Birch Island Lake Association
9-3-05 Meeting of the Membership
9 a.m., Lakeside Community Lutheran Church


The meeting was called to order by President Steve Hemping.

The minutes from the last meeting were reported by Secretary Gayle Teskey. A motion to accept the minutes was made by Kim Dropps, seconded by Betty Paskausky, and unanimously accepted.

In honor of the 10th anniversary recognition, the minutes from the first meeting of the Birch Island Lake Association were read.

Old Business:

Water Quality Progress:
Barry Borman reported on the status of the various water quality initiatives.
- BILA is in its 9th year of monitoring lake water quality
- Birch Island Lake has dropped 14” since the high water mark in the spring of 2005
- Water temperature is currently 70 degrees
- One benefit of the lower water level is a buffer between the Voyager Village Golf Course and direct run-off into the lake
- Phosphate levels are holding, and are slightly lower in some areas of the lake.
- Trash clean up was conducted, with a large percentage coming from the par 3 golf course. Members of the Voyager Village association were asked to request clean up be conducted by Voyager Village maintenance resources
- The lake study findings are available on the web by using a link to be posted on the BILA website

Special Fundraising:
Tom Schneiberg reported that the special water quality fundraising has resulted in $5,067 to date. Tom called for new ideas to move the water quality program forward on Birch Island Lake.

Recap of July 4th Celebration – Ice Cream Social and Boat Parade
- Dee Streine reported that attendance was estimated at 114.
- Members in attendance confirmed the intent to continue with the Ice Cream Social and Boat Parade on different days, as it has been the last few years.
- The calliope player was recognized and a thank you letter was sent from President Hemping.
- Barry Borman requested that no boat parade participants use water balloons because they cause a hazard to wildlife on the lake.

Say “No” to Phosphates Campaign
- Mary Kirby reported the winner of the drawing (held during the Ice Cream Social) was Lou Streff.
- Barry Borman reported encouraging reading on the lake, possibly related to lake owners reception to using non-phosphate products.


Treasurers Report:
Treasurer Tom Schneiberg reported that the BILA currently has 88 members, and presented the financial report (posted on the BILA website).

The Treasurer’s Report was accepted as presented, with a motion by Dee Streine, seconded by Pat Glerum, and unanimously carried.

New Business:

Winter Season Preparation/ Snow Mobile Trail Update
Ron Johnson, President of the Lake & Pines Sno Trails Club introduced the local snow mobile club and answered questions from BILA members regarding trail access and information. Mr. Johnson recommended that interested individuals check the Burnett County website for trail information (the link to the Burnett County website is available on the BILA website).

Mr. Johnson provided maps of local Burnett County trails.

Website Update
Frank Streine introduced members to the BILA website, www.BirchIslandLake.com. Additional ideas for the site were invited from members. Among the ideas presented at the meeting were:
- More photos
- Classifieds
- Calendar
- Links to local organizations, such as the new cross country ski trail association
Members with additional ideas or who wish to have a birchislandlake.com email address should email Fstreine@centurytel.net

No Wake Zone Ordinance
Steve Hemping reported that the No Wake Zone Ordinance communications will be a part of the official meeting minutes and posted on the BILA website.

10th Anniversary
As this is the 10th anniversary year of the BILA, it was suggested that there may be additional opportunities for commemoration, such as new association flags or other ideas. Members interested in serving on a 10th anniversary committee should contact Gayle Teskey.

Name the Bay contest
Members were invited to submit nominations of names for each of the six numbered bays on Birch Island Lake, plus other notable areas. Nominations were reduced to 2 or 3, and members voted by a show of hands. Winners (with the names of the nominating party) were:
Bay I – Cattail Bay (Don & Nona Stamp)
Bay II – Sunrise Bay (Pat Glerum)
Bay III – Oscaloosa Bay (John Gilbert)
Bay IV – Turtle Bay (Frank Streine)
Bay V – Trapper’s Bay (Mary Kirby)
Bay VI – Annie’s Bay (Betty Paskausky)

Other:
Off Bay VI - Hidden Bay (Don & Ida Hanna)
Off Bay IV - Monet Bay (Pat Gerber)
Off Bay II - Beaver Lodge Bay (Kim Dropps)


Meeting concluded, MSC (Motion made: John Gilbert, seconded Steve Melin). Next meeting: Saturday, May 27, 2006, 9 a.m. Lakeside Community Lutheran Church.

Submitted by Gayle Teskey, BILA Secretary.