Rice Lake Area Association 2008 Annual Meeting Minutes

Thank you for attending this year's Rice Lake Area Association annual meeting. We hope that this meeting will give you some useful information on how you can help improve the quality of our lake so we may all enjoy it.

A buffet-style pizza and salad dinner was held prior to the meeting (6:30-7:15)

Call to order   (Eric)

·         Newly elected RLAA president, Eric Lind (8635 Glacier Lane), opened the meeting by welcoming all those in attendance and asking for new residents since last year's meeting.

o        Mark Ellingson (14170 87th) moved in last year in the summer and is enjoying the area. Mark is married with 2 young boys.

·         Introduction of the officers of the board to the audience.

o        Secretary - George Schneider

o        Treasurer - Rick Stulac (newly elected)

·         Recognition of past President and Treasurer who stepped down after many years of service:

o        Chuck Berger, who has been the president of RLAA for over 10 years. Chuck will continue to provide support and knowledge to the on-going officers.

o        Steve Cady, who has served as treasurer of RLAA for many years. Steve was also instrumental of building a database of association members and doing the annual meeting and dues notifications by himself. Steve will also be looked to by the on-going board members for his expertise gained over the years.

·         Eric stated that the meeting agenda will be reordered slightly to allow for our special guest, Steve McComas from Blue Water Science, to present before we get into the administrative portions of our meeting. We will continue with our regularly scheduled agenda after Steve's presentation.

·         Quorum is present with 8 of 12 board members in attendance.

Rice Lake Update (Steve McComas of Blue Water Science)

·         Steve is a well-known consultant who has worked on Rice Lake for years. You have probably heard him on KSTP 1500 talk radio with his 'Lake Detective' segments. Steve discussed some of the history of Rice Lake and how it was not always a lake, but a flooded creek (Elm Creek). He has been providing the city of Maple Grove with plant and fish surveys over the years on not just Rice Lake, but each of the 7 lakes. Some of the key characteristics of Rice Lake which Steve pointed out:

o        It is dominated by Elm Creek, so whatever changes are done to the lake, must be accepted by Elm Creek.

o        Long-term objective is to reduce algae blooms by increasing plant growth, while insuring that nuisance plants like Curlyleaf Pondweed (CLP) and Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) to not become a problem.

o        The last drawdown done in 2003-2004 had the best impact on the CLP problem, but it also may have had an impact on the native plant population. Since that time, the natives have been slow to recover.

o        The 1st year after a drawdown may encourage extra nutrients introduced into the lake, which supports algae blooms.

o        Without a good balance of vegetation in the lake, the algae becomes more abundant, since there is nothing to absorb it.

·         What can be done to reduce the algae levels and bring back the native plants?

o        It is apparent that the rough fish, primarily the carp, are feeding on the roots of the plants and uprooting them.

o        Need to remove carp from the picture, if they are the cause of the problem. This will encourage the plants to recover and absorb the algae, which will improve water clarity and eventually quality.

·         Steve outlined the planned projects on Rice Lake for 2008 which he will be involved in:

o        Aquatic Plant Survey- Measure the types and amounts of plants on the lake using transect methodology.

o        Fish Survey - Count the types and numbers of various fish species in the lake. Summarize how those species are influencing the lake. (Expect to see high numbers for carp and a significant impact. This could lead to efforts to remove the carp from the mix.)

o        Barley Straw forAlgae Reduction (tentative) - This project would be a demonstration project to see if seating barley straw (cuttings from farmlands) in small areas will filter the algae/nutrients and improve the water clarity. This project would be done in a total area of <10 acres, preferably in storm water ponds which feed into the lake.

·         What impact does the declaration of Elm Creek as an 'Impaired Water' have on Rice Lake?

o        'Impaired Water' means the water has an overabundance of either nutrients or chemicals (i.e.: mercury). In Rice Lake's situation, the overabundance is in nutrients, mostly phosphorous.

o        Since Elm Creek was considered an 'Impaired Water' by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) last year, there have been stepped up efforts to monitor the water to determine problem areas and what can be done to correct those problem areas. Since Elm Creek flows into Rice Lake, the MPCA will formerly announce Rice Lake as an 'Impaired Water' as well.

o        There have been 2 monitoring stations set up on Elm Creek to measure the water characteristics, mostly types of nutrients in the water and water flow changes.

·         What can we do to combat those problems?

o        1st - Increase the native plant population which will improve water clarity.

o        2nd - Reduce the impact the algae has on the lake by reducing its significance

·         What can we realistically expect for water quality on Rice Lake?

·         Q & A session

o        Q - How come we are seeing "brown" in the water now? Is that mud/sediment?

§         A - It is actually "brown algae", which is common early after the ice out. Until plants begin to grow, this will be present. Since we are at least 2 weeks behind schedule this year, it should start to disappear soon.

o        Q - Is it safe to swim in Rice Lake?

§         A - Yes, although it may not be desirable at times, it is safe. Government agencies would let residents know if the lake is unsafe for swimming.

o        Q - We've discussed building a "carp exclosure" in a couple of areas to see if the absence of fish (carp) allows the plants to thrive. Is this a realistic goal and if so, how soon can we expect to see results?

§         A - A "carp exclosure" is a good idea. It will definitely indicate if an absence of fish allows the plants to grow back. You should be able to see results the same season when plants come back. These "carp exclosures" do not need to be any larger than 20' x 20' in size.

Reports from Officers and Directors

·         Treasurers Report

o        Rick Stulac discussed the 2007 Balance Sheet and Income Statement, as well as the 2008 YTD Balance Sheet and Income Statement.

o        Some observations made over the past several years include:

§         Expenses exceeding our income each of the past 3 years.

·         In 2007, income was $6,828.37; expenses $9,028.12; result was a shortage of $2,199.75.

·         This shortage came out of our savings account, which is now at $5,540.28.

§         If we cannot generate more income, we need to cut back on expenses.

§         To help increase our income, the board has voted to increase association dues for 2008:

·         Lakeview =$60 (up from $50)

·         Lakeshore =$125 (up from $100)

§         Need to increase membership. We have less than 50% participation from those who live on the lakeshore properties (47 non-paying out of 82 possible - a potential for $5,875 more in income from dues!); we need to solicit those who do not pay and have them begin participating.

o        The City of Maple Grove does help RLAA by partially funding valid projects under the Lake Improvement Project (LIP) program. In 2008, RLAA is asking the City to contribute almost 50% of our costs for projects ($12k out of 23k).

·         How do we encourage those who do not pay their dues to begin paying?

o        Demonstrate the validity of belonging to the association, which is moving forward with projects aimed at improving our water.

o        Talk to your neighbors who are not paying today and encourage them to contribute.

o        Plan some fundraising events to raise both awareness and income. Some possibilities mentioned:

§         Rice Lake walk in July (Maple Grove Days)

§         Golf outing (double the entry fee with the extra going to RLAA)

§         Pulltabs at a local dining establishment (supported by Minnesota Waters)

·         Remember that RLAA is considered a 501c3 corporation, meaning any dues payments are considered fully tax-deductible. RLAA will be formerly regaining the 501c3 status this year, meaning you can claim this year's dues on your 2008 contributions.

Reelection of Board Members   (Eric)

·         4 terms expire (Stromberg, Mitchell, Coumbe, Dechmann)

o        Stromberg, Mitchell (by absentee) and Dechmann all expressed desire to continue on the board

o        Coumbe was not present to respond and will be assumed to be on the board unless he resigns

·         No new nominees for any Board positions from the floor

·         2 decided to resign their officer/board positions (President - Berger; Treasurer - Cady)

Rice Lake Area Association Board of Directors (as of 5/6/2008)

Title

Name

Term Expiration

President

Eric Lind

2010

Treasurer

Rick Stulac

2009

Secretary

George Schneider

2010

Director

Molly Kridel

2009

Director

Jim Kridel

2009

Director

Joni Stulac

2009

Director

Wade Quale

2010

Director

Nika Rybinski

2010

Director

Jami Stromberg

2008

Director

Mark Mitchell

2008

Director

Matthew Coumbe

2008

Director

Tom Dechmann

2008

Reelection of Officers   (Eric)

·         Officers effective May 2008

o        President - Eric Lind

o        Treasurer - Rick Stulac

o        Secretary - George Schneider

·         Question from the floor - How do the officers become elected?

o        Answer - The Board of Directors chooses the Officers. At the last Board of Directors meeting on April 8, 2008, the Board conducted their vote.

Lake Management Plan Highlights   (George)

It was asked that those in attendance read this information and please notify the board of any concerns. All of this information was made available in the handouts.

·         Valid projects can be partially reimbursed by City of Maple Grove if warranted. For 2008, these projects have been submitted by George Schneider to the Lake Quality Commission (LQC) on behalf of Rice Lake:

o        Sediment Nutrient Release Study

§         James Johnson (Freshwater Scientific Services) will measure phosphorous from the lake bottom and help determine how much impact it has on overall lake makeup.

§         Project will cost total of $3,000; City will fund up to 50%

o        Monitor Sediment in Storm Water Ponds

§         James Johnson (Freshwater Scientific Services) will help RLAA volunteers organize this effort to measure phosphorous from the storm water ponds which feed into the lake. Is sediment accumulating and reducing filtering effects of the pond?

§         James to serve as consultant to the RLAA volunteers (who will work with City Engineering to actually measure and collect the data)

§         Project will cost total of $1,000; City will fund up to 50%

o        "Carp Exclosure"

§         James Johnson (Freshwater Scientific Services) recommended RLAA volunteers plan and set up a couple of test sites where fencing is set up in areas away from recreational areas and carp are removed. See if aquatic plants will recover without interference from the carp.

§         Only cost will be for the materials to install two (2) fenced in areas no larger than 20'x20'.

o        Aquatic Plant Management Surveys

§         Required by DNR to authorize weed treatment (drawdown, herbicide, etc.)

§         City of Maple Grove no longer paying for surveys from Blue Water Science

§         2008 surveys proposal from Steve McComas of Blue Water Science

§         Vote by Directors to accept Steve McComas bid of $3,000 for 2008 surveys

§         Project cost will total $3,000; City will fund up to 50%

o        Fish Survey proposal from Steve McComas for $5,000 for 2008

§         Will help determine if fish are causing water clarity problems

§         Vote by Directors to accept Steve McComas bid of $5,000 for 2008 fish surveys

§         Project cost will total $5,000;City will fund up to 50%

·         CLP control - Continues to looks very good so far, although overall plant community low.

·         Algae control - We've had to treat with Copper Sulfate past 2 years

o        What options do we have for proactive control?

o        Treatment is becoming more expensive ($8,200 in 2007) and is only short-lived

Lake Quality Commission Report   (George)

·         See separate handout

Summer Picnic scheduled for Saturday, May 31 (Molly)

§         It was decided by the Board to not have a picnic this year. Last year's was cancelled due to lack of interest.

§         We will be too busy this year with lake projects and membership drives to plan and conduct a picnic

Goals for 2008   (George)

§         Increase membership - discuss with your neighbors if they are not members today

§         Continue Monitoring to determine best methods for improving water quality

o        Plant community

o        Fish community

o        Erosion

§         Phosphorous monitoring of lake sediment - how much does it contribute?

§         Collect support for Algae Treatment if necessary

o        A check-off form for approving a Copper Sulfate Treatment for Algae blooms was distributed with the dues notices. This approval is necessary only if the Board deems the treatment is required and if more than 50% of the lakeshore residents sign their approval. Permits will need to be obtained from the DNR in order to grant the applicator permission to apply the treatment.

Miscellaneous

§         Subcommittee organization for various interests/projects

o        Fundraising team

§         Mary & Jerry Yunger

§         Nika & Russ Rybinski

§         Molly Kridel

§         Rick Stulac

§         Eric Lind

§         Shane Mason

o        Carp Exclosure team

§         George Schneider

§         Mary & Jerry Yunger

§         Eric Lind

§         Tom Dechmann

§         Can we change the meeting location for next year to a quieter venue?

o        Noise from the kitchen was affecting ability to hear for those in rear of room

o        We have had quieter locations in the past; Government Center, Community Center are a few possibilities

Adjourn and Close at 9:25 pm

Meeting statistics

·         24 homes were represented at the meeting, including 8 current Board members

·         Board Members in attendance

o        Eric Lind

o        Rick Stulac

o        George Schneider

o        Molly Kridel

o        Jim Kridel

o        Nika Rybinski

o        Jami Stromberg

o        Tom Dechmann

Follow-Ups

·         Formal filing for 501c3 (Eric Lind)

·         Subcommittee Team organization (George Schneider)

o        Set up e-mail groups for the respective teams that were formulated at the annual meeting

o        Advertise these subcommittee teams on the RLAA website

·         Barley Straw project  (George Schneider)

o        Check with Steve McComas to see if the current proposal would be able to include covering the boat ramp bay or just the stormwater ponds.

o        How do we measure the impact the barley straw has?

·         Carp Exclosure project (George Schneider)

o        Obtain the necessary permits/permissions necessary

Rice Lake Website - http://www.ricelake.homestead.com

Quick Facts

Rice Lake is the 3rd largest lake in Hennepin County (Lake Minnetonka and Medicine Lake larger)

Rice Lake is the largest of Maple Grove's lakes at 330 surface acres

Maximum depth is almost 12 feet

Elm Creek Watershed drains almost 100 square miles into the lake

Rice Lake ordinary high water (OHW) elevation is 891.5 feet above sea level

There are about 80 homes on the lake with shoreline property

There is no public access on Rice Lake (except for walk-ons)

Fish population includes: sunfish, crappies, bullheads, carp, northern pike, largemouth bass, perch

What does a Drawdown do to the lake?

Under ideal conditions (hard winter freeze with little snow cover early), a drawdown can kill out the Curlyleaf Pondweed seeds in the lake sediment, preventing growth the next year.

Can also kill out Eurasian WaterMilfoil.

Allows residents to clear debris from lake bottom and improve the shoreline.

Is an economical way to manage the lake's natural problems

"Flappers" were installed on the Rice Lake side of the culvert under Weaver Lake Road in March 2008

These "flappers" will prevent the occasional high water from Rice Lake flowing into Fish Lake

May also reduce rough fish source entering Fish Lake

Meeting Minutes taken by George Schneider (RLAA Secretary)