August 11, 2018
Meeting was called to order by Vice President Bob McDonough, substituting for President Phyllis Mead.
Treasurer’s Report: Balance of July 4, $17,372.88. $350 in expenses for $300 donation to Pequaywan Fire Department and $50 to Ron Sluka for mowing. $160 in income. Balance then is $17,182.88
Old Business
Summer’s End Gathering will be Saturday, Sept. 1 at the Pequaywan Inn from Noon to 3 p.m. Association members will receive two tickets per family for free lunch. Cost otherwise will be $6.99. Other activities will include face painting and bubbles for kids and free ice cream bars/sandwiches. Hopefully music and vendors from the Brimson Farmers Market. At 3 p.m., there will be a Walk in the Wild in the new walking path on the township land.
Bush Burn Pit: We are hoping to be able to return to the gravel pit at the south end of the Big Lake once the area is cleared of road construction vehicles In the meantime, we are talking to the county about other alternative spots.
Joe Miller reported on the DNR proposed public access on the Big Lake. At the current time, there are no plans or funds dedicated for this. Joe suggested that folks write a letter to the DNR, stressing the points that our two lakes are currently free of invasive species and a public access would certainly change that, endangering the purity of our lakes. Our preference is for a walk-in access with canoes or kayaks and a fishing pier for those who do not have boats. In addition, since the Big Lake was a logging area in the late 1800s, there are underwater hazards for unfamiliar boaters. Contact for letters is: Kent Skaar, MN DNR Parks and Trails, 500 Layfayette Rd., St. Paul, MN 55155. kent.skaar@state.mn.us
New Business:
Lake clarity on the Big Lake was 9.5 feet. No report on the Little Lake.
Loons: Big Lake has 3 baby lakes. One baby loon has been spotted on the Little Lake.
Township Land: Next task force meeting will be Tuesday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m. at the Fire Hall. Gordy Larsen gave a report on the various projects. The walking path is being worked on with rocks and roots removed. Dick Arndt is building benches that will be placed along the path, An interim step to a community building center may be an open air pavilion/picnic area.
Election of officers. Mark Johnson was elected president. Carol Nelson treasurer. Bonnie Dressen secretary, Judith Strom vice president, Phyllis Mead Big Lake representative and Kathy King Little Lake representative.
Special thanks to Phyllis and Jim Guldseth, president and treasurer, respectively, for their many years of service to the Association. Thanks also to Kathy Sluka and Jan Kolehemain who were the two outgoing lake representatives. Motion made and carried to have complimentary dues for Phyllis and Jim in recognition of their service.
There will be no meeting in September due to the Sept. 1 event.
Thanks to Becky Larsen for today’s treats.
Program on aquatic plants by Carol Johnston,
Bonnie Dressen, substitute secretary.