Warner Lake Improvement Association February 2008 Minutes page

Minutes from the August 22nd, 2008 meeting.

CALLED TO ORDER
The August 22nd, 2008 meeting of the WLIA was called to order at 8:15 p.m. by President Osterhout.

There was a new member present, Claudia, from CoCo Lane.

Secretaries report -
The June 2008 minutes were read by Stacy Loucks, Bill Hazen motioned to accept and Jerri Osterhout seconded. All were in favor.

Treasurers report -
Read by Lee Jones. As of 8/22/08 Checking $2917.36, Savings $10,184,52, Dam account $19,589.36. Roy Lamberton motioned to accept and Sharon Klein seconded. All were in favor.

Bob Dollar asked if there were any large expenditures, Lee stated that just the cost to print the last book of $4,600.

Membership - Lee stated that we would have over 200 members this year once they are paid.

OLD BUSINESS

Sue Rivers was speaking reagarding the Dam letter-There was so much opposition that the state committee is going back to the drawing board. Nothing is going to happen this year. The letter was proposing new regulations for Dams to be up to code. A discussion was held about the letter. Bob Rivers went throught he old deeds, and it is unclear as to the ownership of the dam. A lawyer is needed to look in to it. More discussion was held. Lee Jones asked if a letter should be composed to the DEC addressing our concerns.

Willard speaking regarding mouring boats: you need a permit from Encon for anything. Even a trampoline is required. Bob Rivers has checked into it.

Willard speaking reagarding the sales of the new book - Willard makes no money on the books. Only 14 copies have sold so far at the Hardware store. Willard is dissappointed in the local sales. Jerry Nocella asked how much is needed to break even on the book, Lee stated that we are in the red $2800 at this point. A discussion was held about the book. Willard stated that the book will also be available through the Berne Historical web site.

NEW BUSINESS
The wesite has had 6100 hits.

Willard speaking - Friends of the Library is asking for a $100 donation to help with their fundraiser in October. Roy Lamberton motioned to give the donation, Bill Hazen sectioned, all were in favor.

Willard read an email from Roy Lamberton addressing some questions raised by other members: Who owns the Dam? Answer: Willard stated that the WLIA owns the dam. The WLIA can't afford to pay liability insurance on it. It was raised that if the Dam failed, we might be liable.

Sue Rivers requested the the incorporation papers, Lee Jones will get them to her. A discussion was held about the incorporation. Roy Lamberton suggested hiring an attorney to look at the original agreement about the dam. Steve Vanderbuilt motioned for an estimate for an attorney to look into our liability, Jim Caufman seconded, all were in favor.

The question was raised as to who owns the lake bottom - Willard stated that proprty owers do. A discussion was held.

The question of WLIA rights to the launch was raised - Willard stated that the WLIA has no legal rights to the launch.

Willard stated that the Hilltown Hoppers have been on the lake this year with their Kayacks and the Boy Scouts were also there.

The question was raised as to whether Mr. Pleat has anything to do with the WLIA. Lee stated that he has not paid his dues yet this year. A discussion was held about the camp.

Steve Vanderbuilt asked how much the lake can handle? How many people launched today? Willard stated 2. Willard also stated that the lake is less active than years ago. A discussion was held as to what boats may bring to our lake from others. A suggestion was made by Bob Dollar to make a sign about checking your boat for weeds or chestnuts before launching. Bob Dollar made a motion to make a sign. Sue Rivers will look into a DEC sign, Jerri Osterhout seconded.
Bart Mullens suggested to put out a flyer with suggested rules or incorporated rules. Willard said we could mail them out with memberships. Steve Vanderbuilt asked if there are NYS laws and regulations. A discussion was held.

Dam Committee - Sue Rivers spoke with DEC. She will draft a letter to go to the DEC.

Membership Committee - There is a survey on the web site. The area reps handed out about 150 and received 40 back. Sue Rivers read a few of the suggestions.

Jerry Nocella speaking - the health department tests the lake once a month and the results are the best they have ever been. Bob Dollar asked if there is only one place being tested - Yes. Coliform is whats being tested. More areas need to be tested. Jerry can get kits and we can send them in. A discussion was held. Jerry Nocella asked about the camps being dye tested. Willard stated that we have asked for the tests again but state does not have the money to do it.

Historical Committee - Willard has all the old records for the WLIA. Roy Lamberton asked if the Library would take them. The town doesn't have the room. Someone suggested digital imaging or storage.

The question about weeds was raised again. Willard stated that we cannot afford to treat the weeds and neither can Helderberg Lake. NYS will not allow you to use a strength that will actually kill the weeds.

Family Day Committee - Family day was cancelled this year. Only 16 families came last year.

Web Site Committee - web site has been updated.

Nominating Committee - Roger Freestone, Dave Whitbeck, and Tony McDonald. Roger thanked Willard and Stacy for their service. Nominated for President of the Lake Association is John Hanley. Bart Mullen will stay another year as Vice President. Lee Jones will continue to be Treasurer. Nominated for secretary is Eleanor Mostert. Board of Directors: Willard Osterhout will serve a 3 year term as a director, Dan Johnson stepped down, Bob Dollar and Gwen Ringler will continue to be directors. We need to look back at the minutes to see when their terms started.

Roger Freestone spoke about needing a better structure so that all of the needs don't fall on the President. Willard will work hand in hand with John Hanley. Willard commended them for fulfilling their obligations.

The Secretary cast one ballet for the slate of officers, all were in favor. The officers will begin their term at the February meeting.

Dates for next years meeting: February 8th 2:00pm bring an appetizer to share, June 26th 8:00 pm, and August 21st 8:00 pm.

Lee Jones asked about our annual scholarships, $100 each to BKW Scholarship, Helderberg Ambulance, and the East Berne Fire Department. Beth Hanley motioned for the scholarships, Bart Mullen seconded, all were in favor.

Bob Dollar thanked Willard and Stacy for their service. Especailly Willard for his 23 years as President of WLIA.

Paul Amsden was the winner of the 50/50.

Raffle - $877.52 was made on the raffle this year. 1st prize went to East Berne Fire House (unknown who purchased the ticket), 2nd prize went to Ms. Fraley, and 3rd prize went to the name Panza.

ADJOURNMENT
Steve Vanderbuilt moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Jerri Osterhout. All were in favor. Meeting was adjourned at 9:45.

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