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Location: Pequaywan Lake Firehall

Present: President Mark Johnson, Treasurer Steve Hamilton, V President Joe Miller, Secretary Diana Potter

Absent: JoshPelovsky and Steven Rye

Guests: Katie Delenbach, the new Pequaywan Fire Dept. Chief

Meeting called to order by Mark Johnson – Mark discussed an over view and accomplishments of the association, it’s mission and its history.

Introductions of Board members and association members. Introduction of guest speaker Katie, the New Fire Chief of the Pequaywan Fire Dept. 

Treasurers Report- Steve H is the newly elected treasurer, many thanks to Carol Nelson, the past treasurer for her years of service to the association. The Association presently has $14,303 dollars in the account. The annual dues are presently $10 per household. To be a voting member of the association, dues must be current.  Motion to approve the treasurers report made and seconded. Motion Passed.

Secretaries report- Past board minutes are on the website for review.

Old Business

DNR Owned property on Big Lake – The association is continuing to monitor any developments regarding a possible boat landing on the DNR property on the big lake. Joe Miller has spoken with the DNR representative for our area. The DNR plans out 2-4 years and there are currently no plans for any development on that site. We continue to encourage the lake residents to be mindful about allowing guest boats on our lakes. The best way to keep the DNR from putting in any public access is to keep our lakes clean of invasive species.

Brush Drop Off – was held last weekend. The next drop off date is scheduled for October 4^th,10:00-1:00. The drop off location is right off Rossini Road on the Township property.  Please follow rules for drop off by removing limbs and logs of 10’ in diameter or less. 

Updates of Wild Fires- Katie gave a quick update on the recent fire progression and what their department did during the fires.  Discussions regarding allowable size of contained campfires and distance from any other structures or flammable materials and the need for burning permits and how to obtain them.   Motion made to donate $300 to the Pequaywan Lake Fire Dept. as a thank you for all their service. Motion seconded, Motion approved. Katie also discussed the different zones recommended to help mitigate damage to structures as much as possible, as well as to make the property defensible. Please be mindful of fireworks when things are so dry. Katie stressed the importance of having an Emergency Preparedness Plan for your family and animals. Have your valuables and paperwork ready to go if needed.  The Fire Departments annual Pancake breakfast will be at the Fire Hall, July 6^th. Please plan on attending and supporting our volunteers. Thank you, Katie and all the members, for their service.

Bouy Markers- Thank you to the Alison Family for putting out the markers on the Big Lake.  One of the orange Balls on the powerlines on the little lake blew off, the power company will be notified.

Secchi Disks – This is a quick check of water clarity of our lakes. Dale Brooks reported the visibility on the little Lake is 20 feet. Jeff Mammenga sent in a report that the Big Lake as clarity to 7.5 feet, which is similar to last year’s report. Thank you Both for your input. Joe mentioned that a more detailed report of our water quality has not been done since 2011. The association is looking into having this done again, hopefully this summer. Results will be posted.

Loon Reports – Please report nesting areas, babies, adults to Bonnie Dressen on the Big Lake. It was reported at the meeting, that a family with 2 babies has been spotted on the big lake. Please stay away from nesting areas, especially with wake from boats as it disturbs the nests. Ross has signs posted on the little lake and he believes it has been very helpful with boats slowing down in those nesting areas. We are looking for a representative of the little lake to make our yearly loon report.

National Night Out – We will be coinciding with the National Night out Day this year, that is Tues. August 5^th, at the Pequaywan Inn, starting at 5:00. This will be our last annual meeting of the membership for this year. Each household that is a current member of the association will be given 2 tickets for the dinner, extra tickets for family/friends will be available for $8.00 at the event. 

Lakeside Chapel- Service is at 10:00 every Sunday throughout the summer and is non-denominational. All are welcome. The Chapel is hoping to put on a BBQ for the community this summer. More information to follow. 

Shoreline Management – The Association has information posted on the website for best practices and helpful plants used to create a filter strip along the shoreline. Keeping the lakes clear and clean is one of the main goals of the Association. Please follow all state and local laws regarding clearing, creating, and maintaining your shorelines. The Association does have binder that maybe checked out if a member is interested with a lot of good information. The best information is available on the DNR website.

Wake Boats – The Association discourages the use of Wake Boats on our lakes, due to the impact on the shoreline and the sediment release from the lake bottom. These boats also disturb nesting areas and fish habitat. Wake boats have a Ballast tank that holds hundreds of gallons of water, even if drained, are never fully dry. These tanks can carry invasive species from one lake to another; the first time they enter the water. Members should educate themselves on these boats and how they differ from Boats that cause a normal wake. A motion was made to have signs made up discouraging wake boats on the lakes. Motion was amended to say signs made up to Discourage wake boats on our lakes after all permits are obtained. Motion seconded, motion passed. 

Board Positions –The board consists of 2 Vice Presidents; Joe Miller will be moving to President this year for a 2-year term. Josh Pelovsy will remain as V President.

Vice President:  Jeff Westman has volunteered to be the 2^nd, Vice President. We will vote to confirm Jeff at the annual general meeting on August 5^th.

Contact Manager: is responsible for maintaining the email list, newsletter, and data base updates. Judy Strom had been doing these duties but she has moved out of the area. We thank Judy for her service.  Peggy Hanson has volunteered for this position. 

Little Lake Ambassador – Ann Cutts has volunteered for this position

Thank You to those who volunteered!

Mark Johnson has fulfilled his term as President of the Association. Joe Miller, who has been V President has volunteered for this position. 

Motion made to nominate Joe Miller as President of the Lake Association, motion 2^nd, motion passed. Congratulation Joe!!

Thank You Mark (and Lyn) Johnson for your years of service to your community. 

Road Clean Up – Joe and the “crew” will be meeting at the Inn 9:00, June 10^th to walk the ditches and clean up Pequaywan Lake Road. Volunteers are always welcome! Joe has the vests and bags ready to go. There is always a contest to see who finds the strangest item on their trek!

Directory – Several hard copies of the directory were made available at the meeting. If you are interested, you can email Joe and he will email you a digital copy.  The directory will NOT be posted on the website. 

The next association meeting will be held 10:00, July 5^th at the firehall

Thank you again to all who volunteered and those who have served their term.

Meeting adjourned 11:55

Respectfully submitted, Diana Potter

Association Meeting: June 7, 10:00 am @ The Fire Hall

Hello PQ neighbors,

 I wanted to let you know that we have the PQ Fire Dept chief, Katie Dellanbach coming to our meeting Saturday to say a few words about wild forest fire prevention and to answer our “Burning Questions”.

I should be to the fire hall by 9:15.

I will bring muffins, plates and Napkins.

— Joseph Miller

10 am call meeting to order, Mark Johnson.

1) Treasurer report-Steve Hamilton

2) Membership dues, $10/annualy

3) Secretary minutes for approval -Diana Potter

4) Old Business:

5) AIS. Prevention and DNR boat ramp update. In Minnesota, the DNR recommends drying

watercraft, including boats, boat lifts, and docks, for at least 5 days to help

prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). If the watercraft is moved

between lakes, this 5-day dry period is crucial.

6) Brush drop off 5/31 another date to be announced soon

7) Forest fires prevention and PQ FD. support

8) Thankyou for placing lake buoy markers!

9) New business

10) Secchi depth water clarity reports. Dale Brooks & Jeff Mammenga. Discuss further water tests.

11) Loon reports

12) Annual meeting and NNO. on Tuesday August 5th at 5 pm at the Inn. Food, games &Music

13) Shoreline management

14) Wake boats discouraged

15) Board positions to fill, Vice president, Contact manager, and little lake ambassador/director

16) Nomination and vote to approve new president.

17) Road clean up day set for June 10th at 9am meet at fire hall.

18) Pequaywan lake chapel meets every Sunday in the summer at 10am. Bible study on Wednesdays at

9:30 at various homes.

19) Future meeting dates Saturday July 5th 10am and Tuesday August 5th at 5pm -PQ Inn.

20) Review of vendor list.

21) Hand out neighborhood directory.

22) Thank you to Mark Johnson for his leadership and service the past several years!

23) Adjournment.

Pequaywan Lake Association Board Meeting 

May 6, 2025

Present: Joe Miller (President) Josh Pelovski (V President) Steven Rye (Webmaster) Steve Hamilton (Treasurer) Mark Johnson (Past President) Diana Potter (Secretary)

Minutes approved for the April 2025 Meeting as corrected.

Old Business 

First Lake Association Meeting: will be held June 7th, 2025 at the Firehall 10:00 AM. Official vote to fill board positions will be conducted. Mark Johnson will preside at the start of the meeting to conduct the votes and bring the Associations tent and signage to give to Joe. Josh will stay as V President unless someone else steps forward. During the meeting, Joe will ask the members if there are any suggestions on what they would like to see the association focus on going forward as well as a possible dues increase. The Brush drop off dates as well as the road clean up dates will be announced. Joe will pick up treats for the meeting, Diana will go early to help set up and make coffee. 

Public Access: Joe spoke with the DNR representative regarding any future plans for the DNR owned land on the Big Lake.  Presently, they are not projecting any development on that site for at least 2-4 years. They will keep us informed of any changes to that timeline.

Website Update: Steven R has been updating the website. We will be looking at the Suggested Vender List for updates. Joe will put this on the agenda for the June Meeting for member suggestions

Welcome packet: Joe will deliver a reprinted packet from the past highlighting member benefits and area history and highlights. Diana and Josh maybe able to help also

Directory: Joe is getting the Directory printed up for the Membership meeting on June 7th. The directory will include Names and Phone numbers by address.  The packet will also include information regarding Burning Permits, Lakeshore regulations, our mission Statement and information on membership dues.

National Night Out: Joe spoke with Nick at the Inn and we are set for Tuesday Aug 5th. Discussion followed about menu. We will investigate a band. There is s$14,000 in the fund, which was a gift given to the association.  

Water Clarity tests/ Little Lake Director: As of now, Jeff Mammenga is testing the Big Lake and Dale Brooks is responsible for the Little Lake testing for water clarity using a Seechi Disk. Joe brought up the possibility of doing further testing on the lakes for water quality since it has been 10 years since the last more comprehensive testing was done. 

Trash/Dumpster Removal: Josh spoke with Tony and Nick regarding a possible Trash Day. Initially looking at a dumpster, it was decided that if we sponsored this activity, we could have multiple trucks during the day available for members to discard items. We would reimburse the drivers by the hour and pay for dump fees, with a possible budget of around $700. Josh is checking to see if a date can be worked out in July.

New Business

Access to Mail Chimp: Judy has been kind enough to help us with the mail chimp program, none of us are proficient with it’suse. Joe moved to give a $100 Gift Certificate to Judy for her assistance. Motion Seconded Motion Approved. Joe will take care of getting the certificate to Judy.

Change of Bank Signatures: Mark, Carol, Joe and Steve H need to meet at the bank to delete and add new signatories to the associations acct. 

 

Meeting adjourned, 10:53 AM

 

To Our Firefighters and Emergency Responders

On behalf of the Pequaywan Lakes Association and the entire community, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the brave firefighters, first responders, and emergency personnel working tirelessly to battle the Camp House and Jenkins Creek fires.

Please know that our thoughts are with you, and our appreciation runs deep. We offer our continued support and prayers for your safety and for all those impacted by these wildfires.

With gratitude and respect,

Pequaywan Lakes Association

Present: Joe Miller (President) Josh Pelovski (V President) Steven Rye (Webmaster) Steve Hamilton (Treasurer) Phyllis Mead (Director at Large- Big Lake) Diana Potter (Secretary)

Minutes approved Jan 7th 2025 Meeting

Old Business 

Public Access : Joe will be in contact with the DNR regarding Possible Public Access on DNR land on the Big Lake. There seems to be little DNR interest at the present time.

Owner Welcome Packet: The Association would like a welcome packet delivered to all new residents of the area. Joe will deliver a reprinted packet from the past highlighting member benefits and area history and highlights.  A spring newsletter was alsodiscussed.

Accessing and working with Mail Chimp has been an issue. 

Directory: Discussion regarding an Area Directory continue. We need to get an updated list from Carol (from the national night out from last year) Joe suggested printing the directory instead of email. Diana will check with the member who was concerned about her information being published.

Website: Steven R would like a few members to get together to look at the website to update and change. 

Director at Large – Small Lake still needed

New Business

National Night out is Tues August 5th. The board is looking at having our August Meeting on that date. The Inn will most likely not be a crowded and entertainment maybe more available during the week.  Membership renewals would come with a ticket for dinner. We would take the opportunity to collect more member information (emails/phone/ address) and advertise the association. Membership dues are presently $10 per individual.

Joe motioned to set the dates for upcoming association meeting to the 1st Saturday in the Month, June 7th and July 5th with the last meeting at the National Night out August 5th. Motion approved.

 

 

Rubbish Day: The board discussed the possibility of hiring a dumpster over a weekend for area residents to “unload” and clean up. The issue would be monitoring the dumpster for unwanted items. A suggestion to hire an area resident with trucks to make dump runs was suggested as an alternative.  Josh will contact to see if a July date would be possible.

Testing on the Big Lake: Dale Mammenga is currently doing the testing, Dale Birks is testing the Little Lake we believe. 

Brush Drop Off: The township is spearheading this; we do not have the dates for this year.

Road Clean Up: Joe, Phyllis, and Scott may volunteer again this year. Joe has the equipment needed. 

West Branch Road: The township is helping with clean up of trees that present a fire hazard.  

Township Land: The picnic table on the township property was donated by Kevin Olson. It needs staining.  Steve Hamilton with help Joe get that accomplished.

Next meeting is scheduled for May 6th.

Pequaywan Fire Station 07/13/2024

Attendees: Mark Johnson – President, Josh Poloski – V President, Diana Potter- Secretary, members and guests.   Absent Board Members Joe Miller, Carol Nelson

Meeting called to order by President Mark Johnson 10:00

Treasurers Report

Treasurers report, submitted by Carol Nelson.

*see attached

Motion to accept Treasurers report made and 2nd. Report approved as written

Carol is also working on a member directory. When completed, it will be emailed to members or mailed to those without email access if requested. Carol will be retiring from her position at the end of this season, we will be looking for her replacement.

Secretary’s Report

Secretary’s Report, submitted by Diana Potter

Motion to accept Secretary’s report made and 2nd. Report approved as written

Old Business

President Mark Johnson gave the purpose of the Lake Association, which is to reserve and protect both lakes

No update on the DNR Boat landing. We will be contacted if there is any movement by the DNR regarding the property they own on the big lake.  The main way to keep our lakes “private” without public access is keep the lake free of invasive species. The recent rating of our lakes is Pristine. It is important to do all we can to maintain that rating.

Thank you goes out to those who helped with the road clean up last week.  We will again be asking for volunteers in the spring.

Please check on the Pequaywan Lake Facebook page for information regarding organized Group Walks on the township trail.

Reminder of Chapel Services and bible studies throughout the summer months

A Big Thank You to the Fire Department for the annual pancake breakfast. Great way to get the “neighbors” together.

Reminder of outdoor burning rules, be sure to get burning permit which is available on line. Check for any restrictions and notify the Fire Department with location and timing prior to any personal burning. 

Thank you to all who provided the Forth of July Fireworks on both lakes. It is something many look forward to every year. Donations are appreciated.

New Business

Wake Boats – Doug Dressen gave us information on Wake Boats and how other area lakes are responding to their use. Doug and Bonnie will man a table at the National Night out event educating the members on Wake Boats and also on our social media pages. They will have a petition available at the Night Out Event to ban the use of these boats on both lakes. 

Guest Boats – It is the responsibility of individual property owners to assure any boats that enter our lakes are free of Hitch Hikers. Make sure any and all boats follow the established rules regarding transportation of invasives prior to launch. IS YOUR BOAT CLEAN.

Secchi Report – we’ve had a slight decrease in clarity of both lakes. It is important to have a filter strip along the shoreline to help trap man- made pollutants. Bonnie Dressen will research DNR rules regarding sand next to water line. 

Thank you to whomever is mowing the grass next to the Pequaywan Lakes Area Sign.

Loon Report – The loon population on our lakes is a good indication of our lake health.

Member discussions

The possibility of contacting Hartels WasteManagement regarding a weekly pickup of trash at least during summer months.

The Directory will be posted on line, working on what to put in the directory as some may want phone numbers private.

 

Janet and Doug will look into the possibility of Fiber Optics being brought into the area.

The possibility of having an Annual Area Newsletter was discussed as well as a Welcome packet to new residents.

All input is appreciated.

Next Association Meeting is the National Night Out Event at the Inn.

Meeting adjourned at 11:00

Respectfully submitted Diana Potter Secretary

July 20, 2019

Meeting was called to order by President Mark Johnson at 10:00 a.m. Next meeting date is  August 24

Minutes were accepted. Available online.

Treasurers report – No change from last month.

Old Business

Township trail – Doug Dressen will mow the trail on Tuesday, July 23. Judy and Lee will assist.   Talk of putting wood chips on the trail for a more permanent fix. Also spray the weeds to get back to the original trail surface.

Public access – State DNR still has a full access planned for Pequaywan Lake. We should push for a carry down access. Send letters in support of a carry down access and handicapped accessible fishing pier, which would limit the exposure to invasive species that a boat launch would present, to DNR and copy Sen. Tom Baak and Commissioner Paul McDonald.

Contact information:

Kent Skaar
MN DNR Parks and Trails
500 Layfayette  Rd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
kent.skaar@state.mn.us

Senator Tom Bakk
95 University Avenue W.
Minnesota Senate Bldg, Room 2221
St. Paul, MN 55155
email form

Commissioner Paul McDonald
St. Louis County Service Center
320 Miners Drive E
Ely, MN 55731
McDonaldP@StLouisCountyMN.gov

There will be a listening session with Commissioner Paul McDonald at Hugo’s Bar, Wednesday July 24, at 6 pm. Bring your concerns and also get to know your commissioner.

New Business

A motion was approved to once again join Minnesota Lake and River.

Loon report – One baby spotted on Pequaywan Lake. A group of six loons together was observed by some of our lake people. A recent report stated that loons have been dying from the West Nile Virus. If you find any dead loons, contact the DNR.

Lake clarity – Pequaywan – 10’. Little Pequaywan – 17’.

Suggestion – Provide a copy of the lake regulations to all of the new property owners.

The program speakers for the August 24 meeting will be a representative from Coop Light and Power presenting information on stored power, i.e., wind and solar power.

Annual LA picnic will be at the Pequaywan Inn on September 7. The luncheon meal will be similar to last year with two free tickets for each membership and $6.99 for additional tickets.

VRBO – Owners have been willing to make changes and updates to their rental policies to attempt to cut down on disruptions.  Mark plans to set up a meeting with the VRBO owners on August 3, 10 a.m. at the Fire Hall to exchange ideas. A comprehensive plan was discussed which could cover some of the gray areas in renting. St. Louis County is working on rental regulations for the county, including permitting and changes in property tax classifications. 

A citizen pointed out that boats have been brought to Pequaywan Lake from the “outside”. The people who let them onto the lake should be reminded of the AIS danger involved in transferring boats to other lakes.

Pancake breakfast – PLVFD had another great pancake breakfast. The Wood Chix bake sale proceeds were donated to the PLVFD.

Recycling – The subject of having a Pequaywan recycling center was discussed. In the past this was investigated and it was found to be cost prohibitive. Most of the local people use the North Star recycling center. A comment was made that groups of people could combine loads to North Star to cut down on the driving.

North Star recycling is open from 9 a.m. to Noon. Other area drop off locations can be found at https://wlssd.com/services/recycling/drop-off-instructions/

The treat coordinator is Becky Larsen. Contact Becky to volunteer for treats at the next meeting. Treats for this meeting were donated by the Wood Chix left over from the bake sale.

Meeting adjourned at 11:02 a.m.

Scott Mead, Substitute secretary for the substitute secretary