ROCK LAKE IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
Board Meeting Lake Mills Municipal Building
Minutes, June 9, 2004
Present: Johanna Chworowsky, Patricia Cicero, Jim Colegrove, Pete Ebbott, Larry Everson, Stan Smoniewski, Milt Strauss, and Karl Vonderohe.
Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 7:00 P. M. by Johanna who then introduced Lake Mills visitors Bill Richey and Charlie Roy
Minutes of the May 12 meeting were approved on motion by Pete, second by Karl.
The Treasurer’s report was unavailable.
Joint Rock Lake Committee: Pete spoke to the issue of lake level control. If the lake is above maximum level for the season, the city starts to pull boards at the millpond dam. If the water level is 6 inches above the maximum prescribed level, then a “slow-no-wake” restriction is applied by the Town of Lake Mills which then enforces the restriction and also ultimately terminates it. It was suggested that DNR warden Dave Walz be contacted regarding lake level problems. Patricia will follow up on lake level policy.
The recent fish kill and algae bloom were discussed. Phosphorus encourages algae growth and the bloom this year was one of the worst ever. Heavy rains contributed to runoff and thereby to lake fertility and contributed to the bacteria development that caused the fish kill.
Stan advised the board that a boat count similar to last year would be conducted on July 3. Karl volunteered to be responsible for the boat trailer count on land and Larry volunteered to furnish a boat from which to do the count on the lake.
Grants and Research: Patricia reported that the lake management grant approved for Rock Lake is a 70% DNR-30% local match and a DNR check for $7, 498.13 has been received by RLIA. The local match would be the value of the time Patricia spends on managing the grant. She also explained the process by which the lake management project will be implemented including formation of a steering committee which will include Pete as a representative of the Joint Rock Lake Committee and Karl as RLIA rep. Additional nominations for the steering committee included local fishermen and community businesses. Patricia distributed a draft Survey of Rock Lake Area Residents and Lake Users and asked for board comments. This document, which will be sent to residents of the watershed, will provide information for the lake management plan and will indicate changes since the last survey. There was some discussion regarding forming a Lake Management District but it was suggested that the subject be brought up for consideration next year.
Adopt-a-lake: Stan reported that the annual millpond and lakeshore cleanup was held on May 17 and went well. About 35-40 students--all from the Lake Mills Public High School--participated in the activities which included pulling garlic mustard at the mill pond and Korth Park. Stan said that the activity could use participation by more adults.
501(c)(3): The exempt status for RLIA from the IRS has been approved. A special note of appreciation will be sent to Jennifer Colegrove for her valuable assistance in preparing the application.
SUV Removal: The vehicle was removed from the lake by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Dive Team on June 6 at a cost of $1,665.50. DNR indicated it would pay $500 and there was about $385 in donations by the public. Dave Walz asked if RLIA would contribute. Pete moved, second by Larry that RLIA contribute the unreimbursed cost of the vehicle removal. Motion carried.
Goose Count: Milt asked for volunteers to help with the annual goose count the latter part of June. Larry, Patricia, Pete and Johanna volunteered. Milt will let them know time and place.
Leader Ad: Jim will prepare a RLIA ad for the Town and Country Day edition of the Leader. Ad will encourage new member enrollment and list current members of RLIA for their participation.
New Business
Annual Meeting: Katie will be asked to reserve the shelter for the annual meeting. Stan will chair the nominating committee and asked that names of nominees for officers and new board members be forwarded to him.
Audit: It was suggested that a simple audit including bank statements and check registers would be sufficient for the RLIA audit. Jim will chair the committee and provide the forms. Also serving will be Pete, Katie and, tentatively, Karl. Jim will notify members of the time and place.
By-laws Update: The ever-popular by-laws review is again scheduled for after the annual meeting.
Other: Eric Colegrove appeared to present his Eagle Scout project. It involves painting city drain ends that discharge runoff into the lake. He will also distribute informative brochures and organize a work crew to assist him. Karl moved, Second by Pete, that the RLIA board support Eric’s project. Motion carried.
Patricia announced that a shoreline restoration project at Korth Park will be conducted by the Jefferson County Land and Water Conservation Department and Parks Department Friday June 11th from 12:15-4:00 P.M.
The next meeting will be held at 7:00 P.M. on July 14, 2004, in Rm. 139, Municipal Building.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 P.M.
Submitted by:_____________________
Milt Strauss, Secretary
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