership Committee. Gail reported that membership in the first year stood at was 346, with the 2006 level at 353.  The committee has set a target of 400 for 2007, which is more than realistic considering there are 700 plus registered properties on the lake and river. She emphasized that a strong effort would be required by the Zone Leaders, supported by helpers and all the membership, to achieve this target.  Progress will be reviewed at the end of July and if necessary an all out blitz will be conducted in August. She asked that all members fill out the new information sheets when they register for this year, including e-mail addresses, emphasizing that absolute privacy will be maintained.  In adding to Gail’s remarks Dave Lemkay stated that by far the most effective way to attract members, was by knocking on doors. He urged all members to “talk it up” to encourage friends and neighbours to join. Among the plans later in the season, municipal rolls are to be reviewed and a letter of invitation may be sent out to non members. A comment was made by member Dorothy Corbeil that invitation notices for GLPOA meetings should be worded so as to be inviting to new prospective members.  This suggestion was duly noted and will be adopted in future.

Report on the Boat Launch Signage Project

Kevin O’Connor gave an update on the signage program. This program has received positive feedback from both residents and visitors and advertisers. Kevin pointed out the original capital costs for the signs were $4000. Revenues last year totalled $2500 and a total of $2500 will be levied again this year meaning the original cost has been recovered plus and the financial benefit will be ongoing. He thanked all advertisers on behalf of the Association. The list of advertisers includes Bryan Fraser Contracting, Sleepy Eyed Bear, Golden Lake Storage, Gerry’s Meats, Golden Lake Park, Killaloe Sports Plus, Peter Jack Painting, H.J. Elie Excavating, Golden Sands Vacationland, Stephen McCann Insurance,  Stripe it Signs and Graphics, Kasdorff’s Cottages, Golden Lake Variety Store, Bikini Cups Café, Golden Lake Chinese Restaurant, and George’s Marine and Sports.  Max Foy Construction and Killaloe I.D.A. will replace two advertisers leaving the program.

Report on the Shoal Marking Project

Bryan Fraser delivered a report on shoal markers. Volunteers are wanted for an “Adopt-a-Shoal” Program to be responsible for installing markers in the spring and  removing them in the fall and generally taking responsibility if any markers “get loose” during the season. Bryan explained that the temporary plastic bottles put out last fall to mark the anchors over winter may have shifted location with the ice.  Proper positions must be confirmed when reconnecting the official buoys. He stressed that the need for volunteers is urgent and asked that anyone willing to participate contact him as quickly to facilitate early installation this season.

Report on the Deacon Bridge Boat Launch Toilet Facility Project

Dave Lemkay gave a report on the success of the Deacon Bridge boat launch toilet facility. This project has been completed on budget and on time.  He reported that this project, with a cost totaling approximately $20,000 received core funding from FedNor through Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation, with matching funds and in-kind contributions from the main partners, GLPOA and North Algona-Wilberforce Township. He thanked contractor Bryan Fraser Construction for expert installation and site management during the winter to guarantee completion by the March 1st deadline. North Algona-Wilberforce Township Council voted to support this project and committed to maintaining the station on a daily basis to ensure the good will residents and traveling public.

Water Quality - Cormorant Report

Steve Munger gave a report on behalf of the GLPOA Water Quality Committee.  He is also a member of the Bonnechere River Water Management Plan Standing Advisory Committee. He reported generally on data with respect to the Double-crested Cormorant and specifically its presence on Golden Lake.  Cormorants are a protected species in Ontario and as such any ability to control the population at this time is limited. Making reference to cormorant nesting on Golden Lake on Gull Island, he stated that this is Crown land.  He advised that information gathered at a recent North America-wide symposium should provide the Ministry of Natural Resources with some guidance in assessment and management of predation on fish stocks and other environmental impacts.  He stated that in addition to predation by cormorants, that merganser ducks, loons, small mammals and sport fishers all have an effect on fish stocks in Golden Lake. In reference to the Golden Lake Walleye population, he offered that “catch and release” fishing might be considered as a timely and effective method of allowing the population to properly develop.  A program has been set up by M.N.R to measure the Walleye status and also check them for contaminants. He also expressed a concern regarding the threat represented by two invasive species—Zebra Mussels and the Spiny Water Flea. While no sightings in the lake have been confirmed, residents should be on the watch and report any sightings to M.N.R.  immediately. Decontamination of hulls of all boats being launched by visitors to the lake is an important precaution.

Kathy Lampi, Chair of the Water Quality Committee delivered an overview of the committee’s search for information and review of literature pertaining to water quality on Golden Lake. Their research indicates there is no on-going, serious, consistent testing of water quality on Golden Lake with the exception of summer-time testing at a public swimming location at Sauer’s Beach. The Bonnechere River Water Project Report did give results of tests conducted in 1999-2001 at several points along the Bonnechere River watershed. According to this report “water quality” at that time appeared to be relatively good. The committee plans to do further study on this matter and formulate an action plan.

A brief discussion followed the reports of both Steve Munger and Kathy Lampi. Adrian Daley made a motion, seconded by Doug Harvey that the executive committee give water quality high priority and establishment of an action plan to quantify and deal with the Cormorant infestation in 2007.

Carried

Cell Phone Service Report

Kevin O’Connor reported on progress to date on the Association’s efforts to have cell-phone service established in our area. He has raised this issue at the Interlake Committee and there is a concerted effort to improve the situation. He outlined that when efforts first began, G.L.P.O.A was advised that the area was not being considered in expansion plans and to change that, three things must be accomplished:

1)     contact be made with the  proper key people at Bell Mobility and Telus

2)     a comprehensive business plan must be  established

3)     we must be persistent

Kevin believes all of these are being done on an ongoing basis.  Contacts have been sought out and rapport has been established. There have been many emails and phone calls and in December 2006, Cairine Cybulski and Dave Lemkay presented a business case to bell Mobility managers in Dorval. Results are encouraging as witnessed by the fact both Bell Mobility and Telus have secured strategic tower locations in the area.  Engineering staff have made numerous visits to the area and at least the path to grow cell coverage has been officially mapped. for the location of towers. Kevin was frank in stating that the earliest possible timing for service would be 2008 and even that is not guaranteed. At present a survey is being conducted throughout the area to demonstrate the business potential for service uptake. Preliminary estimates show that the market could be as high as 25,000 users during the summer months.

Pleasure Craft Operators Course

Dave Lemkay gave an update on plans to conduct a Pleasure Craft Operators Course. Depending on pre-registration, one or two courses, each lasting approximately 3 ½ hours, will be held on Saturday July 7.  For starters, the course will commence at 9:00 am at the Killaloe Public School.

This is to be advertised as being open to both members and non-members at a cost of $35.00. Dave cautioned anyone wishing to participate should pre-register.  The public will be invited to indicate their intention by email to info@goldenlake.info or by mail at Box 99 Golden Lake. The course is fully accredited and can be presented to all ages from youngsters 10 years old and above.  A temporary card is issued upon passing the multiple-choice exam and the permanent card is registered and mailed within two weeks. Expenses for the rental of the school and advertising are sponsored jointly by George’s Marine and Sports and Killaloe Sports Plus.

Water Levels on Golden Lake

There was a comment from the floor that the level of the lake seemed low for this time of year. Dave Lemkay advised the membership he had been in touch with Peter Boldt of Renfrew Power Generation and has been assured that the water level is on the rise.  A log has been installed at the lower dam and one removed above.  With the severe lack of snow this past winter, the spring level has been affected and management depends on calculated and gradual manipulation to address all values.

Election of Officers and Directors

At this point in the meeting President Dave Lemkay “passed the chair” to John Visser who was appointed to facilitate the annual election of Officers and Directors.

John advised the members of two circumstances:

1) A system of staggering the terms of office has been established to ensure a continued consistency of service and experience among the Association’s board of directors.  In order to accomplish this, the nominating committee identified the officers and directors standing for election in 2007 designated for a one-year term and others for a two-year term.  Generally this was based upon directors’ tenure since establishment and certain attrition.   This approach will result in a disciplined succession in future.

2) With the resignation of Weldon  McEachen as Treasurer, the committee was  recommending that Vice-president Kevin O’Connor be nominated also for the position of Treasurer. It was felt this was prudent at this time with implementation of certain procedural updates being made by the Membership Committee in compliance with accepted audit requirements. After discussion, a motion was made by George Wilcox and seconded by Brenda Maunder, that the executive should  be made up in future of  five individuals  (including the post of  Past President). To accomplish this Gail McPhee, Chair of the Membership Committee should be appointed to the Executive.

Nominations for executive and specific terms of office were presented as follows:

Nominations were called to fill the one open director position for a two year term.  Adrian Daley nominated Mr. Mike Cayer, seconded by Michael Johnson. Carried.

Social Planning Committee Report

A Social Planning Committee made up of Gail McPhee, Kathy Lampi and Kate O’Hara has committed to organize and manage details for a social event tied to the August members meeting.  It was agreed that the event would take place at Golden Lake Park on August 25th and, in addition to a light meeting agenda, members would be treated to a hot dog and corn roast. A strong show of hands indicated approval for the plan and collective intention to participate.  Members were advised that a budget of $500 had been approved by the executive committee.  Details will be posted on the web site and announced with a flyer.

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn at 11.10 a.m. by Terry Howard