Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 9:50 am after some socializing and refreshments.  Bagels were once again brought from Rochester by Richard and Karen R. and coffee was provided thanks to the Star Lake Campus.  Steve G., president, thanked them on behalf of the SLPA.  Steve introduced the officers and attendees introduced themselves and gave their location on the lake.  Current officers are:  Steve Golden, president; Brenda Cean, vice-president; Tess Golden, treasurer; and Bo Ritchings, secretary.  There were 38 in attendance.

The meeting agenda and copies of the last meeting’s minutes were passed around. 

Good/Bad Wildlife Sightings: 

Feets S. noted the new family of Canadian Geese, the first he had ever seen on the lake.  Bo R. pointed out that there was a family last summer as well.  Usually, geese are seen in the spring and fall stopping over in flight; but this is two years in a row that they have nested here.  Members whose shore they have visited  expressed cool enthusiasm at their residency, due to the mess they leave behind.  Mike M. said that a neighbor had spotted a wolf on the Lake Road and Feets saw a black bear in the road near Seevy’s corner.

Steve asked members to see him if interested in obtaining copies of the current New York Boaters’ Guide and the Federal Requirements & Safety Tips for Recreational Boats, which were provided at the last meeting.  He suggested that members (or neighbors) might want to keep up-to-date on current boating regulations.  He asked that extra copies be distributed by members to others on the lake who perhaps should read the materials. 

Feets S. announced that the senior citizens were planning a trip to Alex Bay to include a boat ride to one of the castles.  The trip will take place August 5th, cost is $25 for non-members and they will meet in the school parking lot to leave by 8 am.    

Approval of Minutes:  A motion was made by Bo R. and seconded by Pete K. to approve the minutes of the September 1, 2007 meeting.  Copies were handed out before the meeting and extras are available.

Treasurer’s Report:  Tess G. gave the Treasurer’s Report. 

There was a beginning balance of $4,888.85.  The Association received $720 from dues, and $8 from the sale of a Star Lake Handbook.  Total receipts were $728.  Expenditures included $117.38 in postage/mailing expense, $68.01 in school taxes and $88.86 in Town land taxes (The SLPA owns property at the outlet of the lake--hence the tax bills).  The current balance in the treasury is $5,342.60.  There were 36 paid members as of the beginning of the meeting and that number does not include those who paid at or after the meeting (note: as of 7/11/08, there were 62 paid members).  A motion was made by Scott B. and seconded by John V. to approve the treasurer’s report.

Old Business

Social Committee Chairperson Needed  Steve made a plea for a volunteer(s) to chair the social committee  which is responsible for planning various SLPA events during the summer.  He pointed out that much assistance is given by officers and the events are pretty easy to plan.  Anyone interested in the post should see Steve.  No one volunteered at the time.

Water Quality--Jim W.  Jim was not on campus for the meeting.  Terry B. brought to members’ attention a large display that Jim had prepared for a conference he presented at.  The display was very comprehensive in describing Star Lake water quality.  John B. asked for a layman’s interpretation, as the terms used were difficult to understand.  Terry summarized by stating that the lake’s water quality was very good; better than many Adirondack lakes and that Jim would give a far more comprehensive report at the August 30th meeting which he plans to attend.

Invasive Plant Species Report--Pete and Margi K.  Margi reported that last September’s survey of the water along the lake shoreline by SLPA members and college students indicated no non-native species.  No European milfoil was spotted and the samples sent to the State were identified, in case anyone was interested in vegetation in their bay.  Bo R. put the survey results and a brief article about the program and survey on the website at http://www.slpa.info/members/members.htm.  Purple loosestrife has been spotted along the shoreline in several locations and steps have been taken to eliminate the plant.  A shoreline survey will be done this year looking for such wetland threats.  Ninety lakes and ponds have been surveyed through this program through the Nature Conservancy with no new problems found.  Eleven lakes have been added to the list of participants.  Pete and Margi would like someone else to head up the Star Lake program this year.  Terry B. volunteered his fall students for the job, as this is a relevant activity given courses students are taking.  Their semester begins in August.  Once again, Houghton College students prove to be good lake neighbors. 

Boating Safety Course–Joe R.  Joe and Chuck Y. of Cranberry Lake became Coast Guard certified to teach the Boaters’ Safety Course.  Joe  reported that this summer the course would be held in Cranberry Lake July 11th (6-10 pm) and 12th (from  8-noon).  Joe stated that the law now says that all jet ski (PWC) operators must take this certification course.  Currently, children 10-14 can take the course and operate a PWC.  As of January, 2009, only age 14 and up will be able to do so.  As for boat operation, children age 10-18 can operate a boat if certified; there is no certification required for adults 18+ to drive boats!  Joe highly recommends the course for all boaters.  A question was asked “how many can legally ride a jet ski?”  Joe said that it depends on the jet ski; that some are designed for one, two, even three riders.  He said that the same “rules of the lake” and regulations as to right of way, passing, speed laws, etc. apply to both boats and jet skis (all water craft).  If interested in this class or future classes, contact Joe at 848-5326 or Chuck at 848-3694.

Economic Development–Terry B.  Terry deferred to Mark H., Town of Fine Supervisor.  Mark noted the recent New York Times article about the success of the Newton Falls Fine Paper Mill (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/05/nyregion/05mill.html?_r=1&oref=slogin) and the subsequent visit and TV report by NBC News (see video at http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=en-us&vid=858a40b5-7cb5-439a-a6e1-49e19cdf3018&fg=rss&from=34) that put a positive spin (for a change) on the economic progress at the Mill. 

Mark said that we received a $98,000 DEC grant to hire a community development professional for three years.   That person’s job will be to facilitate the use of the J & L property for further development, to get cell phone coverage and broadband Internet access to the area, and to write grants for further development of the community.  Hank M. asked if marketing the area’s assets was part of the grant.  The answer was “yes”; Hank said that it appeared like a thriving tourist town when driving through; however, there is a lack of hospitality services with only one motel, a B & B and one restaurant.  Mark said Judy Drabicki of the Region 6 DEC seems to want to work with area people to assist in planning. 

The “Cranberry Lake 50” hiking trail around Cranberry lake is now open and patches are available to those who complete the various segments of the hike. See http://cranberrylake50.org/trail_description.htm for more info.

Regarding cell service, Mark said that there would be service; but was not sure when.  We received a $100,000 grant to facilitate getting service to our area.  Verizon has a lease for a tower in Star Lake and is continuing with the application process to the APA to get final approval.  Bo R. said he talked to the land owner and he indicated that all APA requirements have now been met and the APA has indicated that approval might be granted this fall.  Mark said that AT&T and others have expressed an interest in providing service.  Gail A. asked what APA restrictions were regarding cell service.  Mark said that they limited the height of any tower to 40 feet, without a variance.  Pat M. made the point that we were lucky to have Mark as a Town supervisor/lake neighbor/SLPA member and thanked him for his reports on various local government activities.

A question was asked about wireless high-speed Internet access and AirXess.  Bo R., who has been working with the company (but not for them) said that the network was growing, with plans to go to other communities as well.  The problem here is that, with all the hills, trees, and bays on the lake, it is very difficult to reach every household.  APA tower regulation confounds the problem.  New access points are being installed to cover more people.  This is work-in-progress and is on-going.  He said that the best thing to do, if interested in the service, is to fill out an information request form at http://www.AirXcess.com.  This paperwork will trigger a sight survey and an installation, if there is adequate signal strength. 

Mark spoke of the problems and lost sales that Newton Falls Fine Paper Mill had experienced so far, due to old, unreliable phone lines and service.  In light of Verizon’s reluctance to upgrade old T1 lines servicing the mill, the State, County, DANC (Development Authority of the North Country) and the mill have plans to extend fiber cable from Star Lake to Newton Falls.  Jack L. pointed out that, in his opinion, Verizon was not at fault for these losses; although, the Watertown Times article stated that Verizon was unwilling to replace the T1 line to the mill at their cost.

SLPA Website Update–Bo R.  Steve commended Bo on a great job on the SLPA web site at  www.slpa.info which has had over 1350 hits since it began in March, 2007.  Bo reported that improvements to the site have been made, largely over the winter, when more time is available.  Improvements this year were:

• Generally updated text of all articles for relevance & timeliness;

• Spring mailing letter added to “recent meetings”, will do so in the future;

• Added new content:  Free-style canoeing article, Ice-out watch in April, with pictures of lake on first raft ride; Star Lake weather added to “members’ area”; invasive aquatic vegetation report w/picture; members’ picture/article, five more years worth of meeting minutes added to archives, updated President’s area.

• Updated map in “rules of the lake” to a larger size for visibility, added legend which was erroneously left out.

• Some new links were also added to the “links” section.

Bo said that goals for the 2008-2009 winter could include more content in such areas as rafts on Star Lake, the 1995 microburst, and a history of the Star Lake Regatta.  Volunteers are needed to assemble content.  Also, some members have expressed an interest in installing a video camera overlooking the lake to provide a four-season view of the lake for the web site.  Bo would like to duplicate the original secretary’s books that date back to the beginning of the SLPA, for the archives. Bo said that the site is “work in progress” at a pace that time permits.  Hopefully, continued progress can be made each year.

New Business

Summer Events  Brenda C., vice president, referred members to the event calendar that was included the agenda (included below) and spoke briefly about each of the various events.  Brenda reported on the various activities planned, including dates, times, locations, etc.  Special notes:

• A sign-up sheet was passed around for the two lake clean-up days.

• George P. was asked about the Benson Mines Tour this year.  He suggested that one each month be scheduled.  Discussion followed establishing July 12th and August 23rd as dates.  Interested people should come to the Houghton College Campus parking lot by 10:00 am on the date desired. A sign-up sheet was passed around and given to George.

• Brenda asked those interested in the pot luck dinner to call her with the dish to be passed, in order to better-coordinate the meal.  Please call her at 848-2215.

Motion by Roy D.  Roy, in absentia, with specific reference to the non-renewal of membership in the Residents Committee to Protect the Adirondacks (RCPA), made a written motion as follows:  “Before voting to allocate SLPA funds to any interest group, an officer of that group should appear at an SLPA meeting to discuss the mission statements, the agenda and the vision of that group and how they would affect the Adirondacks in general and Star Lake in particular.”  Bo R. seconded the motion. 

Discussion followed.  Terry B. said that the RCPA is very restrictive regarding use of land, water, and the economic development of communities.  The current controversy over flying seaplanes into Lowes lake is a good example.  Mark H. said that a letter of support for landing on Lowes Lake might be in order.  Gail A. asked what the RCPA is.  Steve said that the motion asks for any organization to appear to the SLPA for funding requests.  John B. asked if this would restrict funding.  Steve said that only a few organizations have been funded.  One such organization is the NYS Federation of Lake Associations (FOLA) which we used to belong to; but, after lack of support for a problem we presented to them that we were having over raft registration, it was decided last meeting not to fund membership.  Hank M. wondered if not joining would take away our right to input?  Bo felt that our local organization might best be served by funding local requests that directly benefit the lake community.  Gail A. asked if we need to join and how much are the dues?  She felt that we should have some input.  Steve said that we have asked for volunteers; but no one has ever been interested in attending their meetings to represent our views. 

Scott B. felt that annual membership dues in organizations should not be included in this funding motion and amended the motion so that membership dues could be approved and paid without restriction of appearance before the SLPA. The amendment was seconded by Karen R.  Further discussion followed. Gail A. said there is an advantage to membership—if needed, can help us.  Joan L. pointed out that they probably wouldn’t miss our dues as they have a great deal of money. 

Terry B. noted that the amendment tends to nullify the intent of the original motion yet to be voted on.  After discussion of the wording of the amendment, Chris C. stated that defeating the original motion would have the same effect.  The amendment passed with a 13 to 12 vote.  The amended motion was brought to vote and was defeated.

F.U.N.D Funding  Feets S. made a motion, and was properly seconded to give $300 to F.U.N.D to help contribute to the cost of placing flowers around the community as well as other group projects to beautify Star Lake.  Joan L. described the group’s activities and thanked the SLPA for past support.  The motion was carried.

Free-style Canoe Symposium  Terry B. reminded the group that July 20-24, on campus, there will be a free-style canoe symposium.  Canoe lessons from beginning to expert are available.  A recital will be held on July 23rd at the Campus beach at about 7:00 pm.  More information about the event can be found at http://www.freestylecanoeing.com/. Bo R. pointed out that sign-up information, the group’s web site and an article about the symposium can be found on our web site at http://www.slpa.info/.

Nominating Committee  Steve appointed himself as a nominating committee for the election of officers at the next meeting.  He said he would like to step down as president and asked the group for volunteers.  Other officers agreed to serve next year, if elected.  Mike M., former president, said he would consider serving one more year if no one indicated interest in the position.        

Other Business  There was no other business

Adjournment

Motion was made and seconded to adjourn.  The meeting was adjourned at 11:35 am.

Respectfully submitted by Bo R., Secretary, Star Lake Protective Association

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 9:45 a.m. after some socializing and refreshments.  Bagels were once again brought from Rochester by Richard and Karen R. and coffee and juice were provided thanks to the Star Lake Campus.  Steve G., president, thanked them on behalf of the SLPA and also thanked Terry B. for once again placing our buoys on the rock bars.  Everyone introduced themselves; the group totaled 32.

The meeting agenda was passed around, along with a small copy of our calendar of events for the summer. 

Good/Bad Wildlife Sightings:  Feets S. mentioned that he was surprised by a 500 lb. black bear.  Other sightings of the now infamous “bird feeder marauder” were reported at other locations around the back side of the lake.  Rovie H. reported seeing a huge turtle on Hiawatha Island.  Others reported snapping turtles trying to lay eggs on the sandy shore.  Richard R. asked if anyone had seen lake otters swimming around Scott’s Point.  They could be minks or small muskrats.  Bo R. noted damage to his raft from muskrats that hang out around Swiss Point.  No vandalism or bad lake behavior was reported; although a large boat was seen last week near the cut apparently trying to swamp a sailboat by driving tight circles around the sailboat.

Steve passed around some newspaper articles of interest submitted by Mike M.  In response to requests from the last meeting, current New York Boaters Guides and the federal equivalent were provided for members and their families, so that they might keep up-to-date on current boating regulations.  Steve asked that extra copies be distributed by members to others who should read the materials.  It was suggested that copies be made available to those who rent cottages on the lake.  More copies are available.    

Approval of Minutes:  A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the August 26, 2006 meeting.  It was noted that if anyone did not get a copy of the minutes, extras were available.

Treasurer’s Report:  Tess G. gave the Treasurer’s Report. 

There was a beginning balance of $4,245.29 as of September 1, 2006.  The Association received $180 from dues for 2006 and $8 from the sale of a Star Lake Handbook.  $560 in dues has been received so far in 2007.  Total Receipts were $748.  Expenditures included $2.22 in mailing expense, $72.06 in school taxes and $85.77 in Town land taxes (The SLPA owns property at the outlet of the lake--hence the tax bills).   We also paid $35 in dues to the New York Federation of Lakes Association (NYFOLA) and $50 in dues to the Residents’ Committee to Protect the Adirondacks (RCPA).  Other payments were $149.75 to reimburse Bo R. for 26 months of web hosting for the SLPA website and $244 to Kim Adams, who we hired to do an egg population survey this spring to help predict the severity level of eastern tent caterpillar damage this summer.  Expenses totaled $638.80.  There are 32 paid members as of the beginning of the meeting.  Mike M. asked how this compared with other years; Tess said that it is about average1 and many paid at the meeting and are not included in the totals.  The current balance in the treasury is $4,354.49.  A motion was made and seconded to approve the treasurer’s report.

Old Business

SLPA Website Update  Steve asked how many present had seen the recently-launched SLPA web site, at http://www.slpa.info.  Only a few had seen it.  He went on to say that when first we discussed the site, he was expecting only a basic web site with one or two pages; but that he was pleasantly surprised by how much information was on the site.  He and the members thanked Bo R. for his efforts in creating and maintaining the site with a round of applauds.  Bo thanked all and reminded members that there is a username and password needed to enter the members’ area of the web site.  Volunteers are needed to provide additional content.

Summer Events  Steve referred members to the summer calendar that was passed around (included below) and spoke briefly about each of the various events.  A sign-up sheet was passed around for the lake clean-up days. 

• Rafts Across the Water  Steve reported that we would try to see how many rafts we could rope together to see how far we could stretch across the water.  It didn’t happen last year due to bad timing, since it was the same day as the poker run.  Some discussion occurred as to whether we should publicize the event, since rafting seems to be distinctive to Star Lake.  It was decided that we should do a “dry run” first to see how it goes.  If successful, perhaps it could become a media event next year with a new record to break.

• Free-Style Canoeing  Of particular note is the return of Free-Style Canoeing to the Houghton College Star Lake Campus on July 15^th to the 18^th.  The group travels across the country on tour performing, competing and giving canoeing lessons to those interested.  Canoeists perform solo and duet routines set to music involving strict discipline and timing.  Canoe lessons are offered to those interested during the 3-day stay, which culminates in a “recital” where professionals demonstrate their skill.  This will be held at 7:00 pm on July 18^th at the Star Lake Campus beach.   Some of the best things in life are free—don’t miss this interesting and entertaining demonstration.

• Poker Run  Steve reported that the poker run last year was successful and we are going to have one again this year.  The Poker Run is a self-funding fun day on the lake.  Participants will register on the sand bar at noon; then travel to various places on the lake to pick up their poker hand cards.  Hands are compared back at the sandbar and winners split half the revenue collected.  The other half goes toward supplying refreshments for participants and their boat crews at a gathering on the sandbar after the poker run.

• Lake Clean-up Day  The SLPA has organized two road cleanup sessions for each of the past two years and will do so again this year on July 9th and August 23rd.  Members were asked to volunteer on the sign-up sheet to help keep the roads around the lake free of litter and attractive to walkers.

• Tour of Benson Mines  Tours conducted by George P. have been interesting and informative to those who attended the tour.  George agreed to do it again this year, if there is enough interest.  A tentative date was set for August 11^th, 10:00 a.m.  People should meet at the Star Lake Campus.

Water Quality  Steve said that since Jim W. was not able to make the meeting, we would postpone Jim’s report until the August meeting.

Invasive Aquatic Plants Training  Our thanks go to Pete and Margie K. for volunteering to attend the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program held on June 26^th in Speculator, NY.  Pete and Margie reported that the one-day workshop focused on invasive aquatic plants.  Participants were trained to identify types of milfoil and other invasive plants that might be found in the lake.  Another session will be held later in the summer that focuses on land-based invasive plants, such as Purple Loosestrife, also spotted on Star Lake. 

Pete and Margie asked for volunteers to help conduct two shoreline surveys to take samples and look for invasive species.  Samples will be collected and sent to the State for positive identification.  The shore line will then be mapped so that areas of concern can be monitored.  Steve asked when the survey should take place; Pete said the first survey will be conducted during the 2^nd half of summer.  Volunteers will break up into smaller groups to survey their assigned piece of the shore line and take samples of suspicious plant life, noting its location.  Terry B. volunteered some help from Houghton students and Jim W., since these activities can be dove-tailed into their curriculum. 

The most dangerous threat to our lake is Eurasian Milfoil which usually enters the lake on the bottoms of boats and trailers that are moved from lake to lake.  Milfoil has been found in Cranberry Lake and is firmly entrenched in Lake Bonaparte.  Bo R. asked if there was a correlation between lakes with milfoil and lakes with public boat launches.  He went on to describe the problems Lake Bonaparte had after its carry-on only site became a full NYS public boat launch.  It’s just a matter of time before it becomes a very serious problem in Star Lake, if we don’t take a pro-active stand against it and other threats, like Purple Loosestrife.  It was suggested that we involve those who rent cottages in the education process so that they can work with people who temporarily launch boats in Star Lake, such as renters. 

Thanks again, to Pete & Margie K., and to John S., who used to conduct the surveys in the past.  

Economic Development Corporation Report  Terry B. presented information about several programs that the committee had been working on.

Waterfront Revitalization Project  State grants are applied for by the Wildlife Conservation Society to improve public access to local waterfront areas, including the Oswegatchie River, Cranberry Lake, and Star Lake.  Much discussion followed about public access, what it means and its potentially negative impact on the lake.  

Prioritizing by committee members, from public feedback, has placed Star Lake low on the list for projects.  Steve acknowledged that Star Lake is low on the list, but, nonetheless, is on the list.  Terry said that they were also interested in using the Houghton College beach for a public swimming area, but that it’s off the list now.  Bo R. said that there are some very compelling reasons why we all should maintain the private nature of this lake.  Star Lake’s small size, the lack of public facilities for gas, food and rest rooms and the lack of public shoreline make its use for public boating less than desirable.  The threats that public boat launches pose to the lake environment are many, including introduction of invasive species such as Milfoil.  Bo reiterated the problems that occurred in Lake Bonaparte when their carry-on launch site became a full NYS public boat launch. 

Bo pointed out that it was the mission of the SLPA to protect the lake and its surrounds2; and an easy case could be made that public access on Star Lake is in conflict with that purpose.  Therefore he would like the SLPA as a lake organization to officially “take a stand against public access on Star Lake.”  He made it a motion, seconded by Denis F.  Much discussion on the motion followed.  Mike M. suggested, as an amendment, the words “further access…” since we already have a carry-on site.  Bo felt that the word “further” would imply that we condone and support the carry-on public access site, and many do not.  Some felt that we should move slowly and not start a war.  Others were worried we might appear to be elitists.  All acknowledged that every piece of shoreline on the lake is privately owned (presently, there is no public property on the lake).  Property owners pay very high taxes to be on the lake and some didn’t feel that the privacy they pay to enjoy should be jeopardized by negative impact from public access.  Some felt that the lake was already overused; that advertising a public site would only add to overuse.  The use of the lake for drinking water, the small size of the lake and problems other lakes have had resulting from public access were all discussed. 

Terry B. suggested that we write a letter to the committee expressing our disapproval of any efforts to create public access to the lake.  Richard R. suggested that we not jump in; but should clearly define the reasons for our position and send them to the committee along with a cover letter.  Gail A. said that perhaps we could soften the language a little; Gail “volunteered" to chair a committee to articulate the reasons (many mentioned already) why the SLPA is opposed to public access on the lake.  A hand vote was taken on the original motion and the motion was carried.

Cranberry Lake 50-mile Hike Terry reported that the Five Ponds Partners subcommittee is working on a map of the hiking trails around Cranberry Lake as part of a Cranberry Lake 50-mile hike. 

The president of the paper mill  The president of the newly opened paper mill will speak at the EDC meeting July 19^th .  Terry said the meeting is open to the public. 

Ten Favorite Hikes  Terry reported that a pamphlet called Ten Favorite Hikes in the Townships of Clifton and Fine has been produced by the Five Pond Partners and The Ranger School.  Funding came from the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Adirondack Communities and Conservation Program, the same organization that is seeking funding for waterfront access projects.  Terry noted to the group that the WCS-ACC is involved in a variety of activities with positive, beneficial results such as the funding for this very well-done pamphlet.

New Business

Sharing of Sales Prices of Lake Property  Mike M. suggested that the SLPA collect and share sale price information about the recent sales of lakefront properties on Star Lake.  He thought it would be of interest when looking at property values, assessments and taxes.  Questions were raised as to how useful the info would be, who would collect and distribute it and whether or not we really need or want to know.  The information is public and as such, can be obtained easily via the Town of Fine website.  There seemed to be little interest in the suggestion and no action was taken.

Hull Identification Numbers for Rafts  Bo R., as a point of interest to raft owners on the lake, spoke of the problems John B. has had getting his raft registered.  Rafts have, up until now, been considered “home-made boats” and have been issued Hull Identification Numbers (HIN) similar to VIN’s in cars.  Once one has a number, he or she can then complete the boat registration with the DMV. 

John applied last year and didn’t hear anything about the progress of his application for months.  This spring, he followed it up by contacting the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to check his application’s status.  They referred him to an individual in NYS Parks and Recreation, who are keepers and creators of Hull Identification numbers and who mysteriously lost all of John’s paperwork!  John was told over the phone that the law was changed last year and that they would not be issuing numbers anymore for “those rafts on Star Lake.”  When asked if they still need to be registered, the answer was “yes;” when asked if tickets could be issued for no registration, the answer again was “yes.”  The Parks and Recreation people see our rafts not as boats, but as swimming platforms and docks.  Obviously, this guy has never been to Star Lake; nor has he ever been on a raft!  He did say that those who had already registered rafts would not be affected by the new rules.  They argued back and forth until John finally hung up in disgust.  That was this past spring.  John has since started the procedure over again, making notes along the way.  He was stopped at the same place again, with the same story!

So….  Bo felt that we need to get more information.  Apparently the rules of one bureaucracy are in conflict with another’s rules and people who are trying to obey the law and follow the rules are once again caught in the middle in a “catch 22”.  Steve suggested that we should make some inquiries and follow up on this at the next meeting.

NYS Boaters Safety Course  Joe R. asked if there was any interest in having a boaters’ safety course on Star Lake.  Joe said Terry Smith offers one on Cranberry Lake.  Presently, PWC operators of all ages and boaters under 16 need to take the course to get certified to legally operate their boats.  Joe said that he and Chuck Y. have an opportunity to take the course from the State to become instructors; or the State will send an instructor, if there is enough interest for a class later this summer.  Bo R. said that the SLPA should support boater safety instruction in Star Lake as a service to the lake community in answer to complaints last year about unsafe boating on the lake.  He suggested we advertise the possibility in the Bargain Hunter and see if there are enough people interested to hold a class.  Terry B. agreed to offer the Campus facilities for the classes.  Most agreed it was a good idea, so Joe said he would look into it.

S. O. S. Report  Joe R. also reported activities of the Save Our Schoolhouse Committee.  He said that the old Star Lake Schoolhouse is, for now, out of immediate danger thanks to the efforts of committee members and the good cooperation with the Town of Fine.  Fund raisers this summer include an ice cream social and a 5-K walk.  Joe said that Jean G., town historian will be speaking next Monday at 7:00 if anyone is interested.  Joe thanked everyone for their support of the project, which is to find an economically viable alternative use for the old school house landmark, which was slated for demolition.

Other Business  There was no other business

Adjournment

Motion was made and seconded to adjourn.  The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 am.

Respectfully submitted by Bo R., Secretary, Star Lake Protective Association