In attendance at the 2/7/11 meeting were Rick Bachelor, Don Davis, Owen Hall, Pete Hierholzer, Kent Hinton, Milt Miller, Greg Schumm, Mike Sudman, Doug Temple, Terry Wissman, Brian Miller, Julie Miller, Ryan Garrison, Donna Grube & Nancy Allen of the Daily Standard.

Absent were Jim Dabbelt, Jared Ebbing, Todd Fleagle, Tom Knapke & Dave Meyer.

 

LDC Vice President Greg Schumm opened the meeting with a tribute to recently deceased board President Frank C. Murray.  Murray was praised for his enthusiasm for outdoor recreation and his dedication to improvements at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park. The board approved a $100 donation to the Rotary Foundation in Murray’s honor. (Bachelor/Davis)

 

The January LDC meeting minutes were approved. (Hall/J. Miller)

 

M. Miller reported that the checking account balance stands at $2326.57. He noted the coffers are low. He added that there was no solicitation request in 2010 and the organization needs to remain on the radar of donors. He said he and Secretary Grube would send out a 2011 solicitation. 

 

Temple presented the following slate of Board Members for 2011:

 

Rick Bachelor

Doug Temple

Greg Schumm

Open

Jim Dabbelt

Don Davis

Jared Ebbing (CVB)

Todd Fleagle

Owen Hall

Pete Hierholzer

Kent Hinton

Tom Knapke

Dave Meyer

Milt Miller

Mike Sudman

Terry Wissman

Open (ag)

Open (ag)

Names were discussed for the open seats designated for members of the agriculture community. It was also noted with Murray’s passing, the St. Marys Chamber needs to appoint another representative. Kill reported she expected her board would consider this at their next meeting. There was also a question as to who is to be the LIA representative. M. Miller noted he would discuss this with LIA President Tim Lovett.

 

Officers approved by the board for 2011 are:

President-Milt Miller

Vice President-Greg Schumm

Secretary/Treasurer- Donna Grube

(Davis/Kill)

Grube noted that she is requesting other trustees review invoices and sign any checks that are for services and mailings provided by the CVB.

 

B. Miller presented the following lake report:

2010 Highlights and 2011 Goals, We face many challenges as we move forward!! But as a team we can overcome them. Miller noted he believes the most important goal for 2011 is to increase visitation and re-market the area. He noted ODNR has completed a 9 year dredging plan. 

 

The board approved joining the local Farm Bureau organization; temple noted the cost is $50 a year. (Wissman/Sudman)

 

J. Miller reported on the latest efforts of the Lake Restoration Commission. She noted that the action plan has been completed. It outlines what the LRC believes are the important projects that will lead to an improved, healthier lake. She said you can get a copy of the plan at the LIA’s website. Miller also announced that today the OEPA announced that the recent fish test show that the fish of Grand Lake St. Marys are safe to eat. The initial test showed no harmful toxins in the flesh of the fish. She reported that there is a lot of action taking place on many projects including test alum treatments, possibly a full lake treatment and that officials from Battelle Institute will be in on Friday to share the data collected from the Airy-gators test projects and possible rough fish removal by ODNR. Miller noted that the LRC has formed standing committees to work on guiding the efforts of the action plan. She encouraged LDC members to step up and become a part of the solution.  

 

Grube reported that the CVB attended the AAA Travel Show in Columbus in late January.    She noted that the majority of those stopping by the booth were aware of the lake’s water issues. She added while they expressed interest in the water issue they did not express interest in visiting. Grube added that the number of brochures distributed was much lower than at the same show in 2010.

 

Garrison reported that the recent deer season was ok in our area—but that the recent goose hunting season was termed one of the best ever by local hunters. He reported that Ohio’s new hunting and fishing licenses will be web based. He said that deer hunters will no longer have to register their kills at a check in station—they will be able to do so on-line or by phone. He said other states have this system and it is much more convenient for the hunters. He said you will need to have a social security number to get hunting or fishing license under this new system.

 

Kill reported that the 2011 Summerfest Committee is looking to continue the fishing derby in 2011. That was cancelled last year due to the toxin issue in the canal. She also reported that a shelter house is planned near the canal trail head in St. Marys and that a Valentines Heart walk is planned for along the canal this Saturday.

 

Bachelor reported that the development of wetlands continues along Beaver Creek. He added that the plans for the site for aerobic digesters, solar energy collectors & relocated sludge lagoons contihnuyes.

 

Schumm said he is working on a statement of support for the LRC. He will e-mail that to members once it is completed.

 

In closing, President Milt Miller said that he feels it is important for the LDC to redefine its mission and purpose and then we will all have to work to accomplish those goals.

 

With no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned. (Wissman/Davis)

 

The next LDC meeting is scheduled for March 7, 4pm at the CVB Meeting room.