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Note: Last names of members have been abbreviated to protect their privacy.
September 5, 2009 Annual Meeting at the Houghton College Star Lake Campus Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:35 pm by John V. G., president of the Association. John welcomed members, guests and students/staff from Houghton College who joined us for another great pot-luck supper. Officers were introduced to the group and members introduced themselves and indicated where they lived around the lake. Thirty-three members plus eight Houghton students were in attendance. *A list of attendees follows the minutes. A special “thank you” was given to Houghton College and Terry B., director of the Star Lake Campus for helping with dinner arrangements, hosting our meetings and for participating in SLPA lake activities. Available Literature John indicated that copies of the agenda and the July 4th meeting minutes were made available at the door. Also available were two pamphlets: The Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats and the latest New York State Boaters’ Guide both of which spell out safety rules and operator requirements for those who have boats or jet skis on the lake. Members were encouraged to take copies for people on the lake who should read them. Wildlife Sightings Two cormorants were sighted on the lake. They have been seen for the past three years at this time of the year. These very undesirable fishing birds are not believed to be breeding on the lake. Janet S. asked about coydogs, as her cat went missing on the back side of the lake. Terry noted that they are in season and can be hunted between October 1 to March 27. Six loons were seen recently and the bull frog population seems to be on the increase. Approval of Minutes Bo R. made a motion; seconded by Steve G. to approve the minutes of the July 4, 2009 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 was $6,264.10. Revenues were $680.10 from dues; and $164 from the Poker Run. Payments included $257.56 for secretary’s expenses such as mailing, copying and ads in the Bargain Hunter and $42.45 for July meeting refreshments. The ending balance is $6,858.19. There were 71 members to date. Motion was made and carried to approve the treasurer’s report. Old BusinessSocial Committee Chairperson Needed John spoke to an on-going need for a chairperson to organize and oversee a social committee (formerly comprised of officers) to help plan and carry out various SLPA social activities. Brenda C., current vice president, has volunteered to add this to her vp duties. SLPA and Lake Events Reports were given on the summer’s lake activities:
Town of Fine Update Mark H., Town of Fine Supervisor, was unable to attend the meeting. No report was given. 2009 Star Lake Handbook Bo R. reported that 100 copies of the revised Handbook and 50 copies of inserts were printed by his wife Marty last week. At the July meeting, funds were authorized to replace our supply of Handbooks. The cost of printing was $212.96, which included the cost of card stock for covers, laser paper for the inside and inserts, and printing costs per page. Bo noted that thanks should go to Marty for donating a day off and April Bender, owner of Partnerships for Quality in Hanawa Falls for letting us use her excellent equipment at her cost. Bo said that he updated the Handbook with a newly-designed cover, revised articles for timeliness, and updated the lake owners directories to reflect owners of record as of July 15, 2009. The DEC fish stocking history was updated and several new pictures were added. Fifty inserts were printed so that those with the 2004 Handbooks could remove the old inside page and replace it with the new insert, which has the Star Lake map on one side and the updated directories on the other side. If there is enough interest, these inserts could be printed annually to keep members’ handbooks up-to-date. Bo made a motion to sell the revised Handbooks for $5 to members and $8 to non-members, with inserts to be provided to current members for free and sold for $2 to non-members. Discussion followed. Steve G. noted that the 2004 Handbook was given to members at no cost and the rest were sold. The difference here is that the 2004 booklet (2nd edition) was a complete revision of the 1995 Handbook and we had 200+ copies. Bo noted that this is just a minor revision—a reprinting/update and we only have 100 copies, which must last to the next total revision. If we handed them out to 71 members, we would have very few left to sell and we can’t just keep printing more. Most current members have copies that can be updated with the free insert and we will still provide a free copy to new lake owners who become members. Bo noted that this has been a self-funded project since 2004 and has actually added to the treasury. This reprint will continue the tradition. Bo’s motion was carried and inserts were handed out to members present. Web Site Update Bo R. reported that the printing of the Star Lake Handbook necessitated a revision of the Star Lake Handbook page on the web site (http://www.slpa.info). The most notable change is that the revised Handbook will be coded into the web site in html as a series of interactive pages with links to articles and sections of the Handbook. The directories are still password protected, for owners’ privacy, although the information contained in the directories is public information and can be obtained by anyone. The older 2nd edition is still available as an Adobe .pdf file for viewing, download, and printing. However, the new revision will be on the web site as html. This will make it more difficult for the Handbook to be downloaded and printed for free, since we are selling them to support the treasury. Another change is the inclusion of the original 1995 Star Lake Handbook in .pdf format for viewing, download, and printing. Minor housekeeping updates of the web site are on-going and the Archives section is complete. Suggestions for the site are welcome. Invasive Plants/Water Quality Report Terry B. told the group that a survey of the lake shore conducted on August 18th, indicated no invasive water species, such as Milfoil; but purple loosestrife was observed and pulled at several locations around the lake. Jim W., resident biologist at the Houghton College Star Lake Campus, could not attend the meeting but sent a letter which Terry read to the Association which served as a water quality report. Jim said in the letter that he and his students “continue to do routine sampling of the lake--checking for temperature, oxygen, clarity and nutrients.” Jim’s overall findings are positive and his full letter can be read on the web site. Briefly, water sampling findings include:
“These results suggest that the cool summer weather made the lake act more like a very low nutrient lake much farther north.” Jim is still hoping to install an automated water sampling buoy this fall that will sample and store water data continuously. Plans are to deploy the buoy in early October in Third Lake, pending permit approvals. Star Lake would be the only lake in the Adirondacks with this type of system. Jim hopes that his fall semester program will be able to be run and thanks the Association for the opportunity to partner with his students on the lake. New Business2010 Dues A motion was made by Tess G., seconded by Ginny C. to keep dues for 2010 at the present rate of $20 per year. the motion was approved. Election of Officers for 2010 Steve G., as the nominating committee of one, asked if there were any nominations for officers for 2010. Steve presented a proposed slate of officers: John V. G., president; Brenda C., vice-president; Tess G., treasurer; and Bo R., secretary. No other nominations were made. Steve made a motion seconded by Feets S. for the secretary to cast one ballot to elect the current officers for one more year. Tess G. will resign as treasurer for 2011, but is willing to serve for 2010. Motion to accept the slate as presented was carried. Other BusinessF.U.N.D. Presentation Joan L. reported that the Community Center is in the process of raising funds for a new 30-foot flag pole and flag which will cost about $790. F.U.N.D. ( Friends United for Neighborhood Development) is seeking donations for the project from individuals. Tax-deductible donations can be made to F.U.N.D. care of Bob Meredith, treasurer of the Clifton-Fine Economic Development Corporation. Steve G. made a motion, seconded by Feets S., to donate $500 to F.U.N.D. for the flag pole project. Discussion followed and Steve withdrew his motion. The SLPA has supported F.U.N.D. in the past and such support is beneficial to the lake environment and to our purpose. Pat M. said it would be nice if the SLPA was listed as a significant donor, for PR purposes, perhaps on a plaque. John H. suggested that our congressman might donate the flag. Steve G. again made his motion, seconded by Feets S., to donate $500 to F.U.N.D. for the flag pole project. The motion was approved. Steve made a motion, seconded by Chris Cook for the SLPA to pay for a plaque upon approval of F.U.N.D. The motion was carried.Petition Against Houghton College Sale Feets S. asked members to sign a petition he passed around requesting Houghton College to reconsider their plans to sell the Star Lake Campus. The petition, which has circulated around the communities, will be presented next week to the Houghton College Board of Trustees. Terry B. said that the campus was still technically for sale; that an Agreement in Principle was in place between Dr. Bill Stief and the College; a purchase offer was pending, in a few weeks. Gail A. asked if Terry knew of any plans for the campus; Terry indicated that Dr. Stief is planning to update the cabins perhaps for rental and build a house on the property. Buoy Volunteers Needed Terry also indicated that we will need to find volunteers to place and pick up the buoys around the lake, once the campus is sold. Terry has done this single-handedly for several years as a service to the lake community. Rey G. volunteered his garage for storage of the buoys and offered to help if he is available. Ideally, the buoys need to be placed before Memorial Day and picked up for the winter just after Columbus Day. J&L Property Concerns Gail A. expressed some concerns about plans to reclaim the J&L property for industrial use. Terry said that the Newton Falls Paper Mill intended to purchase 10 acres for a chip dryer operation to provide bio fuel for the Mill boilers. The mill will own the operation and land. The County needs to take over the property (for non-payment of taxes). Then, toxin abatement funding can proceed and the site cleanup can begin. Questions should be directed to Mark H. for the most up-to-the-minute information. AdjournmentMotion was made, seconded and carried to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm. Respectfully submitted by Bo R., Secretary, Star Lake Protective Association July 4, 2009 Regular Meeting at the Houghton College Star Lake Campus Classroom Call to OrderThe meeting was called to order at 9:40 am by John V. G., president, after some socializing and refreshments. Bagels were once again brought from Rochester by Dick and Karen R. and coffee was provided by the Star Lake Campus. John introduced himself as the new president and thanked out-going president Steve G. for his hard work and dedication over the years to the SLPA. John also thanked Dick and Karen R. and Terry B. on behalf of the SLPA. Next, the officers were introduced and then, attendees introduced themselves and gave their locations on the lake. Current officers are: John V. G., president; Brenda C., vice-president; Tess G., treasurer; and Bo R., secretary. The meeting agenda and copies of the last meeting’s minutes were passed around for members’ review. There were 27 in attendance. Good/Bad Wildlife Sightings: When asked if there had been any unusual sightings around the lake, the now famous Scott’s Point woodchuck was mentioned. Gail A. noted that a large number of huge snapping turtles had been spotted around her bay (Sunset Bay) and some have been relocated off the lake. Feets S. noted that the low drone of bull frogs was once again heard, after many years of silence. Bo R. said that there were many heard near Swiss Point as well. Janet S. and John B. spoke of increased porcupine activities near their camps; one was killed by car on the back side of the lake. Joe R. asked about the increasing Canadian geese population; Tess G. agreed that there were many staying where they once just stopped over. Bo R. noted that this was the second year in a row that there was a new family of goslings raised on the lake. Gail A. said she saw loons with a young loon, indicating that they may have been nesting on the lake this year. Literature Available: John 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. More information on current boating regulations was presented later in the meeting by Joe R.. Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Steve G., seconded by Janet S. and voted upon unanimously to approve the minutes of the August 30, 2008 meeting. Copies were handed out before the meeting, and are also found on the web site. Treasurer’s Report: Tess G. gave the Treasurer’s Report: There was a beginning balance of $5,680.21. The Association received $780 from dues, and $26 from the sale of Star Lake Handbooks, and a $130 donation from Kyle L. Total receipts were $936. Expenditures included $178.20 for web site renewal, $159.54 in school and Town land taxes (The SLPA owns property at the outlet of the lake--hence the tax bills). There was $14.37 spent on postage and envelopes, bringing total expenses to $352.11. The current balance in the treasury is $6,264.10. There were 37 paid members to date. When asked how the numbers compared with other years, Tess said that this was typical; that members paid throughout the year. A motion was made and seconded to approve the treasurer’s report. Secretary’s note: Last year, there were 36 paid as of the regular July meeting; but by 7/11/08, there were 62 paid members. The 2008 year ended with 72 members. Old BusinessSocial Committee Chairperson Needed John spoke, once again, of the need 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. We just need someone to oversee the planning of those activities and also to try to get more people involved. There were no volunteers from the group. Boating Safety Course – Joe R. Joe reported that this summer the course for ages 10 and up would be held in Star Lake July 13th and 14th (from 6-10 pm) at the CFCS middle school computer lab. Sixteen have signed up so far. After handing out course materials, Joe said that the 8-hour course taught by Chuck Y., Leon Z. and himself, would 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, children 14 and up can take the course and operate a PWC. 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. A question was asked “Can pwc’s be operated after dark?” and the answer was negative. They have no lights, so the “sunup to sunset” rule applies. He said that the same “rules of the lake” and regulations as to right of way, passing, speed laws, etc. apply to boats, sail boats and jet skis (all water craft). Several comments were made about a particularly offensive yellow jet ski on the lake and how the owner didn't seem too interested in following lake conventions or the law regarding its operation. If interested in this class or future classes, contact Joe at 848-5326 or Chuck at 848-3694. Invasive Plant Species Report – Terry B. A second shoreline survey was conducted by students and staff last fall, 2008. A considerable quantity of purple loosestrife was pulled around the lake. Bo R. asked if the areas were mapped for future reference; Terry said “yes” and that he would make the map available to us. He said that no European milfoil was spotted. Once again, “thanks!” to Houghton College staff and students who have proved to be good lake neighbors. Economic Development Corporation Report – Lorraine L. Recent projects of the CFEDC include a new version of the Local Services and Retail Business Directory with copies available from members and on the Town of Fine and SLPA websites. A grant is being sought to provide fiber optics and broadband to Wanakena. Present plans for cell service include a Verizon tower on the water tower in Star Lake; AT&T has provided coverage to Fine via the Nat’l Grid tower on the ridge. Joan L. and her committee are working on more flags and there are plans to pave the Community Center parking lot. S. O. S. is completing interior painting. Cultural Events people have completed the 2009 schedule of events, as advertised in the Bargain Hunter. There is a Town H. committee working to repair the old Town H. in Fine and the Model Railroad Committee members are seeking a home for a 4 x 30 model historical replication of the history of trains in our area. Scotia Investment has invested $40 million into the paper mill; received a plaque January 5th. The CFEDC hosted 93 attendees this year at the very successful annual business dinner. A community calendar is being maintained at the Town of Fine Building and on their web site. Organizations can have their events listed for free by filling out a form. Public TV will highlight Cranberry Lake in an episode of their National Park Day Series. We now have good medical coverage at the hospital and medical center with three full-time e-r doctors, Dr. Carthy, a PA and another doctor on the way. Town of Fine Update – Mark H. John introduced Mark H., Town of Fine Supervisor, who elaborated on several recent initiatives that promise positive change for our community.
SLPA Website Update – Bo R. The SLPA web site at www.slpa.info has been up for over two years now and has had over 2450 hits since it began in March, 2007. Bo reported that improvements to the site have been made, largely over the winter, when more indoor time is available. Improvements this year were:
New BusinessSummer Events President V. G. referred members to the event calendar that was included with the agenda (included below) and spoke briefly about each of the various events. John reported on the activities planned, including dates, times, and locations. A sign-up sheet was passed around for the two lake clean-up days. George P. has agreed to conduct a tour of the J & L/Benson Mines property again this year. He suggested Saturday, August 8th as the date. Interested people should come to the Houghton College Campus parking lot by 10:00 am. New Invasive Plant Threat: Wild Garlic Mustard John spoke to the group about a sighting of a garlic mustard invasion spotted by John S. in late May on the Lake Road. Bo R. reported that John e-mailed us and alerted the people of the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program, a group that helped us do shoreline surveys last year. On May 28th, Steven Flint, from the APIPP, set up a 6/3 inspection of the site to measure and map the infestation; then remove the “heinous garlic mustard”. On 6/9, Steven reported back that the team had removed over 1000 plants on Lake Road from the dip (beginning of Amo Street) west to Reimer Road. He attached two technical abstracts on garlic mustard, one of which was duplicated and handed out at the meeting to help members to spot the plant. He said that these were second-year plants and needed to be watched and pulled each spring for the next several years. He suggested that our group assemble volunteers in early spring of 2010 and for the next several years to pull and destroy the plants before they flower and reseed. Steven said that this is the first recorded sighting of garlic mustard in the Town of Fine. He made note that the Town should be made aware of this so that they can check their source of sand used for road maintenance. Mark H. noted that he shared this e-mail with the Town Highway Superintendent. A copy of Steven’s e-mail was printed on the back of the meeting agenda for the group to read. Free-style Canoe Symposium John reminded the group that from July 19th to 23rd there will again be a free-style canoe symposium. Canoe lessons from beginning to expert are available. A recital will be held on July 22nd at the Campus beach at about 7:00 pm. Information about the event can be found at their web site at http://www.freestylecanoeing.com/. People can sign-up for lessons on the first day of the symposium. An article about the symposium can be found on our web site at http://www.slpa.info/. Star Lake Handbook – Bo R. reported that we are out of copies of the Handbook and need to print more, with updated information. The last two printings of the 2nd edition were accomplished at about $4 per book; we gave members on record a free copy, gave new lake owners a free copy, and sold the rest at $8 per book, making it a zero-cost project. The books paid for themselves, with preliminary financial support from the SLPA. Unfortunately, our printing source no longer has access to the color printer that was used. Bo’s wife Marty works for April Bender of Partners for Quality in Hannawa Falls. April has agreed to let us print the Handbook on her new printer at her cost of $.10 per page, $.40 per sheet for a total cost, including paper that we must buy, of $2.30 per book. Marty has agreed to donate her time on a day off to run the print job, which will probably be an all-day project. We will need to purchase a ream (500 sheets) of 11 x 17” 40# coated paper for the inside pages and a ream of 80# paper for the cover. We can get about 100 copies printed for around $230 and the project should again, pay for itself. Bo said he has already updated the directories in the Handbook to reflect new lake owners as of July, 2009, and several other minor changes need to be made before the printing. Also, there is a growing need for a committee to revise and perhaps add new content to create a 3rd edition of the Handbook. A motion was made by Steve G.; seconded by Dick R., to authorize the printing of 100 copies of the Star Lake Handbook at the proposed cost. The motion was carried. Suggestions for SLPA projects and speakers/topics President V. G. spoke of a healthy treasury and asked if anyone had suggestions for relevant SLPA projects. A discussion followed about the need for several other buoys to mark rock bars that are presently not marked. Bo R. said that we have a few buoys that aren’t being used and we could obtain more if needed. We can make our own anchors (Jim W. donated time and materials to make the ones we use presently, two of which were stolen from the sandbar). Dick R. mentioned that Cranberry Lake provided a clean-up service to remove old docks and floaters; and wondered if we could clean up some of the shoreline of derelict dock parts and deadheads that pose danger to others. Terry B. said that if we collected such refuge, we could bring it to the Campus for removal. Students would be available to help from August 3rd into November. No other projects were suggested. Nominating Committee None was established at this time. Other BusinessHospital/Medical Update: Bill H., member of the hospital board, gave a brief medical services update. He said that we are in pretty good shape with Dr. Carthy and Dr. Stief returning to the area. Ashley Ryan is a PA and Dr. Alicia Van Wagner is coming to the area on August 3rd. We have good E-R coverage. The hospital has purchased a new 3-D CT scanner and a new ultrasound machine. The medical clinic is presently housed in temporarilly leased trailers since the old building burned. Plans are under way to expand the hospital’s front entrance to house the medical clinic permanently. Construction is expected to begin August, 2009; to be completed by February, 2010. The APA needs to approve the final plans which will include examination rooms, doctors’ offices and a waiting room. The hospital plans a quarterly news bulletin for the community. AdjournmentMotion was made and seconded to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 am. Respectfully submitted by Bo R., Secretary, Star Lake Protective Association
The Annual Meeting of the Association will be a dinner meeting to be held Saturday, September 5th. Dinner will be at 5:30 pm; meeting will start after dinner, at approximately 7:00 pm at the Star Lake Campus. Bring a dish to pass. It would be helpful if you tell Brenda C. what you are bringing, to help coordinate for a better variety of dishes. If you are going to attend the dinner, please call Brenda at 848-2215. June 5, 2009 Letter to Lake Owners Follow the link to a pdf copy of the 2009 Spring Mailing to all Star Lake property owners.
If you don't have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can get it here:
August 30, 2008 Annual Dinner Meeting at the Houghton College Star Lake Campus Call to OrderThe meeting was called to order at 6:10 pm by Steve G., president of the Association.Steve welcomed members, guests and students/staff from Houghton College who joined us for another great pot-luck supper. Officers were introduced to the group and members introduced themselves and indicated where they lived around the lake. Twenty-eight were in attendance; A list of attendees follows the minutes. A special “thank you” was given to Houghton College and Terry B., director of the Star Lake Campus for helping with dinner arrangements, hosting our meetings and for participating in SLPA lake activities.Steve asked if all had copies of the agenda and the July 5th meeting minutes, which were made available at the door. Also available were two pamphlets for members to take home and perhaps give to neighbors and friends who might need the information contained therein. Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats and the latest New York State Boaters’ Guide spell out safety rules and operator requirements for those who have boats or jet skis on the lake. Members were encouraged to take copies for people on the lake who should read them.Guest Speaker Chris Westbrook: Steve moved our guest speaker up on the agenda so that he would not have to stay for the whole meeting. Chris Westbrook is one of the founders and current president of the Clifton-Fine Economic Development Corporation. He gave a presentation about the history of the organization, its many projects, accomplishments and future goals. Speaker notes can be found here.Approval of Minutes Bo R. made a motion; seconded by Feets S. to approve the minutes of the July 5, 2008 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 was $5,342.60. Revenues were $720 from dues; and $115 from the Poker Run. Payments included $162.50 for secretary’s expenses such as mailing, copying and ads in the Bargain H.; $300 for a donation to F.U.N.D.; and $34.87 for July meeting refreshments. The ending balance is $5,680.21. There were 71 members to date. Motion was made by Janet S.; seconded by John V. to approve the treasurer’s report. The motion was carried.Old BusinessSocial Committee Chairperson Needed Steve spoke to an on-going need for a chairperson to organize and oversee a social committee (formerly comprised officers) to help plan and carry out various SLPA social functions. No one had indicated an interest at the last meeting; the need is now for 2009. Greater involvement is needed.Economic Development Committee Report (see speaker notes)Save Our Schoolhouse Phil C. reported that the S. O. S. committee raised over $5,000 on their recent annual 5K walk and ice cream social. Funds are being raised to help preserve and use the old Star Lake schoolhouse, which was a meeting place for many years for the SLPA.Town of Fine Update Mark H., Town of Fine Supervisor, reported on the progress of cell service to the area. He said that AT&T has filed for permits for cell coverage which should be operational in 6-8 weeks. They will place four antennae on the National Grid tower on the ridge. Verizon applications for permits to put a cell tower near the water tower in Star Lake have been in the works for the past two years. He doesn’t see this happening for 18 months or more, but he feels that it will happen eventually.SLPA and Lake Events--Brenda C. Brenda was absent; Steve gave a brief report of the summer activites:
Water Quality Report Jim W., resident biologist at the Houghton College Star Lake Campus reported that based on his water sampling program, water quality is good. Nitrate levels are low, consistent with Mark H.’s sampling at the Star Lake Water District. He didn’t know why. The lake is oxygenated to about 35 feet. Fish samples have been taken to test for mercury; results not yet back. Steve asked about a comment from the Abbie N. of the Brace estate that water in the cut was murky and had a yellow-green film on the water. Jim said that it was probably caused by a white pine pollen bloom; wind conditions concentrated it in that area.Jim is hopefully deploying an automated water sampling system this fall that will sample and store data at regular intervals. He again asked that the lake community help to keep an eye on the expensive machine, which will be buoyed somewhere on the lake, to guard against mischief and vandalism.A shoreline survey indicated lots of purple loosestrife appearing around the lake. Jim noted that we should try to work with land owners to eliminate the invasive plant before it gets too difficult to handle. Others noted locations where it was spotted and several lake owners have eliminated it when it was spotted.John B. asked Jim to clarify the results of a Star Lake water quality poster that was displayed at the last meeting. The poster was not in laymen’s terms and was hard to interpret. Jim explained that it was part of presentation he had made. In summary, the lake is pristine. The key to keeping it that way is to eliminate nutrient input from septic systems, lawn fertilizers and invasive plants and organisms. Spring-fed or not, the lake is mostly gravel-bottom with lots of ground water input which helps to filter and clean the lake. The bottom line is that the lake is in very good shape.Invasive Plant Species Pete and Margie K., at the last meeting, asked for someone to replace their participation in the program through the NYS Nature Conservancy to identify and eliminate invasive species in and around the lake. Terry B. volunteered Houghton students for the job of surveying the shoreline, referred to in Jim W.’s water quality report above. Purple loosestrife, a threat to wetlands, has been found in several locations on Star Lake shores. No other invasive plants were noted. No milfoil has been observed. Steve thanked Terry, Houghton students, and Pete and Margie for their time and efforts devoted to maintaining quality of the lake.SLPA Website Bo R., webmaster, said that members should look to the web site (www.slpa.info) for updated information and meeting minutes. Bo reported that this year’s winter goal of digitizing SLPA secretary books was progressing nicely, with the help of his Brother Jon’s legal-size flatbed scanner. He was able to scan the first fifty years of SLPA minutes from the deteriorating secretary’s book which contains handwritten minutes since the beginning of the SLPA. He is working on the second book now, which contains minutes and correspondence from 1950 to 1995. Over the winter, these files will be edited, cleaned up, and placed on the web site for all to view.Bo reported that our web site will be two years old in March, 2009 and our 26-month account with Lunarpages, our web host, will be due for renewal in May. Cost per year will be $83.40 plus $7.95 for anonymous domain registration. Bo suggested that the membership evaluate the site and determine whether or not they wish to continue its financial support. Positive discussion followed. Steve suggested that we authorize expenditure of up to $200 for a two-year renewal with Lunarpages. Motion was made by John B.; seconded by Jan M.; motion was carried. Bo thanked members for their comments and support and reminded all that the 2008 username/password to get into the members’ area is slpamember/2008 and will change June of each year such that only current members will have access to that area of the site. Hopefully, this will encourage regular membership in the SLPA.Boater Safety Course Joe R. wasn’t at the meeting. Steve said that Joe and Chuck Y. became certified instructors and conducted their first class in Cranberry Lake this summer. Several from Star Lake attended. Joe had indicated that if there is enough interest, next year a course could be held on Star Lake. Terry B. volunteered the campus facilities for the course.New BusinessInternet Video Camera—Jan M. Jan said that he was researching Internet web cameras so that Star Lake could have a live web cam view of the lake year-round. Progress will be reported at the next meeting.2009 Dues A motion was made, seconded and approved to keep dues for 2009 at the present rate of $20 per year.Election of Officers for 2009 Steve indicated that he would be stepping down as president and that John V. had agreed to serve as president, if elected. Tess G. will resign as treasurer next year, but is willing to serve for 2009. Other officers had agreed to serve for 2009. Steve thus presented a proposed slate of officers: John V., president; Brenda C., vice-president; Tess G., treasurer; and Bo R., secretary. No other nominations were made. Motion to accept the slate was made, seconded and carried.Other BusinessQuestions by Mike M. Mike said that he had sighted many golf balls off his dock and wondered if anyone knew where they came from. Feets S. said he thought he knew, but wouldn’t say any more. Mike also asked the group how important the buoy in front of S.’s island was, as he considered it an eye sore that ruined his view of the lake. Steve indicated the importance of the buoys that mark rock bars and sH.ows around the lake, particularly important to new lake residents and visitors who are not familiar with the lake. Others commented in agreement. No one considered the buoys obtrusive or unsightly as they are only the size of a boat bumper, half submerged. The SLPA purchased and deployed the buoys several years ago as a lake community service.Group Picture Leon Z. asked if everyone would pose again for a group picture before they left. After adjournment, the picture was taken.AdjournmentMotion was made, seconded and carried to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 pm.Respectfully submitted by Bo R., Secretary, Star Lake Protective Association____________*Attending this meeting were: Steve G. (president), Tess G. (treasurer), Bo R. (secretary), Mike and Marylou M., Jan & Pat M., Janet S. and John H., Ginny & Phil C., Rey & Grace G., Bill and Beth H., Mark H., Jim W., Feets S., John V., Chris C., Leon and Bess Z., John B., Audrey S., Margi and Pete K., and Terry B. Chris Westbrook was guest speaker and a number of Houghton students attended the meeting. |
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