Willow Lake Annual Meeting

September 24, 2008

Meeting was called to order at 7:08 P.M. by President Joe Serafini. There were sixteen members present, including six proxies. Members introduced themselves along with their lot number.  Noted that suggestions are welcome for ways to encourage increased attendance and participation in all activities. 

Minutes from the General Meeting held June 11, 2009 were read by Nancy Serafini and motion to accept by Harry Benoit (Lot 70), second by Martin Oakes (Lot 26) – Motion accepted without corrections. 

Fish Report – Larry Frazee – We will be stocking in the next 30 days, six hundred (600)  5”to 8” Bass at approximate cost of $900.00 ($800.00 plus $100.00 delivery charge).  In fall of 2009, we’ll add approximately 800-900 Catfish.  Reminder that any Carp caught should not be returned to lake.  IDNR restocking recommendation was for us to have 25- 4”-5” Large mouth Bass/per acre times two years and 25 – 8”-10” Channel Catfish per acre every other year.  This expense was in our 2008 budget and proposed 2009 budget.  Discussion regarding Carp and Brenden Ditzler (Lot 68) indicated he might know someone who nets on the MS River and might be interested in netting Carp only.  He was going to check and get information to Joe Serafini.

Water Quality – Larry Frazee states he conducted two tests in 2008 and the water quality was good.  .

Dam report – Dam Tender Martin Oakes and Dam Observer Andrew Soria presented photos of spillway repairs.  Work was completed and came in for amount of original bid from M&M Construction ($24,995.00).  Mike Leslie (Willett, Hofmann & Associates) was present and observed work to confirm it was proper and met expectations.  Their bill was $266.50 and we expect Demeester’s bill for clean-up of spilled concrete and repair damaged grass to be about $300.00.  Dam face repairs is still on project to be completed this Fall at original bid of $9,939.04 from Fischer Construction and we had previously allowed an additional 10% to repair ground and reseed top of dam/yard.  We will be placing landscape cloth prior to rock being put down.

Catchment ponds – Fischer Construction cleaned the ponds and 22 loads of silt were hauled away vs 33 loads the last time we dredged (Fall 2006).  This was to be billed on time and material basis and we haven’t received that bill yet.  Regarding East side of the catchment pond area, the board approved putting gravel driveway where equipment is located to dredge the ponds.  Guesstimate to do this was approximately $2,500.00 to include a drain culvert at the entrance which is approximately 40’ long.  By installing this gravel drive, it would alleviate ground repair and reseeding every time we dredge in the future and ultimately save about $300.00 per year.  It will also cut down on the area requiring mowing.  Money for this project will come from dollars saved on spillway repairs which came in under budget.

Mowing Report – J. Serafini – Even Lots were responsible in 2008 and have done a good job of mowing.  This year we had two individuals who could be contracted.  They were Shawn Homer – 815/266-1520 who charged $50.00 and Andrew Soria’s son 815/235-4553 @ $50.00. 

Treasurer’s Audit Report – As per Jim Kleindl, he and Greg Harrison checked the books and found them to be correct and in balance.  Thanks to Jim and Greg for performing this audit.

Treasurer’s Report - Jan Benoit presented proposed budget for 2009.  We have six members who have already paid their 2009 dues in full (Sept. ’08 - Aug ’09) and we thank you.  Any in arrears are being contacted to set up timely payment plan to get current.  Motion by Larry Frazee (Lot 31) and second by Martin Oakes (Lot 26) to accept budget, motion carried.

 

Lot Owners Appreciation Picnic 2008 – It was cancelled due to poor response.  Discussion around having it in June or September vs August and consider catered and off site in January?  Other options were summer and consider having drawing (from those in attendance for one free month of lot dues, gas card, etc.  Board will meet in spring to discuss dates, options, and merits for promotion. Ultimately, discussed having it the third (3rd) week in June, rain date for 4th week.  We need to encourage members to join in the fun and would also ask for volunteers for coordinating activities.

Officer’s 2008-2009 – **Note that Diane Kitts our secretary has moved.  We are in need of someone to step up to replace her.  Interim secretary for this meeting, Nancy Serafini.  We need new officers and members are encouraged to step forward.  Motion to accept proposed slate for 2009 made by Larry Frazee (Lot 31), second by Tim Regan (Lot 28) – Motion carried.

2008 Slate of Officers –

§         President:       Joe Serafini,

§         V. President:  Bob Thomas,

§         Treasurer:      Jan Benoit,

§         Secretary:      TBA

§         Directors (3): Betty Kraft, Nick Namio, Andrew Soria

Mowing/Lake Maint./Coordinators: Bob Thomas and Joe Serafini

Dam Functions Coordinator:  Martin Oakes

Lake/Water/Wildlife Coordinator: Nick Namio

General discussion: Someone said manhole covers are too high, should contact Mark Bratley who is our Township Commissioner.  “Save the Island” there is a need to put concrete around Island – consider when lake is frozen, easier to get pieces there.   Definite project for 2009-2010 – we need volunteers.

Special Thanks to our other mowers:

Wayne Kempthorne (catchment ponds); Roger Gorsline (lot next to the dam); Larry Frazee(Associations Lot 30A) & Even Lot teams who mowed the dam in 2008.  Thank you to each of the directors and all association members who have worked on projects throughout the year.

8:07 - Motion to adjourn by Betty Kraft, second by Martin Oakes – Motion carried