Annual LID Meeting Minutes 8-17-2021
2021 Lake Pulaski Improvement District
Annual Meeting Minutes
August 17th, 2021, 7:00pm
Huikko’s Bowling Center
1207 CR-25 N. Buffalo, MN, 55313
| Present: | Jon Tank | Jill Murphy |
| Bill Jundt | Brooke Cebulla | |
| Dave Tauscher |
AGENDA:
- Welcome to the 2021 Annual Lake Pulaski LID Meeting
- Introduction
- Call meeting to order
- Approval of the minutes from the 2020 annual meeting
- Griffing Park Landing/Boat Inspections/Staffing
- Lake Weed Update
- Current Lake Level Update
- Pulaski Ponds Update
- Financial Update & Budget
- New Business
- Voting Rules & LID Election
Jon Tank welcomed everyone to the 2021 annual meeting.
Jon Tank introduced everyone on the LID Board.
The meeting was called to order by Jon Tank at 7:06pm.
Jon Tank asked the attendees to read through the minutes from 2020. Alan Swanson made a motion to approve the minutes from the 2020 annual meeting, Dan Abermouski seconded, minutes approved.
Boat Inspections/Staffing:
Jon Tank discussed happenings at Griffin Park Boat Landing.
The LID board has taken multiple calls regarding the condition of the landing, especially boaters upset about wrecking their props, etc. while launching their boats into Lake Pulaski. Jon Tank has been having discussions with the city about dredging the launch. He was informed that they can only dredge 30ft from shore. The city has plans to dredge again next week, and hopefully again in September. Jon wanted to remind everyone that the LID officers have no control over what happens at the landing, and that it is controlled and maintained by the city.
Staffing will take place from dusk until dawn from 5/15/21 through 9/30/21.
This year once again there were level one inspectors on site. This means that these inspectors can check everything on the exterior and interior of the boat, including boarding the boat and inspecting inside. If the boat or watercraft will not agree to an inspection, the inspectors have the right to refuse them from entering the lake and/or calling the sheriff. These inspectors are hired and trained by Lee Ryan from the city of Buffalo. The LID is extremely thankful for all their hard work and dedication to protecting Lake Pulaski from invasive species with boats and watercrafts entering the lake. The city did have difficulties staffing the landing this year, so the LID discussed contributing more funds towards this effort. The LID was told by the city that they cannot accept more money at this time.
Money budgeted in 2021 for staffing at the landing included, $10,000 paid by the city of Buffalo. $10,000 paid by the Lake Pulaski homeowners. This same amount is budgeted for 2022.
There also had been discussions with the Wright County about putting in a decontamination station, not paid for by the LID. Unfortunately, the station was awarded to another city. The LID will continue to discuss adding one for Lake Pulaski.
Jon Tank was approached by the Wright County Water Patrol and was asked to address everyone at the annual meeting about the rules and laws on the lake. Personal watercrafts are only allowed on the water between 9:30AM- 1 hour before sunset. Do not follow directly behind boats towing people. Stay a minimum of 150 feet away in all directions. Personal watercraft (ex. Jet skis) are not allowed to jump boat wakes within 150 feet, including jumping other personal watercraft wakes. Boats are allowed to tow people one hour after sunset to sunrise of the following day. Wake surfing at night because your boat has surf lights, is prohibited, and will be ticketed. Wear your lifejacket.
If you see any dangerous behavior, please have a description of the watercraft (registration numbers if possible) and contact the Wright County Sheriff’s Office at 763-682-1162. You can remain anonymous.
A summary of watercraft inspections are as follows:
Total boats: 3,667 inspected vs. 4,343 from 2020
From Buffalo: 1,829 vs. 2,137 from 2020
% Out of Town: 50% from out of town (1,837 boats)
Arrive with plug in 14 arrived with plugs in
Total finds: 81 with plants
Lastly, Jon Tank reviewed installing a boat ramp. What the site considerations and requirements are for public and private boat ramps.
Lake Weed Update:
Dave Tauscher presented the lake weed update. The PLID contracted again this year with PLM Lake and Land Management Corporation to perform the treatment. The treatment is being done for milfoil only at this time. The PLID board used the recommendation of PLM for the plot areas to be treated. The treatment of 3.2 acres in Plot 5, 3.5 acres in Plot 6, 6.3 acres in Plot 7, and 3.7 acres in Plot 8 all were completed on July 9th, 2021, at a cost of $27,232.93. The LID has a contract with PLM for five years, and we are on year three.
Grant funding received from Wright County totaling $3,100, and $2,700 from the DNR.
Delineation Survey yearly and a Point intercept assessment every 3-5 years.
The attendees watched a video presentation that Dave did with PLM to show the effectiveness of treating milfoil over the last few years. The areas that have been treated for the most part have been eradicated.
Dave mentioned that homeowners can independently hire PLM to treat their own properties.
The LID can get a special permit to treat directly in front of the pumps that would not affect the rest of the areas being treated. The City of Buffalo would have to apply for that permit from the DNR and then PLM would be able to treat that area separately.
Pulaski Ponds Update:
Bill Jundt gave an update on the status of the Solar Bee Mixer. The Solar Bee is turned off due to lack of water.
Bill is discussing with the city to get the Pulaski Ponds dredged as soon as possible due to the lack of water presently.
Current Lake Level/Clarity:
The Secchi Disk Read (water clarity) are as follows:
2016: 21’6”
2017: 17’ 9”
2018: 19’ 3”
2019: 11’ 6”
2020: 17’
2021: 24’.5”
DNR Rules for when pumps can be turned on:
1)We cannot pump if Lake Pulaski is below 966.0
2)We cannot pump if Buffalo exceeds 915.5 and Buffalo must have outward flow to Crow River.
As of 8/16/21 the Pulaski Lake water level is at 964.24. As of 8/12/21 Buffalo Lake was at 912.96. Water level readings are done when weather permits and recorded weekly.
Jon Tank thanked Bill for all the time and effort he puts into checking/maintaining pumps and checking water levels.
Financial Update & Budget:
Jill Murphy, LID Treasurer, worked very closely with accountant Jon Archer from Schlenner Wenner & Co. throughout the year. Jill gave a brief description on how the LID financials are handled. Wright County manages, submits, reviews all financials that come in and out. That information is then shared with Jon Archer to keep track of the LID budget.
Jon Archer gave a re-cap of 2020 and reviewed line by line the budget for 2021, along with a proposed upcoming budget for 2022.
- 2020 is now closed:
- Revenues of $116,414.99
- Expenses of $93,869.70
- Ending balance of $223,246.51 ($80,000 marked for potential AIS infestation so net balance is $143,246.51)
- 2021 January-July:
- Revenue of $59,702.20
- Expenses of $32,909.83
- Balance as of 7/31/21 = $250,038.88 ($100,000 marked for potential AIS infestation so net balance of $150,038.88)
- PLID is projecting an additional $54,500 in expenses for 2021 which reduces the balance to roughly $95,538.88. In November the LID has $58,000 of projected property tax income which puts the 2021 ending balance roughly at $153,538.
2022 Budget Projection:
Expenses of $90,375 + $20,000 (proposed potential AIS infestation/catastrophic event) totaling $110,375 for 2021. FYI – 2020 approved budget was $112,025.
Jon Tank made a motion to approve the budget as presented for 2022. Dave Tauscher seconded; motion passed.
New Business:
One homeowner’s concern was brought to attention regarding loud music playing from boats in the early hours of the morning. Jon Tank stated that in those situations you can call the Sherriff and report it.
Another homeowner’s concern was regarding the parties at the peninsula near Little Pulaski. That homeowner spoke with the owners of that property directly and the issue did seem to get better.
One homeowner asked about a lost/found situation when items are found in the lake on float to shore. Jon Tank suggested using your own personal social media page or putting it on the Lake Pulaski Facebook page. Jill Murphy explained to “Like” the page and then anyone that follows that page can see the posts. She also suggested using the Buffalo Community Facebook page to post about items.
VOTING:
2021 Voting: Only one vote will be cast per Lake Pulaski Improvement District household, even if there are multiple owners for that particular household. Votes will be counted by two non-LID board members.
Two LID members terms expire this year, Dave Tauscher and Brooke Cebulla.
Jon Tank asked if there were any nominations from the floor. None were made. Jon Tank asked if there was a motion to close the nominations on the floor. Allan Malerich made the motion, Bill Jundt seconded, motion passed.
Jon Tank stated that Dave Tauscher and Brooke Cebulla have been elected for another 3-year term uncontested and asked for a motion to approve, Alan Swanson made the motion, Allan Malerich seconded, motion passed.
Jon Tank congratulated both Dave and Brooke to another 3-year term.
Jon Tank made a motion to end the meeting at 8:19pm. Dave Tauscher seconded; motion passed. Meeting adjourned.