August 27, 2011 Annual Dinner Meeting at the Twin Lakes Hotel

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 6:04 pm by President Vito T. after a cocktail hour and much socializing at the Twin Lakes Hotel in Star Lake.

Vito welcomed members and guests.  Officers were introduced to the group and members introduced themselves.  Thirty-six members and guests attended.

Available Literature  Vito indicated that copies of the agenda and the tentative June 25^th regular meeting minutes were available and passed them around, along with a sign-in sheet.  Vito noted the DEC’s response to our letter regarding the carry-on boat launch site printed on the back of the agenda, to be discussed later in the meeting.  Also available was the latest New York State Boaters’ Guide which spells out safety rules and operator requirements for those who have boats or jet skis on the lake.  Vito also noted that we have copies of the Star Lake Handbook for sale to members at $5; for non-members, $8.  Vito acknowledged a thank-you note expressing appreciation for our contribution to F.U.N.D. from Joan L..

Wildlife Sightings  Marty R. spoke of the unusually wild life on the sandbar the day of the Poker Run!  People with oversized sun glasses and speedo’s were observed having far too good a time after the Poker Run.  No other wildlife was reported.  (secretary’s note:  while not mentioned at the meeting, this was the summer we all got to watch a baby loon grow from hatching to adulthood—a great rarity on Star Lake.) 

Approval of Minutes  Steve G. made a motion; seconded by Paul L. to approve the minutes of the June 25, 2011 Regular Meeting as presented.  Copies were available for member inspection.  There was no discussion; the motion was carried.

Treasurer’s Report  Tess G. gave the Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning balance as of 6/25/11 was $6,645.97.  Revenues were $590 from dues; $38 from the sale of Star Lake Handbooks; and $267 from the Poker Run.  Revenues totaled $895.  Payments included $150 reimbursement to Mike M. for the cost of water sampling equipment, per the last meeting.    A $300 contribution to F.U.N.D was paid.  Refreshment costs for the June meeting were $8.04.  Poker Run expenses were $159.78.  Bargain Hunter ads for the dinner meeting cost $75.  Lake clean-up costs for bags and latex gloves totaled $21.79.  Secretary’s meeting expenses for copying cost $14.52.  Total expenses paid were $729.11.  The ending balance as of 8/27/11 is $6,811.86.  There were 73 members to date, including 4 associate members).  Motion was made and carried to approve the treasurer’s report.

Old Business

Star Lake Regatta – President Vito informed members that the Annual Star Lake Regatta would be held Saturday and perhaps Sunday, September 3^rd and 4^th.  Captains should meet at 9:00 am at Hank M.’s dock in post office bay for course details and start times.

Social Committee - Trudy C. and Daphne H. are co-chairs of the committee.  The social committee purpose is to plan and carry out various SLPA social activities, including the annual dinner meeting.  Trudy requested volunteers for upcoming and new events.  Marty R., Pam T., Steve G., Eileen B., and Karen R. offered to join the committee.

SLPA and Lake Events  Reports were given on the summer’s lake activities:

• Poker Run  Steve G. reported that the 7^th Annual Poker Run, held August 6^th, was the best yet!  The 2009 poker run held the record of 64 hands and put a positive $51 in profit into the treasury.  This year, there were a record 94 hands.  $535 was collected from the sale of hands at $5 for members; $10 for non-members.  Expenses came to $160.50 and $267 in prizes was awarded.  $107 in net profit went back to the treasury from the event.  The winning hand was a flush held by Jack B., who won $138!  Steve pointed out that the objective of the Poker Run was to get people together and have a good time; not to raise money for the SLPA.  This year, both were accomplished!  A negative-cost fun event is a win-win situation.

• Lake Clean-ups  We had two lake clean-up days again this summer.  Vito thanked all members and others who participated by reading their names.  Daphne H. asked if the 1^st lake clean-up next year could be held on the Sunday following the Star Lake Firemen’s field day, to help them out with cleaning up after the field day.  Discussion was tabled until later, when the calendar would be discussed.

• Benson Mines Tour  George P. conducted another tour on July 23^rd.  George was not at the meeting for comment.  “Thanks” again go to George, who has conducted numerous interesting and informative tours over the past several years.

Star Lake Carry-on Boat Launch Update - Vito asked Bo R. to update the group in response to complaints by post office bay residents that the carry-on site was being used as a party beach by some local residents. 

Bo summarized discussions at the June 25^th meeting regarding problems at the site.  For the past several years, some people have been using the site as if it were a public beach.  It is not.  It is privately owned by Dr. Cynthia B., an SLPA member.  By agreement with the DEC, the land can only be used by the public to launch small watercraft to gain access to the lake.  The agreement was necessary in order for the DEC to maintain its fish stocking program.  Neighbors have complained often of swimming, loitering, picnicking, drinking, littering, loud, foul language, and trespassing on neighboring properties.  A motion was made, seconded and passed at the Regular Meeting for the SLPA to compose a letter to the DEC, who is responsible for the site’s maintenance. 

Bo composed a letter August 8^th on behalf of the SLPA to Judy Drabicki, Regional Director of Region 6 of the DEC and also, to Dr. B., by way of information.  These letters are available if anyone wishes to read them.  On August 26^th, Bo received a very positive response from Ms. Drabicki.  A copy of the letter was included on the back of the agenda for people to read.  In addition to a site visit by the DEC to determine the need for additional signs as requested, Ms. Drabicki has asked DEC officers to patrol the area more frequently, particularly on hot, sunny days when the site is more likely to be abused.  She has also provided the requested phone numbers and resource people in order for people in the bay to directly report abuse of the site in the future, if necessary.  The DEC will also place standard invasive species warning signs at the sight, as they do at other sites.  Bo said that the timely proactive response was excellent and addressed all of our concerns—the group agreed.

Mark H., Town of Fine Supervisor, an SLPA member and a post office bay resident who has observed said bad behavior on the site said he has had conversations with local NY State Police officers about the situation and they indicated that they would also help to patrol the site and respond to complaints.

New Business

Town of Fine Update  Mark H., Town of Fine Supervisor, said that there was not much to report since the June meeting.  Mark noted that he has worked with Judy Drabicki of the DEC on many occasions regarding the J & L site clean-up and she has been very supportive of the area and its problems.  She recently helped us get a $75,000 Smart Growth Grant to fund our Community Coordinator, Liz Cooper.

• Cell Service  Regarding cell service and the construction of the cell tower, Mark stated that it is in Verizon’s hands now.  The APA has approved it; we are waiting for Verizon.

• Broadband  SLIC Network Solutions is still on schedule to deploy fiber optic cable to the home in Star Lake next spring that will provide high-speed Internet, digital phone and cable TV service.  “Fiber to the Home” will provide a 3 Mbps connection for high-speed Internet and unlimited digital phone service at a cost of $80 per month to the customer.  Installations in Star Lake will begin in 2012.  Newton Falls already has the Internet and phone service in operation.

• Meeting with County Legislators at School Regarding J & L Property Cleanup  Mark thanked members of the community who attended the first St. Lawrence County Legislators’ meeting to ever be held in Star Lake.  The meeting was held on August 8^th.  Mark said the legislators were impressed with the community turnout in support of the J & L cleanup.  Judy Drabicki of the DEC and county officials still want to give the consultant who overspent the DEC study grant a chance to correct the situation.  Next week, Mark and Judy will meet with Congressman Bill Owens to investigate any help the federal government might be able to give. 

Items for SLPA consideration – Vito introduced Dave B. who had two items for the group to consider for next year:  (no SLPA action is necessary currently)

• J & L Site an Eyesore from Rt. 3  Dave said that the site cleanup might take many years, felt that trees should be planted along Route 3 to cover up the old, decrepit J & L buildings for passersby.  Sources for trees are being researched; SLPA members might be asked to help plant them.

• SLPA/Cranberry Lake Boat Club  Dave suggested that there was some interest in the two communities coming together by participating in each other’s events.  The SLPA might enter a boat in the Cranberry Lake Cardboard Boat Race, to be held July 28^th, 2012.  Cranberry Lakers have shown some interest in entering the Star Lake Regatta also, which is being reorganized as an SLPA event.  

2012 Calendar Dates  Vito handed out a calendar, prepared by Bo R., of tentative dates for next year’s events.  Bo said that the dates were only a starting point for discussion; that it would be nice if we tried to establish these dates sooner than next spring, as was done in the past.  Discussion followed.  Bo pointed out that the 4^th of July is on a Wednesday next year and it wasn’t clear when the official 4^th of July weekend would be; the group agreed that the Regular meeting should be on June 30^th, as June 23^rd is too early.  Daphne H. suggested (earlier) that the first Lake cleanup date be moved from July 14^th to Sunday, July 15^th, as the Star Lake Firemen’s Field Day is on the 14^th.  She said that it would be nice if we got some extra volunteers and helped with the clean-up along Rt. 3 after the field day, to help out the firemen.  Doing our normal cleanup the same day would be pointless.  We could still clean up the perimeter of the lake on Sunday.  The group agreed.  It was suggested that the Benson Mines tour be moved up to July 21^st to avoid conflict with the Cranberry Lake Cardboard Boat Race on the 28^th.  The group agreed.  Joe R. suggested that the Poker Run be moved up a week to August 4^th which is the day before the SOS 5K run.  Joe felt that they got better participation in the SOS events if they were scheduled the same weekend as the Poker Run.  The group agreed.  The rest of the dates were “ok” with the group.  Corrections will be made to the calendar.

2011 Dues  Tess G. made a motion, seconded by Steve G., to keep regular member dues for 2012 at the present rate of $20 per year, associate member dues $10 per year.  The motion was carried.  There was a question as to what we do with “all that money” in the treasury.  Steve G. said that, in addition to general SLPA overhead and event expenses, we have to be ready for the possibility of the need for major expenditures.  He pointed out the recent caterpillar infestation where we paid an entomologist to conduct an egg population study to determine if spraying would be necessary.  Had it been, it would have cost thousands of dollars.  Jan Mitchell pointed out that those caterpillars cycle every 7 years and we need to be ready for them again.  Steve said that we are fortunate to have the 3^rd cleanest lake in the Adirondacks and we need to have a substantial amount in the treasury to cover potential problems like a milfoil invasion and a consequential removal project.  All agreed that the treasury balance afforded us the flexibility we need to address future demands to protect the lake and conduct SLPA business.

Donation to S. O. S. (Adirondack Exhibition Center)  Bo R. suggested that, since we will be meeting once again and in the future at the old Star Lake schoolhouse for our regular meetings, we should make a donation to the group, who has worked so hard to restore the old schoolhouse.  Chairs are needed for such meetings and cost $30 per chair, with the donor’s name printed on the back of the chair.  Discussion as to amounts followed.  A motion was made by Scott B.; seconded by Pam T., to donate 10 chairs at a cost of $300.  Motion was carried.

Election of Officers for 2012  Steve G., as the nominating committee of one, asked if there were any nominations for officers for 2012.  No other nominations were made.  As all present officers agreed to serve again, Steve presented a proposed slate of officers:  Vito T., president; Ginny C., vice-president; Tess G., treasurer; and Bo R., secretary.  Steve made a motion seconded by Scott B. for the secretary to cast one ballot to elect the proposed slate of officers for 2012.  Motion to accept the slate as presented was carried.

Other Business

 No other business was brought before the group.

Adjournment

Motion was made, seconded and carried to adjourn.  The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 pm and an excellent Twin Lakes Hotel dinner followed.

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

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 10:15 am by Vito T., president, after a “welcome back, get to know you” social period.  Bagels were provided by Dick and Karen R.; coffee cake and juice were provided by Trudy C. and Daphne H. of the social committee.  Coffee was provided by the Adirondack Exhibit Center.  Vito thanked all on behalf of the SLPA.  The officers were introduced and attendees introduced themselves and gave their locations on the lake.  Current officers are:  Vito T., president; Ginny C., vice-president; Tess G., treasurer; and Bo R., secretary.  

Vito also thanked Phil C., Joe R. and others who worked so hard to resurrect the old schoolhouse and make it available to us for meetings.  He pointed out that the SLPA used to meet at the Star Lake school house regularly back in its early days.  Vito also put in a plug for the dedication ceremony to be held June 26^th.  He spoke of the Adirondack chairs to be raffled and the need for a new roof for which Fred Z. has offered to provide the labor.  The meeting agenda and copies of the last meeting’s minutes were passed around for members’ review.  There were 30 in attendance.

Good/Bad Wildlife Sightings:  Ginny C. told of the big news this year—a baby loon in South bay has been spotted with its parents.  This is big because no one could remember loons ever nesting on Star Lake due to the lack of a good, quiet nesting location.  Mike M. noted recent fox and porcupine activities.  Daphne H. has seen a fox on Scott’s Point.  John B. has seen quite a few woodchucks, Hank M. saw a doe near Pine Street, and Steve G. mentioned that there seemed to be more ticks than usual. 

Literature Available:  Vito told members that copies of the current New York Boaters’ Guide and the Federal Requirements & Safety Tips for Recreational Boats were available for the asking after the meeting. 

Approval of Minutes:  A motion was made by Steve G., seconded by Ginny C., and voted upon unanimously to approve the minutes of the August 28, 2010 annual meeting.  

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

There was a beginning balance of $6,054.79.  The Association received $510 from members for dinner at the Annual Meeting in August, 2010.  We received $140 in dues during August/September of 2010 and $870 more during the spring of 2011.  Total receipts were $1,520.  Total expenditures of $928.82 included $630 paid to the Twin Lakes Hotel for dinner, $66.20 for school taxes and $100.91 for Town land taxes.  Tess answered a question regarding the property taxes.  She explained that the SLPA owns property at the outlet of the lake--hence the tax bills.  Meeting and mailing costs of $131.71 were reimbursed to the secretary.  The current balance in the treasury is $6,645.97.  There were 49 members and 4 associate members to date, not including those who paid at the meeting.  A motion was made and seconded to approve the treasurer’s report; motion carried. 

Social Committee Report:  Daphne H. & Trudy C. spoke of the need to make plans for the August Annual Dinner Meeting.  Discussion followed regarding where to have the dinner--consensus was Star Lake.  Many enjoyed the meeting last year at the Twin Lakes Hotel.  Bo pointed out that we could arrange, with proper notice, just about any meal and suggested Prime Rib.  More discussion took place regarding prices and how the Association might supplement the cost of dinner for a member and guest.  An alternative menu should be offered.  A motion was made by Hank M.; seconded by Feets S. to have the dinner at the Twin Lakes hotel on Saturday, August 27th.  Members (and 1 guest) will pay $15 per plate; the Association will pay the cost per plate that exceeds $15.  Others will pay the full cost of the plate, which is yet to be determined.  Motion was carried.

Old Business

Local Economic Update – Mark H., Town of Fine Supervisor  Mark, also an SLPA member, updated the group on a number of items of interest.

• Cell Tower  The APA in mid-April approved the construction of a cell tower by Verizon for Star Lake to be placed on the hill near the water tower.  It will be almost tree-height and look like a pine tree.  We are still not sure when the tower will be built; but it is in Verizon’s court now.  Perhaps by the end of the year?

• Broadband Internet Service  Mark commended Bill H. for his work on the Broadband Committee of the Economic Development Corporation.  St. Lawrence Internet Connection (SLIC) will be installing a 3-mbs fiber optic connection to the home with bundles available for unlimited telephone and a cable TV package.  Fine, Star Lake, Cranberry Lake, Oswegatchie, and Wanakena are slated for coverage; Star Lake installations will start in 2012.  Broadband and Phone will cost $80 per month; add cable TV for $70 more. 

• J & L Cleanup  On August 8^th, the St. Lawrence County Operations Committee meeting will be held in the school auditorium at 5:30.    Fred Morrill convinced legislators to come to Star Lake.  Mark suggests we come to the meeting for a show of support.  Mike M. suggested a raft ride; John B., a tour of the S. O. S. building to show more local support.  The J & L cleanup has been a frustrating situation.  The County obtained a DEC grant to investigate the cleanup of the site.  The County hired CDM Consultants who charged for things not covered by the NYS grant.  The DEC pays for 90% of investigation, but much of the $ 650,000 the County paid was rejected by the DEC.  The DEC only approved about $ 250,000 for the project.  The County has no money to complete the investigation--big mess.  The County has agreed to take possession of the property.  Once the County receives State requirements for completion, they can proceed.  The August 8 meeting should be positive as they are close to shutting down the whole project.  Feets S. asked who owns J & L?  Mark said that Hargrove from Canada is still the legal owner; has not paid back taxes.  Trudy C. asked what the ultimate goal was.  Mark said that the goal was to complete the investigation and conduct the clean-up so that further development can happen.  The 2^nd step is to find capital; and the 3^rd step is to redevelop the property as an industrial/business park, which would be a boon to the local economy.

• Newton Falls Fine Paper  Bo asked about the mill’s plans for a biomass generating project at the J & L site.  Mark said that plans probably won’t happen now.  Newton Falls Fine Paper decided last week not to reopen unless they can find a capital partner.  The mill had stopped manufacturing December of 2010—not profitable; An April, 2011 decision laid off 90 workers with severance pay and medical until July.  As of June, only ten are still working on maintenance and security.  The mill is looking for a capital partner to make their business plan work.  They hope to build a wet chip biomass boiler and new colander stack to help cut costs of production.  A question was raised about a natural gas line; Mark said that it is a possibility but is a 3-4 year project.   

• RenewSLC.org  Mark spoke of the web site for homeowners, businesses and consumers sponsored by the SLC Industrial Development Agency (IDA).  The site provides information about rebates, subsidies, incentives and grants available to St. Lawrence County residents to help lower energy costs and conserve energy.  Mark mentioned a free home energy audit and a home sealing program subsidized by National Grid.  See http://www.renewslc.org for details.

• New Code Enforcement Officer  Bernie English from Syracuse has been hired by the Town of Fine to enforce local laws for clean-up of properties and for local code enforcement.  Daphne asked Mark about a big town clean-up day.  Mark said it was a possibility; but would be costly and difficult to organize.

• APA Commissioners  Mark stated that there are four out of five “in-park” APA Commissioners serving on expired terms.  Of the twelve counties that make up the 6 million Adirondack Park, St. Lawrence County ranks fourth in acreage in the park.  St. Lawrence County has never had one of the five “in-park” commissioners since the agency was established in 1972.  Sherman Craig from Wanakena has submitted his name for consideration.  

President Vito thanked Mark for his informative update and encouraged members to attend the August 8th County meeting at the school.  Joe R. thanked Mark for his help with locating a sign for the dedication of the S. O. S. building on Route 3.

Summer SLPA Activities and Events – Vito spoke about upcoming SLPA events and reminded people that the social committee needs volunteers so that the burden doesn’t fall on just a few.

• Poker Run – will be August 6^th, starting at noon on the sandbar.  Members and crew can register as many hands as they like, at $5 per hand; non-members, $10 per hand.  People pick up a card at each of five locations around the lake and turn in their hand at the sandbar afterwards.  Cash prizes are awarded for the best three hands and the worst hand.  Steve G. said they were looking for another card distribution point; Vito volunteered.

• Lake Cleanups – a sign-up sheet was circulated for people to volunteer to help clean up the lake for one or both of the dates of July 9th and August 13th.  Volunteers should come to the school parking lot by 9:00 am at the latest.  Latex gloves and bags will be provided.  A question was asked about cleaning up the whole town; not just around the lake.  Joe R. pointed out that the Golf Course Road was really bad.  Pam T. questioned whether or not there would be enough volunteers, as that has generally limited us in past as to how much territory we can cover.  Further discussion followed with no action taken.

• Benson Mines Tour – George P.  Once again, George has volunteered to take people for a tour of the old Benson Mines properties.  The tour will begin at George’s gravel pit on Route 3, across from the post office at 10:00 am on July 23^rd.  Rain date is July 30^th.  A sign-up sheet was circulated.

Water Quality Testing Report - Mike M. presented results of a report about Star Lake water quality that resulted from sampling done in 2010 by Mike and his wife Mary Lou under the auspices of the Adirondack Lake Assessment Program.  This is the first year Star Lake has participated in this program and we are fortunate to have had Mike and Mary Lou show the interest and do the sampling and follow-ups.  Mike and Mary Lou have volunteered to continue Star Lake water sampling (no longer being done by Houghton College) to monitor the condition and quality of our lake.  Mike reported that they paid $150 for testing equipment to test for clarity and collect water samples three times during the summer months.  The samples are then sent in for analysis.  Mike summarized the report—the lake is in very good shape.  Clarity is good, to 5.5 meters.  One area of concern is that the report indicated high chloride levels and low phosphate levels which together might indicate contamination from road salt.  The report had been forwarded to Mark H. who in turn, forwarded it to the town highway department.  Bo R. commented that we are fortunate to have Mike and Mary Lou continuing the water sampling program and made a motion, seconded by Daphne H., to reimburse the M.s for their out-of-pocket costs of $150, thus paying for the testing equipment.  Motion was carried.   

SLPA Website Update – Bo R.  The SLPA web site at www.slpa.info has been up for over four years and has had more than 4,200 visits since it began in March, 2007.  Bo reported that no new content was added over the winter, except for ‘Tis the Season photos as the year progressed.  There is also real-time weather available on the home page, thanks to the new weather station maintained by Bill D. at the far end of Post Office Bay.  Vito thanked Bo for his time and effort regarding the web site and the assembly concurred.

Mailing Information  Vito asked the group to make sure that Bo has a current e-mail address for everyone.  This year, our spring mailing costs were reduced to $80 for printing and postage – a savings of $40 due to the 56 copies that were e-mailed.  It is easier and less expensive to send communications via e-mail.  If you change your e-mail address, please notify Bo.

New Business

Boating Safety Course – Joe R.  Joe said the course is for ages 10 and up and will cost $35 per registrant.  Joe stated that the law now says that all jet ski (PWC) operators, regardless of age, must take this certification course.  Currently, only children 14 and up can take the course and operate a PWC legally.  As for boat operation, children, age 10-17, cannot operate a boat alone unless they take the course.  There is no certification required for adults 18+ to drive boats; but Joe highly recommends the course for all boaters.  If interested in this class, contact Joe at 848-5326 or Chuck Yartz at 848-3694.  

Storage and Placement and Retrieval of Buoys  Vito thanked Bo R., Lenny G. and Bill D. for deploying the buoys to mark sH.ows again this spring.  Thanks go to others in the past who have volunteered, including Steve G., George C., Chris S. and Vito T..  Bo stated that he would like for someone to volunteer to oversee the placement in the spring, pick up in the fall and storage of the buoys over the winter.  No one, however, volunteered to take over the responsibility.    

Suggestions for SLPA projects and speakers/topics  Vito asked the group for suggestions for future meetings.  Mike M. suggested Peter O’Shea as a return guest speaker.  Vito said that Denise D., C-F Superintendent, might be willing to speak at a future meeting.  Trudy C. suggested a committee to generate more members.  Tess G. said that in the past, membership drives and spring mailings worked well.  Mike M. suggested that cultural events in the area be publicized to members.  It was noted that that information is in the Bargain Hunter; Mike said that he did not receive the Bargain Hunter and it would be helpful to have the schedule of events on the web site or sent to members via e-mail.  Mark H. noted that Liz C. was making use of Facebook to post community events at http://townoffine.org/content/Calendars/View/6.  John B. supports community events and suggested promoting them through word of mouth.

F.U.N.D Contribution – Feets S. made a motion, seconded by Grace G., to make a contribution to F.U.N.D, an organization dedicated to the beautification of our community, in the amount of $300.  The motion was carried.

Presentation by S. O. S. - George P., S. O. S. (Save Our Schoolhouse) president, presented a very old booklet entitled Proceedings of the First Meeting of the Star Lake Protective Association to the Association.  The booklet contained the original minutes to the very first SLPA meeting, held on January 1, 1902 at the old school house which the S. O. S. committee has just rescued and restored.  George read an excerpt from the minutes to purchase property lots 72, 73, and 74 to control water levels.  The property cost $31.17, with $2.56 tax for a grand total of $33.73!  Vito thanked George and Bo R. noted that these minutes and all minutes since are available for interesting reading on the SLPA web site in the archives.

Problems with Plugged Culverts - Roy D. suggested a need for volunteers to help keep the culverts at the lake outlet clear in the spring and noted the high water this spring.  He and Lenny G. and others have cleared them of debris in the past and suggested that the Town could take a more active role in early spring.  Mark H. said that he would pass that on to the Town Highway Department.  Hank M. suggested that we should try to maintain present levels (somewhat high) in order for many to be able to use their boat houses.

Problems with DEC Carry-on Access - Bill D., whose property is adjacent to the DEC carry-on site, indicated that the site had become a public beach and party spot.  Foul, loud language, litter, drinking, swimming and trespassing on neighboring properties have become commonplace at the site.  The State Police have been called several times regarding a particularly loud, abusive group of trespassers.  Police said they would speak to the group.  The DEC has also been called; has not responded as yet.  Four wheelers have come down and driven around on the beach and in the water.  Recently, a diving tower was used by trespassers off the W.'s property near the access.  Hank M., who lives across the bay, said he once called the police about an unattended camp fire on the beach late at night.  This has been a growing problem for the past several years.  Discussion of the problem followed.  Hank M. gave background as to why we had the DEC Public Access and how it was needed by the DEC in order to maintain the fish stocking program.  Bo R. said the agreement was between the DEC and the land owner, Dr. Cynthia B., who no longer lives in Star Lake and cannot supervise its use.  The property is not public land access; but water access for the purpose of launching a small boat/canoe.  Picnics and swimming are expressly forbidden, as this is private property; not State land.  Grace G. suggested that we draft a letter to the DEC indicating that there is a problem with the access area.  The DEC needs to enforce their rules and perhaps place a sign at the top of the hill indicating that swimming and picnics are expressly forbidden.  Pam T. made a motion, seconded by Feets S. for the SLPA to draft a formal letter to the DEC (copy to Dr. B.) indicating that there is a problem with the access site.  We should seek their help in enforcing the rules.  Mike M. suggested that we make it clear that we do not want to close the access; but instead, that we want to make sure that it is used for its intended purpose only.  A consensus was that the property rights of the owner and neighboring properties need to be preserved and liability for trespassers’ actions is a concern of many.  A sign should be requested and placed forbidding swimming and use of the beach for any purpose other than to launch carry-on watercraft.  Vito asked for volunteers to help draft the letter.  Hank M. and Bo R. volunteered.  Motion to send the letter was approved.      

Nominating Committee  None was established at this time.  (Steve G. later volunteered)        

Other Business - none

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn was made by Feets S., seconded by Mike M..  Motion was carried and the meeting was adjourned at 12:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted by Bo R., SLPA Secretary