Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting

August 7, 2007 Golden Sands Vacationland

In attendance, Directors: Dave Lemkay, Kevin O’Connor, Bill Clark, Gail McPhee, Kathy Lampi, Norma Bailey, Bill Gardner, Doug Yourth, Norm Edwards, Mike Cayer and Zone Reps: Kate O’Hara, Ken Kruger and Michael Johnson,

President Dave Lemkay called the meeting to order at 9.05 a.m. and outlined the following agenda:

Discussion on the plans for the Aug 25 Social Meeting

Report on Membership Program

Report on Boaters Course

Review of Meeting with Peter Boldt of Renfrew Power Generation

Report on Waterway Marking Program

Agenda and logistics for August 25 Members’ Meeting

New Business

Gail McPhee reported on planning for August 25 Members’ Meeting. The meeting will take place at Golden Lake Park (L’Escale). Program will be from 11.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Those assisting are asked to be there by 10 a.m. for preparation. Among the points discussed: Doug Yourth and Bill Gardner to supply pots for cooking corn; Dave Lemkay to supply charcoal barbecue for cooking hotdogs; Norma Bailey to handle 50/50 draw; Bill Sterling to supervise automobile parking; Dave Lemkay to prepare signs; Dave Lemkay’s daughter Andrea will coordinate the children’s face painting: Bill Gardner will organize a five piece band to play Valley music; Kate O’Hara will supervise a registration table for member and new member sign-ups; Gail McPhee to order refreshments and food; Dave Lemkay indicated if tables were required he could supply. In regard to agenda for the business part of meeting Dave Lemkay suggested that will be finalized as this meeting progresses.

Gail McPhee gave a detailed report on membership registration for this fiscal year. While there are a few areas of concern (Zone 7 in particular) progress overall has been very good. We have surpassed the 300 mark and are within reach of target for this year of 400. Efforts are to continue and a special mailing will be made to a list of other property owners presently being compiled from township tax rolls. It was noted a special effort should be made to locate a manager for the former and re-created Zone 11 and also to update list of all zone representatives and helpers.

The subject of water quality was raised with the comment a motion had been passed at the June Annual General Meeting designating the study of water quality as a major priority this year. In order to give this priority the proper attention it was felt the following was necessary: The Water Quality Committee must be strengthened, given a clear mandate and empowered to do what is necessary to conduct a reasonable study and identify actions; Water testing must be conducted to clearly establish a benchmark of water quality; In order to do so a realistic budget must be struck.

A motion by Bill Gardner, seconded by Gail McPhee, that the Water Quality Committee be empowered to act on all the above was passed unanimously. It was also suggested that Kathy Lampi make a statement at the August meeting outlining the present status of our planning. Kathy agreed to initiate one on one discussion with representatives from other lake associations and F.O.C.A. resources to determine what has been done on other water quality projects. Mike Cayer volunteered to join the Water Quality Committee to fill the void left by Howard Barnard’s resignation.

The question of how resignations of executive, directors and zone managers should be handled was discussed. It was felt that notice for changes such as resignations from executive positions and zone representatives should be made with a formal letter. As a courtesy, the executive would respond with a letter of acceptance and thanks from the Secretary to the retiring person. Such a practice will coincide with the Association’s formal reporting within its incorporation duties at year-end. Bill Clark is to send a letter to outgoing executive, including Adrian Daley, Tom Green, Howard Bernard, Weldon McEachen and Bill Cook.

Dave Lemkay reported on the success of the Pleasure Craft Operators Course. On July 7, eighty people participated and successfully passed the test.. Jim Steeves, the course facilitator, indicated because attendance was much higher than anticipated (the highest he has ever instructed in his years of the process) he kindly made a donation of some of the proceeds to reward for the considerable organizing done by the Association to achieve such a good response. After the payment of some minor expenses this donation will total approximately $800.00.

Dave Lemkay outlined that a few weeks ago Peter Boldt, Manager of Renfrew Power Generation made a presentation to a small group of directors from our association and the Round Lake Property Owners Association. The intent of his presentation was to acquaint us with difficulties RPG is experiencing to manage the levels of Round Lake and Golden Lake within the guidelines established by the Bonnechere River Water Management Plan. Peter tabled that it was his belief that the best solution to the difficulties was to have certain flexibility it the timing and limits of draw down of Round Lake water in the fall beyond that stipulated in the plan. The intent of the present guidelines is to protect the Lake Trout spawning grounds. It is expected that any changes in the official plan will have to be based upon scientific criteria. He contends that a comprehensive study must be conducted to determine the current status and spawning habits of the Lake Trout population in Round Lake. The cost of such testing, including summer and fall sampling is $14,000. The RLPOA has committed to contributing $2500.00 to the cost of the test on the proviso that GLPOA do likewise. After discussion, a motion was made by Dave Lemkay, seconded by Kevin O’Connor that GLPOA contribute $2,500.00 to the study. Carried unanimously. Dave advised this did not place any particular strain on our budget as the Council of North Algona-Wilberforce had agreed at a recent meeting to forgive GLPOA’s obligation of $3,000.00 matching funds for Deacon toilet facility project based on robust in-kind contribution.

In reference to the Waterway Marking Program, concern was expressed that because of a lack of volunteer help, markers are being put out late. An effort to attract more volunteers will be made at August meeting. Bill Gardner expressed concern the markers at the little island on the Bonnechere River north of the Deacon Bridge are misleading. All are a red colour so no safe channel is indicated. It was suggested safe passage should be marked with the normal red and green markers. Kevin O’Connor reported Weldon McEachen is searching for green markers but a fall back position would be to paint a marker green. Directional arrows are also to be placed on Deacon Bridge. Kevin and Dave to follow up on this undertaking.

In reference to an agenda for the August Members’ Meeting, the following was established:

Welcome and Introductions - Dave Lemkay

Highlights of the June AGM minutes will be addresses and hardcopy minutes will be distributed

Membership Committee report - Gail McPhee

Treasurer’s Report - Kevin O’Connor

Water Quality Committee report - Kathy Lampi

Water Levels and RPG study report - Dave Lemkay

There have also been requests from two people to speak, including Alan Fox, President of the Bonnechere River Watershed Program. It was agreed that the agenda will be managed so as to keep the meeting within one hour.

Dave Lemkay called for a motion to adjourn at 12.05 p.m. Motion by Gail McPhee, seconded by Bill Clark. Carried (unanimously)

Respectfully submitted,
Bill Clark , Secretary