RLIA Meeting Notes
05/08/2002

Present: Pete Ebbott, Johanna Chworowsky, Stanley Smoniewski, Karl Vonderohe, Milton Strauss, Patricia Cicero, Katie Travers, Ken Steffan
Absent: Hope Oostdik, Russell WagnerCall to Order 7:00 p.m.
Secretary’s Report – Distributed - Accepted
Treasurer’s Report – Distributed – Read – Total Assets $4,419.75. Large bill for membership mailing to be discussed at next meeting.Committee Reports
Fishing
Discussion
∑ No Report
Actions
∑ Karl to write Making Waves article after school’s out for the term.
Korth Park
Discussion
∑ Trees are being planted. Volunteers are welcome
∑ The barn is gone. It’s lumber will be used for park structures.
∑ Box Elder trees will be felled and put in lake along the shore.
Adopt-a-Lake
Discussion
∑ Annual Clean-Up was a success. 15 people helped to fill 15 garbage bags with trash.
Rock Lake Joint City/Town Committee
Discussion
∑ Pier Ordinance –Another Public Hearing is set for June 2
∑ Launch Fees – Possible increase to state allowed maximum for year 2003
∑ PWC Hours – Possibly restrict to 10a.m. to 7p.m. See Lake Traffic.
Actions
∑ Everyone – Come to the Public Hearing and speak in support of the ordinance
Website
Discussion
∑ No Report
Actions
∑ Everyone – Send associated Links to Stan
Homeowners’ Flyer
Discussion
∑ Packets – Prepare and mail
∑ Need to have updated mailing list
Actions
∑ Ken will get copies of “Owning Waterfront Property” document
∑ Pete will print 300 labels
∑ Katie will stuff folders with documents
∑ Johanna will handle the mailing
Membership
Discussion
∑ Mailing has taken place. Cost seems high.
∑ Membership is currently down from last year.
Actions
∑ Johanna will contact Hope about the Chamber of Commerce mailing list
∑ Johanna will put an ad in the free June Leader containing the membership namesGrants, Research, Studies, etc.
Discussion
∑ No Report
Lake Traffic
Discussion
∑ Limiting PWC hours
Actions
∑ Milt will try to find other lakes that have PWC hours.
Signage
Discussion
∑ No Report
Canada Geese
Discussion
∑ Guests Karen Etter Hale, Charles Killian and Dan Hirchert spoke about Canada Geese
- There are 3 types of Canada Geese. The residents of Rock Lake are Giant Canada Geese.
- Rock Lake is their home. They are not migrating geese.
- The farthest they go on the winter may be downtown Chicago where there is open water.
- The size of the flock on Rock Lake may have leveled off.
- Jefferson County flock size was estimated at 2,000 in 1997.
- State flock size has increased from 1,600 in 1966 to 100,000 in 2000.
- There is a 1998 Wisconsin Urban Waterfowl Task Force Report which contains information about geese.
- Rock Lake area is not populated enough to be considered Urban. This limits the amount of government assistance available.
- The DNR offered a special hunt period to the city 8 years ago. The city manager said no.
- Loud noise, dogs and proper shoreline landscaping can keep geese of properties. But, they will go to others.
- Oiling eggs in spring can reduced flock size. This requires a permit.
- Trapping and moving geese may only result in them coming right back. This is their home.
- A special season, 9/1 – 9/15 to hunt (sometimes for the handicap) is an option.
- Capturing, killing and giving to food pantries is an option. This can be done during the molting season in June when the geese cannot fly.
Actions
∑ The best way to progress is to determine of a real problem exists on Rock Lake. To begin, a yearly count to estimate the flock size and growth is recommended. The DNR will direct our efforts if we choose to start this program.
∑ Also, keeping a record of complaints is way of estimating the existence of a problem.
Old Business
Discussion
∑ None
New Business
Discussion
∑ Tyranena Park – Is the legal requirement for it being a park running out?
∑ Rescue Squad need for Air Boat – Vote passed unanimously to donate $100.
Actions
∑ Patricia will review the deed for Tyranena Park

Adjourn 8:54p.m. Next Meeting June 12, 2002