Minutes of the 2009 L.W.R.A. Annual General Meeting,

July 11, 2009, 844 North Waseosa Lake Road, 9:30 am

Present:

President Bruce Howlett
Secretary and Vice-President Dwayne Verhey
Director Tony Doob
Director Cam White
Director John Forder
Treasurer Richard Harris

Members at large: 28

Guest: Kelly Mathews, Director of Ontario Camps, Canadian Diabetes Association.

Opening:

President Bruce Howlett opened the meeting at 9:47 am. He welcomed all to the meeting , pointed out the location of the washroom on one side and the coffee and muffins on the other. He thanked Ellie Hamilton for providing the muffins and made special mention of new members.

President Howlett informed those present of the passing of two long time residents of the area, Ray Jones and Grantham Hall.

He advised the membership that fun day will be Saturday August 1, at the Hamilton's again. He stressed that we still need a Fun Day co-ordinator and asked that if anyone could volunteer, it would be greatly appreciated.

He announced that the Corn Roast will again be held at the West Residence, on Saturday September 5th.

Minutes of 2008 AGM

Secretary Dwayne Verhey indicated that the minutes had been available for review on our website for the past year and copies had been circulated at the start of the meeting. He asked if there were any additions or corrections. As they were 10 typewritten pages and would take some time to read orally, he moved that the minutes be adopted as distributed. Seconded by Diane Howlett. Approved.

Financial report

Treasurer Richard Harris indicated that the financial report had been distributed prior to the meeting and asked if there were any questions. He moved that they be adopted as distributed. Seconded by Diane Howlett. Approved.

Business arising from minutes

Peiper severance

Tony Doob updated the membership on the developments in this matter over the last year. He indicated that Pieper had abandoned their appeal prior to the December hearing and then submitted a new application to the town. The application appeared poorly constructed and contradicted itself in some areas. The Board of Directors made a presentation to the Committee of Adjustment at the public meeting in February, along with other private individuals. As a result of that meeting, the CoA adjorned to await further clarifications by the developer over issues the LWRA had raised. Two weeks ago, we received two reports that had been submitted to the town in support of the application. One of these reports seems to contradict the application with regards to the locations. Certain passages of the reports actually seem damaging to their case.

There will be another public meeting on July 21 at 9 am. Director Doob encouraged all available persons to attend to show their opposition to the proposal.

Brenda Dales asked if the LWRA would have legal counsel present at the meeting. Director Doob indicated that we would not at this stage. It was asked if the developer would have legal counsel present. Director Doob indicated that was unlikely, and that while they had counsel present at one meeting during the last application process, the lawyer did not present a case and only spoke for a few minutes. Director Forder interjected that it was his opinion that Mayor Doughty frowned upon legal counsel being present at this stage.

President Howlett expanded on the committee structure involved and explained that the CoA meeting would be in the morning but that any re-zoning would be dealt with at a council meeting later that day.

Web site

Secretary Verhey reports that 2009 has been our busiest year ever even though we're only ½ way through. The webcam and the Huntsville gas price listings are both very popular, especially on Thursday evenings. 8% of all users are accessing the site from the mobile version "mobile.lwra.net".

We've added a classified ads section where members can advertise their wares or services. He reports that Camp Huronda is a popular search term leading to our site - maybe we should have a section dedicated to them.

Secretary Verhey reminded all members that there are features of the website that are only available to paid-up members of the LWRA. Others are only available to family members of LWRA members. To access those areas, you must register on the website. When people register, they are cross-referenced against our membership list and the appropriate access granted. Family members must indicate whom they are related to in order to gain the appropriate access level.

The Website registration is separate from signing up to the e-mail announcement list. Anyone can sign up to receive our e-mail announcements, and no password is required. One can remove oneself from the list at any time.

High speed wireless internet access:

Secretary Verhey said that this has by far generated the most questions of any topic all year. There were some delays beyond the original construction date but the system has been up and running for several months now. He credited District Councillor Brian Thompson and Town Councillor John Davis for working with us on the site approval process, which helped grease the skids.

Core will be expanding the system by adding a second tower. Right now they are looking at a couple of possible sites. They want to both fill in the shadows and move some customers over to ease the load on the current tower, which is already approaching maximum capacity.

Secretary Verhey gave an overview of the problems that occurred in the process and explained the "bit bucket" system used to ensure fair access by all.

Septic inspection programme by town

President Howlett gave a brief overview of the process thus far. Last year the town told him there were 7 deficient systems in our area. This year when he contacted them, they told him that they would call him back if there were any changes. They did not call him back, so presumably the same problems still exist. They anticipate completing their surveys by the end of this summer, after which they will start attempting to contact all those that did not respond to the survey questionnaires. He indicated this could take years, based on performance to date.

L & P products

Secretary Verhey reported on the program to bring residents quality environmentally responsible cleaning products at cost. These products are tested and certified under the Eco-label program. We've had nothing but good feedback about these products.

Lord & Partners does not normally sell to the public, they supply industry and governments. They agreed to sell to us at $10 plus tax per bottle provided we purchased case lots and we are passing them on to you at $12 per bottle, taxes in.

We continue to maintain a small stock so residents can get more as they use it up. The four products we are carrying are Super Green general purpose cleaner, Multi-Clean scouring cream cleanser, Apple Safety Bowl bathroom cleaner , and Hair and Body soap. He said the Association does not encourage anyone to wash in the lake, but if one absolutely has to, please use this product. Data sheets are on our website for more information about these products.

He reported that at last year's meeting, it was suggested that we look into supplying laundry detergent. L&P's laundry detergent is packaged in pre-measured packets which contain too much soap for home-owner sized front load machines, and there seemed to be very little demand to carry that product compared to the quantity we would have to purchase. We will be reviewing their product line from time to time and will keep the membership abreast of any items of possible interest through the website, e-mail, newsletter and bulletin boards.

A question was asked about dishwashing detergent. Secretary Verhey reported that L&P do not make a machine detergent at this time. A survey was taken of those present to gauge the interest in hand-wash dish soap. There appears to be sufficient interest among the members present to add that to our inventory.

Pleasure craft operators course

Secretary Verhey reminded the membership that everybody must have a boat license to operate any motorized boat - even a canoe with an electric trolling motor - as of September 15 this year. There will be no more grandfathering. The fine is $250 if you are caught without one.

Last year, we partnered with freecourse.ca to bring this to our members at the lowest possible cost. Members and their family members pay only $15 to challenge the test or $25 for a 4-hour course and the test.

There are 3 different test types based on age: 8-11, 12-15 and 16-up. The tests all cover the same material and are all good for life but the presentation is age-appropriate.

We are offering the course again this year on July 26. There are 2 spots left. If there is sufficient demand, we will hold a second course in late August.

Anyone can arrange to challenge the test alone at any mutually convenient time by contacting either Bill Somers or Dwayne Verhey.

We can also replace a lost card from another provider if you have a photocopy of it to prove you were certified.

The question was asked if it is acceptable to carry a photocopy of the card in the boat to prevent losing the card in the first place. Director Verhey was unsure if this was acceptable, but will investigate and publicize the answer through our normal communication channels.

Committee reports

Membership

Director and Membership Committee Chair Cam White outlined the importance of membership, the value of the Association for property owners in the area, the financial implications of protecting our investments through the Association's activities and the need to pay dues promptly to support our activities. He asked for volunteers to help with approaching non-members about joining.

A question was asked how members would know who was a member and who was not. Director White stated that volunteers would be provided with the necessary information, but that personal information must be protected and treated in confidence.

A suggestion was made that perhaps members could be provided with some sort of sign or plaque that could be mounted on their dock to indicate their support. The Board will pursue this suggestion.

Director White pointed out that every member was sent an Invoice for dues this year and that the practice would continue.

A question was asked if non-members on the lakes where also sent an invoice. Secretary Verhey clarified that all property owners in the area - waterfront and backlot owners - were sent a mailing based on their status. Members in arrears were asked to pay up, non-members were invited to join. He also pointed out that we are not just a cottager's association, we are a ratepayers association and that we have a significant number of backlot owners as members - about 8%.

Fish Committee

Secretary Verhey, as liaison to the fish committee, reported that last fall, we revitalized the Fish Committee, under the chairmanship of Scott Zies. The committee is looking for ways to work with the MNR and convince them to resume fish stocking programs in our lakes. Of particular interest are trout, since there seem to be lots of bass already.

The ministry has told us, in effect, that they stopped because they weren't getting any feedback as to the effectiveness of the programs and they still have doubts particularly about the viability of lake trout in Waseosa.

The committee set up a catch reporting system and are asking anyone who catches a trout in one of our 4 lakes to please let them know. Individuals don't have to reveal secret fishing holes, just let us know which lake, how big and most important: species.

To encourage reporting, the Fish Committee instituted the first annual LWRA trout derby. Take a picture of your trout beside a tape measure and send it in, Deadline for entries is July 31, so get fishing! Trophies for 14 and under and Adults will be awarded at the Corn Roast.

Stewardship

President Howlett gave an overview of our stewardship activities, including benthos testing and the Lake Partner program. He said that we need someone to take measurements on Ripple Lake and Jessop Lake.

Kelly Mathews asked what time of year the benthos testing was done and indicated that if it could be done in the summer, Camp Huronda could participate as part of their education programming. Bruce indicated that we did it in the spring and had to continue at about the same time for consistency, but that some areas also did it in August. We will look into adding a second testing date to involve the camp.

Jim Edwards indicated that he felt there were far fewer frogs now than 20 years ago when they were prevalent, especially species like bullfrogs. President Howlett indicated that there is a frog watch program available and that he could investigate that further if there was interest. He said there are also salamander watch and loon watch programs and there was some discussion about that as well.

New Business

Address to the membership by June Jones

June Jones thanked the Association for their kindness and assistance following the death of her husband Ray this past year.

Bulletin Boards

Director Forder told the membership that we were erecting a new bulletin board adjacent to the new group mailbox on North Waseosa Lake Road. He invited recomendations for any additional boards in other areas.

LWRA Equipment

Director Forder pointed out the new awnings that had been purchased by the Association and told them that the Association had also commissioned a custom portable charcoal barbeque. He reminded the members that LWRA equipment may be borrowed by members for special events, subject to availability. Other equipment available for loan includes the Porta-potty and the large corn roast pot with tripod.

Blueberry Island

President Howlett indicated that we have received numerous concerns about the deteriorating condition of Blueberry Island. Overuse is killing off the vegetation and seriously eroding the shoreline. He had talked to Camp Huronda and they are on board with a 2 year moratorium on using the island if the membership approves of the plan. President Howlett indicated that we would need to form a committee to decide how best to rehabilitate the island and gave some possible examples including signage or snowfencing to enforce the moratorium and re-vegetation and cleanup efforts to kick-start the process.

Kelly Mathews indicated that Camp Huronda could supply native vegetation from their property at no cost to the Association.

The question was asked if we have the authority to enforce a moratorium. President Howlett indicated that the island was Crown land and that we could not force people off the island. All we could do is to agree not to use it and apply peer pressure to convince others to honour the moratorium.

Camp Huronda update

Kelly Mathews, Director of Ontario Camps for the Canadian Diabetes Association, gave an overview of the camp's importance in the diabetic community, their operations this past year and the status of their expansion plans. They were able to replace the craft shop with a larger building over the winter, due to the generosity of the local Lions Club. They completed some repairs to the "Insul-inn", their medical building which was sinking into the ground. They completed their new parking area on their back-lot, moving the cars away from the children to enhance both safety and the wilderness experience. She thanked the LWRA for their support and assistance in these matters.

They also completed the dump cleanup that was a prerequisite of their expansion plans. She noted that immediately after the cleanup, their maintenance manager, Steve Bowen, came upon a local individual in the middle of dumping a trailer load of trash on the site. When he was asked to remove it, he wanted to finish dumping and promised not to come back again in the future! He was told he could continue if he paid a $500 dumping fee. She would like everyone to be aware that the area is not a municipal dump, it is private property belonging to the camp and that persons needing to dump trash should take it to the proper municipal landfill site.

That said, Huronda is eager to accept usable donations such as dressers, bar fridges, tables and so forth. If anyone has any old, unwanted but still serviceable items they would appreciate being contacted.

Unfortunately, Huronda's expansion plans are now on hold due to the economic downturn. Last year at this time they had two major sponsors promising funding of approximately $175,000. Now one of those sponsors is in receivership and the other has been forced to withdraw their offer.

Kelly reports that thanks to the LWRA efforts to bring high speed internet to the area, they have been able to streamline their administration and this in turn has enhanced the overall safety level at the camp.

Retirement of Treasurer Richard Harris

President Howlett announced that our treasurer, Richard Harris was retiring after serving in the position for the last 10 years. He then turned over the floor to Vice-President Verhey.

Vice-President Verhey reminded the membership that while Richard had been Treasurer for the last 10 years, he had been an active member since the 1960's and that he had continued to serve the Association for several years after health issues forced him to move into town.

Vice-President Verhey then made the following resolution on behalf of the entire executive:

"That the Lake Waseosa Ratepayers' Association enact a special resolution granting Richard Harris and his wife Helen "Life Membership" in recognition of his outstanding service to the Association."

It was seconded by Diane Howlett and approved unanimously.

Retirement of President Bruce Howlett.

Vice-President Verhey pointed out to the membership that Bruce intended to retire from the Board 2 years ago, but was pressed into staying first on the departure of former Director Sandy Sebastian and then again the following year to maintain consistency during the Pieper development appeal process. VP Verhey advised the membership that he had found Bruce's insight to be invaluable and thanked him for all the hard work and dedication he brought to the role.

Elections

President Howlett reminded the membership that Directors are elected for 2-year terms and that the terms of Director Tony Doob, Director Cam White and himself had now expired. He called for nominations.

Barney Dales nominated Tony Doob for another term. Seconded by Brenda Dales. President Howlett asked Mr. Doob if he would stand for election and Mr. Doob indicated in the affirmative. John Forder nominated Cam White for another term. Seconded by Ellie Hamilton. President Howlett asked Mr. White if he would stand for election and Mr. White indicated in the affirmative. Bruce Howlett was asked if he would stand for re-election and he said he would not - even when it was pointed out that the Pieper issue was not yet dead. Diane Howlett nominated Bill Somers for election. Mr. Somers was not present at the meeting. Secretary Verhey produced a signed letter from Mr. Somers dated July 1, 2009 indicating that he would stand if nominated. Seconded by Ellie Hamilton. President Howlett then asked for further nominations. He repeated the call 3 times. Hearing no further nominations, he called for a vote to confirm the three candidates as a slate. Approved unanimously.

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn was made by Tony Doob at 11:37 am. Seconded by Diane Howlett. Approved.

Minutes prepared by Secretary Dwayne Verhey.