Lake Improvement Association Minutes
1-05-08
Apologies from the secretary are in order – you did not receive a newsletter in December 2007 for health reasons – my own, as well as the treasurer’s. We weren’t able to attend the meeting, nor get the minutes out to all of you. Elections were held, and with no nominations or volunteers from the floor, the entire slate, willing to serve again, was re-elected by acclamation.
President Ringo announced the upcoming Pheasants Forever Banquet on January 26, 2008. It is a great evening for a very worthy cause (one the Lake Improvement Association endorses and supports) and is sure to be a good time for all. Cost is $80 per couple, $60 for a single, food and drinks included, with chances on some super prizes to be auctioned. For tickets, contact Brian Miller at 419-268-2839.
The trustees reported the audit of the treasurer’s books took place recently; all records were in perfect order. The treasurer presented the proposed budget for year 2008; vote to adopt it will take place at the February meeting. Brian Miller reports the new maps of the lake are proofed and ready to go to print.
Park Manager Craig Morton puts current lake level at 8” above pool. With an ice cover of 3 to 5”, it is definitely NOT SAFE to walk on. If venturing near the lake, have all safety equipment available; DON’T go out alone. On February 21 at 6:30 p.m. there will be a public hearing at the Municipal Building, 101 E. Spring St. in St. Marys that will include a local civic organization’s possible objection to the state’s continuation of the dredge plan, believing dredging to be unnecessary and that the lake should revert to its original state – a marshland. Rather than discontinue the dredge program, the L.I.A. would prefer to see soil remain on the land, making dredging unnecessary by the use of other programs such as filter strips, crop cover, etc.
Jeff Vossler reports that although L.R.C. meetings are on hold for the present, its objectives will continue. The barley straw project at Behm’s Landing in 2007 hopefully will be expanded, with cooperation from the state and more help at the local level. Geotextile tube project will continue, with more funding necessary to insure its success. Samplings from this year’s project will be sent in today.
Laura Walker, Grand Lake/Wabash Alliance Watershed Coordinator, reports on the Watershed Advisory Board meetings – a schedule of guests and events will be drawn up and publicized. A virtual farm tour is near the top of the agenda, wherein actual workings of a farm will be made available for viewing as an educational tool by early next year. The subject of manure digesters was brought up by Gene Marchal as a possible remedy for the excessive nutrients now entering the lake – these digesters are being tested in Wisconsin, as well as in Europe. After the process it goes through, the manure comes out as heat-free organic fertilizer, possibly paying for themselves within eight years. Gene will keep us up to date on the latest information.
Bob Grimm reported on the events of 2007 wherein we celebrated our 60th birthday of supporting Grand Lake, with a handout noting our accomplishments of the past year. From a cake-cutting ceremony in March, Kids Fishing Derby in May, a pig roast in July, immensely successful Barstool Open in August, we had lots to celebrate. More than $30,000 cash was distributed to various projects around the lake and its environs – among them, Franklin Township matching funds for land purchase/green space grant, $1000 for geotextile tube research project, $1000 to Ohio Environmental Council septic law lobby, and many others.
We will be assisting a deserving graduating high school senior from Mercer or Auglaize County who will attend Wright State University working toward a Bachelor’s degree in Earth & Environmental Sciences with a $500 scholarship. The recipient must apply by March 1, 2008 with a merit-based essay; our $500 will be matched by the Western Ohio Education Foundation for a total scholarship of $1000.
UPCOMING DATES TO NOTE:
Kids Fishing Derby – Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Barstool Open – Saturday, August 9, 2008
Next L.I.A. Meeting – Saturday, February 2, 2008 – Celina Moose Lodge
