LBCC Annual Meeting June 24, 2023
June 24, 2023 10:00 a.m. United Methodist Church Hall
Attending Officers:
Sam Verbeck, President; Suzanne Hall, Surrogate Treasurer; Becky Lancaster, Secretary
Board Members: Ed Branagan, Stan Czepiel, Mike Fitzpatrick, Lisa Leubner
Absent: Naovarat Branagan; Kendall Hall, Treasurer; Logan Eddy, Vice President
Sam Verbeck, President; Suzanne Hall, Surrogate Treasurer; Becky Lancaster, Secretary
Board Members: Ed Branagan, Stan Czepiel, Mike Fitzpatrick, Lisa Leubner
Absent: Naovarat Branagan; Kendall Hall, Treasurer; Logan Eddy, Vice President
Opening Remarks:
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
A quorum was determined via a motion, 2nd , and all members voicing,“aye”.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
A quorum was determined via a motion, 2nd , and all members voicing,“aye”.
Nominations/Elections:
Were conducted by Sam, and again the audience members voicing a unanimous, “aye”.
Stan Czepiel will serve three more years as a Board Member, Michelle Watkins who filled in the end of a term for Roger McClure, was elected to begin a three year term. Becky Lancaster, is “retiring” from serving a three year term as Secretary/ Board Member. The membership elected Shelly Aldrich as the new board member. The board now needs to choose among the board members, a secretary.
Were conducted by Sam, and again the audience members voicing a unanimous, “aye”.
Stan Czepiel will serve three more years as a Board Member, Michelle Watkins who filled in the end of a term for Roger McClure, was elected to begin a three year term. Becky Lancaster, is “retiring” from serving a three year term as Secretary/ Board Member. The membership elected Shelly Aldrich as the new board member. The board now needs to choose among the board members, a secretary.
Treasurer’s Report:
Was given by Suzanne Hall. She began with stating, “We are healthy as a club.” The complete Treasurer’s report. This year we currently have $72,000 in savings and $16,000 in checking. If anyone has a different idea for the big raffle items, you are welcome and encouraged to let us know. If you have a lake project in mind, there are funds, so again, let us know. Of course, we spent money on weevils for the milfoil and we have the milfoil under excellent control (weevils aren’t even being produced for purchase anymore.) We may incur expenses with the zebra mussel upcoming battle, but currently there is no remedy for zebra mussels, consequently those expenses are not on the horizon.
There was a motion and a 2nd to accept the treasurer’s report.
Was given by Suzanne Hall. She began with stating, “We are healthy as a club.” The complete Treasurer’s report. This year we currently have $72,000 in savings and $16,000 in checking. If anyone has a different idea for the big raffle items, you are welcome and encouraged to let us know. If you have a lake project in mind, there are funds, so again, let us know. Of course, we spent money on weevils for the milfoil and we have the milfoil under excellent control (weevils aren’t even being produced for purchase anymore.) We may incur expenses with the zebra mussel upcoming battle, but currently there is no remedy for zebra mussels, consequently those expenses are not on the horizon.
There was a motion and a 2nd to accept the treasurer’s report.
Announcements/ Upcoming Dates:
Boat Parade is 7/2/23 at 7 P,M. The theme is Christmas and lights will better glow a 7 pm.
Ring of Fire is 7/4/23 . Flares are $3 each for sale at Chuck’s, Harrisville Hardware.
Bonaparte Fishing Derby is 7/15/23 10-3 with awards at 3:30, and will be hosted by Lisa and Ed who will be this year’s Judges. Sam has gotten a new weighing scale. Participants will engage in activities while the Judges collaborate.
Annual Picnic is 8/5/23, Sam gave an explanation of the new basket raffle tickets.
One ticket, 20 chances on each ticket, is $5. That’s double the amount of chances for $5 last year. Donated baskets may be given to board members or brought to the Fire Hall by 11 a.m.
Stan gave a brief report on the gazebo. The repairs of last year held up well despite the seven feet of snow reported.
He has inspected it and it “held up good.”
Boat Parade is 7/2/23 at 7 P,M. The theme is Christmas and lights will better glow a 7 pm.
Ring of Fire is 7/4/23 . Flares are $3 each for sale at Chuck’s, Harrisville Hardware.
Bonaparte Fishing Derby is 7/15/23 10-3 with awards at 3:30, and will be hosted by Lisa and Ed who will be this year’s Judges. Sam has gotten a new weighing scale. Participants will engage in activities while the Judges collaborate.
Annual Picnic is 8/5/23, Sam gave an explanation of the new basket raffle tickets.
One ticket, 20 chances on each ticket, is $5. That’s double the amount of chances for $5 last year. Donated baskets may be given to board members or brought to the Fire Hall by 11 a.m.
Stan gave a brief report on the gazebo. The repairs of last year held up well despite the seven feet of snow reported.
He has inspected it and it “held up good.”
Other Information:
1. Fire lane signs:
Have been installed. Someone from the East shore reported that the signs are too tall and too far into the trees, but the county will be called and the signs readjusted. Also, the signs are expected to be put on the lake side of Hotel Road by 7/4. Sam pointed out that as residents are often over 60, the need for medical emergency vehicles is greater and the importance of cooperation is greater.
2. Facebook:
Still administered by Logan Eddy, and no problems are noted.
3. Camp Security:
The off season was addressed. No one responded to being concerned. Cameras were the only recommendation for future concerns.
4. Lake Bonaparte Maps and Map Keys:
These were addressed by Ed Branagan and Michelle Watkins who are working diligently on creating an accurate key to accompany the maps. They invited everyone present to look at map areas and mark up the map in the back of the room as well as the available paper near the map. Sam presently has more maps for sale at $10 each. Michelle projects that the key may be complete by 7/15 and when it is compete a link will be posted on the LBCC Facebook page. Paper copies can be printed from the link, or one can contact Michele for assistance. In the interim, Michelle directs those interested to the Lewis County GIS cloud.
5. Bonaparte Caves Hiking Trails:
They are on the DEC “short list.” The trails have been blazed and marked and only need the DEC to create parking areas both on North Shore Rd. by the caves and on the Mud Pond Rd. There is an agreement between the Club and the DEC that the Club will maintain the trails created by the DEC at no expense to the Club.
6.Boat Launch:
The Town of Harrisville is much appreciated for dredging the boat launch’ We still await porta-potties which are delayed due to a delayed NY State budget.
The CD4 invasive species boat cleaning unit at the launch is free to use. Indirectly, purchase of fishing licenses “paid” for it. It was purchased by Lewis County. It is a dry unit, (no water) and air blows residue out. There is also a vacuum. It is used daily. A “counter” on the unit sends an automatic record to Lewis County.
7. CSLAP report:
(Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program)There are no harmful algae blooms due to camps having septic systems that aren’t affecting lake water. Other readings indicate that the lake is not changing much except for an increase in calcium which in turn enhances zebra mussel growth. The zebra mussels will reach a stage where they seemingly die off and the level off.
Members cautioned that stepping on a mussel causes a razor-sharp cut that can become infected, Treat them seriously and wear water shoes. Boaters should remember to bring their lower boat unit out of the water (mussels congregate on hard surfaces). Also, they dislike copper (a scientific fact) and the water entrance of intake pipes can be covered with copper mesh netting. Zebra Mussels clear lake areas of algae thus allowing milfoil to grow. We need to pay attention to new growths and manage them as best we can, even by hand pulling. (But we don’t want to accidentally remove the good growth.)
When one member asked where on the lake the water is measured, the explanation was in one spot, the deepest spot (near Round Island). The deepest spot is most representative of the entire lake. Analysis is very expensive and other lake area CSLAP locations have not been considered. We learn the most at the deepest point, but shallow waters are important too, and photos of weeds can be sent to Michelle for evaluation and possible eradication.
8. Loon lover Volunteers:
Were requested by Michelle. She made available a colorful hand out entitled “LBCC Make a Difference as a Citizen Scientist” and announced that the New York Annual Loon Census will be held on the 3rd Saturday of July, as always, from 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. Ray Powers is heading up the local volunteers. A registry is available online, but Ray can be reached at 543-2276, Ray stressed the importance of not double counting by indicating the “when” and “where” of the spotting.
9. SLELO PRISM:
(St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management) is supported by the Adirondack Conservancy for monitoring invasive species. Michelle also directed bird watchers to utilize the computer app. “eBird” It is an amazing tool for all ages. Gail Powers mentioned her successful use of the app. “Merlin” through which she has identified 40 different species from her kitchen table. There is a specific monitoring 6/26-7/8 surveying whipper wills and night hawks to track their nesting populations.
10. Spraying for Mosquitoes:
Caused a membership debate. Some with substantial acreage wish to opt out of the spraying, noting that the bird population that relies on mosquitoes for food as in the past, been reduced for lack of food. Barn swallow and bat reductions were noted as examples. Falcons and ring billed gulls (not seagulls) have finally returned. The current spray is less harmful than that used in the 70’s, using only 0.36 ounces of Permethrin per acre. The rest of the spray being viewed as the plane sprays is oil. Discussion included that the threat of Eastern equine encepisphalitis virus spread by mosquitos is no longer a health concern. One member expressed concern that if we don’t spray and control mosquitoes, neighbors will purchase and use their own product to control them, and these chemicals may have a far more harmful impact. (This resident also cautioned about renters burning garbage in the campfire pit, due to air borne harmful chemicals.) The best control for mosquitos is to remove all standing water, even a bottle cap filled with water. The members expressed an interest in being consulted about spraying. Education is the first step in considering the pros and cons of spraying, human and nature impact, and consulting with Braningham Lake which has been spraying for years. The membership would appreciate further education on spraying. (Logan Eddy using Facebook would be a good source). LBCC will take an informal poll at this year’s Annual picnic (one vote per household.) LBCC wants to make a judicious decision and research the impact.
11. Welcome Signs:
On the various shores are in need of refurbishing. Also, the high grass and cedars hide the three signs as well as the three LBCC signs with upcoming event dates. There was a motion and a 2nd to have Signs and Designs of Carthage assess the refurbishing needs by photo and offer an estimate for the work.
1. Fire lane signs:
Have been installed. Someone from the East shore reported that the signs are too tall and too far into the trees, but the county will be called and the signs readjusted. Also, the signs are expected to be put on the lake side of Hotel Road by 7/4. Sam pointed out that as residents are often over 60, the need for medical emergency vehicles is greater and the importance of cooperation is greater.
2. Facebook:
Still administered by Logan Eddy, and no problems are noted.
3. Camp Security:
The off season was addressed. No one responded to being concerned. Cameras were the only recommendation for future concerns.
4. Lake Bonaparte Maps and Map Keys:
These were addressed by Ed Branagan and Michelle Watkins who are working diligently on creating an accurate key to accompany the maps. They invited everyone present to look at map areas and mark up the map in the back of the room as well as the available paper near the map. Sam presently has more maps for sale at $10 each. Michelle projects that the key may be complete by 7/15 and when it is compete a link will be posted on the LBCC Facebook page. Paper copies can be printed from the link, or one can contact Michele for assistance. In the interim, Michelle directs those interested to the Lewis County GIS cloud.
5. Bonaparte Caves Hiking Trails:
They are on the DEC “short list.” The trails have been blazed and marked and only need the DEC to create parking areas both on North Shore Rd. by the caves and on the Mud Pond Rd. There is an agreement between the Club and the DEC that the Club will maintain the trails created by the DEC at no expense to the Club.
6.Boat Launch:
The Town of Harrisville is much appreciated for dredging the boat launch’ We still await porta-potties which are delayed due to a delayed NY State budget.
The CD4 invasive species boat cleaning unit at the launch is free to use. Indirectly, purchase of fishing licenses “paid” for it. It was purchased by Lewis County. It is a dry unit, (no water) and air blows residue out. There is also a vacuum. It is used daily. A “counter” on the unit sends an automatic record to Lewis County.
7. CSLAP report:
(Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program)There are no harmful algae blooms due to camps having septic systems that aren’t affecting lake water. Other readings indicate that the lake is not changing much except for an increase in calcium which in turn enhances zebra mussel growth. The zebra mussels will reach a stage where they seemingly die off and the level off.
Members cautioned that stepping on a mussel causes a razor-sharp cut that can become infected, Treat them seriously and wear water shoes. Boaters should remember to bring their lower boat unit out of the water (mussels congregate on hard surfaces). Also, they dislike copper (a scientific fact) and the water entrance of intake pipes can be covered with copper mesh netting. Zebra Mussels clear lake areas of algae thus allowing milfoil to grow. We need to pay attention to new growths and manage them as best we can, even by hand pulling. (But we don’t want to accidentally remove the good growth.)
When one member asked where on the lake the water is measured, the explanation was in one spot, the deepest spot (near Round Island). The deepest spot is most representative of the entire lake. Analysis is very expensive and other lake area CSLAP locations have not been considered. We learn the most at the deepest point, but shallow waters are important too, and photos of weeds can be sent to Michelle for evaluation and possible eradication.
8. Loon lover Volunteers:
Were requested by Michelle. She made available a colorful hand out entitled “LBCC Make a Difference as a Citizen Scientist” and announced that the New York Annual Loon Census will be held on the 3rd Saturday of July, as always, from 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. Ray Powers is heading up the local volunteers. A registry is available online, but Ray can be reached at 543-2276, Ray stressed the importance of not double counting by indicating the “when” and “where” of the spotting.
9. SLELO PRISM:
(St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management) is supported by the Adirondack Conservancy for monitoring invasive species. Michelle also directed bird watchers to utilize the computer app. “eBird” It is an amazing tool for all ages. Gail Powers mentioned her successful use of the app. “Merlin” through which she has identified 40 different species from her kitchen table. There is a specific monitoring 6/26-7/8 surveying whipper wills and night hawks to track their nesting populations.
10. Spraying for Mosquitoes:
Caused a membership debate. Some with substantial acreage wish to opt out of the spraying, noting that the bird population that relies on mosquitoes for food as in the past, been reduced for lack of food. Barn swallow and bat reductions were noted as examples. Falcons and ring billed gulls (not seagulls) have finally returned. The current spray is less harmful than that used in the 70’s, using only 0.36 ounces of Permethrin per acre. The rest of the spray being viewed as the plane sprays is oil. Discussion included that the threat of Eastern equine encepisphalitis virus spread by mosquitos is no longer a health concern. One member expressed concern that if we don’t spray and control mosquitoes, neighbors will purchase and use their own product to control them, and these chemicals may have a far more harmful impact. (This resident also cautioned about renters burning garbage in the campfire pit, due to air borne harmful chemicals.) The best control for mosquitos is to remove all standing water, even a bottle cap filled with water. The members expressed an interest in being consulted about spraying. Education is the first step in considering the pros and cons of spraying, human and nature impact, and consulting with Braningham Lake which has been spraying for years. The membership would appreciate further education on spraying. (Logan Eddy using Facebook would be a good source). LBCC will take an informal poll at this year’s Annual picnic (one vote per household.) LBCC wants to make a judicious decision and research the impact.
11. Welcome Signs:
On the various shores are in need of refurbishing. Also, the high grass and cedars hide the three signs as well as the three LBCC signs with upcoming event dates. There was a motion and a 2nd to have Signs and Designs of Carthage assess the refurbishing needs by photo and offer an estimate for the work.
Other Information:
A. Also, the membership expressed concern over development (filling, clearing, construction) around the lake, noting swamps and creeks being affected. The LBCC is concerned with conservation, but is not an enforcement agency. We make certain that county and state regulations are being followed. The LBCC has a stronger voice than an individual camp owner and should and will call infractions to the attention of the authorities. Some are concerned that violators do their deeds during the winter when they think there is no one to observe them. Taking photos of infractions is encouraged. “If you see something, say something.” Ariels over the area show extraordinary changes and Google Earth is a tremendous resource. Michelle said we want to avoid a “tragedy of the commons” whereby we assume someone else is taking care of “our treasure.”
B. Sam addressed the weeble population stating that their status 2015 through 7/11/23 will be determined. He added that Lake Bonaparte milfoil eradication is way ahead and the envy of other lakes. Our fish are completely safe to eat, having no mercury or PCPs. Hand pulling is the most effective way to remove them. Members want to know what they look like.
C. We need to be on the lookout for other, new invasive species. Water chestnuts are starting to appear and are invasive. Sam mentioned that as a result of global warming.
Invasive species are moving south to north along the Appalachians, and Lake Bonaparte is in the path. For example, a new invasive concern can be found on the underneath side of hemlock branches. Look for a white wooly growth. Another new invasive!
A. Also, the membership expressed concern over development (filling, clearing, construction) around the lake, noting swamps and creeks being affected. The LBCC is concerned with conservation, but is not an enforcement agency. We make certain that county and state regulations are being followed. The LBCC has a stronger voice than an individual camp owner and should and will call infractions to the attention of the authorities. Some are concerned that violators do their deeds during the winter when they think there is no one to observe them. Taking photos of infractions is encouraged. “If you see something, say something.” Ariels over the area show extraordinary changes and Google Earth is a tremendous resource. Michelle said we want to avoid a “tragedy of the commons” whereby we assume someone else is taking care of “our treasure.”
B. Sam addressed the weeble population stating that their status 2015 through 7/11/23 will be determined. He added that Lake Bonaparte milfoil eradication is way ahead and the envy of other lakes. Our fish are completely safe to eat, having no mercury or PCPs. Hand pulling is the most effective way to remove them. Members want to know what they look like.
C. We need to be on the lookout for other, new invasive species. Water chestnuts are starting to appear and are invasive. Sam mentioned that as a result of global warming.
Invasive species are moving south to north along the Appalachians, and Lake Bonaparte is in the path. For example, a new invasive concern can be found on the underneath side of hemlock branches. Look for a white wooly growth. Another new invasive!
Motion to Adjourn:
A motion to adjourn was seconded and the meeting was adjourned.
A motion to adjourn was seconded and the meeting was adjourned.