CEDAR LAKE PROTECTION AND REHABILITATION DISTRICT

 

30TH ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES

 

August 6, 2005

 

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Flom at 9:04 a.m., August 6, 2005 at the Cedar Lake Community Center.

 

Commissioners Present:  Bob Goodlad, Doug Flom, Don J. Demulling, Brad Johnson, and Jack Hayes

 

Commissioners Absent:  John Bonneprise and Dennis Early

 

The agenda was presented by Flom.  Larry Williams moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Jerry Beschler, and carried.

 

The 2004 annual meeting minutes were read by Demulling.  Jim Gutting moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Bob Goodlad, and carried.

 

Hayes on behalf of Dennis Early presented the Treasurer’s report.  Sandy Flom moved to approve the Treasurer’s report, seconded by Jeanenne Rylander, and carried.

 

Presentations:

 

Star Prairie Land Trust – Pete Kling, representing the Land Trust, stated that the McMurtrie property acquisition is now complete and thanked Phyllis Menke for the donation of the 63-acre parcel.  An August 16th dedication is planned at the property, with the River Island Park Party following in Star Prairie.

 

Kling also discussed the Cedar Lake Bay access, which was acquired from the Petersons.  A 70’ x 80’ parking lot will be installed with capacity for approximately 10 vehicles.  A boardwalk will also be constructed along the shore as well as into the lake.  This area will be used for both winter and summer parking.  Kling thanked the Lake District for their contributions.

 

Marlene Rebeck discussed a fund raising project the Land Trust has undertaken.  Calendars with nature photos of the surrounding area will be sold.  Advertising will be sold for each month of the calendar.

 

Water Quality Report:  Flom gave a report on behalf of Buzz Sorgy regarding the DNR’s plans to monitor the water quality.  Phosphorous, oxygen and temperature monitoring equipment will be installed in both the inlet area and outlet area.  This is to take place in 2007 pending a DNR state grant.

 

Star Prairie Fish & Game – Mike Reiter representing SPFG gave their annual report of what the organization accomplished regarding Cedar Lake and the surrounding area.  A detailed list follows this report on the website.

 

 

Fisheries Report:  Marty Engle from the DNR discussed the fish population in the lake.  A fish survey was completed in 2004 involving both fish creel counts and fyke netting.

1.      The last survey was in 1994 with one walleye 15” or larger per acre.  2004 produced 2.1 walleyes 15” or larger per acre.  There is a high population of small walleye.

2.      Northern pike are abundant with not many larger that 22”.

3.      Small mouth bass have shown an increase in numbers in recent years.

4.      Muskies are stocked every other year with 1,000 fingerlings.  There is a good population of 40” to 50” fish.

 

Engle stated that approximately 80 fish cribs have been constructed the last two years.  A goal of 300 to 500 total fish cribs is planned.  The next fish crib placement will be on the northeast end of the lake.  This should help both the pan fish and game fish populations.  A detailed fisheries information report is posted on the website.

 

Election of Commissioners:

 

St. Croix County – Jack Hayes and John Bailey were nominated by the board.

 

Voting results:               Hayes – 40 votes

                                    Bailey – 1 vote

                       

Hayes was elected to a 3-year term.

 

Old Business – Chairman’s Report

 

Doug Flom presented the Chairman’s report.

 

  1. The Board installed the no-wake and rock warning buoys this spring.  The no wake buoys are to help re-establish weed growth in the DNR designated sensitive areas of the lake.
  2. The air compressor was started early this year on May 6th.  We lost the compressor a few weeks ago because of bearing failure on the shaft.  Last year we added $2000.00 to the budget to build a nest for compressor repair or replacement.
  3. With the help of Marty Engles and the SPFG, we added 29 fish cribs to the west side.  All indications are that we are attracting fish and creating habitat for future fish populations.  Thanks to Bob Swanda and Mary Powers for providing the skid steers.
  4. Again, with the help of the SPFG and 17 NRHS volunteers, the walleye-spawning habitat was rebuilt north of the culvert on Horse Creek.  Thanks to Mick Anderson for providing the equipment.
  5. Thanks to Dan Michaelis for maintaining the website.  This is all volunteered labor and web space.
  6. The Board will be installing an information board at the north boat landing.  Dick Hoppe donated the materials, with the sign engraving provided by Jerry Herman.
  7. The Lake District hired a part time patrol to monitor water skipping this last winter.  This activity has slowed greatly, and we believe the money was well spent.  Matt O’Hara was our patrol officer and works full time for the Osceola Police Department.
  8. The DNR is putting together another study of the lake water quality.  Studies are currently being done on the water discharge from Lotus Lake into Horse Lake.  This study will take several years and will not get started until 2007.  We will keep everyone posted on this activity.

 

Aerator Update:  Hayes reported that the compressor is shut down due to bearing failure.  The compressor has 18,000 hours of run time on it and will have to be rebuilt.  Estimates are approximately $5,500.00 for the rebuild.

 

Budget Hearing and Adoption of Budget:  Each item of the proposed $24,500 budget was discussed.  The budget as proposed was adopted.  Jim Gutting moved to pass a levy to support the adopted budget, seconded by Jim Jensen, and carried.

 

Jim Jensen moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Jean Blinkhorn, and carried.  Meeting was adjourned at 10:35 a.m.

 

The next annual meeting will be held on August 5, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. at the Cedar Lake Community Center.

 

Minutes submitted by Don J. Demulling