LIA Membership Meeting
10:00 a.m. May 6, 2017 Celina Moose Lodge
Minutes:
Tim Lovett welcomed everyone to the members meeting and stood for the pledge of allegiance.
Ted Bertke gave the treasurers report. Ted said there is a checkbook balance of $46682.60 as of now and around $8246 in the St. Marys Community Foundation. Ted said to date the LIA has received $15,909.99 from membership renewals.
Mark Piening updated attendees on the new membership brochure and pricing model. Mark said membership drive will go through the end of this month then he will update the membership on renewed members.
Mark Piening spoke about the upcoming Summer Kickoff which will be held on June 3rd. Mark said music will play all day with 3 bands including Mustang Sally and two local bands. He said there will be a 5k Color Run, Car Cruise In, Corn Hole and Beer Pong Tournaments, as well as vendors and beer sales. Mark wished for good weather and asked for volunteers.
Donna Gubbe was present to talk about tourism. Donna said last year’s grand lake tourism is summed up in one word, “WOW”. Donna said bed tax was up 22% over 2015 for the area and 8% specifically for the lake area. Donna noted on several reasons for the increase i.e. the State Park, Neil Armstrong Space Museum, Legacy Park in New Bremen, local breweries and food options, and historic downtown Ft. Recovery. Donna said if you’re looking for something to do check www.GreaterGrandLakeRegion.com which has lake related events listed.
Tom Knapke with The LRC: Tom began by speaking about his plans to have a new plan for the treatment trains by June. He noted on the status of the treatment trains having to do with water flow and plant growth. Tom said the four local rotary clubs are working on walkways in the treatment train areas which will be a nice addition for people to see them in action. Tom also talked about water quality in the treatment trains. He said soon they will begin testing water in and water out of the trains to see how effective they are. Tom noted on rough fish removal plans and other plans to help with water quality.
Teresa Dirksen with Ag Solutions was present to speak about her efforts to date. Teresa gave quick updates on last month’s detailed presentation. She gave quick overviews of the processes which were highlighted last month as well.
Brian Miller with ODNR updated the membership on lake developments. He said lake level is +14 Inches above the notch due to the recent rains. Brian said Dock Fees were due May 1st, with about 87 dock fees not paid YTD. Brian said Lake Cleanup Day was successful even with bad weather. He thanked Brad Fisher and the Grand Lake Rec Club for helping. Brian said he is working on a new process for stump removal in the lake, which he is excited about. Brian also talked about two new wetland refuges on the south side of the lake and the bald eagle nests. He said there are 5 nests around the lake with an additional 2 around the county for 7 altogether, which is a great thing. Brian said there are 130 boats on the lake today for a bass tournament, which brought a lot of folks into the area. Brian said fishing is phenomenal. Brian also gave an update on dredging for Tom Grabow. He said all dredges are up and running noting their current locations and plans for next steps. He talked about the new Chickasaw boat ramp which should be open in June.
Tim Lovett held a Q&A session for the membership.
Jeff Vossler drew the winner of the 50/50.
The Members Meeting concluded at 11:00am
Submitted by,
Eric Morris
Secretary
Lake Improvement Association