The existing board of directors was introduced to the approximately 50 people in attendance.
Jim Richardson was introduced as a guest speaker. He explained what a Lake Management District is and what is involved in setting one up. He said it is set up for a specific period of time to do a specific thing. The county commissioners oversee the LMD. Briefly the way a LMD works is this: The county collects the funds from taxpayers on the lake and if the funds are not completely used the funds go back to the taxpayers. There is a vote to set the amount collected for the fund. The amount collected is based on front footage of the properties. There is usually a maximum that can be collected from each property.
The vote to set one up is based on 51% or better vote. It usually takes a year to 1 1/2 years to set one up. Each property gets a vote per each foot of front foot property. We would like to start the procedure so that if milfoil were to be found in our lake we would be prepared to take on the battle when it is most important to get a quick start fighting the beast.
The cost to treat milfoil is $450 per acre. Loon Lakes cost was about $30,000 the first year and our budget should be $40,000. Right now there is a debate about treating lakes. There may be a 3-year wait to get a permit. Hopefully the government agencies get their act together.
We want to educate the property owners through our newsletter and WEB site.
The minutes were read and accepted.
There was a question from the floor about the 20 acres we own in the narrows. The taxes are about $40 per year. A contract is needed to let the Dept. of Wildlife work on our property.
The Treasurers report was read and accepted. A copy of the report is with the secretary.
Water Safety: Dave the patrol deputy said that nobody 10 and under can operate a powerboat. There were tickets issued last year amounting to $2,000. According to statistics we have one of the best safety records in Washington.
EMS: There is a big need for volunteers at the Deer Lake fire station. There is an 8-10 week course required.
Membership: membership is up from 272 to 400 dues paying members. It is possible to get 800 if all join.
Personal watercraft: Plasticized flyers are available listing rules and courtesy guidelines for PWC. 10 hp or more boats require 16 year olds or more to operate. PWCs only need to be 14(go figure).
If water skiing, waverunners need to have three seats. ( driver, spotter and place for skier in case of need). Spotter has to be seated backward while skiing is in process.
4th of July: $4,000 will be spent this year. Next year donations will pay for fireworks.
Fisheries: The brook trout released last year are in the 16-17 inch range this year. 10,000 more will be raised and released. Triploids (sterile fish) will be released into the lake. After 2 years they grow one lb. per month.
Water Quality: According to the RCWs of Washington no pollution in the form of ash is allowed into lakes or streams. The D.O.E. says the same thing. Ash will encourage weeds to grow in our lakes and streams. Water testing is an ongoing activity.
Newsletter: There are 772 mailings when we do them.
Signage: East Deer Lake Road has better signs thanks to Larry Twitchell and the county. The big wood signs have fresh paint and secondary signs will get painted soon.
Bylaws: Some small changes were made and approved by vote.
Election: Larry Twitchell was elected Vice President. Bruce Bassett was elected to a three-year term on the board. Larry Nokes was elected President.
New business: Be careful as the fire danger this season is going to be very high. We are about 1 month ahead of normal.
Dave Smith from Knicksu invited everyone to visit their clothing optional ranch.
The meeting was closed at 12:50. Potluck barbeque to follow.