ROCK LAKE IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION

Board Meeting             L.D. Fargo Library

Minutes, November 12, 2003

Present:  Johanna Chworowsky, Jim Colegrove, Pete Ebbott, Stanley Smoniewski, Milt Strauss,

Meeting called to order at 7:00 P. M. by Johanna.

Secretary’s Report

            Minutes of the October 8 meeting were approved unanimously.  The typewritten minutes of the July 9 meeting were approved unanimously and given to Stan for inclusion on the web site.

Treasurer’s Report

            The treasurer’s report was accepted as presented and reflected total assets of $7,092.15.

Committee Reports

            Water Quality Monitoring:  A memo from Patricia indicated that the pending Creekwood Farm permit for expansion will need to include a Nutrient Management Plan.  She also indicated that Dave Marshall from DNR suggests that Rock Lake does not have an internal phosphorus problem, but that the pollution is largely from runoff from several sources.

            Fishing:   No report

            Website:  Stan reported the website update is a bit behind schedule.

            Lake Regulations:  No report

            Joint Rock Lake Committee:  Pete reported on the committee’s appearance at the Town Board meeting where they listed the Joint Rock Lake Committee’s accomplishments including the proposal to develop a long range Lake Management Plan.  Pete requested a $1000 contribution towards development of the plan which was granted by the board.  Pete also appeared before the City Council with the same request.  The council deferred a decision on the $1000 to the next meeting and consequently has not as yet been approved.  If the council does not approve the request, perhaps the RLIA should consider contributing $1000 to the development of the plan.  The 14 consultants who were approved by the committee to be considered for developing the plan were mailed a Request for Proposal form.  The successful consultant will be selected at the December meeting of the Joint Committee.

            Korth Park:  The Annual Meeting of Friends of Korth Park will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 15, at the Town Hall.  RLIA board members were invited to attend and walk the Glacial Drumlin bike trail to the Korth Park connector trail.

            Adopt-a-Lake:  Stan reported that Rock Lake Educational Resources are now compiled and will be distributed to school principals and some science teachers.

Old Business

            501(C)3:  Jim discussed the 501(C)3 incorporation process and provided application forms.  Johanna and Milt were asked to pursue the process.  Milt now has the forms  and will try to complete the documentation for submission.  Johanna will acquire a readable copy of the RLIA Articles of Incorporation and assist in completing the application documentation.

New Business

            Annual Report:  Johanna volunteered to write the RLIA, Inc. Annual Report.       

            Assembly Bill 655:  This bill which is touted as a “Job Creation” bill also removes or restates many of the DNR permitting processes that directly impact shoreline and lake protection issues.  The Wisconsin Association of Lakes has urged lake associations and individuals to immediately contact their legislative representatives and especially the Joint Finance Committee to oppose this bill.  Members of the legislature and the Joint Finance Committee may be found at http://www.legis.state.wi.us/lfb/jfc/jfcmembership.html. It appears to be on a fast track and quick response from concerned parties is essential.  Here are some of the activities that would no longer require permits:

·      -placing wharfs along shorelines

·      -installing up to 300 feet of riprap

·      -placing any structure other than a pier on a lakebed (as long as it occupies less than 200 square feet)

·      -depositing up to 54 cubic feet of stone, gravel or sand on a lakebed.

·      -placing piers up to 6 feet in width out to 3 feet or greater depth necessary to moor the boat

·      -grading along the banks of navigable waters.

There are also other issues that would undermine current attempts to protect shoreline, lakebeds and water quality. 

            Meeting adjourned at 8:20 P. M.

Next Meeting

            Next meeting will be held on December 10, at a place to be announced.

Submitted by:  Milt Strauss, Secretary

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