Meetings

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting

Saturday, June 7, 2008 — Killaloe Public School

The annual general meeting  of the G.L.P.O.A. was held at the Killaloe Public School June 7, 2008.  President Dave Lemkay opened the meeting at 9.05 by introducing Zig Mintha Mayor of Bonnechere Valley Township, Lorenz Kelo, Councilor North Algona-Wilberforce Township and Janice Visneskie, Renfrew County Warden and Mayor of Killaloe, Hagarty & Richards Township. He invited each to offer comments. All three stressed the need for property owners to have a strong voice to represent them and thanked the  Association for its involvement in the community. They said the townships would always be prepared to co-operate with the association as has been demonstrated in the past.  Meeting continued with Dave Lemkay tabling the following agenda:

Minutes 2007 Annual Meeting - Bill Clark

Treasurers Report - Kevin O’Connor

Membership Committee Report - Gail McPhee

Sign and Map Project Report - Kevin O’Connor

Water Level Report-Dave Lemkay - Kevin O’Connor

Water Quality Committee Report-Kathy Lampi, Mike Cayer

Waterway Marking Report - Kevin O’Connor

Ruby Road Dump Expansion- Dave Lemkay, Cairine Cybulski

Cell Phone “Good News Report” - Dave Lemkay

Pleasure Craft Operators Course - Dave  Lemkay

Aug. 23 Members Meeting/Social

Nomination and Ratification 2008 Officers and Directors - Bill Clark

New Business

Adjournment

Minutes of the 2007 A.G.M. were read by Secretary Bill Clark who reminded members that all minutes are also published on the website.  There were no additions or changes from the floor. A motion by Kate O’Hara seconded by Isobel O’Reilly to accept was passed unanimously.

Treasurers Report: Treasurer Kevin O’Connor opened his remarks by congratulating Weldon McEachen and Norm  Edwards who were respectively Treasurer and  Membership Director during the initial years of the association.  An audit report is presently being conducted for that period confirms the  association’s finances were handled in an excellent manner. In reference to the Association’s current financial status, Kevin highlighted that revenues for the period July 4/07 to June 4/08 totalled  $12, 558.00. Expenses for the same period were $11,109.66. Net bank balance as of June 4/08 is $2,957.23. Major expenses for the period included: The Fish study on Round Lake $2,120..00, Association and Directors’ Liability Insurance $1,567.08, Dues for FOCA membership $954.00, Input of property data to computer files $728.00 and repairing and replacing marker buoys $576.36. A motion by Norm Edwards, seconded by George Wilcox to accept report was passed unanimously (a copy of full report is attached to these minutes).

Membership Committee Report: Gail McPhee advised the target of 400 members established for 2007 was reached. The intent is to improve on that total in 2008. A data base has been prepared by Monique Pye listing all 740 registered property owners on the waterway, covered by the G.L.P.O.A. mandate.  Spreadsheets are being distributed to each zone representative. These will definitely be of benefit when canvassing is done this year. The improved routine established last year to register members and maintain financial records has proved to be very effective. The same procedure will be followed this year. Gail stated by far the most effective way to attract members is door-to-door canvassing and she emphasized volunteers are vital and more are needed in zones 1, 5 and 11. Gail will be monitoring the development of membership this year on an ongoing basis and special action will be taken as required.

Sign and Map Project Report: Kevin O’Connor reported the signs posted at the boat launching ramps have proved to be highly profitable with an annual gross of $2800.00. He stated that it is indeed a win-win situation since not only do the signs provide guidance to boaters but also advertisers report good results. He outlined that the signs were originally designed to accept eight more ad spots if required and the intent is to proceed with this idea. Bryan Fraser is preparing a cost estimate for making the necessary alterations. We have also been advised that over time the graphics on the signs will be affected by the sun and quality will deteriorate.  Bryan is doing a cost estimate of  constructing a small roof over each sign for protection. Kevin noted that a list of all advertisers on the signs will to be place on the GLPOA website with a direct link to their own websites.

Water Level Report: Dave Lemkay and Kevin O’Connor did a review commencing with the Tues Apr. 22 2007 emergency meeting chaired by County Warden Janice Visneskie in Killaloe. While record high water levels were set, damage to properties on Golden Lake appears to have been minimal. Once again, however, many properties on Round lake experienced severe flooding and erosion damage. While levels would be difficult to control during any period of heavy spring run-off, the situation at Round Lake is made much more difficult by O.M.N.R. policy.  This policy demands that the Fall water level in Round Lake be dropped no lower than a specified level to protect a Trout hatching shelf at certain shoal locations. The levels dictated, increase the possibility of spring flooding. It is believed a change in policy to allow a more  aggressive draw down of both lakes in the Fall would create greater capacity to handle the Spring freshet. Last summer the G.L.P.O.A. and R.L.P.O.A. each contributed $2200.00 to help in the funding of a study initiated by R.P.G. to determine whether the “Trout Box” is functional. Records show that for many years up to the mid-1980s, the O.M.N.R. conducted a program of trout fry seeding. It suspected these programs, rather than natural spawning maintained the trout population. As soon as the results of the study are available O.M.N.R. will be asked to address a change in policy as submitted by R.L.P.O.A.,  G.L.P.O.A. and R.P.G.   The three townships have indicated interest in being involved in this procedure

Water Quality Report: Kathy Lampi reported that study through the winter revealed that the Ministry of the Environment conducted water quality tests on Golden Lake as late as 2004. The results showed water quality was good. The committee was advised a broad program of further testing at this time is not warranted. A test for phosphates however was conducted in May and results are pending. After further consideration the committee believes the most effective action to be taken at this time is to initiate an educational program to inform property owners how to maintain good lake stewardship. This will be accomplished through our website, newsletter and possibly public forums. Mike Cayer reported that Cormorants remain a protected species. As a result any action to control or reduce the population would be illegal. A private member’s bill has been introduced by Mike Brown, Ont. Liberal M.P.P. for Algoma-Manitoulin.  This bill would amend the Ont. Fish and Wildlife Act and place Cormorants in the same category as crows, grackles, starlings etc. This would allow for certain culling of unwanted populations.  The bill has passed first reading.  Mike advised the group a petition supporting the legislation was available at the door.

Waterway Marking Project: Kevin O’Connor advised that lake resident and member, Jay Foran of Killaloe Sports Plus has volunteered to supervise the placing and removal of shoal markers. It should be noted that within the plan, volunteers are welcome to work in concert with Jay in specific areas. A program of comprehensive numbering and G. P.S. identification for each marker is to be introduced. It has been recommended that only one shoal marker be placed at each site regardless of the size of the hazard. Alerts would be placed on the website and launching ramp signs cautioning all boaters to stay well clear of these markers.  Kevin asked that anyone willing to volunteer to assist with the markers contact Jay or one of the association officers. Dave Lemkay drew the group’s attention to the fact the buoys on the Bonnechere River actually identify the channels to be used rather than marking shoals. In closing Pat Shay showed the group a sample of the type of anchor used in past years.

Ruby Road Dump Expansion Project:  Cairine Cybulski delivered an overview of the township’s waste management activities and the proposal to expand the Ruby Road dumpsite. In doing so she acknowledged the plan is contentious and many residents of the Ruby area are exceedingly uncomfortable with the idea. She stressed the expansion was only being studied after all other options had been considered and discarded. She went on to say the Ontario Government has strict environmental standards covering waste disposal sites. Strict tests and environmental assessment will be conducted before any final decision to proceed is made.  There was an immediate comment from the floor that to date communication to area residents has been very poor. Cairine stated the purpose of the July 26 Public Consultation Meeting at the Eganville Curling Club at Legion Field is to provide residents with  full up to date information and allow a dialogue. She also mentioned a Public Liaison Committee has been established and forums will be held throughout the process. The intent is to receive input from residents and provide effective communication. It was evident from the lively discussion that followed many area residents are diametrically opposed to any expansion. A motion was proposed from the floor that the G.L.P.O.A. go on record as also being opposed. Dave Lemkay asked that before the motion was seconded and voted on, there be further discussion. This discussion resulted in a suggestion that initially the association commit to organizing a July19th Special Information Meeting. Residents will be notified by flyer. Township representatives and the engineering company will be invited. A motion that this approach be accepted proposed by Steve Butler, seconded by Roger Gibb was carried.

Cell Phone “Good News” Report:  Dave Lemkay outlined news that was officially sent by Bell Mobility that three towers in the region are presently being constructed and will be operative buy end of August.  Two additional sites are presently being established.  He added that Rogers has notified respective townships and GLPOA that five towers are planned to be established in the same Eganville through to Wilno corridor.  In summary, Dave gave an account of this project, which had its genesis at the first GLPOA AGM.  He recounted the efforts by Kevin O’Connor, Cairine Cybulski and himself in assembling data and preparing and presenting a business case to Bell Mobility in Dorval in December 2006.  He thanked the three townships for support in distributing survey coupons in the tax mailouts that resulted in approximately 2000 responses.  This collective effort clearly got results.  The effort addresses the concerns expressed by members earlier on that safety and convenience was a necessity for constituents and visitors to the area.

Pleasure Craft Operators Course: Dave Lemkay advised a course will be conducted at the Killaloe Public School on the morning of July 5 2008.  Starting time is 8 a.m. and it is estimated it will consume 3.5 hours instruction plus the test writing.  The course is fully accredited and can be presented to  all ages from youngsters ten years old and up. It will be advertised as being open to both members and non-members at a cost of $35.00. It is suggested that anyone wishing to attend indicate their intention by e-mail to info@goldenlake.info or by mail to Box 99 Golden Lake. Expenses for the rental of the school and advertising are sponsored jointly by George’s Marine and Sports and Killaloe Sports Plus.

Aug. 23 Members Meeting:/Social:  Gail McPhee reported the Association’s annual summer meeting/social get together will be held  Aug 23 at Golden Lake Park commencing at 10.30 a.m. While some business will be conducted to give members an update on activities, the emphasis will be placed on meeting “waterway” neighbours and socializing together. A hamburger BBQ will be catered by The Sands on Golden Lake and Ottawa Valley music will be supplied by a members group.  Judging by the comments of those attending last year, a good time was had by all.  Members are urged to mark this date on their calendar.

Nomination and Ratification of 2008 Executive and Directors: At this time Dave Lemkay “passed the chair” to Bill Clark who had been appointed to facilitate the annual election of Officers and Directors. Bill advised the group that while preparing nominations he and Doug Yourth, acting with the co-operation of other officers, had carefully followed the guidelines established in the Constitution.  He suggested the election proceed on the basis of two distinct groups – executive committee and then directors.

In reference to the executive level he outlined that two members, Secretary Bill Clark and Gail McPhee Chair of the membership Committee did not require an election since they were just entering the second year of a two-year term. He then presented the following slate for the consideration of  the members:

President - Kevin O’Connor

Vice-President - Bill Gardner

Treasurer - Kathy Lampi

Past President - Dave Lemkay

It was also recommended that in order to maintain an orderly succession Kevin, Bill and  Kathy be elected on the basis of a two-year term. In presenting the slate he emphasized it was not intended in any way to discourage nominations from the floor. Following procedure to call three times for nominations where none were forthcoming, a motion by Brenda Maunder to elect the slate, seconded by Steve Butler was approved unanimously.

In reference to the directors, Bill advised that Doug Yourth and Mike Cayer were just entering the second year of two-year terms. In addition, zone 1 of the Association covers Pikwakanagan and the village of Golden Lake.  Consultation is underway with Chief and Council to have the Algonquins of Golden Lake appoint a replacement for former zone 1 director Howard Bernard.  He recommended that this position be held in abeyance until that process is finalized and announced that directors Cairine Cybulski and George Wilcox were retiring.   A slate of Gord McMillan and Jeff Scharf was proposed. In addition three more nominations were requested from the floor.  As a result, Brenda Maunder was nominated by Steve Butler, seconded by Isabel O’Reilly; Michael Johnson was nominated by Bill Gardner, seconded Doug Harvey, Karen Utronkie was nominated by Gail McPhee, seconded by Malcolm Warnholtz and Hubert Weber was nominated by Terry Ryan, seconded by Kevin O’Connor. A motion that both slate and floor nominations all be elected by acclamation by Kate O’Hara, seconded by Doug Harvey was passed unanimously.

As newly elected President Kevin O’Connor assumed the chair. He announced that a course in basic first aid and C.P.R. for emergency situations will be conducted either August 9 or 16 at a cost of 75.00. The course will accommodate 12 people. Members will be advised of specific information as plans are finalized. In closing the meeting Kevin thanked Dave Lemkay for his excellent performance during his time as President and said his service would be better acknowledged at the August Members’ Meeting

A motion to adjourn the meeting by Kate O’Hare was carried.

Submitted, Bill Clark, Secretary