BCLA Minutes

Board Meeting Minutes - June 20, 2015

	Posted on June 25, 2015
	Big Cormorant Lake Association Annual Meeting Saturday, June 20, 2015 The meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. by President, Jim Colbert in the Cormorant Community Center. Board Members Present: Jim Colbert, Sam Blattenbauer, Randy Christianson, Ramona Borke, Lyle Hansen, Tom Riedman, Jeff Strand, Steve Busch, Merle Zimmerman, Rhonda Wilson, Jenni Barr, and Aaron Stenerson. Karl Koenig of the Becker County Soil and Water Conservation District was introduced and gave an update of the watercraft inspections done on Big Cormorant Lake. Through June 13, 118 watercraft have been inspected. Carol Anhorn, Secretary, was unable to attend the meeting and the minutes of last year’s meeting were not available. Randy Christianson, Treasurer, read the Treasurer's Report. As of Friday, June 19, there were 334 paid members of the BCLA. There is a balance of $40,600. Ed Schaffer moved and Don Galitz seconded to approve the Treasurer’s Report. The report was approved. Spencer McGrew of the Red River Basin Commission reported on their activities. A web-based program that works like an app to identify and report Aquatic Invasive Species was introduced and members were encouraged to use it. Information will be posted on BCLA website and Facebook. Deputy Adam Douglas stated that there will be a deputy on the lake 4th of July weekend and on other busy weekends . He reminded members to report any violations they encounter or see on the lake to the sheriff's department. Also, let neighbors know when you will be gone so they are aware of suspicious activity. Deputy Cody Bouchie explained the new K-9 program the county is trying to get going. Donations are being accepted for the $25,000 start up costs of obtaining a dog and the training and kenneling that goes into the program. Ellis Peterson reported on the activities of the Cormorant Watershed District. They are looking for another member. There are six public accesses in our Watershed District. The opening to Blue Water Bay will be dredged in August. The tree program has been successful. Ellis thanked members for their support and cooperation in repairing the ice damage experienced by lake property owners this spring. Lyle Hansen gave an update on the access inspections on our lake. We have one inspector at each access who are there Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for 10 hours each day. Nathan Olson, DNR Fisheries, was unable to attend the meeting. Steve Busch reported on the gill netting for 2014. The next netting will be in 2017. Board members Jim Colbert, Randy Christianson, Ramona Borke, Rhonda Wilson and Carol Anhorn were presented for re-election to the board. Don Galitz moved to elect the slate presented. Karen Bueling seconded the motion. Motion carried. Lyle Hansen reported on the activities of the Big Cormorant Lakes Area Foundation. There are 160 property owners donating to the Foundation. Lyle Hansen made a motion for the BCLA to make a donation to the Becker County Sheriff’s Department K-9 program in the amount of $1000. Ben Hushka seconded. Motion carried. Jenni Barr, Beach Captains Chair, informed the members about the Welcome Packet that was developed for new property owners. Beach Captains will distribute these. Anyone who has a new neighbor should let their beach captain know so they can get the information to them. Other business discussed: A question was raised regarding the rules for shoreline repair. Ellis Peterson explained that the watershed district needs to be contacted to get a permit. The permit is free. Approved contractors for the projects are listed on the BCLA website. There was discussion about the new North Access design. Ed Schaffer asked if a letter could be written to the Minnesota DNR from the BCLA explaining that the design is not workable and needs to be fixed. The ramp is too steep. The curbing in the middle looks nice but it is difficult to maneuver around it and the porta-potty. Property owners are encouraged to write letters themselves as many letters may do more than just one from the Association. The DNR has acquired the narrow strip of land at the sandy beach where many boats gather. At this time watercraft are still able to beach their crafts. It is unknown if they will need to anchor out on the water in the future. This raised the question about property owners who can't anchor their sailboats in front of their property and approach you to do so in front of yours. The sheriff's department said there are certain regulations the boat owner must follow and if there is a question, contact them and let them handle it so no altercations occur. The 4th of July boat parade will begin from the north access at 11 a.m. on July 4th. New leader is Aaron Stenerson. Don Galitz moved that the 2015 BCLA Annual meeting be adjourned. Greg Nelson 2nd. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Ramona Borke, Board Member (fill-in for Carol Anhorn)

Board Meeting Minutes - June 20, 2015

Posted on June 25, 2015

Big Cormorant Lake Association Annual Meeting Saturday, June 20, 2015

The meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. by President, Jim Colbert in the Cormorant Community Center.

Board Members Present: Jim Colbert, Sam Blattenbauer, Randy Christianson, Ramona Borke, Lyle Hansen, Tom Riedman, Jeff Strand, Steve Busch, Merle Zimmerman, Rhonda Wilson, Jenni Barr, and Aaron Stenerson.

Karl Koenig of the Becker County Soil and Water Conservation District was introduced and gave an update of the watercraft inspections done on Big Cormorant Lake. Through June 13, 118 watercraft have been inspected.

Carol Anhorn, Secretary, was unable to attend the meeting and the minutes of last year’s meeting were not available.

Randy Christianson, Treasurer, read the Treasurer's Report. As of Friday, June 19, there were 334 paid members of the BCLA. There is a balance of $40,600. Ed Schaffer moved and Don Galitz seconded to approve the Treasurer’s Report. The report was approved.

Spencer McGrew of the Red River Basin Commission reported on their activities. A web-based program that works like an app to identify and report Aquatic Invasive Species was introduced and members were encouraged to use it. Information will be posted on BCLA website and Facebook.

Deputy Adam Douglas stated that there will be a deputy on the lake 4th of July weekend and on other busy weekends . He reminded members to report any violations they encounter or see on the lake to the sheriff's department. Also, let neighbors know when you will be gone so they are aware of suspicious activity. Deputy Cody Bouchie explained the new K-9 program the county is trying to get going. Donations are being accepted for the $25,000 start up costs of obtaining a dog and the training and kenneling that goes into the program.

Ellis Peterson reported on the activities of the Cormorant Watershed District. They are looking for another member. There are six public accesses in our Watershed District. The opening to Blue Water Bay will be dredged in August. The tree program has been successful. Ellis thanked members for their support and cooperation in repairing the ice damage experienced by lake property owners this spring.

Lyle Hansen gave an update on the access inspections on our lake. We have one inspector at each access who are there Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for 10 hours each day.

Nathan Olson, DNR Fisheries, was unable to attend the meeting. Steve Busch reported on the gill netting for 2014. The next netting will be in 2017.

Board members Jim Colbert, Randy Christianson, Ramona Borke, Rhonda Wilson and Carol Anhorn were presented for re-election to the board. Don Galitz moved to elect the slate presented. Karen Bueling seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Lyle Hansen reported on the activities of the Big Cormorant Lakes Area Foundation. There are 160 property owners donating to the Foundation.

Lyle Hansen made a motion for the BCLA to make a donation to the Becker County Sheriff’s Department K-9 program in the amount of $1000. Ben Hushka seconded. Motion carried.

Jenni Barr, Beach Captains Chair, informed the members about the Welcome Packet that was developed for new property owners. Beach Captains will distribute these. Anyone who has a new neighbor should let their beach captain know so they can get the information to them.

Other business discussed:

A question was raised regarding the rules for shoreline repair. Ellis Peterson explained that the watershed district needs to be contacted to get a permit. The permit is free. Approved contractors for the projects are listed on the BCLA website.

There was discussion about the new North Access design. Ed Schaffer asked if a letter could be written to the Minnesota DNR from the BCLA explaining that the design is not workable and needs to be fixed. The ramp is too steep. The curbing in the middle looks nice but it is difficult to maneuver around it and the porta-potty. Property owners are encouraged to write letters themselves as many letters may do more than just one from the Association.

The DNR has acquired the narrow strip of land at the sandy beach where many boats gather. At this time watercraft are still able to beach their crafts. It is unknown if they will need to anchor out on the water in the future. This raised the question about property owners who can't anchor their sailboats in front of their property and approach you to do so in front of yours. The sheriff's department said there are certain regulations the boat owner must follow and if there is a question, contact them and let them handle it so no altercations occur.

The 4th of July boat parade will begin from the north access at 11 a.m. on July 4th. New leader is Aaron Stenerson.

Don Galitz moved that the 2015 BCLA Annual meeting be adjourned. Greg Nelson 2nd. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Ramona Borke, Board Member
(fill-in for Carol Anhorn)