The Morrison County Board voted to establish a Fish Trap Lake Improvement District (LID). The first meeting of the LID was on August 30, 2008.
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Fish Trap Lake Improvement District (LID) Meeting Minutes
FTLID Board Meeting – Review of RFPs for Curly-Leaf Pondweed Treatment & Vegetation Surveys
April 1, 2023
9:30 a.m. Scandia Valley Town Hall
Board Members: Tom Anderson, Chairman; Chris Ziehmann, Treasurer; Ron Nypan (all permanent residents); John Sjoblom (seasonal resident). Absent: Lucy Thomas, Secretary (seasonal resident)
Meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. Purpose of the meeting was to determine which of the three
respondents to RFP (Request for proposal) for Curly-leaf Pondweed (CLP) treatment and two respondents for vegetation surveys would be selected and awarded contracts. CLP treatment respondents were PLM Lake & Land Management Corp., Rock Leaf Water Environmental and incumbent Lake Restoration, Inc. Vegetation survey respondents were RMB and Fresh Water Science.
Lake Restoration pricing is considerably less expensive than that of Rock Leaf – $637/acre vs $1204 or $147/gal vs approximately $83/gal for PLM. Tom Anderson moved and Ron Nypan seconded to accept Lake Restoration — as the incumbent for at least the past six years and having good experience, combined with excellent pricing. The motion carried.
Discussion regarding 3-5 multi-year contract resulted in agreeing to a 3-year contract. Tom Anderson motioned and Ron Nypan seconded to award Lake Restoration a 3-year contract.
Tom Anderson moved and John Sjoblom seconded to award incumbent RMB ongoing vegetation survey service after review of proposals. The motion carried.
Tom Anderson will sign and send acceptance notifications to Lake Restoration and RMB.
Chris Ziehmann moved to adjourn and John Sjoblom seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 a.m.
Respectfully submitted by Chris Ziehmann, sitting in for Lucy Thomas
Fish Trap Lake Improvement District Annual Meeting
June 18, 2022
9:00 a.m. Scandia Valley Town Hall
Board Members: Tom Anderson, Chairman; Chris Ziehmann, Treasurer; Ron Nypan (permanent residents); John Sjoblom (seasonal resident) Absent: Lucy Thomas, Secretary (seasonal resident)
Meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. Tom Anderson introduced the board members present.
Secretary’s Report – Chris Ziehmann read the July 17, 2021 annual meeting minutes on behalf of Lucy Thomas. Tom Anderson motioned they be accepted as read, seconded by Ron Nypan. Motion approved.
Treasurer’s Report – Chris Ziehmann gave the 2022 YTD financial report. 2022 started with a beginning balance of $36,461. Income to date totaled $5,207. Expenses totaled $23,476. Ending balance as of 6/18/22 was $18,192.46. The treasurer’s report was accepted by the board.
Old Business
Review of CLP treatment/control status – Tom Anderson explained that with ice out about a month later than normal, curly leaf pondweed treatment was delayed until June 6. However, Lake Restoration was permitted and treated 40.5 acres. He indicated that was a bit surprising since almost 50 acres had been permitted and treated in 2021. However, with the delayed treatment timing, the CLP had more time to proliferate.
Review of Veliger sampling – Anderson stated that the sampling would be conducted within the next week at a depth of 20 ft.
New Business
2021-2022 Budget Overview – Chris Ziehmann explained that in 2021 with a starting account balance of nearly $50M, the board decided to conduct a more expensive full delineation CLP study versus the point intercept approach of the previous few years. Late in 2021, the LID was informed by the County that LIDs were classified by the State as a “special district” and subject to periodic auditing conducted by a professional CPA firm. This resulted in an unexpected cost of $5,100 to be paid in 2022. Our LID passed the audit with no difficulties but will need to conduct another in five years.
Grant Allocations — Ziehmann informed the audience that this year we received a $5,000 AIS grant from the County and has also been conditionally awarded a State $14,770 AIS management grant payable over two years, though any eligible State monies won’t pay out until next year and 2024. Tom Anderson took a moment to acknowledge the exemplary grant writing work done by LID board member John Sjoblom. It was his fine work that provided us the State offering.
Proposed 2023 LID Assessment – Ziehmann explained that each year the LID goes before the County Commissioners to present the budget and next year’s LID assessment for approval. This year to date, with the unexpected large amount of CLP treated again, the total budgeted expense for 2022 had almost been reached while still awaiting invoices for the vegetation studies and the likely payment for the CD3 software management. She estimated an ending balance of approximately $25M. If the 2023 assessment was kept at the current level of $40/property owner resulting in approximately $13M in income and not counting any potential State monies received, the LID would have total income of $38M and anticipating nearly $24M of expenses again, it would leave the LID with a year-end balance of $14M. Therefore, a $10 increase to $50/property owner is proposed. Many audience members expressed concern that such a small increase may not be adequate. Following significant discussion between board members and the audience, Tom Anderson motioned to increase the 2023 assessment to $60, Ron Nypan seconded the motion. The audience expressed agreement. The LID board passed the motion to propose a 2023 $60/per property owner assessment to the County.
Election of Board Members – Two terms are up – Tom Anderson and Chris Ziehmann. No other volunteers were identified and the audience voiced acceptance of the incumbents. Both persons agreed to another two-year term in their current positions.
Adjournment – The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 a.m.
Respectfully submitted by Chris Ziehmann, sitting in for Lucy Thomas
Fish Trap Lake Improvement District (FTLID)
Annual Meeting Minutes
July 17, 2021
Chairperson Tom Anderson called the meeting to order at approximately 9:05 a.m. He introduced the current board members present, which included Tom Anderson and Chris Ziehmann as “permanent lake resident” members and Lucy Thomas as “seasonal lake resident” member. “Permanent lake resident” Renee Krueger and John Koser (Seasonal lake resident) will not be seeking another term on the FTLID.
Secretary Lucy Thomas read the “Old Business” and “New Business” sections of the 2020 FTLID Annual Meeting minutes. Treasurer Chris Ziehmann gave the Financial Report covering roughly the first half of 2021. She noted that expenses are somewhat higher this year, as a delineation study of the lake costing approximately $3700.00 combined with Curly Leaf Pondweed treatment of 49 acres totaling nearly $20,000.00 have been billed this year. The treasurer’s report was accepted by Tom Anderson, with a second by Lucy Thomas.
In Old Business, chairperson Tom Anderson reviewed the Curly Leaf Pondweed treatment completed in late Spring this year, noting that 49 acres were treated this year, as compared with 9 acres in 2020. Tom noted a proliferation of ‘native’ weeds like coontail and wild celery, and algae due primarily to dying zebra mussels and other factors. Tom asked for questions on this subject from the audience, there were none.
In other Old Business, Tom reviewed the Zebra mussel veliger sampling that he completed. He did this with 14-foot columns in 20 feet of water 100 yards from shore at Sam’s, Scott’s and Chuck Salter’s islands.
In New Business, Treasurer Chris Ziehmann presented a Budget Overview. Costs are pretty much the same, with the exception of the delineation study versus point intercept studies, which have averaged approximately $2000. Following the late summer follow-up vegetation study to determine the effectiveness of this year’s treatment, another delineation study will likely not be needed next year. Therefore, with a current account balance of $33,500, it is recommended that the Morrison County LID Assessment charge of $40 per property owner be continued for the current year. Chairperson Tom opened this up for audience discussion, there was none. A voice vote was taken, with all in favor of the LID Assessment of $40 per property owner be continued.
In other New Business, chairperson Tom Anderson noted the need for 1 additional “permanent lake resident” member and 1 additional “seasonal lake resident,” and called for volunteers from the audience. Ron Nypan volunteered to be a “permanent lake resident”, and John Sjoblom has agreed to be “seasonal lake resident” on the FTLID Board. Tom motioned, Chris Ziehmann seconded, motion carried. Welcome, Ron and John!
Chris Ziehmann reminds that CLP treatment is detailed on the FTLPOA website.
Chairperson Tom Anderson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:35 a.m., Lucy Thomas seconded the motion.
Respectfully submitted,
Lucy Thomas, Secretary
Fish Trap Lake Improvement District (FTLID)
Annual Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2020
Chairperson Tom Anderson called the meeting to order at approximately 9:05 a.m. outdoors behind the Scandia Valley Town Hall. He introduced the current board members present, which included Tom Anderson and Chris Ziehmann as “permanent lake resident” members and Lucy Thomas and John Kozer as “seasonal lake resident” members. “Permanent lake resident” Renee Krueger was not present.
Secretary Lucy Thomas read the minutes from the 2019 annual LID meeting; the report was approved by John Kozer.
Treasurer Chris Ziehmann gave the Treasurer’s Report, showing a closing balance of $45,780.30. Her report was accepted.
In Old Business, chairperson Tom Anderson stated that 9 acres of lake were treated for curly-leaf pondweed in 2020. There have been many complaints this summer about “lake weeds” (primarily native coontail and wild celery), with 174 sites on Fishtrap Lake tested. It was explained that dying Zebra mussels leave lake bottom free and permit sunlight penetration, encouraging weed growth. Tom mentioned increased vigilance needed for pollutants like leaky motors.
In other Old Business, chairperson Tom Anderson reported Zebra mussel veliger testing of 3 lake sites this year. Morrison County is awaiting testing results from several other area lakes before getting veliger test results back to us.
In New Business, chairperson Tom Anderson led a discussion of handling of smaller BOGs, which proliferated last year due to high water levels. Campground owner Jeff Hardy has volunteered to tow many of these. Morrison County is proactive in keeping Fish Trap Creek clear beneath the County Road 20 bridge. There are presently no beaver dams restricting creek flow, as young beaver pups have been trapped and relocated. Meeting attendees were asked for more feedback going into the future concerning Bogs and did not get overwhelming consensus just yet to change our Charter for Bog removal.
Treasurer Chris Ziehmann presented the 2020/2021 budget overview, which is basically unchanged from the previous year.
There was discussion whether property owner tax assessment of $40 for the LID should be continued. Affirmative by Tom Anderson, seconded by an audience member.
Chairperson Tom revealed postcard results, stating that he and Chris Ziehmann would continue as “permanent lake resident” LID board members.
Chairperson Tom adjourned the meeting at approximately 9:35 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lucy Thomas, Secretary
Fish Trap Lake Improvement District
Annual Meeting Minutes
June 22, 2019
Chairperson Tom Anderson called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. in the Scandia Valley Town Hall. He introduced the current board members.
Secretary Lucy Thomas read the minutes from the 2018 annual meeting. Her report was accepted.
Treasurer Chris Ziehmann gave the Treasurer’s Report. Accepted.
Chairperson Tom Anderson gave a review of the 2019 Curly Leaf Pondweed treatment and control. RMB Corporation recommended treatment of 16 acres in 2019, but the DNR approved treatment for only 2 acres. Treatment of 2 acres has been completed.
Tom also presented a review of veliger (zebra mussels) sampling. There has been a natural decline in the veliger population. John Kozer has testing equipment (dip net technology).
In New Business, Treasurer Chris Ziehmann provided a 2019/2020 Budget Overview. For the Proposed 2020 LID Assessment per property owner, secretary Lucy Thomas proposed that the annual property owner assessment be reduced from current $60 to $40. Audience questions were addressed. Treasurer Chris Ziehmann explained that 2019 Curly Leaf Pondweed treatment costs were less than anticipated, but there was the desire to remain fiscally prudent. John Koser seconded Lucy’s proposal, motion carried.
Chairperson Tom Anderson announced board member status. All current board members are continuing. Renee Krueger replaces Wayne Vaverek. Renee, Chris, and Tom are the ‘permanent’ resident members, while John and Lucy are the ‘seasonal’ members.
Chairperson Tom adjourned the meeting at approximately 9:35 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lucy Thomas, Secretary
Fish Trap Lake Improvement District
Annual Meeting Minutes
June 23, 2018
Chairman Tom Anderson called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. A quorum of board members present: Thomas Anderson – Chairman; Christine Ziehmann – Treasurer; John Koser. Absent: Lucy Thomas – Secretary; Wayne Vaverek.
Chris Ziehmann motioned to approve the 2017 annual meeting minutes as posted on the FTLPOA website. John Koser seconded the motion. The 2017 minutes were approved.
Chris Ziehmann submitted the Treasurer’s report. The YTD ending balance is $12,602.23 as of 6/23/18. The first half of the 2018 LID assessment from Morrison County is not reflected in this balance.
Old Business – Tom Anderson reviewed the status of CLP control – 28.3 acres treated in 2016; 1.8 acres treated in 2017 and 8.2 acres treated in 2018. He reviewed the veliger sampling results which showed a decrease from 63/liter to 49/liter. Anderson also explained that Lake Restoration was selected for another three-year period for CLP following the review of the RFPs submitted.
New Business – Chris Ziehmann gave the 2018 and 2019 budget overview. She also explained the proposed continuation of the $60/property owner assessment for the 2019 tax year. There was no objection from the audience. John Koser motioned to accept the proposed 2019 assessment and Tom Anderson seconded the motion. The County will be presented with this proposed amount for approval this fall. With a grant from Morrison County to the Quad Lakes Association, the FTLID will not have to pay for the 2018 pre and post vegetation studies. Tom Anderson thanked Bob Koll for taking care of securing the referenced grant.
Election of Board Members – Two permanent resident positions were up for election currently held by Tom Anderson and Chris Ziehmann. The mailed notice for candidates did not result in any new persons submitted. Both Tom and Chris agreed to serve another 2-year term.
The meeting was adjourned.
Prepared by Chris Ziehmann – LID treasurer
FTLID Committee Minutes
The Fish Trap Lake Improvement District committee (FTLID) met on January 27, 2018, at Scandia Valley Town Hall. Present were chairperson Tom Anderson, treasurer Chris Ziehmann, and secretary Lucy Thomas. Purpose of meeting was to determine which of three respondents to RFP (Request for Proposal), if any, we should accept. Respondents were Clarke Aquatic Services, PLM Lake & Land Management Corp., and Lake Restoration, Inc. Tom proposed, Lucy seconded, that we accept the proposal of Lake Restoration, as our past experience with them has been good, and their application of Aquathol treatment solution is considerably cheaper than that of the other two respondents ($264 per treated acre for 2018). Motion carried. Discussion ensued whether we want a multi-year treatment plan of 3 or 5 years. Tom motioned, Lucy seconded, that we arrange a 3-year treatment plan with Lake Restoration. It was agreed that Tom will sign and send an acceptance notification to Lake Restoration. Meeting was adjourned.
Treasurer Chris Ziehmann reports a 2017 FTLID closing balance of $21,763.15.
Respectfully submitted,
Lucy S. Thomas
______________________________________________________________________________
Lake Improvement District
Annual Meeting Minutes
June 10, 2017
The Fish Trap Lake Improvement District (FTLID) held its annual meeting on June 10, 2017. A quorum of board members present: Thomas Anderson – Chairman; Christine Ziehmann – Treasurer; John Koser – Secretary; Wayne Vaverek and new member Lucy Thomas to be installed. Chairman Anderson called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. with information of minutes from the last meeting available on the FTLPOA website. Anderson had Treasurer Chris Ziehmann explain information about the FTLPOA website she has been involved developing and how to access any and all information concerning the LID. She did give us the reading of the financial report with opening balance of $13,037.45 on 1/1/17 with expenses of $6,745.57 as of 6/6/17 with closing balance of $6,335.21. Motion by Vaverek with second by Koser to accept the financial report. The motion passed. Anderson explained 1.8 acres were treated for curly-leaf pondweed this year, explaining the large change from more than 28 acres last year. He also described testing for Zebra Mussel Veligers, working with the Quad Lakes and training from RMB Labs paid for by the County. Anderson also noted that he had been talking with RMB about the green algae as a possible second-year byproduct of Zebra infestation and Zebra Mussels’ uncertainties and concerns that would later be discussed by Steve McComas from Blue Water Science during the FTLPOA meeting. The LID Board received yellow ballots showing that the two incumbents present and new member Lucy Thomas were the majority on the ballots. John Koser made a motion, with a second by Wayne Vaverek to continue the current positions with new member Lucy Thomas for our five board positions this year. Chris Ziehmann explained that we would stay with the last year’s assessment of $60 due to uncertain conditions that may arise with our future weed management. Motion to keep assessment at $60 for 2018 made by Vaverek and seconded by Koser. Motion passed. Anderson informed all present that the LID would be having a posting for another public meeting in the fall to review RFPs (Request for Proposal) from vendors related to testing and treatment of Curly-leaf pondweed as our charter requires. Meeting was adjourned.
Prepared by Thomas Anderson
FTLID Chairman
LAKE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
ANNUAL MEETING
JUNE 18, 2016
The Fish Trap Lake Improvement District (FTLID) held its annual meeting on June 18, 2016. A quorum of board members was present. Thomas Anderson and Chris Ziehmann were elected to replace outgoing chair Ron Nypan and Tim Lenox who both decided not to seek another term. Thomas Anderson was selected by the board to represent the FTLID as chair and Chris Ziehmann as treasurer. The board noted that it did not receive a grant from the DNR this year and that the amount of curly-leaf pondweed delineated and treated increased to approximately 28 acres. 12 of the 28 acres were at the public landing. The board voted to increase the assessment for each property owner to $60. The meeting was adjourned.
LAKE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
ANNUAL MEETING
JUNE 13, 2015
The Fish Trap Lake Improvement District (FTLID) held its annual meeting on June 13, 2015. A quorum of board members was present. John Koser and Wayne Vaverek were elected to replace Lee Goderstad, and Larry Hagar who both decided not to seek another term. Ron Nypan agreed to continue as Chair and Tim Lenox agreed to serve as Treasurer. Tim Lenox presented the financial report which showed a balance of approximately $26,000. The report was accepted. Chair Ron Nypan noted that Lake Restoration did treat the delineated approximately 8 acres of curly-leaf pondweed in May, 2015. Ron Nypan noted that the grant from the DNR roughly covered the cost of treatment which was approximately $5,000. Given the large financial balance and smaller concentrations of curly-leaf pondweed, the board voted to decrease the annual assessment to $10 per property. Meeting was adjourned.
LAKE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
MAY 3, 2014
A special meeting was held on May 3, 2014. The meeting was at Scandia Valley Township Hall with Wayne Hoffman, Larry Hagar, and Ron Nypan, constituting a quorum present.
Subject of the meeting was the new requirement by the DNR for the LID to conduct a pre and post treatment weed delineation on the lake. After reviewing the bids from RMB Labs and Terry (gun@brainerd.net) we chose to amend our 2013 agreement with RMB Labs who conducted our post treatment assessment in August of 2013. We chose RMB labs to do our Pre-Treatment delineation in 2014. Bids will be put out for subsequent years now that the DNR no longer does this and requires the LID to do a pre and post treatment delineation. An RFP will be put out for the 2014 post-treatment delineation and the pre and post delineation in 2015 and 2016.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully,
Lee Goderstad
LAKE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 4, 2014
A special meeting was held on April 4, 2014. The meeting was held at Scandia Valley Township Hall with Wayne Hoffman, Larry Hagar and Ron Nypan constituting a quorum.
Subject of the meeting was to review the bids from companies to do our weed treatment this year. After reviewing the bids from Clarke Company, PLM Corp, and Lake Restoration Inc. the board selected Lake Restoration.
There being no other business on the agenda the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully,
Lee Goderstad
The FTL LID Board Members
Thomas Anderson, Chair
1893 320th Street
Cushing, Minnesota 56443
horizonservices50@gmail.com
(Morrison County resident)
John Sjoblom
9995 Union Terrace Lane N
Maple Grove, MN 55369
johnmsjoblom@gmail.com
Chris Ziehmann, Treasurer
1658 Lincoln Hills Circle
Cushing, MN 56443
cmziehmann@aol.com
(Morrison County resident)
Lucy Thomas, Secretary
2598 Stearns Way
St. Cloud, MN 56303
Lt3bikes@gmail.com
Ronald Nypan
30389 Pan Drive
Cushing, MN 56443
ronald.nypan@gmail.com
(Morrison County resident)