TURTLE LAKE IMPROVEMENT AND PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION (TLA)

MINUTES OF MEETING - 7/28/01

President Rob Kaye opened the meeting. The minutes of the June 16, 2001 meeting were approved as read.

Judy Jaeger's Treasurer's Report was accepted:
Beginning Balance $3,879.17
Expenses $ 268.24
Receipts $ 782.21
Balance on hand as of 6/16/01 $4,393.14
 

OLD BUSINESS:

Membership - We welcome new TLA members: Mark & Kim Alba, Jim & Diane Eubanks, Chris & Ann Marie Gerdes, Joyce Kennedy, Mark & Ann Marie McNeel, Ronald Offen, Tom & Sandy Reilly, and Dennis & Jo Sheehan. Current membership stands at approximately 56 families. Audrey Green, Walworth Cty Lakes Specialist, has provided the TLA and Lake Geneva realtors with packets containing information important to Lake Property owners. The Membership Committee of Patricia Carroll, Judy Jaeger, and Chuck Oswald will meet to develop a membership plan. 

Audrey Green has completed a photo survey of Turtle Lake. She noted two properties on the lakeshore that were not in compliance with lakeshore regulations, and will be following up with appropriate parties.

Eurasian water milfoil (EM) - Dick and Elaine Gronert are having difficulty scheduling a spray date with the DNR. We may not spray until spring. (This may be more effective on new growth.) We will ensure that someone attends the Richmond Town Board budget meeting to request that some/all of the cost of milfoil spraying be included in their annual budget. Mary Baas moved that we proceed with spraying whether or not we receive Township funds - with a cost not to exceed $1500. The motion passed. Use of the black blanket is on hold as DNR approval is needed and the area must be replanted after blanket removal. EM hand-pulling party may or may not be scheduled. Cookie Malcolmson noted that the lake is rather weedy this year. This may be due to weather and will be monitored. 

Mary Baas presented survey results. A letter will be sent to all survey respondents informing them of the results, with comments regarding specific concerns. This can go out with the next newsletter.

Neighborhood Watch - Some signs are faded. Cheryl Mitacek will check to see if she has extras; Judy Jaeger volunteered to arrange for replacement. Rob will create a flyer reminding everyone to get to know their neighbors, as this is the basis for the Neighborhood Watch program. Scott Porter reported that Crime Stoppers is in need of more people to attend meetings if this is a program that we wish to see continue.

There are 12 acres constituting 1500 feet of lake-frontage still for sale on the south side of the lake. The DNR is still looking for the presence of the endangered Massassauga rattlesnake that had been found on the property two years ago. Darren Franzen volunteered to draft a letter to be sent to local legislators, senators, etc. to affirm the interest of the TLA that the land remain in its natural state so that Turtle Lake is protected for future generations. 

NEW BUSINESS:

Walworth Cty Lake Association - Rob Kaye attended an organizational meeting on 7/28/01 led by Audrey Green and a facilitator. Approximately 12 lakes were represented. Short and long term goals were discussed. The group hopes to champion issues important to area lakes and present a voice that is stronger than any individual lake group on issues such as local control of lakes, land use & zoning, and sharing of ideas and projects. Patrick Carroll moved that the TLA remain involved as this organization becomes established, and that Rob Kaye attends as the TLA representative. The motion carried. There are no dues at this time; the next meeting is 9/22/01.

Boating Regulations - Violators may be reported to DNR Conservation Warden Rick Reed. Phone number 262-949-1544.

Possible changes to the agenda for the Annual Potluck were discussed. It was suggested that TLA members receive informational packets rather than running through a full meeting, in order to allow more opportunity to socialize and meet neighbors. Some board members felt that it might be appropriate if a few "hot" topics were discussed, with the agenda set in advance, as this is the only opportunity for all members to receive updated information. We would also have an open comment/question session. This subject was tabled.

Cookie Malcolmson commented on several topics: the TLA should apply for non-profit status with the state - dues and contributions would be tax deductible and we might be eligible for more grant monies; it is not necessary for the TLA to file a tax return because of small budget. Rob will follow up with Cookie on specifics.

According to the by-laws, members of the TLA must be property owners. Non-property owners may be associate members. There has been some difficulty getting people to volunteer to serve as officers and board members. One suggestion was to change the membership requirements. Cookie Malcolmson explained that the TLA was established originally to include only property owners because of their long-term commitment to the lake and the impact of adverse changes to property values. She suggested that it might be possible to broaden the membership by including relatives of property owners. Judy Jaeger moved that we have a committee review the TLA by-laws. Patrick Carroll, Scott Porter, and Cheryl Mitacek will present proposed changes/updates at the September 15 meeting. 

Buoy removal day is Saturday, September 15th, 7:00 am, at Tom and Cheryl Mitacek's. A meeting will follow. Two winter meetings will be scheduled between fall and spring buoy days. 

The president adjourned the meeting.

Mary Baas
Secretary