KOSHLONG LAKE ASSOCIATION
Minutes of the Annual
General Meeting
Saturday, June
25, 2005, 10:00 am
New Dining Hall, Camp
Wanakita East
Approximately
36 in attendance.
1. Call
to Order at 10:00 am by Dennis Choptiany, Past President/Meeting Chair
Dennis welcomed everyone and highlighted the dates for upcoming social events, Fireworks on Canada Day, Fun Day and the 2nd Annual Koshlong Cook-Off on July 23, and the Rock Bass Tournament on August 6th.
Dennis also mentioned a draw for a bird feeder and mini-binoculars for paid members who attend this AGM. He also encouraged everyone to pick up the handouts provided.
2. Treasurer’s Report
- Barb Allen
Barb Allen presented the Income Statement 1/1/2004 to 12/31/2004
(page 25 of Wavelength and handout provided). Barb reported that $12,000 is in
an ING Direct Account and a % of that is designated for the Fire Box Fund. She
also noted that $500 was donated to Camp Wanakita. Barb Allen asked for acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report. Moved
by John Becker and seconded by Nick Mensink. Motion carried.
3. Secretary’s Report
- Barb Holland
Barb
Holland asked for acceptance of the AGM Minutes of 2004 (page 9, Wavelength).
Moved by Mike Palmer and seconded by Steve Heming. Motion carried.
4. Lake Steward's Report – Terry Corbett &
Dennis Choptiany
Terry
reported that water testing indicate that our lake is in good condition (Ed
-however people should NOT drink the water). Phosphate levels and Secchi Disk
readings are fine and as yet, we have no evasive species. Regular water testing
is done in various areas. Fertilizers used on lawns are more of a concern to
our water quality than campsite 'treasure boxes'.
Dennis
referred to the handouts on Spiny Water Fleas, an insidious pest from Europe with
no predators. It is in Drag Lake and eats plankton and algae. It is quite a
problem and he asked everyone to wash their boats when re-entering Koshlong
(and remind friends when coming on our lake). He also suggested washing fishing
lines if you have used them elsewhere. The flea is small and can attach itself
without noticing. Refer to handout for details.
Dennis
also reported on White Pine Blister Rust, found in pine trees on Bark Bay. It
does not jump from tree to tree but rather uses gooseberry or currant bushes to
reproduce. Refer to handout provided for details.
Terry
is interested in wildlife critters. Please let him know what you see. Steve
Heming mentioned wild turkeys, first seen about 3 years ago; they have been
increasing in numbers.
Regarding
other critters, Steve expressed concern about wandering dogs and cats. If
wandering dogs and cars are a nuisance, call local authorities. Owners can be
fined (or worse).
Concerns
were raised about overnight camping on crown land such as Umbrella Island and
Jumpers Rock, which do not have treasure box facilities. A meeting is scheduled
for July 5 for KLA, MNR & Camp Wanakita representatives to visit campsites.
KLA does not have jurisdiction on crown land (anyone can camp on crown land).
Dennis hopes to get MNR to agree to some restrictions regarding usage and
possibly signage 'No Overnight Camping'. We have been working on signage for 3
years. The wording is regulated by MNR.
Our
lake is considered 'at capacity'. No sales of crown land, and only large lots
can be severed. Dysart has approved the 100' setback whereas Highlands East has
maintained the 66' setback for new buildings.
5. Camp
Wanakita Events & Expansion
Steve Heming reported that the expansion started 3 years ago is almost complete. The Family Camp has space for 44 families and they expect 400 families to visit this summer. As per other years, Summer Day Camp continues from Monday to Friday and the camp offers swimming lessons.
A
25-km hike/bike trail can be used by Koshlong 'family'. Fall and winter
(cross-country skiing) is popular, whereas during the Spring, the trail is very
buggy. If you wish to use the trail, call ahead and sign in at the office (for
safety reasons).
Steve
thanked the association for the $500 donation. He also mentioned the Strawberry
Social the following afternoon.
Questions
arose regarding use of campsites and the number of campers on a campsite. One
cottager counted 23 campers (and staff) on Rainy Rock last summer. Steve is
trying to curtail the 'visiting' from other out trips. He explained that 6 groups of 9 campers +
counsellors could be out Friday night to Sunday morning. Tripping is done on
every day/evening except Mondays.
6.
Board
Business
a)
Donation
Policy - Karen Beaudoin
From
the discussion at last year's AGM, the committee worked on the presented
policy. Karen reviewed the Donation Policy (refer to handout as well as page 11
of Wavelength). The submission requirement of 60 days prior to AGM is to ensure
inclusion in Wavelength for review and voting at the AGM. Nick Mensink moved
the adoption of the KLA Donation Policy, seconded by Linda Choptianny. Motion
carried.
b)
WRAFT
(Purpose & letters) - Dennis Choptiany
WRAFT
is Waterfront Ratepayers After Fair
Taxation. Dennis explained the unfair increasing property taxes on
waterfront property vs. non-waterfront properties. Seasonal residences have few
services but are paying more of the tax burden. KLA has joined WRAFT as a
member. Information was provided (handouts) that included a Call to Action and
suggested letters to send to your MPP.
WRAFT is lobbying at the provincial level and Dennis encouraged everyone
to write to his or her MPP.
c)
Liability
Insurance - Dennis Choptiany
Dennis
presented information from investigation by himself and Karen Beaudoin of the
many options available. After considerable discussion, Mike Palmer moved to
support the directors to purchase Liability Insurance for Directors and
Officers and General/Event Liability Insurance. Seconded by Terry Corbett.
Carried with 1 opposed.
d)
Budget
2005 - Dennis Choptiany
Dennis
presented the Budget (handout) and discussed the proposed expenditures.
Nick
Mensink noted that in light of the additional expenditures (i.e. insurance),
the association might want to consider revenue from other sources, such as
advertising in Wavelength once again.
e)
Draw
for Prizes
Karin
Harrison won the bird feeder and Lorne Goldring won the mini-binoculars.
f) Election of Directors for 2005/6
Most of the current Directors agreed to continue for another year. Dennis asked for nominees. Ann Gordon, a new permanent resident on the lake, agreed to become a Director.
The Directors for 2005/6 are:
1.
Allen, Barb; lot
80, road C1
2.
Beaudoin, Karen; lot 151,
road D1
3.
Choptiany, Dennis; lot 259, road B1
4.
Corbett, Terry; lot
82, road C
5.
Harrison, Karin; lot 62
road B8
6.
Holland, Barb; lot
183, road A4
7.
Mensink, Nick; lot
20, road B3
8.
Neufeld, Linda; lot
201, road A4
9.
Gordon, Ann lot 23, road B4
9. Any Other Business
a) Fire
Boxes: John Becker reported that as of last Fall, all fire boxes and equipment
were inspected and deemed in good condition. He and Dave Lambert had
investigated another site for a fire pump/box but had no positive results to
report. He recommended that the issue be dropped for now. John is willing to
carry on with his role and check in with the Fire Box Wardens to ensure that
they have what they need. With Lambert's departure from the Executive, another
member of the Executive should be named to liase with Becker and report to the
Executive on Fire Box matters. (Please note that some of these comments were
received post meeting. )
b) Discussion about noise and light pollution.
Noise, including music carries across the lake. Please be aware of both noise
and lights. This will be a regular reminder in Wavelength.
c) John
Becker noted that Bell Canada and the CRTC are working to get phone service to
remote locations, such as islands on our lake. If you are interested, please
contact Bell.
Barb
Holland moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Barb Allen. Carried. Meeting
adjourned at 12:00 noon.
Barb Holland, 28 June, 2005