Director's Meetings
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2011 Annual Membership Meeting Minutes- June 11
The following minutes are subject to approval at the 2012 Annual Meeting. Click here for a copy to print.
Officers in Attendance: Dick Kuehn, President; Chuck Ronnebaum, V.P.; Gene Benting, Treasurer
Board Members in Attendance: Dir. Nominees:
Jack Anderson, Pete Anderson, Ted Boehne, Tom Brauer, Warren Davis, Steve DeSutter, John Fay, Jerry Fulton, Lynn Glesne, Randy Hanson, Don Henning, Steve Herth, Bill Moeller, Anne Rykken, Lynette Stenglein, Vern Suhr, and Mike Wrobel.
Call to Order – The meeting was called to order at 9:08 a.m. by President Dick Kuehn. 
Verification of Quorum – Acting Secretary Jack Anderson confirmed that 18 Board Members were present and Treasurer Gene Benting reported a total attendance of 74 members and guests.
Introduction of Directors and Nominees – President Kuehn introduced all of the current Directors and new nominees present.
Approval of Minutes – Harlan Koele moved and Jerry Fulton seconded that the minutes from the 2010 Annual Meeting be approved. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer Gene Benting reviewed the 
December 31, 2010 report that was printed in the Spring Newsletter. Total income for the year was $27,117, net income after expenses was $6,810, and Association assets were $31,934. Gene also reported that the records had been audited and that no discrepancies or weaknesses were found. The required income tax returns have been filed with the IRS and the State of Minnesota. Mike Tate moved and Don Schaffer seconded approval of the report. In discussion it was confirmed that the Association is exempt under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Motion carried.
The May 31, 2011 financial report was reviewed. Income year-to-date is $15,295.85, net income after expenses is $8,135.86, and the checking account balance is $15,804.42. The Association has two $12,000 CD’s and other assets of $265. Thus, total assets are $40,069.42.
Lake Management Plan – Paul Anderson began a review of 
Plan progress with a reminder that organizations are only as good as what they get done as projects and that planning taking place within the Association has been supported by Healthy Lakes and Rivers funding through the West Central Initiative Fund.
Miltona’s Plan areas of concentration are Water Quality, Land Use Management, Upland Plant Management, and Fisheries. Two plan projects have been completed thus far – the fishing survey results from 104 responses reported on in the Spring Newsletter, and the Aquatic Hitchhiker signs that have been placed at the accesses. Don Schaffer suggested that future fishing surveys might gather even more accurate information if scorecards to keep track of results throughout the year were provided.
Lakeshore restoration projects have been initiated in at least one location, the Stenglein property, and at least 3 more sites are being sought. Interested residents should contact Emily Siira at Douglas County Soil and Water to investigate grants that are available for restoration.
Water clarity monitoring has been taking place on the lake for many years and that effort continues. Now checking is also being done at two inlets: 1) Ham’s Creek (inlet from Lake Irene) and 2) Dittberner Creek. Also, lake water samples are being sent to a laboratory for chemical and biological analysis – nitrogen, nitrite, phosphorous, suspended solids, E-coli, etc.
The NE bay, Area 19, is continuing to be checked for the spread of northern (not Eurasian) milfoil, a nuisance weed that has plagued that area in the past. It may be necessary to resume treatment in that area.
A solution for the cattle in the lake situation in Area 15 is being explored and a project in cooperation with the landowner and Douglas County Soil and Water is being investigated.
Paul stated that the ongoing management challenges to the organization will be what to do, how to fund it, and how to get it done. It is likely that there will be less and less availability of outside help.
A question from the floor expressed concern about apparent increasing quantities of “celery grass” washing up on beaches. There was no clear cut explanation of probable cause.
Douglas County Land and Resource Management – Director Dave Rush expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to attend the Association 
meeting and encouraged those in attendance to interact with the office before they feel an urgent need to come in. If anyone has land use questions or is considering a project the office should be seen as a resource to be used. The earlier in the project, the better for everyone involved.
The County is working on a more comprehensive tracking system for septic systems. A brochure “Get to Know Your Septic System” was written by the U of MN specifically for Douglas County and is recommended to anyone with a system. Copies were available at the meeting.
The County’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan is being revised and the process is nearing its end. The Plan has not been revised for 12 years. Lakeshore owners will likely not be significantly impacted by the revised plan. Lake plans, however, will be incorporated into the revision and the Lake Miltona Assn. was applauded for their Lake Management Plan project. The revised Plan will be adopted by the County Board sometime during the summer, open meetings will be held, and implementation sometime next year is anticipated.
Not much has been done recently by the County regarding land use rules and regulations. The State Legislature, however, a year ago enacted legislation relating to nonconforming situations. It is now legal to repair, replace, or restore existing structures as long as the end result is no more nonconforming than previously.
In regards to nonconforming adjacent lots with the same owner: if the lots have dwellings they may stand alone; if they are bare lots that meet at least 66% of the applicable standards, they can stand alone.
Situations requiring variances were clarified. The controversial “hardship” requirement was eliminated and replaced with a definition of “practical difficulties.” If there is no other feasible way to overcome the difficulties to meeting conformance or standards requirements, a variance is required.
A question was raised regarding the procedure when the Board of Adjustments was faced with a rules and regulations question. Years ago if the Board would come out to review a situation, they would get a fee. Dave Rush explained that today every land use, rezoning, and variance application requires that the property be looked at by the County. Township supervisors are notified and usually attend and the public is invited as well. The application fee covers the expenses incurred.
There was a question if the 66% rule was a State Statute and it was confirmed that it is.
A member inquired about what constitutes a conforming or nonconforming lot on Lake Miltona. As a lake classified as General Development, a conforming lot would be 100 feet wide X 200 feet deep, or 20,000 sq. ft. Newly developed property would need to conform and existing properties that don’t meet the requirements would be considered to be nonconforming.
Dave Rush discussed the Zebra Mussel issue in Douglas County. The State was not prepared to deal with an invasive species as aggressive as the Mussels have proven to be and no one really knows what their long term impact will be. He encouraged that in the face of the situation and the unknowns, everyone agree that the best approach is to minimize the impact and address the issues through educating, preventing the spread, and eradicating or controlling in any feasible way.
The County wants to erect signs adjacent to all public waters to make it very clear to boaters what they should be doing when coming on to or leaving any lake. They are working with the DNR to agree on a uniform/conforming solution. The County is also working to purchase a high temperature decontamination unit and hopes to have a demonstration unit available sometime in July.
There are companies that are working toward finding eradication solutions. One of the most promising so far is a bacteria solution. The County has offered to be a test site.
Rush reiterated that the primary immediate goal is to stop the spread!
A member questioned if anything is being done to regulate bait suppliers. He responded that there are a bunch of regulations regarding removing bait from infested waters and suggested that everyone buy their bait locally where there is a high level of awareness about the requirements, rather than bring in bait from outside the area.
There was an inquiry about which area lakes are infested and the response was that all five of the lakes in the chain of lakes are infested.
A member wondered what is required of the fish stockers, both private and the DNR. They are subject to the same regulations as the bait companies.
A member asked about the cost of a decontamination unit. One was purchased in Nisswa for $23,000. The County is hoping to get one manufactured locally at lower cost.
County Commissioner Bev Bales – The County has received a proposal for a decontamination unit for $29,000, but now feels one may be available 
for a little over $10,000. Input has been received that the current most promising product to eradicate would cost $1,000,000 for a lake the size of Darling. The County is asking the Legacy Fund that if lake testing is to be done, it be in Douglas County.
Commissioner Bales informed the Assn. members about Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, a program to support those serving our country as well as their families. It was noted that 120 local people were deployed last week. To find out how to help or to make known families needing help, contact her at 852-7335 or the National Guard Office at 763-7817.
The County is addressing a number of housekeeping items that have been put off for years – the old pool area in the County Office Building, remodeling of the Law Enforcement Center, utilization of the old jail, potential expansion of court room facilities.
Members were invited to provide input to the Comprehensive Plan that was referenced by Dave Rush, made aware of the difficulties the County faces in dealing with unfunded mandates like the 800 MHz dispatch system, alerted to the Sauk River Watershed District’s success in obtaining grants and initiating environmental improvements, and recognized the retiring and new Douglas County Hospital CEOs.
Fundraiser – President Kuehn reminded those in attendance that the Association’s Annual Fundraiser is August 20th at the Leaf Valley Town Hall. It is anticipated that the event will move back and forth between Leaf Valley and the Miltona Community Center every other year.
Clothing – Lynette Stenglein alerted the membership to 
“great deals” on Assopciation logo clothing from last year’s inventory as well as items newly available this year. She reminded everyone that profit from the clothing sales supports the Assn. and also informed members that Steve DeSutter would be taking over responsibility for clothing sales.
Stocking Report – Gene Benting reported that the walleyes are the premiere species in Miltona and that is what the Assn. focuses on stocking. Currently there is $3,833 in the stocking fund and an application for fall fingerling stocking will be filed with the DNR by mid-year. The DNR’s electro survey results later in the year will determine if the Department will approve the mid-year stocking application. The DNR will also be introducing at least 2.3 million fry into the lake during this year. Fry survival rates are typically 1% or less.
Jerry Haggenmiller reported that the Parkers Prairie Sportsmen have been running a very successful gun raffling program, the proceeds from which will be used for stocking local lakes. He stated that a donation to the Lake Miltona Assn. for stocking will be made.
A member inquired about what the State (DNR) would be doing regarding the stocking of muskies. Gene Benting responded that the DNR’s study of the Muskie population showed results less than their objective and, therefore, it is likely their stocking numbers will be increased. Member discussion followed during which concern about the increasing frequency of fish being caught that have been shredded by muskies was expressed, and comments regarding what to do with muskies that are caught were made. It was recommended that members’ concerns about Miltona’s Muskie population continue to be communicated to the DNR.
Election of Directors – The slate of standing Directors who have agreed to continue serving and new nominees was presented for election by President Kuehn. Jerry Fulton moved and Lynette Stenglein seconded that a unanimous ballot be cast for the slate as presented. Motion carried.
The Directors elected for 2011 are:
Area 1 Lynn Glesne Areas 9 & 10 Jerry Fulton
Area 2 A John Fair Area 12 Mike Wrobel & Warren Davis
Area 2 B Jack Anderson Area 13 Ted Boehne & Tom Brauer
Area 2 C John Fay Area 14 Steve DeSutter
Area 3 A Gene Rose Area 15 Chuck Ronnebaum
Area 3 B Vern Suhr Area 16 Anne Rykken
Area 4 Steve Herth Area 18 Pete Anderson & Randy Hanson
Area 5 Dick Kuehn, Gene Benting Area 19 Don Henning
Area 7 William Moeller [Note: Areas 6 and 11 are in need of Directors.]
Area 8 Gary Fuchs
President Kuehn noted that Gerald Peterson has resigned as Director for Area 17 and has recommended Marc Bot as his replacement. It is anticipated that Marc will be appointed Director for that area for 2011.
Additional Zebra Mussel Information – Chuck Ronnebaum is the 
Board’s ZM contact. He reported that the boat inspection arrangement with the DNR will continue this year. A grant has been received that pays ½ the inspection cost and requires the Assn. to pay the other ½. 112 hours of random inspections were done at the accesses last year. This year that will be increased to 250 hrs. The Assn., thanks to voluntary contributions from its members, now has $3,075 in the Mussel fund.
Chuck also displayed ZM monitoring devices he fabricated from plans suggested by the DNR. Area Directors will place them at their docks, making ongoing monitoring in all areas of the lake possible.
A concern was raised about the bait buckets, live wells, etc. of people coming in from other lakes. A question followed wondering if it wasn’t the law that boats, live wells, buckets, etc. need to be drained before leaving a lake. The response was affirmative, but noted that enforcement is an issue and major challenge.
Dick Kuehn noted that the Douglas County Lakes Association, of which LMA is a member, will be placing a ZM awareness street banner near the Runestone Museum, funding a billboard on I94, and sponsoring radio announcements aimed at educating the public throughout the summer. They had also questioned the DNR about the possibility of closing lake accesses; but received an “absolutely not” response.
Boat Parade – Warren Davis reported that this year’s parade is scheduled for Sun., July 3rd (July 4 a bad weather alternative) and the plan is for a continuation of having east and west parades. Starting points will be the east and west public accesses and direction will be dependent on wind conditions the day of the parade. Registration is required to win prizes, but is free. It can be done on-line or 1 hour before the parade start. This year’s prizes will be cash -- $75 for 1st place and $25 for 2nd place in both the pontoon and boat divisions. In addition, a plaque has been created to list each year’s winners and it will be displayed at LJ’s Restaurant in Miltona. Posters have been printed and are on display in area businesses.
Other Business – Chuck Ronnebaum reported that a solution to the cows in the water situation on the lake’s N side appears to be imminent. The owner has agreed to a fence to keep them out, but an off-shore well for a watering source is required. 75 % of the cost is to be covered by Douglas County Soil and Water and it is expected that the Assn. will cost share the other 25%.
Door Prizes – A drawing was held for the door prizes made available from the clothing inventory, LJ’s Restaurant and Leaf Valley Mercantile. Winners were Don Henning, Jurleen Koele, Dave Westergren, and Betty Westergren.
Adjournment – There being no further business, Harlan Koele moved for adjournment at 10:54 a.m.
Respectfully submitted
Jack Anderson for Gene Rose, Secretary
http://www.minnesotawaters.org/group/miltona/home
DRAFT – Subject to Approval at the 2012 Annual Meeting - DRAFT
2010 Annual Membership Meeting Minutes- June 12
The meeting was called to order by President Dick Kuehn at 9:10 a.m. (photo right shows Gene Benting, Treasurer; Dick Kuehn, President; and Gene Rose, newly elected Secretary.) Gene Benting stated the attendance record taken at the door confirmed that a quorum is present. Eight directors need to be present for a quorum. Directors in attendance: Dick Kuehn, Gene Benting, Gene Rose, Jack Anderson, John Davis, Jerry Fulton, Mike Wrobel, Warren Davis, Ted Boehne, Tom Brauer, Lynette Wittsack-Stenglein, Gerald Peterson, Randy Hansen and Don Henning. Dick Kuehn noted that only directors can make motions at the meeting.
Dick Kuehn stated that the minutes for the 2009 Lake Miltona Association annual meeting are posted on our web site. He called for a motion to approve the minutes as published. Jerry Fulton made the motion and Lowell Benson seconded it for approving them. Motion passed unanimously.
Gene Benting presented the Treasurer’s report. He reviewed the 2009 annual report published in the May 2010 “Lake Miltona News” (Volume 1, No. 18). He stated the 2009 accounting records have been audited and no discrepancies were found. The income tax returns have been filed as required. There were no questions. The motion was made by Lynette Wittsack-Stenglein and seconded by Don Schaefer to approve the Treasurer’s report. The motion passed unanimously. He also reported the May 31, 2010 checking balance is $8,182.48 and total assets are $32,331.48. There were no questions on Gene’s report on current balances.
Brad Brejcha presented a slide show reviewing the history of Smokey Timbers Girl Scout Camp and its new vision. It is currently run by the Smokey Timbers Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) organization. It sponsors youth and family activities in a rustic camp environment and has a School Forest Designation (in conjunction with the Miltona Magnet School). It also protects about 550 feet of prime lake shore. While its program is financially fully supported by fees and grants, the Foundation is soliciting donations to pay back a $142,000 outstanding debt. Because of its 501 (c) (3) status, donations are tax deductable. Donations are best made via a check to the Foundation.
Bev Bales, Douglas County Commissioner, reviewed a number of county activities. These included the zebra mussel issue in Douglas County, the CR42 road work to begin later this summer, and the new jail and hospital construction. In the question and answer period the status of calcium chloride applications for dust control in Douglas County was discussed. (None had yet been applied to East Miltona Lake Road this year.)
Dave Rush, Land and Resource Director, Douglas County Land & Resource Management, reviewed three land and resource topics: (1) Septic systems. (2) Comprehensive plan for Douglas County. (3) Zoning rules for Douglas County. Some highlights of these topics follow:
(1) Douglas County has received a grant to create a comprehensive county septic system program. Part of the program will be an update of the paper file system of the county to an electronic storage system that is searchable. Inventorying of septic systems will be done to assess issues and some compliance inspections will also be done. Another aspect will be a training program of volunteer septic system resource people for communities in conjunction with the University of Minnesota. The first training session for these volunteers is June 17. Others will be scheduled. Interested people should contact the Land and Resources Office. New rules for septic systems in Minnesota are being adopted that have higher standards. Most septic professionals know the new rules. Be sure the new rules are followed if you are installing a new system. In the question and answer section of this presentation Dave noted that currently compliant septic systems will not need to meet these new standards. He also noted that currently non-compliant systems are being addressed more actively now that the sewer project has been abandoned and he took note of the frustration voiced at the meeting about the apparent lack of “teeth” in the enforcement of bringing non-compliant systems into compliance. One avenue to induce remediation might be to publish the names of the owners of non-compliant systems.
(2) The comprehensive plan will provide an overall plan for land use in Douglas County and will cover aspects of transportation, parks, trails, etc. based on the natural resources of the county. Land and Resources plans to have an open house to discuss the plan in July. Information on the plan can be found on their web site.
(3) New shoreline zoning rules were put together by the DNR, but these rules still need legislative action. No timeline for their adoption is currently available. Dave noted in the question and answer part of this presentation that Douglas County does currently have shoreline zoning rules. He outlined examples of structural changes that can and cannot be made on shoreline property.
In answer to another question concerning zebra mussels migrating into Lake Miltona from Lake Carlos and Ida, Dave noted that the nymph stage cannot migrate upstream and they and they are not significantly transported by wildlife. The main mode of transfer is via boats and trailers.
Don Henning reviewed the Independence Day boat parade information. For more details, see the May 2010 “Lake Miltona News”.
Gene Benting reported that our 2009 August fund raiser produced a net income of $4,500 with over 100 vendors providing prizes. This year individual tickets will sell for $13 for each adult with free admission for children under 16 accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be obtained from the area directors.
Dick Kuehn provided an update on the Lake Miltona Management Plan. The four categories established as our focal points of the plan are water quality, land use management (zoning), fisheries, and aquatic vegetation. A $5,000 grant has been obtained from West Central Initiative, of which we have received $2,500, for the completion of elements of this plan. He stressed the need for volunteers for developing the plan and carrying out its elements.
Lynette Wittsack-Stenglein gave the Lake Miltona clothing report. Our purchase of Lake Miltona logo clothing only supports Lake Association financially if it is purchased at Lake Association meetings or calling her directly. New offerings this year include a long-sleeve T-shirt and a heavy sweatshirt.
Jerry Fulton reported that our water quality is excellent right now (24 feet on the secchi disk, which is the best ever). This will go down as we get into August – a natural phenomena.
Gene Benting reviewed the fish stocking activity. Details can be found in the “Lake Miltona News” for May 2010. The very high walleye count in the August 2009 electro-shocking test is noteworthy (about 5 times normal rate and much higher than in September 2008). As a result the DNR will not stock walleye fingerlings in 2010 and they will adjust their fry stocking. Gene was asked if we could put a size restriction on walleyes. In the subsequent discussion the following points were made: No, our Lake Association cannot mandate a size limit because only the DNR has the authority to set size limitations. However, the Association continues to promote the release of walleyes less than 14 inches. In addition, fish caught deeper than 40 feet will probably not survive so we recommend no angling deeper than 40 feet. The current Minnesota possession limit is not more than one walleye over 20”.
The zebra mussel situation for Lake Miltona was reviewed by Gene Benting. Details can be found in the May 2010 “Lake Miltona News”. Jack Anderson noted that donations by members of the Lake Miltona Association have provided for support of our half of the inspection hours of boats at our three lake accesses.
Lowell Benson moved and Don Schaefer seconded the election of the slate of directors for the next year as published in the May 2010 “Lake Miltona News” with the addition of Randy Hansen as co-director for area 18. Motion carried unanimously.
Dick Kuehn opened the meeting to general additional concerns. Issues brought forward:
(1) Lake level – can it be raised? No. It was established in late ‘80’s by the state of MN and the current dam height is enforced by the DNR.
(2) More snails in the water? This seems to be a natural phenomena and not a problem.
(3) Tent caterpillars – can the Lake Association directors collect money to provide a spraying program to control them? Dick Kuehn agreed to bring this issue to the director’s meeting; however, he noted that the Lake Carlos Association discontinued their lake-wide spraying program in response to some opposition, risk, and the belief that infestations are typically local rather than lake wide issues.
(4) Sewer debt? This is a township issue. The tax rates can be obtained from your township clerk.
(5) Lowell Benson said that he is incorporating pictures of Lake Miltona on our web site. If you have some you’d like to share, please send them to him.
Door prizes were given out and the meeting was adjourned at 11:10 a.m.
Minutes prepared by Gene D. Rose, acting secretary.
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