BARBEE LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

Board of Directors Meeting

October 10, 2009

The meeting was called to order by Dan Bell, President.  Those attending were:

    Board Members—Dan Harris, Jack Sell, Bill Keith, Kenny Hill, Mory Weyand, Bill Thompson, Jim Bechstein, George Hiatt, Patt Klein, Larry R. Link, Theresa Clary, Steve Mafera, Lisa Cough, John Duncan, Chuck Parr, Dan Bell

    Guests—Val Vondran, Dan and Janet Benson, Cindy Bell

The first item on the agenda was a presentation by Betsy Ewald--JF New, and Randy Cunningham--weed control applicator, summarizing their recent survey of the weed population within our lake waters. Curly leaf and milfoil are present in all lakes in Indiana , including the Barbee Chain. Tony treated 120 acres for these evasive plants during 2009.  There is a concern of eel grass in the lakes, mostly in Irish Lake . Eel grass is a native plant and can be treated; however, it would be an added expense.  Should property owners harvest weeds at their home site or pier, they should not be allowed to dry on the sea wall because the nutrients will brain back into the lake waters.  It was suggested the BLPOA treat we can afford and what lake grants will allow.  Plans for treatment are due the LARE by 12/15, 2009 and any amount of grant money we might receive is not clear at this time.

Minutes of the September, 2009 board meeting were read and approved.

Treasurer, Ron Miller,shared that we currently have $18,114 in our BLPOA checking account with limited incoming income.  The $46,000 invoice for the Phase 2 dredging project has not been paid by DNR/LARE due to a new software program. Work continues on new budget for 2010.  The report was read and approved.

Dredging on b-26 /B27 is complete and the new pit is full.  The contractor is looking for a new spoils site.  Money that is owed is to be funded by LARE.  The pit is to be closed by the contractor. 

Fundraising:  Volunteers are still needed.  If you sign up, please follow through.

Committee chairman are to submit their reports to Chuck Brinkman, so he can get a newsletter by the first of the year.

Flooding:  The county highway department is responsible for maintaining all culverts, including CR 450 and Armstrong Road .  (There had been concern expressed that they might need to be cleaned.)  The Tippecanoe River is plugged downstream; however, it cannot be cleaned due to an exotic frog species.

On November 19, DNR will have an open house in Columbia City from 11 to 6.  BLPOA will be represented.  There will be a question and answer session with information used to find determine our money appropriations for 2010.

The meeting was adjourned.

Chuck Parr, Secretary Pro Tem

Mark you calendar:

Forum on Flooding and High Water Levels

November 17, 2009;  5 to 8:00 p.m.; at the North Webster Community Center

Get the Facts.  Stop the Rumors.  Get your Questions Answered.

This event will be Open House style.  Stop by anytime from 5-8 pm to talk one on one with representatives invited from the following organizations:

 IDNR Division of Water; IDNR Lake and River Enhancement, USGS, NOAA/Weather

Service, Area County Surveyors, KC Health Department-wells and septic systems,  Emergency Management-response plans                                                                                                   

      Sponsored by the Lakes and Streams Leadership Network (LakesNet) in coopepration with the Tippecanoe Watershed Foundation and the Kosciusko  Lakes and Streams.  For more information contact Eileen at 574/372-5100 x6445 or boekesec@grace.edu

Next BLPOA Board of Directors Meeting:  Saturday, March 20, 2010                                                                                                                                                                                                           

I wish to thank Chuck Parr for taking notes for the minutes for the October Meeting. 

Bob Trout