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Meetings |
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Meetings |
GLPOA Annual Meeting and SocialAug. 23 2008—Golden Lake ParkThe meeting, attended by
approximately 70 members, was called to order by President Kevin
O’Connor at 10.35 a.m. In his opening remarks he welcomed all members
and tabled the following agenda.
Secretary’s ReportBill Clark advised that the
minutes of the Aug 25 2007 Business/Social meeting had been posted on the
website immediately following that date. He
also drew attention to the fact minutes of the June 7 2008 Annual
Members Meeting, which had
been posted and distributed, confirmed all outstanding business from the
Aug. 25 2007 meeting had been discussed and,
where necessary further action established. In consideration of
this he asked for a motion to waive reading of the Aug. 2007 minutes.
Motion by Terry Howard, seconded Michael Johnson. Passed
unanimously. Treasurer’s ReportKathy Lampi advised that, as of
Aug 21 2008 the Association had a bank balance of $6,760.29.
A sum of approximately $200.00 relating to the Waterway Marking
Program was the only outstanding payment to be made.
Membership dues are still being collected and a full report will be
given when this activity is completed. Motion to accept by Bill Gardner,
seconded by Gail McPhee. Passed unanimously. Membership ReportGail McPhee reported that at
present the collection of
membership dues is lagging behind previous years but stated
she remained confident we can improve on last years total of 400
members. She emphasized the need for volunteers to solicit memberships in
some areas. Specifically mentioned were Zones 1 (Golden Lake Village,
Pikwakanagan) and Zone 4 (McMillan Road, Goldfinch Dr.) In thanking
volunteers Gail reminded that potential members do not necessarily have to
be located on the water. All property owners in the immediate area benefit
from a healthy and well managed waterway community and therefore
membership is a wise investment for all. In adding to Gail’s remarks Kevin
O’Connor commented while mail and e-mail can be aids in attracting
members, knocking on doors is by far the most effective means of
solicitation. He asked the group to support Gail’s efforts by
volunteering. A question was raised from the floor as to whether any
thought had been given to establishing a special membership rate for area
businesses. He also suggested that consideration be given to a program of
discounting at retailers to honour GLPOA membership.
Kevin replied that a commercial rate had been discussed in the past
and this and a discount plan would be placed on the agenda of an executive
meeting for further consideration. Water Quality ReportMike Cayer reported it is
estimated the current double-crested cormorant population on Golden Lake
is 200 adult birds. Their presence continues to be a concern because of
the potential impact on fish stocks and devastation they cause to their
nesting areas. While at present they remain a protected species it is
hoped the private members’ bill introduced in the Ontario legislature by
Prince Edward-Hastings MPP Ernie Parsons will receive approval before the
New Year. This bill would amend the Ont. Fish and Wildlife Act and place
Cormorants in the same category as crows, starlings, grackles etc. and
allow approved culling. Mike asked those at the meeting to support the
legislation by signing the petition being circulated. It was also
suggested The G.L.P.O.A., the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan, local townships
and F.O.C.A. be asked to support the legislation by sending formal letters
of approval. County Warden Janice Visneskie advised she would contact the
townships and urge them to do so. Mike
cautioned the threat of invasive species should also be of great concern
as once they are in a lake they are impossible to eradicate. Zebra
Mussels, the Spiny Water Flea and some non-indigenous plants have already
been found in other Ontario Lakes. The best means of control is to be sure
the hulls of boats from other lakes are thoroughly washed before launching
in another waterway. In
response to a question regarding the present level of water quality, Kathy
Lampi briefly reviewed the past activity of the Water Quality Committee
and the assurance given by M.N.R. that their testing showed water quality
to be satisfactory. During a discussion period a member from the west end
of the lake submitted a water sample taken from their beachfront. The
water was extremely cloudy and contained a heavy sediment of what appeared
to be algae. Apparently this sludge has been occurring for the last few
years. There will be some analysis done to identify this sample. Water LevelsIn responding to a question from the floor regarding water levels Dave Lemkay briefly reviewed the guidelines under which Renfrew Power Generation must operate as established within the Bonnechere River Water Management plan. In doing so he outlined the problem resulting from maintaining a specified fall water level in Round Lake to protect the trout a hatching shelf. He said no further information has been forthcoming since the announcement of the pending court case between M.N.R., R.P.G. and some Round Lake cottagers suing for damage to their property caused by spring flooding. The Round Lake Cottagers Assoc. has asked the M.N.R. to initiate a two year test which would allow the fall water levels of Round Lake to be lowered by two more feet than allowed within the current guidelines. The G.L.P.O.A. is on record as a signatory in a petition with RLPOA sent to MNR. Shoal Marking ProgramIn the absence of Gord McMillan
Chair of the Waterway Marking Committee, Bill Gardner provided a report.
He advised that the “Adopt-a-Shoal” program was re-initiated this year
under Gord’s direction. He thanked Jay Foran, Ken Hall, Ken Kruger,
Hubert Weber, Ron Newman, Andy Kyle, Eric Weckworth and Gord McMillan, who
assisted in the placing of markers this year under difficult conditions
due to inclement weather. Bill
emphasized that volunteers are still needed to adopt a shoal and urged
members to contact Gord McMillan and volunteer to assist in this very
worthwhile program. Signage ReportKevin O’Connor reported that the
signs posted at the boat launching sites have proven to be highly
profitable delivering an annual gross of $2800.00. The signs were originally designed to accept 8 additional
advertising spots. Plans to proceed with these additions have been
approved. This will result in the signs featuring 26 advertisers with an
annual gross of $4000.00. In response to a request for someone to
supervise the selling of advertising spots for 2009, Michael Johnson
agreed to accept the responsibility. Kevin noted that the townships of
Bonnechere Valley and North Algona- Wilberforce have agreed to place a
welcome notice on the signs. Mayor
Visneskie said that she would raise this with her council. Kevin
also thanked Killaloe Home Hardware who this year replaced one advertiser
who was discontinuing the program. 2009 Regatta/Funfest ProposalThe meeting gave an enthusiastic
response to the idea of holding a fun day next summer. Bill Clark is to
chair a planning committee. He advised while a regatta had been suggested
any thoughts regarding a program would be welcome and all suggestions
studied. He asked that anyone with ideas e-mail him at clarkwill@vianet.ca
and he would follow up. Members will be kept advised as planning
progresses. Ruby Road Waste Disposal Site ReportPast President Dave Lemkay, who also sits on a Public Liaison Committee facilitating communication regarding the dump project, briefly reviewed highlights of the discussions at the July 19 special information meeting hosted by the G.L.P.O.A. and the July 26 Public Consultation meeting in Eganville. He stated as the environmental screening process has progressed it has become evident the original cost estimates comparing the Ruby Road Site to the option of using the Ottawa Valley Waste Recovery Centre require review. He invited Tony Pearson to present the perspective of the Committee for the Preservation of the Bonnechere valley which is opposed to a new land fill. Tony stated that the major concern is one of water quality. He cautioned that while initial tests might well show the site to be acceptable there can be no absolute guarantee leeching would not develop in the future with the consequent impact on the water quality of Golden Lake. A general discussion that followed led to the suggestion G. L.P.O.A send a letter to Bonnechere Valley Council expressing concern and that the Association is on record to admonish the Township to fully investigate all options and evaluate up to date accurate numbers with respect to real costs predicted for the startup and monitoring of an expanded (new) landfill as well as buy-in costs and ongoing levees associated with the Ottawa Valley Waste Recovery Centre. The Association implores the Township Council to investigate these options with rigor in the interest of future safety and economy of the community. Motion to send the letter by John
Gulland. Seconded by Mick Daley. Passed unanimously. Good News Cell Phone ReportDave Lemkay advised construction
of the three Bell Mobility Towers is on schedule and it is expected there
will be cell phone service in the area by October. He also mentioned while
it appears Telus has dropped plans to come into the area Rogers is already
publicizing potential sites from Eganville through toward Barry’s Bay.
There is notice of a Rogers tower for the village of Golden Lake
currently in the Eganville Leader. New BusinessIn closing the meeting Kevin
O’Connor lauded Dave Lemkay for the excellent leadership he provided as
G.L.P.O.A. President for the past three years. In his remarks he credited
Dave with being a partner in the early steering committee discussions
regarding the need for an association and one of the founding fathers in
its establishment. He thanked
Dave for the commitment he has shown and said it is his energy, ability
and deep involvement that has accounted for much of the association’s
success since its establishment. In thanking Dave, Kevin presented him
with a duly inscribed, framed colour page from the Eganville Leader
edition that featured the 2006 story of the installation of the four boat
launch billboards. Motion to adjourn the business
meeting by Kate O’Hare was approved. At the close of the business
session members were invited to stay for a barbecue luncheon catered by The Sands on Golden Lake and enjoy genuine Ottawa Valley music
provided by Bill Gardner featuring Garry Gardner and Arlene McClellan of Oshawa
Classic Country and The Luloffs of Golden Lake’s Family
Circle. Respectfully submitted, Bill Clark, Secretary |
