Minutes of the Big Cedar Lake Property Owners Association June 2, 2019
The Meeting was called to order by the association president, Tod Maclay at 12:15 PM
- Directors present at the meeting introduced themselves and their lake area of responsibility.
- The minutes of the 2018 annual meeting respectfully submitted by Secretary Bev Sturgeon posted on our web site https://bigcedarlake.org for the past year were approved and seconded as written.
- Treasurer’s Report Bruce Reynolds Bruce explained our need to become a 501 C4. This change was approved by the Executive Committee of the POA. We need to make a change to our Bylaws and have the members vote on this change. Change of wording to bylaws was e-mailed to all paid POA members who have shared their e-mail with the organization. Briefly, it states in ARTICLE IX is that “we agree to be bound by all the Internal Revenue Code” Then stated in Article X “If we dissolve, our assets will not go to a private individual”. We added Article I (14) “We agree to comply with IRC 501 c” In article II (14) “Conflict of Interest Policy”.
There were questions and discussion regarding doing a 501c3 or 501c4. There was a comment/concern regarding transparency of expenses to a political candidate and/or cause and whether that would be reported. The discussion was closed and a vote was called. Majority of owners voted “yes”. Bylaw change was approved.
Treasurer’s report was conveyed to the membership on paper. Treasurer’s report was approved as presented.
Questions arose regarding the Stewardship Defense Fund. That is a separate item to the operating expense. It was decided at the inception of the Stewardship Fund that those funds would not be reported. We would not want to compromise any negotiations with outside groups by disclosing these funds.
Bruce shared his personal research, an educational” Fact Sheet” with Lake information and information he gathered from other similar Wisconsin Lakes. He stated this is his information, not represented by the POA, PRD or other organizations.
- Cedar Community Report. Dave Baldus reported on the progress of the Cedar Communities expansion. Dave stated he and his committee of Steve Simon and Mike Nast have had a good working relationship this past year meeting regularly with Cedar Communities. Cedar Communities has put in an ADA accessible, permeable path to take residents to the Lake. Cedar Communities has agreed to place 100 acres and 2/3 of their shoreline into a conservation easement. There are still some issues to finish, but Dave and his group continue to meet and work on issues.
- Public Service Award, President, Tod Maclay nominated Dr. Ralph Olsen as a dedicated individual who has done so much for the Big Cedar Lake. Dr.Olsen worked for the area in conservation and wildlife monitoring and continues to be a strong advocate for Big Cedar Lake and the watershed region. All in favor.
- Nominating Committee ReportSteve Simon share the names of the 3 candidates for the 3 openings for POA Director
Jenny Schoofs, Rick Gale, and Kevin Leitner
Directors whose term is ending, but have agreed to continue to serve are: Terry Mestan, Dave Baldus, Jan Gesch and Mark Weske
A motion was made and seconded to approve all newly nominated and returning POA Directors.
All in favor.
- Tod presented a lake quality and aquatic reports, which he will post on our Web site.
- Our guest speaker was Linda Mutschler from CLCF. Linda gave a brief history of the conserved land in Wisconsin and the United States. CLCF is the second oldest conservation organization in Wisconsin. Linda explained the differences between owned outright, easements and shared ownership arrangements. Linda explained efforts CLCF has done to preserve the waters of Big Cedar and this watershed. The last survey was done in 2001.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30.
Respectfully submitted Bev Sturgeon Recorder