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Annual General Meeting 2010 Wolfe Lake (Westport) Association July 17, 2010 Attendance: 20 people 1. Glen Ewen, Interim President, welcomed those in attendance and introduced guests Ron Holman, mayor of Rideau Lakes, David Hahn, South Frontenac Councilor for Bedford ward, Bob Lavoie, a candidate for Rideau Lakes Council (North Crosby ward), and Mark Tinlin, a candidate for South Frontenac Council (Bedford ward). 2. Ron Holman extended greetings from Rideau Lakes Council, stressing the importance of strong relationships between cottage associations and municipalities and the municipalities' need for input from cottage associations, e.g., in drafting and revising official plans. He noted some of Council's accomplishments over the past four-year term, including efforts to achieve hard-surfacing of 70-80% of township roads, which are ahead of schedule, the successful introduction of garbage and recyclable collection, the initiation of seven new solar projects capable of generating enough power for 21,000 homes, and construction of 12 units of affordable housing for seniors in Elgin. 3. David Hahn extended greetings from South Frontenac Council and reviewed some of Council's recent achievements, including implementation of the first unified budget, significant progress on the hard-surfacing of gravel roads, an updated website for improved communication between the municipality and residents and plans to implement garbage and recyclable collection in Bedford beginning in September. He explained that the dumps will remain open for some time as well, with collection of garbage and recyclables in tagged bags along township roads and where private lanes intersect township roads. Open houses, at which information and blue boxes will be available, will be held at Fermoy Hall on August 7 from 9 am to 1 pm and on August 12 from 4 pm to 8 pm. Subsidized metal bins measuring 4' x 4' x 4' or 8' x 4' x 4' can be ordered as well for group storage of tagged bags. 4. David Hahn then spoke on how lake associations can ensure that they are heard by Council. As an example of reactive input, he described a recent recommendation to Council to cancel the automatic first-response agreement between the fire departments of South Frontenac and Rideau Lakes to save money. Several residents who recognized the dangers inherent in this approach contacted David, circulated a petition and were able to change Council's decision. An example of an unfortunate lack of input was Council's recent decision to impose a $100/household fee for garbage collection rather than a user-pay system of $2/bag, which would have encouraged recycling and been more economical for seasonal residents. However, because lake associations failed to protest or exert pressure on Council, the flat-fee approach was selected. A final example of a proactive approach is the inclusion of seasonal residents in the process of developing the official plan, an approach that began after a number of protests against large developments in the 1980s, and one that works well. His conclusion is that proactive involvement in Council deliberations and decisions is by far the most effective method for cottage associations. How to be proactive: Assign someone on the lake association to stay informed of township issues and Council activities, by checking the website and local newspapers regularly and passing information on to members, e.g., by email. Assign someone on the lake association to establish and maintain relationships with one or more councilors before problems arise, e.g., by passing on positive comments as well as complaints to councilors. Volunteer to participate on Council committees that seek public input (e.g., the septic and sustainability committees) to create and cement relationships. Be aware of what Council can and cannot do (e.g., Council cannot determine property assessments but can decide whether a given service will be paid for on a user-pay or flat-fee system). Be involved in community events and fundraisers to maintain a public profile and establish goodwill with Council. Demonstrate commitment to the community by preparing a lake vision plan and mobilizing members to take responsibility for lake stewardship. Vote in township elections (by computer or telephone in Bedford, by telephone in Rideau Lakes). Bedford has approximately 75% seasonal residents, but a voting rate of only about 40%, so it is easy for Council to disregard their opinions. Lake associations can also demonstrate their interest by developing questionnaires for candidates and passing the results on to their members. In summary: be proactive, be aware of issues, build relationships and be involved. Business Meeting 5. A motion to accept the minutes of the 2009 AGM as presented in the 2010 Newsletter was made by Shirley Ewen and seconded by Duncan MacDougall. Carried. 6. Cathy Thompson presented the Financial and Membership report, which is also available in the 2010 Newsletter. Membership again is down but total assets now amount to $8,808,79 comprised of a $5698.82 GIC and $3109.97 on deposit. Plus any membership fees received today. The financial records were reviewed by Warren Snelling and were found to be in good order. A motion to approve the financial report was made by Bill Hutchison and seconded by Jeff Friesen. Carried. 7. Shirley Ewen thanked Margie Manthey for her articles and colour photographs and Camp IAWAH for their assistance with printing, and asked the membership for articles for next year's issue. 8. Manjit Kerr-Upal reported no issues on Green Lake aside from continued beaver activity. 9. Duncan MacDougall presented the Water Quality report. The results for 2009 are given in the 2010 Newsletter. He has tested on 4 occasions in 2010, twice with the Lake Partners program and twice with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, but no laboratory results are yet available. Total phosphorus levels may be rising, but whether this is the result of human activities or a natural cycle is unclear. Water levels are higher than normal for this time of year, and water temperatures are much higher after the warmest spring on record. Zebra mussels are still a problem, but may be peaking. The RVCA has sampled the blue-green algae blooms and will let us know whether they are toxic. 10. Paul Thorpe presented the Fishing report. He reports good quantities of bass, pike, crappies and pan fish, while walleye are present but not biting. 11. New Executive Members: Roy Sunstrum was nominated to the position of President by Duncan MacDougall. Carried. Vice-President: No nominations. Suggestions may be submitted to the Board at any time. Paul Thompson volunteered to serve as Director of Water Quality. Approved. 12. A motion to ratify the current executive, as listed below, was made by Paul Thompson. Seconded by Jane Hutchison. Carried. Shirley Ewen, Newsletter Editor Roy Chisamore, Shoal Marking Manjit Kerr-Upal, Green Lake Representative Cathy Thompson, Treasurer/Membership Paul Thorpe, Fishing Betty Jo MacDougall, Secretary Jim Buchner, Rosanna Bylsma, Jeff Friesen, Bill Hutchison, Directors-at-Large. 13. Glen Ewen noted that the results of last year's survey are presented in the 2010 Newsletter. He will now draft a lake vision plan, to be distributed in the 2011 Newsletter and at the 2011 AGM and corn roast for comments and approval. 14. New Business: Liz Harrison offered to organize some children's activities (e.g., a mini-triathlon, canoe races, etc.) for some weekend next July. It was suggested that they could possibly be combined with other activities, such as a golf tournament or Wolfe Lake Day, on the day of the AGM. The idea was greeted with enthusiasm and will be passed on at the corn roast and in next year's newsletter. Manjit Kerr-Upal volunteered to send out regular emails to those members for whom we have contact information, to provide information on upcoming events and current issues and to keep the lines of communication open. Bob Lavoie noted the importance of interacting with candidates and residents in other districts, since all affect the quality of our lake experience. Glen Ewen thanked Camp IAWAH again for their assistance with the AGM and the corn roast. Duncan MacDougall thanked outgoing president Glen Ewen for his years of enthusiastic and effective service. 15. Duncan MacDougall moved that the meeting be adjourned. Seconded by Gord Moore. Carried. Glen Ewen Interim President Wolfe Lake (Westport) Association Betty Jo MacDougall Secretary Wolfe Lake (Westport) Association Home   Executive   Latest News    Vision     Water Quality    Newsletter Excerpts     AGM Minutes