Meeting was called to order at 10:10. About 40 people attending
Board members introduced themselves, told about their jobs, and where they live.
Minutes were available from the last Board meeting, as well as last year’s Annual meeting.
Treasurer’s report: Mike Egan reported that dues from paid members is down, there are currently 213 members, there were around 300 last year. He filed a nonprofit tax return, it was accepted. Directors and Officers insurance is paid for another year. Our net worth in cash and bank accounts is $53,144.72. Other assets (real estate) are worth $24,500, for a total net worth of $77,644.72.
Larry Gunther, county commissioner, stated that Steven’s county hasn’t been hit as hard economically as some other counties. But, there is a reduction in revenue coming into the county, so they are down to 4 people in the Treasurer’s office. There are reduced services and some offices are closed more often to save money. A Federal grant has kept 3 people on as deputy sheriffs, but the grant is over in 2 years.
The timber tax was lower than expected, hard to project what will be coming in. Stevens County has a lot of federal and state land, they have joined with 7 other counties to work together on various projects. They have to look at local customs, culture and economic impact; right now they’re fighting the forest service arbitrarily closing roads that ATVs could be using. Keeping roads open from Clayton to Ione for ATVs is a future goal.
Six-year road plan is based on usage and cost for improvement. No funds are available to make gravel roads into paved roads on Deer Lake. They are considering a sales tax increase of three tenths of 1 percent to help fund Sheriff’s office and Animal Control.
Sue Winterowd, Stevens County Weed Board, spoke about the milfoil control program. She gave an overview about all the work that’s been done the last 2 years. We have been awarded two $25,000 grants that help locate and eradicate the plant.
There is $15,676.03 left for 2010 to use, as long as we pay $1,297.30 in kind. The herbicide 2,4D will be used on about 1 acre to eradicate the biggest area of milfoil found in the narrows. Kevin Schroeder and Brian Humphrey have volunteered to do the work, DLPOA will buy the weed killer. There are many safety precautions and procedures that will be followed. It is safe to swim and fish in the treated area after 24 hours (but this is a remote shallow area that people won’t be swimming or fishing in anyway). Sue assured people that 2,4D has had thorough testing and has no adverse effects; Loon Lake was treated with it a few years ago. Dept. of Ecology has information and data about the product if anyone wants to research it further. The milfoil grant ends at the end of this year, but future grants are available.
Local homeowner, Debbie Greenman, had a display on radon available. She spoke about radon being found in her home at Deer Lake and urged people who live in older homes to have them tested. There are free kits available from the Dept of Health (if you let them use the information they find) or kits are available for purchase. Several houses around the lake have been tested and the results have been concerning. It was an easy fix, and her home is fine now.
Committee reports:
Water quality and lake level: Mike Phillips reported that monitoring the lake level is ongoing; we’re about a foot low right now. Mike has data going back for years. Please contact him if you’re interested.
Fisheries: Jim Santora reported releasing 15,000 rainbows. He hopes to raise some Eastern brook for next year also. Ken Ring raised 16,000 rainbows. He reports that we’re on the list to get Kokanee (silver) next year.
Roadside cleanup: Mike Phillips and TimDsChaak coordinated efforts of volunteers. There was about 1200 lbs. of trash picked up this spring.
Emergency services: Skip Wells reported that the two officers with the least seniority are in the southern part of county; hopefully any layoffs won’t affect them.
Fire Dept passed their levy. A mechanic was hired, as well as a new firefighter. A grant supplied a new breathing apparatus.
Road safety: Brian Humphrey said the 20 mph signs aren’t always followed, and urged homeowners to talk to people who come visit and ask them to be aware of walkers and to keep their speed down on our lake road.
Boat safety: The yellow card in the last newsletter states the rules on the lake; there are extras at the DL resort and at the public boat launch.
Dock Demo Days: There will be a report in the next newsletter.
Fourth of July activities: Children’s parade, 10:30 am on July 3rd, the boat parade starts at 7:30 pm, fireworks at dark on July 3rd, pancake breakfast on July 4th from 7 am until 11 am.
Signage: Deer Lake signs are being redone at Grouse Creek and East Deer Lake Rd.
Deer Lake Apparel: Bill Bajadali reported that shirts, sweatshirts, hats are for sale with the Deer Lake logo on them in a variety of colors. There will be jackets available in the future. Orders will be taken on the DLPOA website.
New Board members Skip Wells, Jerry Rasley, Richard Jarvis, and Brian Humphrey were voted in as a group.
Retiring Board members Gerry Block, Darrell Rung, and George Renner were thanked for their service.
No old business
New business: Ken Ring was nominated for president and elected.
Meeting adjourned at 12:02 for a potluck lunch that followed