Minutes of Big Cedar Property Owners Assn. 6-24-2023
June 24th, 2023
Town of West Bend – Town Hall
- Meeting called to order by President Sturgeon at 3:00 PM CDT.
- Roll Call:
- Present: Egan, D. Sturgeon, D. Thoma, J. Tews, C. Nielsen, P. Rolfs, T. Mestan, R. Gale, S. Rolfs, D. Baldus, M. Nast, R. Perry, & M. Weske
- Excused: Jansky & S. Simon
- Absent: Wahouske, L. Biese-Carroll, R. Krueger & M. Nielsen
- The 2022 annual meeting minutes are posted on the POA website. Bruce Reynolds moved and Dave Baldus seconded that the minutes be accepted as posted on the POA website. The motion to accept the minutes passed.
- President’s Report:
- Introduction of current Board.
- Sturgeon covered the length of the officer term. All terms are for three (3) years. All positions can serve multiple terms, if re-elected, EXCEPT for the position of President. The office of president can only be held for one terms. Sturgeon’s term as president ends July 2023.
- We have transitioned to communicating with POA members via email versus mailings of notices and newsletters. This has saved the POA significant funds and is timely. POA Members, please make certain we have your email addresses.
- We thank again Sean Torinus and Serigraph for providing the BCL-POA with the upgraded version of the 2023-24 REWARD SIGNS. The savings recognized by the POA is over $1,000 per year.
- The BCL-POA has paid its first cash rewards to successful applicants in the areas of post-High school study of environmental and/or related water conservation studies and to successful applicants for our Shoreline Enhancement and Revegetation.
- The BCL-POA continues to support the local Fishing Club and DNR efforts to restock our lake with fingerling fish. We do this through a $1,000 donation every other year (the DNR supports the effort in even-numbered years). Scott Rolfs is the POA liaison on this program and directed our treasurer to fulfill our commitment this year.
- Dues for the 2023-24 fiscal year are now due. POA window stickers and the Serigraph-donated 2022 Reward Signs will be available to each family upon their 2023-24 membership renewal.
- Treasurer’s Report: Doug Sturgeon stood in for treasurer, Joe Jansky, as Joe is currently out of State. The report covers 7/1/22 to 6/24/23.
- Income: $7,320 (net), plus $270 in donations. Expenses and Awards paid: $6,461. Surplus for the year: $1,129. With significant cash on hand from last year and a positive cash year, we are in solid financial shape.
- The POA 2023-24 planning estimates the Total Expenses for the next fiscal year to be: $8,419. Doug asked all members to pay their 2023-24 membership fee dues of $20 today (in person), through their neighborhood POA rep, OR on-line.
- Nominating Committee
- With Steve Simon away, Doug Sturgeon presented the Nominating Committee report.
- There are five (5) Neighborhood Reps with expiring terms in 2023 and two open positions: Hacker & Trackett Dr and Hwy 144 South (Linden Inn area). The Reps with expiring terms are: Doug Sturgeon (N. Lake Dr), Peg Rolfs (Oak Lodge Rd & Uncle Dick’s Rd), Scott Rolfs (Timmer’s Bay Rd, Arbor Vitae, Birchwood & Lagoon Ln), Mike Nast (Fontana Beach) and Steve Simon (Mueller Lake). Each of these Neighborhood Reps wishes to continue to serve and we continue to seek individuals for the other two positions.
- With no additions or comments from the floor, D. Sturgeon moved the slate of five reps presented be elected for a three (3) year term. The motion passed.
- Scholarship Committee: Chair Kelly Egan announced that there were two (2) HS students selected for our two $1,000 Scholarships. The awardees were: Makaylah Maxell from the WB High Schools and Avary Ojstrsek. Congratulations to these two awardees.
- Shoreline Enhancement and Revegetation Committee: Chair Chet Nielsen announced that cash awards were presented to two initiative participation applicants who successfully registered and completed their plan for participation in this initiative. Both were well thought-out designs and should be successful in reducing the pollution to BCL from the Spring thaw and any significant Spring and Summer rains. The two project awardees are: the Bruce Reynolds family on Trackett Drive and Susan Crowley on North Lake Drive (located between BCL and Gilbert’s Lake).
- New Business: No reports other than the information presented by the board officers and the initiative chairpersons. And nothing from the floor.
- A special speaker from the DNR. Patrick Siwula (OIT) who is the DNR’s Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Coordinator for Wisconsin’s Southeast Region. Patrick covers 15 counties in SE Wisconsin. The DNR focus is on PREVENTION – KEEP OUR WATERS CLEAN!
- How do invasive species get to our lakes & streams?
- Through trading/swapping, selling thru commerce or thru “harmlessly” being given away.
- Invasives share desirable traits of good species, but are more aggressive and multiply rapidly.
- Introduced to our waters by both intentional release AND unintentional release.
- Crayfish
- Many types of crayfish
- Only 6 species native to Wisconsin
- Other Species to be concerned about
- Invasive Snails – can be a real problem – can cause clogging of pipes.
- Zebra & Quagga Mussels
- Spiney Water Fleas (not a problem in Wisconsin yet)
- Round Gobies
- How do invasive species get to our lakes & streams?
- Open discussion from floor
- Bruce Reynolds asked the audience to recognize Doug Sturgeon for his tireless efforts over the years and for all of the work he has done as POA president during the past three years.
- Bruce Reynolds advocated for donuts to be available to attendees at future meetings, volunteering to finance that if needed. (Lots of “Seconds” to that)
- Motion made to adjourn by David Baldus. Seconded by Terry Mestan. Passed: Unanimously.
- The meeting was adjourned at 4:20 PM CST.
Respectfully Submitted.
Chet Nielsen
BCL-POA Secretary