Lake Gaston Association
Minutes of
the Annual Meeting - June 9, 2007
Lake Gaston
Baptist Church – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Mission: To identify lake issues affecting
our members and pursue resolution with the responsible organizations.
Registration:
9:30 AM to 10:00 AM Beverages and rolls were provided by Pete and Judy Peters.
Welcome
- The President, Larry Jolly, called the
meeting to order and welcomed all in attendance.
Pledge of Allegiance
– The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the President, Larry Jolly.
Inspirational Reading
- Director Tom Winebrenner gave an Inspirational Reading called the “57
cents Gift”.
Introduction of Current Directors and Officers
: Larry requested the Directors
(who were seated throughout the room with their identification tags) to
introduce themselves to our guests. Directors Present: Jim Smalfelt,
Tom Winebrenner, Fred Kneisel, Pete Deschenes, David Duxbury, Laura Kolb, John
Boyle, Larry Jolly, Ralph Domach, Jack Saunders, Doug Hughes, John Slaton, Ron
George, Joee Hoxter, John Cataldo, Johnna Fross, Bill Lindenmuth, and Barbara
Burgdoerfer.
Directors Absent:
Bill Bryant, Calvin DeShields, Bob Etheridge and Jay Baker.
Recognition of Guests and Comments:
The President acknowledged the presence of two NC legislators in our audience,
Lucy Allen and Michael Wray. They were thanked for their support of issues
involving Lake Gaston and we look forward to working with them in the future.
Other guests: Brunswick County – Sarah A.P. Raible. Mecklenburg
County – Jerry Burgdoerfer, Joyce Lindenmuth, Fred Taylor, Jean Strain,
Jean & Jack Houston, Lee Nicholson. Warren County – Dede Snead, David
Little, Shaye Diebout, John Diebout, Susan Deschenes, Bill La Monte, Marlene
Di Pasquale, Chuck Wiley. Northampton County – La Verne Domach,
Lavetta Johnson, Bruce Johnson, Bert & Nancy Borngesser, Julie Jolly.
Halifax County – Bob Sokolinsky.
Secretary’s Report
– Joee Hoxter
The report for June 10, 2006 has been on our
website for review by the lake community. The report was accepted as
submitted in June of 2006.
Treasurer’s Report
– Bill Lindenmuth
The report for June 10, 2006 has been on our
website for review by the lake community.
The report was accepted as submitted in June of
2006. Additionally, a retired CPA, Bill Weaver has audited the financial
operations of the Lake Gaston Association. He found the balance sheets to be
in order. His report will be published in the next LGA Bulletin.
Guest Speakers:
Dr. Rob Richardson,
Assistant Professor, Aquatic and Non-cropland Weed Management, Crop Science
Department, North Carolina State University. Dr. Richardson spoke on aquatic
weed identification and management.
Comments from Dr. Richardson:
-
Why should we try to control
the weeds? Because they will take over the lake.
-
How do we make plant
management decisions? We take into consideration the size of the body of
water, use of the body of water, plants identified within the body of water,
fish and wildlife present, the current water quality, the physical and
environment limitations, and most of all the economic limits.
-
Dr. Richardson identified in
detail the vast categories of vegetation that inhabit inland lakes in the
United States. He specifically discussed those that have already infested
Lake Gaston and the damage that could occur if some of the others infest our
lake. He mentioned that the tubers from the hydrilla plant can remain within
the lake sediment environment for over 7 years. It is a weed that will need
constant control mechanisms.
-
There are various Control
Options that are available: a) prevention methods are first, b) hand
removal (common but inefficient), c) Cultural & Physical Management, d)
Mechanical Techniques (short term control), e) Biological, f) Chemical
Options (there are approximately 10), g) Copper Products, h) Endothall
Products, i) Reinnard approach j) Diquat Dibromide, and k) Fluridone
(sonar/avast).
President Jolly thanked Dr. Richardson for
his timely comment.
Mr. Craig Ellison,
North Carolina Cooperative Extension Agent for Northampton County. Mr.
Ellison spoke on regulations and guidelines for pesticide use for noxious weed
control on Lake Gaston.
Mr. Ellison reminded our audience that
whatever instructions are on the label of any pesticide – the label is the
law. One must read and follow the directions on pesticide labels, such as:
brand name, % of active ingredient, EPA regulation #, follow methods and
precautions specific to storage and disposal, statement of practical
treatment, keep out of reach of children and the users responsibility. The
reasons for pesticide regulations are to: protect people and the environment,
control misuse, ensure safety in our food supply and ensure applicator
competence.
Dominion Power manages the shore line and
water quality. They require a commercial license for applicators. The types
of licenses are commercial, public group, dealer, aerial and pest consultants.
There is a penalty in North Carolina of a fine up to 2,000 dollars for
violating the specific guidelines for using pesticides. Your license could be
suspended, denied or revoked.
A survey was passed out with a request to
complete in order for Mr. Ellison to take the results with him at the end of
the meeting today.
For questions on pesticides:
www.ncagr.com/pesticide or
call 919-733-3556.
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services
Pesticide Section - 1090 Mail Service Center
- Raleigh 27699-1090
Other comments from Mr. Ellison
in response to questions include:
-
Bodies of water are different
and combinations of different approaches of chemicals may be needed to be
effective.
-
There is no specific timeline
to get hydrilla under control.
-
We need count on carp and
their effectiveness in specific areas.
-
After treatment, mats of
hydrilla may float for a while, dry and drop to the bottom.
-
Best way to treat large mats
is to prevent them from drifting into coves – some tubers may remain when it
drops to the bottom.
-
You need a permit to pull mats
out of the lake.
-
It is necessary to dispose of
the mats to destroy the tubers.
-
The best time to apply the
chemicals into the lake depends on the chemicals and herbicides used.
-
Remove any weeds wrapped
around a propeller and be sure to not take any foreign weeds to another lake
-
Recognition of weeds takes
time to search out and study.
President Jolly thanked Mr. Ellison for his
comments. Lake Gaston has been seen as a model for other lakes across the
country. Scientists are studying the most effective ways to effectively bring
an environmental balance back to lake that has been threatened by alien
weeds. It is a step by step process and plans must be made years in advance
to remain abreast of the necessary treatments.
Mr. Chuck Wiley –
Professional Lake Management (PLM). Mr. Wiley
is here to give the LGA a brief overview of the progress that PLM has made
since it began its treatment on Lake Gaston in April.
-
The first round of sonar
treatments were completed yesterday.
-
The list of creeks to be
treated this season has been published in the Lake Gaston Gazette and other
publications.
-
Timing for treatment is
important – you cannot treat too soon or too late.
-
Most applicators will begin
treatment where there is evidence of hydrilla beginning at 3’ to 4’.
-
PLM will do 3 treatments every
30 days for each area listed. Each area is posted (docks, etc.) when the
company has completed treating the area.
-
The Lake Gaston Weed Control
Council (LGWCC) and the Lake Gaston Gazette will link you to PLM for questions
on their website.
President Jolly thanked Mr. Wiley for his
update comments.
Committee Reports:
Lake Environment
– Bill Lindenmuth, Chair
The Lake Environment report is available on
our website.
Safety
– Jack D. Saunders, Chair
The Safety report is available on our
website. The Lake Gaston Water Safety Trailer is on the parking lot today for
the education of our guests at the annual meeting.
Aquatic Weed Management
– Tom Winebrenner for Bob Etheridge, Chair
Many thanks to Pete Deschenes, Bob
Etheridge, John Cataldo and Wally Sayko for their contributions on this
committee this year. The committee created a flow chart to assist our lake
community in understanding the various committee’s responsibilities and how we
are related to each other. The Flow Chart and an up to date description of
the Lake Gaston Weed Control Council has been submitted with our annual
report. The report is available on our website.
Membership Development
– David Duxbury, Chair
The Chair mentioned that the Membership
Committee this year consisted of all new members. They created a lot of new
activities to increase the LGA membership. It has increased by 3% so far in
2007. They are visible at county flea markets and fairs. There is a new
mission statement and new categories of memberships, including a lifetime
membership. Many thanks to committee members, Laura Kolb, Linda Klienert,
Barbara Burgdoerfer, Joyce Lindenmuth, and our Executive Director, Moria
Underwood. The complete report is available on our website.
Public Affairs
– John Slaton, Chair
The Public Affairs Committee has been
particularly busy all year with the on-going responsibilities of securing
monthly speakers for the Director’s Board meetings, sponsoring outside forums
for the membership and citizens in our community, and maintaining a working
rapport with government officials in both states and all five counties. The
complete report is available on our website.
Planning and Development
– Jack D. Saunders, Chair
This is a new committee and is just
beginning to expand into it’s targeted responsibilities. It was formed to
explore how it can promote consistent action among the five counties
surrounding the lake which are protective of Lake Gaston’s predominantly rural
and ecologically sensitive character. The complete report is available on
our website.
Nominating Committee
– Ron George, Chair
Ron George presented a slate of Directors to
begin their own term as 1st term. They are Laura Kolb, John Boyle,
Barbara Burgdoerfer and Bill Bryant. 2nd term Director is Ralph
Domach. (Each term is 3 years)
We now have Director vacancies in Halifax,
Brunswick and Mecklenburg counties.
The Oath of Office was taken by all
Directors.
Executive Director’s Report
- Moira Underwood
Moira gave a brief review of her
accomplishments this past year as the Executive Director and gave a thank you
to all who assisted her in carrying out her duties. Her complete report is
available on our website.
Four Proposed By-laws Changes
– Larry Jolly, President
Proposed LGA bylaw Changes were all voted on
separately.
Each one was moved and seconded with a
unanimous vote of approval for change.
See the list of the bylaws on file.
LGA’s President’s Report
– Larry Jolly
Our out-going President, Larry Jolly, gave a
complete report of his accomplishments and the LGA’s
accomplishments over the past year. The correspondence, procedures, LGA
policies and other practical matters that he directed kept the organization on
firm ground for the next President, John Cataldo. Larry’s complete remarks
are on file.
Recognitions
– Larry Jolly
Bob Etheridge – 2nd term is up –
awarded a Certificate of Achievement
Ron George – 2nd term is up -
awarded a Certificate of Achievement
Tom Winebrenner – 2nd term is up
– awarded a Certificate of Achievement
Sherman Merchant – Special Recognition -
Voice of the lake on WZRU FM Radio
Jack D. Saunders – Tireless Worker for LGA
(Chair of Safety, LEM’s & Planning and
Development Committees) awarded a Certificate of Achievement
Larry & Julie Jolly – Outgoing President –
Excellent Leadership to our lake community
for the
LGA – awarded a Clock.
Door Prizes :
The winners of the door prizes were:
Bill La Monte
Marlene Di Pasquale
Joe Armstrong
Jean Houston
Joan Strain
Sarah A. P. Raible
Judy Peters
Adjourn:
The meeting was properly adjourned. The guests were reminded to visit the
Boating Safety trailer on our parking lot.
Respectfully submitted,
Joee Hoxter
Secretary
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