Meetings

Minutes of the Directors Meeting

October 27, 2008

Sleepy Eyed Bear, Deacon

Present: Kevin O’Connor, Kathy Lampi, Bill Gardner, Hubert Weber, Doug Yourth, Brenda Maunder, Gail McPhee, Mike Cayer, Bill Clark, Dave Lemkay, Gord McMillan, John Gulland

President Kevin O’Connor called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m.

In his opening remarks, Kevin noted the challenges the association has faced this year, including the high water levels in the spring, and the controversy over the Ruby Road dump site issue. He also reported that the three-year effort to promote cell phone service has paid off and the services are now or will soon be operational.

Shoal Marking Program

Gord McMillan gave a report on the shoal markers program. All have been recovered and are accounted for. There was a discussion of the need to mark boating hazards in the river, now that the main hazards are marked on the lake. It is estimated that the cost of buoys and related equipment would be under $1000.

It was moved by Gail McPhee, seconded by Bill Gardiner to purchase seven red and seven green buoys and plan to install them along the river next spring. Carried.

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer Kathy Lampi reported that the finances are in good condition. Kathy listed deposits of $960 for signage and $560 for memberships and regular expenses of $395.34. The balance in the bank is $8455.09. She proposes to maintain the financial records in a ledger book, which will be passed to the accountant at year end. It was agreed that this is a good plan and she should proceed.

Kevin mentioned that he has been asked by members what will be done with the money in reserve. He has also been asked to provide background information on income and expenses over the past few years. There was general agreement that having sizable reserves is a good idea.

Membership

Gail McPhee reported on a meeting of the membership committee. Gail reported her expectations for membership this year was approximately 350 paid members. In addition, about 90 property owners have been identified as having paid their membership in 2007 but not in 2008.

The committee agreed on the importance of starting the membership sales program in April. The spring newsletter should be available in plenty of time so that volunteer Zone Leaders can take all the materials from the April meeting and get started canvassing right away. The objective is to complete all membership canvassing by mid-July.

Gail would like to see the year marked on membership cards to distinguish between previous years. The Sands has offered to serve as a dues payment depot, and the committee will work with the Sands to set up a procedure.

We need to distribute a current list of Zone Leaders and helpers as well as board members. This needs to be ready for the April newsletter to both recognize their contribution and so that members know who to call. Concern was expressed about the lack of representation from Pikwàkanagàn on the board and zone personnel.

Brenda Maunder mentioned the importance of giving members something in return for membership fee. Suggestions included a good looking newsletter, logo T shirts for a good price, certificates, calendars, and so on. There was an extensive discussion of giving members a map showing shoal markers. The current two-sided map is copyrighted and there may be a problem in modifying it. Kevin O’Connor and Dave Lemkay will work on finding and reproducing a suitable map.

The 90 property owners that had been members previously but that did not renew this year should be the main focus of canvassing efforts. An email will be sent to each of them to urge their participation in the association.

Water Quality

Mike Cayer gave the water quality report. He recognized the good work of previous chair Kathy Lampi and especially her water quality report that summarized all the work done to date.

Mike reported that the Ontario legislature is considering a private members bill to control the cormorant population by removing them from the protected species list. There is little more that GLPOA can do about the issue at this stage. Mike also expressed an interest in placing signs at the boat launches warning of the importance of washing hulls to prevent the transfer of zebra muscles and other invasive species.

Brenda Maunder asked about the issue of how to have your well water tested. It was suggested that we put some advice on what is involved in testing well water on the web site.

Kathy Lampi and John Gulland mentioned the need to look at other issues that can affect water quality including septic system maintenance, lawn care, shoreline landscaping, household cleaning products and so on. 

The issue of sludge brought to August meeting from Harrington Lane, and what follow up was done.

The water quality committee members are Mike, Kathy, Kevin, Doug, Gail and John

Communications

Kevin recognized the efforts of Dave Lemkay and John Gulland for their work on communications. A letter from GLPOA had been sent to the Township of Bonnechere Valley regarding the Ruby dump issue. The letter’s contents were addressed by council and reported in the Eganville Leader. It was agreed that sending the letter was a good way for the association to handle this controversial issue.

Nominating Committee

Bill Clark chairs the nominating committee. Bill Gardiner said he would serve as president on an interim period if Kevin steps down before the 2010 end of his term of office. There will be vacancies opening on both the board and executive. A few names were offered as possible board members. Bill Clark said he would like to receive more suggestions between now and next spring.

Water Levels

Kevin O’Connor discussed the state of emergency this spring at Round Lake and high water on the whole system. The Round Lake group had proposed that the water level regime be changed for a period of two years to see if flooding can be avoided. At this stage, no decision has been made on whether to lower the water level on Round Lake in the fall. Kevin O’Connor participates in the relevant meetings to stay informed about developments.

Shoal Signs

Kevin reports that there are 18 spaces on the signs and three need to be filled because of lost business sponsors. It was decided not to expand the signage as had been discussed. The annual sign fee is $160, plus $150 for artwork the first year.

Mike Cayer talked about making up signs on invasive species and finding a location at the boat ramps to put them up.

Pleasure Craft Operators Course

Dave Lemkay reported that 2009 course will happen on July 4th and that Jim Steeves will be the instructor, as he has been for the last two years.

CPR Course

A half-day CPR course is planned for next year. The cost would be around $35. Kevin felt that July 11 might be a good date and it will be tentatively held at Golden Lake Park. There will be a limit of 25 participants.

2009 Regatta/Fun Fest

Bill Clark wondered if two social events are needed each summer. He thought that maybe July is the right time to have such an event. He said he and his committee will have a full report and proposal early in the spring.

There was a discussion about the August members social. Brenda said that the meeting was too long and people wanted to get home and might not have stayed to socialize. One suggestion was to hold a social and a separate business meeting on another day.

Ruby Road Dump

Kevin provided a short update and passed around a clipping from the Eganville Leader of the BV council meeting at which the GLPOA letter was discussed. Dave Lemkay, who is a member of the liaison committee, said that there has not been much activity in the past few weeks. Kevin mentioned that he has heard that a few people were disappointed that GLPOA didn’t come out against the dump. It was generally agreed that the stance taken by the Board and membership was the right one.

Other Business

Kevin reported on an upcoming meeting of FOCA. The board agreed that it would be good to have someone attend the meeting. Kevin said he would be willing to attend.

It was moved by Kathy Lampi, seconded by Hubert Weber that someone attend the Fall meeting of FOCA and that GLPOA will pay expenses.

Carried.

The 2009 Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Saturday June 6 at the Killaloe Public School..9:00 a.m. To 11:30 a.m.

Adjournment

President Kevin O’Connor adjourned the meeting at 12:20 PM.