Willow Lake Annual Meeting

September 30, 2009

Meeting was called to order at 7:05 P.M. by President Joe Serafini. There were seventeen members present, which included 10 proxies. Members introduced themselves along with their lot number.  Reinforced importance of attending meetings, participation in all activities, including work projects. 

Minutes from the Annual Meeting held September 24, 2008 were read by interim secretary Nancy Serafini, with motion to accept by Martin Oakes (Lot 26), second by Harry Benoit (Lot 70) – Motion accepted without corrections. 

Note:  2008 minutes were amended to note Nancy Serafini as holding the position of secretary – motion by Martin Oakes, 2nd by Harry Benoit – motion carried  .

Fish Report – Larry Frazee – No official fish count was conducted this year (due to concrete in driveway/boat ramp since June – to be used as rip rap to reinforce area around the island).  As such, no fish have been ordered.  Plan is to complete fish count in Spring of 2010 and stock as per IDNR recommendations.  Brenden Ditzler (Lot 68) mentioned at 2008 meeting that he knew someone who nets on the MS River that might be interested in netting Carp only.  Joe Serafini subsequently spoke to Ed Schoenhard who was interested but thought we also had Buffalo (fish).  When advised there were no Buffalo, his interest waned.  Mr. Schoenhard has not followed up, so we can assume he is not interested.  

Water Quality – Larry Frazee states he conducted tests in 2009; however, the results are not back from EPA.  Any report will be given to Martin Oakes so it can be posted on our website.

Dam report – Dam Tender Martin Oakes has contacted Mike Leslie (Willett, Hofmann & Associates) to complete our annual inspection and report for the State of Illinois.  Initial indication is there are no significant repairs required.  Grass seeded on dam came in good, although we should reseed in spring of 2010.  Discussion surrounding need for future dredging in 5 to 10 years.  That time frame would allow us to build our cash reserve while researching regulations as to any permit needed, ground to relocate the silt, and companies who do this type of work. 

We subsequently received the Willett & Hoffman Dam inspection report (prepared by Mike Leslie), dated Oct. 12, 2009.  Concerns noted:  1.) There were a couple small animal burrows identified which should be filled. 2.) He identified a low area on East side of emergency spillway that needed filling and reseeding.  3.) There is some debris and vegetation in the trash rack of primary spillway which needs to be removed.  4.) A small tree has fallen across primary spillway outlet channel and should be removed.  5.) Some minor erosion above primary spillway outlet channel that needs to be filled with soil & vegetation or rip rap.  6.) Finally, the caulk in the center control joint of the emergency spillway has started to come out, as such the damaged caulk should be removed and the joint resealed.  We will need to get a work crew in the Spring to make necessary repairs.       

Catchment ponds – Martin Oakes will contact Fischer Construction to clean the ponds either this Fall or in the Spring.  Keep in mind, we did install a gravel drive which allows for dredging regardless of weather conditions. It will also cut down on the area requiring mowing.  Discussion regarding need to dredge every year vs every other year.  At this time, we will plan to dredge every year and assess/reassess results to determine if beneficial or not vs costs.    

Note:  Reminder to all members:  NO FISHING ALLOWED from DAM or BRIDGE, this includes our own children and friends.

Mowing Report – J. Serafini – Odd Lots were responsible in 2009 and have done a good job of mowing.  Noted membership has indicated an interest in hiring out all mowing to be paid from dues. If so, we would need to include all areas, i.e. catchment ponds, association lot, area on West side of spillway, and dam itself. We would need to discuss with Wayne, Larry, and Roger for their input.

Treasurer’s Audit Report – Audit was pending at time of this meeting.  However, audit was completed by Jim Kleindl, Lot 60, and Robert Schopf, Lot 59, who found the books to be correct and in balance.  Thanks to Jim and Robert for performing this audit.

Treasurer’s Report - Jan Benoit presented proposed budget for 2010.  We have three members who are a concern regarding past dues.  President & Treasurer will follow-up on each as to their intentions.  Allowed additional $5,000.00 towards boat launch repairs to revamp our ramp – approximately 24 feet.  Will seek bids from those interested, i.e. Civil Construction, Fischer Excavating, and anyone else interested.  Discussed financial plan, e.g. place some of our cash reserve in a CD (Certificate of Deposit).  Treasurer will check with a couple banks to see what our best option would be.  We did add $150.00 for dam chemicals per Larry Frazee.   Motion by Martin Oakes (Lot 70) and second by Noah Young (Lot 65) to accept budget, motion carried.

Lot Owners Appreciation 2009 – was cancelled due to lack of interest.  Discussion to consider having a mid-winter meal catered at an offsite location.  Also, consider having drawing from those in attendance for one free month of lot dues, gas card, etc.  We will put out a flyer to see if there is enough interest. If so, the board will meet to discuss dates, options, and merits for promotion.

Officer’s 2009-2010 – We are in need of someone to step up and accept the secretaries position full time.  Interim secretary is Nancy Serafini.  We need new officers and members who have an interest are encouraged to step forward.  If interested, please contact a current officer for more information.  Motion to accept proposed slate for 2009-2010 made by Betty Kraft (Lot 69), second by Harry Benoit (Lot 70) – Motion carried.

 Slate of Officers –

§         President:       Joe Serafini

§         V. President:  Bob Thomas

§         Treasurer:      Jan Benoit

§         Secretary:      Nancy Serafini (interim)

§         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

Special Thanks to our other mowers:

Wayne Kempthorne (catchment ponds); Roger Gorsline (lot next to the dam); Larry Frazee(Associations Lot 30A) & Odd Lot teams who mowed the dam in 2009.  Thank you to each of the directors and all association members who have worked on projects throughout the year.

Island project – thanks to Larry Frazee for securing free concrete.  Also to Harry Benoit (Captain of his pontoon), Bob Thomas, Jim Datt, Andrew Soria, and Joe Serafini.  It was a lot of back breaking work to break up the bigger pieces, lift, carry and then lift & strategicly throw each piece of concrete around the island itself.

8:15 - Motion to adjourn by Martin Oakes, second by Andrew Soria – Motion carried