Meetings

Golden Sands Resort
Sept 18, 2006

Present: Dave Lemkay, Kevin O’Connor, Weldon McEachen, Bill Clark, Bill Gardner, John Gulland, Cairine Cybulski, Kathi Lampi, Carolyn Letters, Susan St John 

1) Meeting was called to order at 7.30 P.M. by Vice President Kevin O’Connor. President Dave Lemkay assumed chair at 8.00 P.M.

2) Kevin O’Connor welcomed three new directors: Kathy Lampi, Carolyn Letters, Susan St John.

3) The minutes of Aug 26 General Meeting were read by Kevin O’Connor who took note of 3 pieces of unfinished business:

1. building a business case as part of the effort to achieve Cell Phone Service in our area

2. studying the possibility holding a session for members to go through the process of gaining boating operating licenses

3. preparation of a paper to present to MNR to justify some type of cormorant control on the lake. It was noted that approval of these minutes must be given by full membership at the next general meeting so a vote was not taken on accepting them.

4) Discussion was held regarding the possibility of holding a boating course. Among the options discussed were doing something ourselves or entering into a co-operative effort with the Inter-lake Association. It was decided that any course was best timed for the spring of 07. A notice to determine interest will be posted on the website. Kevin O’Connor will discuss with the Interlake Association. to determine their interest in co-operating on something.  Dave Lemkay will contact the supervisor of the course he took this spring to receive his thoughts. It was noted that based on comments made at the Aug general meeting an effort should be made to keep the cost of a course as low as possible.

4) Kevin O’Connor reported the Inter-lake Assoc is onside to co-operate in an effort to gain cell phone service. A business paper will be prepared and 2007 is targeted for an all out effort with the hope of success.

5) Dave Lemkay tabled a form issued by the Pembroke District Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee inviting applications to become a committee member. It was noted that a position on this committee would not only be a valuable information source but a potentially strong position to pursue some of our objectives.  Deadline for applications is Sept 29. Dave Lemkay is to contact Steve Munger who has a strong background and experience in environmental issues to see if he will make application.

6) Discussion was held regarding possible action on the cormorant issue. Kathy Lampi queried the preoccupation with cormorants. She did not disagree with possible action but asked the degree of threat and whether there were not other more important environmental issues such as illegal and/or out-of-date septic systems. After discussion it was decided our Association must become better organized to locate, prioritize, study and prepare plans dealing with issues of water quality. Kathi Lampi is to form a committee working with Howard Bernard, John Gullard and hopefully Steve Munger. The committee’s first activities will be to determine what information is available regarding water quality in Golden lake and position specific issues that are a concern regarding water quality under an umbrella heading of “Water Quality”.  Initial activities will include:

1. searching for information regarding present level of water quality

2. establishing and prioritizing threats

3. recommending action plans.

A report on activity to date will be given at next executive meeting.

7) Cairine Cylbuski suggested when thought is being given to threats to the lake’s water quality ‘development” along the shore should become a major focus. She made the point that, not only do the townships involved have different codes for issuing building permits, but some codes are not particularly environmentally friendly. It was suggested the best way to attack this matter would be a strong lobby to township councils and an education program (including our website) to potential and active home and cottage builders.

8) It was suggested that the various committees being formed should have individual meetings to discuss business. Reports could than be made at full executive meetings.

9) Kevin O’Connor commented that something must be done to organize our routine of keeping our membership list complete and up to date.  After discussion Caroline Letters agreed to head a membership committee to establish the necessary routines. She requested she be supplied with the information necessary to acquaint her with the present routines and status of member ship lists before making any recommendations.

10) Dave Lemkay tabled an article from Eganville leader reporting removal of porta-potti sponsored by our Association at Deacon Bridge. He outlined further discussions he had had with member of  township council and was optimistic there would be a co-operative effort in the spring among our Assoc, township council and the county of Renfrew to establish a permanent facility at the bridge.

11) It was suggested  that  now he has assumed the position of Secretary, Bill Clark should try to find a volunteer to  replace him  as membership manager for zone 2.

12) Weldon McEachen reported that the Association treasury totaled approximately $3300 with no major debts outstanding. He  also commented that most of the shoal markers on  the lake still have not been picked up but hoped  there would be more action this week. It was suggested more should be done  to encourage participation such as an “adopt a marker” program.

13) A potential date for a spring General Meeting was discussed. June 2 was tabled subject to further discussion over the winter and early spring.

14) Next meeting, Mon. Oct 30 at Golden Sands. Meeting adjourned 9.35 P.M.