Bear Lake Watershed Alliance Meeting June 28, 2023
Bear Lake Watershed Alliance Meeting Minutes – June 28, 2023
Present: Jeff Sanborn, Phyllis Cowden, Karen Powers, Kathy Sundbeck, Keaton Foster, Dave Adams, Don Raiff, Kevin Mallison, John Virga.
The Meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm by President Jeff Sanborn. Jeff led the Pledge and welcomed everyone in attendance. Jeff introduced himself, the officers, and Kathy Sundbeck as a Committee member. He noted that the BLWA is missing a Vice-President and solicits any recommendations from the attendees.
An announcement was made referencing the upcoming Triginta Silent Auction. There were no changes to the Agenda which was approved as presented. The minutes of the May 24 meeting were presented. There were no changes. Karen Powers moved to accept the minutes and Kathy Sundbeck seconded. Motion approved. Kathy asked that if anyon is not receiving the minutes and would like to, please give the email to Kathy.
A summary of the Treasurer’s report was presented by Karen Powers. Karen identified specific deposits in addition to the Funds Summary. She also indicated that the current membership is 151, including 86 Household, 22 Single , and 43 Life Members. Karen will meet with Kathy to assure that the membership list is current for dispersing emails to members.
Dave Adams had a question regarding the annual premium for the BLWA insurance and if liability was included for BLWA officers and events. Karen indicated that such coverage was in effect. She will also accept questions to be answered at the Annual Meeting, July 29. It was also reported that the BLWA may move funds into CD’s as a means of raising money as needed. A question was asked as to the most reasonable way to recruit members to the BLWA. Social media may be used to inform people as to what is being done by the Alliance. The BLWA has a very good website which will need to be maintained. Following the tragic loss of the current Webmaster, BLWA is in need of someone to handle this responsibility It would be ideal to have someone who can handle social media and the Website. Following this discussion, a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report was made by Kevin Mallison and seconded by Don Raiff. Motion passed.
Old Business Drain/E.Coli. Jeff reported the loss of Chelsea Cooper, Conservation District, who had been very helpful with the drain testing responsibility. Jeff will speak with Rene to determine what may be done and how the testing will take place going forward.. He indicated that the sampling process is easy; delivering to Traverse City is more difficult. A possibility may be the Spicer group to take care of the four sites in town to be tested. Great Lakes Water Quality could be another resource. Keaton Foster will give contact information to Jeff. The main concern is that someone must be at the drains at the rain event time, which may be difficult to have done. Don Raiff referred to a wealth of persons with Environmental Degrees that might help, depending on grant money. E-Coli testing is not related to the storm drain testing from the Village. Jeff indicated that the E-Coli test results should be on the BLWA Website. It was indicated that more attention should be given to this testing so the community is aware of the E-Coli content. It was indicated that the Bear Lake Bulletin is a primary source for public information. Therefore, the Bulletin needs to receive this information to publish. It was reported that Beach testing is done in June. Another E-coli testing is being done this date, June 28. A question was presented: Is there a chance that the sanitary sewer is being attached to the sanitary system? It is difficult to determine how people are maintaining and testing their septic systems. Don Raiff encouraged more discussion of this issue and how the need for testing can be reinforced. He discussed a system that could be given to lake inhabitants to help them be aware of appropriate steps and actions. This is especially important since the sewer system, previously considered, is not happening, and septics must be maintained. It could be possible to create a fund to help people with the necessary expenses. Forbes of Manistee could be a helpful resource. Don also indicated a willingness to create a list for discussion and possible committee to develop 4-5 key points to for community discussion and awareness. It was also indicated that a BLWA fund raiser could be directed to such a project of helping people with aid to progress with septic maintenance. Another suggestion was to have a Bear Lake booklet as a handout to citizens with understandable steps citizens can take. There was a general feeling among the BLWA meeting attendees to move forward with this issue.
Website Coordinator. The BLWA is in need of a Website Coordinator to work with the Website creator, Square Space. Jeff reported that he is waiting to hear from Chuck Eminger regarding a possible candidate. Dave Adams suggested contacting the Bear Lake Schools Superintendent as a resource. Jackpine, Manistee, and West Shore Community College might be additional resource. The current Website is usable; it needs someone to maintain it.
Plaque for Charles Lauth. The plaque is here and has been installed on the bench at the library garden in honor of Charles Lauth. The family has indicated that they will have a family dedication. Field of Dreams is to maintain the garden. Search for Vice-President. Mike Genther is still considering the position. If appointed, he will be in charge of water quality testing. Dick Graham’s Memorial. Legacy Furniture will have the Memorial Bench installed and anchored by July 20. The cost is $120. There will be engraving on the back of the bench with wording decided by Dick’s family. There are funds left over from the collection. BLWA must decide how the extra money will be used. It was suggested that the extra funds be reserved for maintenance. There will be a dedication and family memorial September 30. Logo. Jeff reported that he has spoken with the school Principal at Bear Lake High School. The Principal suggested a new art teacher at the High School who might work with the Alliance to create a new BLWA Logo. Tri-Fold Pamphlet. Jeff referred to a previous information tri-fold handout for the BLWA and for the Bear Lake Promoters and the need to create an updated BLWA trifold to be available for the community. Jeff is contacting Jackpine to inquire about creating such a tri-fold. He welcomes information from other community organizations to be included in the tri-fold. Jeff would also like to have refrigerator-type magnets that would list ways to help save Bear Lake. Karen moved to support the creation of the magnet, not to exceed $500. Kathy seconded the motion. Motion approved. Jeff would like to have the magnet for Bear Lake Days.
New Business - Manistee Conservation District. Business concerning the Conservation District and drain testing were discussed previously. Grant for Bear Lake Village Stormwater Drain. The new Village President has contacted Jeff about the damaged storm drain(s) identified by the Saw Grant. The Village was to clean and maintain the drain(s) every two years. This action has not been done. The BLWA has provided money for cleaning but the Village has not come forward with the maintenance. John Virga reported that the Village did not recall this past directive. He suggested that information be given to the Village defining what needs to be done. Dave Adams said that Corey Brown helped with the initial work and might be a good resource for cost, etc. Pat Bentley, Spicer Group, could be another resource to help with information to present to the Village Council. John will proceed with the Village in getting information and possible action. The initial document indicates what is to be done. Annual Meeting. The Annual meeting is July 29 at the Bear Lake United Methodist Church. Jeff would like a French Toast Breakfast with coffee and a fruit bowl. Breakfast is at 8:30 am with the Meeting to follow at 9 am. Keaton Foster will present information about the importance of the Watershed to farming. A flyer announcing the Meeting will be posted in the community. There being no additional business to come before the BLWA, Karen moved to adjourn the meeting.
The motion was seconded by Kathy. Motion passed.
Respectfully Submitted,
Phyllis Cowden
Secretary