LBCC Board of Directors Meeting
June 26, 2021 at 10 AM
Nautical Moose Marina
June 26, 2021 at 10 AM
Nautical Moose Marina
Attending:
Sam Verbeck, President; Logan Eddy, Vice President; Doris Pavlot, Treasurer; Becky Lancaster, Secretary; Board Members: Stan Czepiel, Suzanne Hall, Craig Lancaster
Absent: Glenn Johnson, Roger Gunzelman
Sam called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. In his opening remarks he thanked everyone for coming. (About 30 members, 5 special guest speakers, plus 7 Board members.) There was a motion, a second, and unanimous “ayes” to dispense with the reading of last year’s minutes. Doris gave the Treasure’s report (see attached) and concluded by saying we are doing much better this year than last. She thanked all for donations, and noted that many were substantial.
Sam introduced the Board members and addressed the needs for new elections. The declaration of a quorum was moved, seconded, and approved. Doris, as Treasurer, according to the by-laws, must step down. Lisa Lubner and Ed (& Navorat) Branigan were nominated, 2nd, and approved to fill the positions of Doris Pavlot and Glenn Johnson. Logan’s term ended, and he will begin another 3 year term as Vice President.
Doris, as Treasurer, maintains the membership rolls and reports that we currently have 235 members. Last year we had 270, but this year’s membership is still growing and appears very acceptable. Doris mailed 347 newsletters with membership applications.
Doris also reports that the Memorial plaque is maintained by Jean Messer and displayed at the Harrisville Museum. A memorial donation goes towards adding a name to the plaque. We may soon need a second or larger plaque. Sam apologizes for not including deceased members’ names in the Newsletter. He has no way of keeping track of deaths.
Bouys were next on the agenda. Sam and Roger set them out. If anyone notices them missing or broken, let Sam or someone in the Club know so that they can be maintained.
The DEC stocked the lake with trout on or about April 2nd. The DEC can no longer meet with individuals on the lake who in turn take some of their fish to release around the lake. In part, because the calendar date often falls before volunteer’s have their boats in to help. Zebra mussel eggs were discovered in the hatchery in Rome, so this year we stocked from the hatchery in Chateguay.
Sam presented to the membership that he has found someone who is willing to stock 1000 walleye ranging from 5 to 7 inches for free. This could be done this October. The discussion only concluded that they are excellent eating. There was a motion to stock free walleye, a second, and unanimous support.
Stan reports that Steve Thaisher of Mr.Grants is willing to shore up the gazebo, but has no estimate yet. Further, Steve evaluated it as in bad condition, but safe enough to use this year.
Craig displayed a humorous two foot lure and reported on the July 24th Youth Fishing Derby at the Nautical Moose Marina between the hours of 10 and 3. Participants must be under age 18 and should be lake residents or their guests, friends, or grandchildren. There will be cash prizes for fish in various age categories and door prizes for all participants.
Ray Powers reported on the lake water quality. The dam boards were put back in mid-April and the level is just a little above summer normal. Nitrogen levels are a bit lower than normal, but Ray says that is good because it keeps plant growth down. Ph is good, and indicates that the lake is not impacted by acid rain. Dr. Bob Johnson from Cornell will confer with Ray Powers in the coming weeks to further discuss water quality.
Three pairs of loons have been seen on the lake. The official count will take place the morning of 7/17 between 8 and 9a.m. Residents sighting loons at that time may report to the website, the time, number of and place of sighting. These details may avoid duplicate counting. In addition, there will be 3 volunteers scouting the lake for loon.
Sam reported on this year’s boat parade on July 3rd (Rain date 7/4) at 2 p.m. This year’ theme is “Superheroes”. The parade will go clockwise and the pace will be faster this year.
Also, the ring of fire will be 7/3 and 7/4. Residents voluntarily place flares on or near their dock. Flares can be purchased at Chuck’s Market, Harris Hardware, and the Wine and Liquor store.
The Club’s Annual Picnic is August 7th at the Harrisville Fire Hall at 11:30. Jean Messer is in charge. The paddle boards and kayak are purchased and in our possession for the raffle.
Donations of themed baskets for the popular basket raffle are requested.
Sgt. Eric Schmidt gave a presentation on lake patrols this year. The Sheriff’s office has a patrol staff that will share covering both Lake Bonaparte and Brantingham Lake. They will be covering Lake Bonaparte on weekends, similar to 2019, and will also have patrol by ATVs.
Logan reports that the website is continually updated and he gives applause to Judi Rood for her Facebook assistance. Suggestions are always welcome.
Sam Verbeck, President; Logan Eddy, Vice President; Doris Pavlot, Treasurer; Becky Lancaster, Secretary; Board Members: Stan Czepiel, Suzanne Hall, Craig Lancaster
Absent: Glenn Johnson, Roger Gunzelman
Sam called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. In his opening remarks he thanked everyone for coming. (About 30 members, 5 special guest speakers, plus 7 Board members.) There was a motion, a second, and unanimous “ayes” to dispense with the reading of last year’s minutes. Doris gave the Treasure’s report (see attached) and concluded by saying we are doing much better this year than last. She thanked all for donations, and noted that many were substantial.
Sam introduced the Board members and addressed the needs for new elections. The declaration of a quorum was moved, seconded, and approved. Doris, as Treasurer, according to the by-laws, must step down. Lisa Lubner and Ed (& Navorat) Branigan were nominated, 2nd, and approved to fill the positions of Doris Pavlot and Glenn Johnson. Logan’s term ended, and he will begin another 3 year term as Vice President.
Doris, as Treasurer, maintains the membership rolls and reports that we currently have 235 members. Last year we had 270, but this year’s membership is still growing and appears very acceptable. Doris mailed 347 newsletters with membership applications.
Doris also reports that the Memorial plaque is maintained by Jean Messer and displayed at the Harrisville Museum. A memorial donation goes towards adding a name to the plaque. We may soon need a second or larger plaque. Sam apologizes for not including deceased members’ names in the Newsletter. He has no way of keeping track of deaths.
Bouys were next on the agenda. Sam and Roger set them out. If anyone notices them missing or broken, let Sam or someone in the Club know so that they can be maintained.
The DEC stocked the lake with trout on or about April 2nd. The DEC can no longer meet with individuals on the lake who in turn take some of their fish to release around the lake. In part, because the calendar date often falls before volunteer’s have their boats in to help. Zebra mussel eggs were discovered in the hatchery in Rome, so this year we stocked from the hatchery in Chateguay.
Sam presented to the membership that he has found someone who is willing to stock 1000 walleye ranging from 5 to 7 inches for free. This could be done this October. The discussion only concluded that they are excellent eating. There was a motion to stock free walleye, a second, and unanimous support.
Stan reports that Steve Thaisher of Mr.Grants is willing to shore up the gazebo, but has no estimate yet. Further, Steve evaluated it as in bad condition, but safe enough to use this year.
Craig displayed a humorous two foot lure and reported on the July 24th Youth Fishing Derby at the Nautical Moose Marina between the hours of 10 and 3. Participants must be under age 18 and should be lake residents or their guests, friends, or grandchildren. There will be cash prizes for fish in various age categories and door prizes for all participants.
Ray Powers reported on the lake water quality. The dam boards were put back in mid-April and the level is just a little above summer normal. Nitrogen levels are a bit lower than normal, but Ray says that is good because it keeps plant growth down. Ph is good, and indicates that the lake is not impacted by acid rain. Dr. Bob Johnson from Cornell will confer with Ray Powers in the coming weeks to further discuss water quality.
Three pairs of loons have been seen on the lake. The official count will take place the morning of 7/17 between 8 and 9a.m. Residents sighting loons at that time may report to the website, the time, number of and place of sighting. These details may avoid duplicate counting. In addition, there will be 3 volunteers scouting the lake for loon.
Sam reported on this year’s boat parade on July 3rd (Rain date 7/4) at 2 p.m. This year’ theme is “Superheroes”. The parade will go clockwise and the pace will be faster this year.
Also, the ring of fire will be 7/3 and 7/4. Residents voluntarily place flares on or near their dock. Flares can be purchased at Chuck’s Market, Harris Hardware, and the Wine and Liquor store.
The Club’s Annual Picnic is August 7th at the Harrisville Fire Hall at 11:30. Jean Messer is in charge. The paddle boards and kayak are purchased and in our possession for the raffle.
Donations of themed baskets for the popular basket raffle are requested.
Sgt. Eric Schmidt gave a presentation on lake patrols this year. The Sheriff’s office has a patrol staff that will share covering both Lake Bonaparte and Brantingham Lake. They will be covering Lake Bonaparte on weekends, similar to 2019, and will also have patrol by ATVs.
Logan reports that the website is continually updated and he gives applause to Judi Rood for her Facebook assistance. Suggestions are always welcome.
Old Business:
The Sand Bay concern continues. When cars are parked on both sides of the road, there is no fire lane.
There were suggestions to widen the road (a DEC property concern), move logs by the old campsites to allow for more parking, and Lee Pavlot encouraging the Club to 1st alert the municipality and get something set up that the police can then enforce. Logan has begun this approach, but all the pieces are not yet coming together. He is trying to get a round table to gain compliance with unique solutions.
Sue Young said that the authorities admitted that they put up the incorrect speed zone signs. The speed limit should be much lower. Also, she said Mr. Branigan would not allow the road to be straightened on his property, to deliberately keep the curves in and slow the traffic down. DEC added that the swamp is DEC land, a forest preserve, and it would be a violation to encroach on state land by widening the road. Sgt. Schmidt added that some cars have slid into the water trying to stay off the pavement. Many concluded that parking on one side only is an enforceable answer. A ticket could be placed on a car for illegal parking instead of the current condition that requires a traffic ticket be personally handed to an offender (the offender in a boat or swimming being currently difficult to locate.) Craig mentioned that other lakes such as Cranberry have designed enjoyable water fronts. The DEC volunteers to be involved.
Also a concern, people swimming at the boat launch. By law there is no distance required for swimmers to stay away from the launch, but the DEC will post a 12x12 sign to stay away. (There are no designated swimming areas in this whole lake.)
Trash on the road by Sand Bay continues to be a problem and concern.
The Sand Bay concern continues. When cars are parked on both sides of the road, there is no fire lane.
There were suggestions to widen the road (a DEC property concern), move logs by the old campsites to allow for more parking, and Lee Pavlot encouraging the Club to 1st alert the municipality and get something set up that the police can then enforce. Logan has begun this approach, but all the pieces are not yet coming together. He is trying to get a round table to gain compliance with unique solutions.
Sue Young said that the authorities admitted that they put up the incorrect speed zone signs. The speed limit should be much lower. Also, she said Mr. Branigan would not allow the road to be straightened on his property, to deliberately keep the curves in and slow the traffic down. DEC added that the swamp is DEC land, a forest preserve, and it would be a violation to encroach on state land by widening the road. Sgt. Schmidt added that some cars have slid into the water trying to stay off the pavement. Many concluded that parking on one side only is an enforceable answer. A ticket could be placed on a car for illegal parking instead of the current condition that requires a traffic ticket be personally handed to an offender (the offender in a boat or swimming being currently difficult to locate.) Craig mentioned that other lakes such as Cranberry have designed enjoyable water fronts. The DEC volunteers to be involved.
Also a concern, people swimming at the boat launch. By law there is no distance required for swimmers to stay away from the launch, but the DEC will post a 12x12 sign to stay away. (There are no designated swimming areas in this whole lake.)
Trash on the road by Sand Bay continues to be a problem and concern.
New Business:
Sarah Trick of the Indian River Conservancy (a non-profit) informed the group of upcoming events for children 3-12 July 13-15 and a second event for older kids beginning 7/18. Registration is required in Redwood, NY. For more information see the web site: Indian River Lakes.org Sarah also said the Conservancy has a weavel project and is trying to locate and breed weavels. The Conservancy also has built hiking trails in their area and Sam is interested in creating one at Lake Bonaparte. He flagged a possible trail to Bonaparte Caves and would like volunteers to forge a trail. A general discussion followed this suggestion. NYS through individual volunteer contracts would cover liability (worker’s comp.) for those working on such a project. Sue Young reminded all that there is a family on the lake that makes an annual “pilgrimage” to the caves and they should be contacted and included.
Logan made the membership aware of the possibility of Mr. Duflo aerial spraying for mosquitoes who now pose a Triple E virus health concern. The Club has the funds ($3500 per spay) for the need of a couple of times per year every few years. The product used is EPA approved and the Dept. of Environmental Protection would be involved as well as the Fort Drum DEP. The product targets only mosquitoes and won’t kill house flies or beneficial insects. The Powers shared a concern that the Indiana Brown Bat is in the decline and their food source is mosquitoes. One member recalls when DDT was sprayed for black flies and it also killed all the birds. He was reminded that today’s sprays are much more environmentally safe. A motion to spray was made and seconded it was carried by the ayes with only one dissenting nay,
Sam informed the membership that Ft. Drum in an effort to maintain a buffer zone for stray artillery, forced landings, etc. is interested in purchasing more land on the north shore. This allows the Ft. to increase their own needs on the base while maintaining a safe buffer zone.
Returning to the walleye stocking, Lee Pavlot wishes to recognize Dick Todd for the fish stocking. Walleyes spawn in feeder streams which on Lake Bonaparte are filling with silt. If they have to spawn in open water, they may not be a success in our lake.
Zebra mussels are in our lake and are a new lake concern. If you see a zebra mussel, please report it to the web site. As a precaution, residents should keep lower boat units out of the water. Tiny zebra mussel eggs grow on the units and eventually ruin them.
A bald eagle nesting site is known to be on the lake. A “keep away” sign may soon be posted. Any tampering with it would be a Federal violation.
Sarah Trick of the Indian River Conservancy (a non-profit) informed the group of upcoming events for children 3-12 July 13-15 and a second event for older kids beginning 7/18. Registration is required in Redwood, NY. For more information see the web site: Indian River Lakes.org Sarah also said the Conservancy has a weavel project and is trying to locate and breed weavels. The Conservancy also has built hiking trails in their area and Sam is interested in creating one at Lake Bonaparte. He flagged a possible trail to Bonaparte Caves and would like volunteers to forge a trail. A general discussion followed this suggestion. NYS through individual volunteer contracts would cover liability (worker’s comp.) for those working on such a project. Sue Young reminded all that there is a family on the lake that makes an annual “pilgrimage” to the caves and they should be contacted and included.
Logan made the membership aware of the possibility of Mr. Duflo aerial spraying for mosquitoes who now pose a Triple E virus health concern. The Club has the funds ($3500 per spay) for the need of a couple of times per year every few years. The product used is EPA approved and the Dept. of Environmental Protection would be involved as well as the Fort Drum DEP. The product targets only mosquitoes and won’t kill house flies or beneficial insects. The Powers shared a concern that the Indiana Brown Bat is in the decline and their food source is mosquitoes. One member recalls when DDT was sprayed for black flies and it also killed all the birds. He was reminded that today’s sprays are much more environmentally safe. A motion to spray was made and seconded it was carried by the ayes with only one dissenting nay,
Sam informed the membership that Ft. Drum in an effort to maintain a buffer zone for stray artillery, forced landings, etc. is interested in purchasing more land on the north shore. This allows the Ft. to increase their own needs on the base while maintaining a safe buffer zone.
Returning to the walleye stocking, Lee Pavlot wishes to recognize Dick Todd for the fish stocking. Walleyes spawn in feeder streams which on Lake Bonaparte are filling with silt. If they have to spawn in open water, they may not be a success in our lake.
Zebra mussels are in our lake and are a new lake concern. If you see a zebra mussel, please report it to the web site. As a precaution, residents should keep lower boat units out of the water. Tiny zebra mussel eggs grow on the units and eventually ruin them.
A bald eagle nesting site is known to be on the lake. A “keep away” sign may soon be posted. Any tampering with it would be a Federal violation.
A motion to adjourn was seconded with a resounding, “aye.”