Annual General Meeting Minutes – June 28, 2014
Oxbow Lake Cottagers’ Association Interlaken Fire Hall 1. Introductions and Welcome – The President, Angie Heydon, called the meeting to order at approximately 10:06 am, welcoming approximately 50 people. A moment of silence was observed for cottagers Bruce Herod, Ruth Scott and Harvey Coulter who passed away this past year. 2. Special guests: Lake of Bays Mayor Bob Young and Township Councillor Ginny Burgess were unable to attend due to other commitments, but sent their heartfelt regrets. Shane Baker, District Councillor spoke about a number of issues including: – New Compactors are now in use at the Sinclair Transfer Station for recycling. These compactors will substantially reduce the number of truck trips required to transfer recycled materials, saving fuel and reducing the carbon footprint. The cost to the District for each compactor was approximately $31,000.00. – The Road maintenance budget may be increased after last year’s exceptionally harsh winter; there were so many days below zero that it was difficult to improve conditions on local roads. The District is open to more sanding, grating and plowing in an effort to reduce ruts and increase safety. Shane reminded us that the Limberlost Road has the highest altitude of all district roads making it few degrees colder. – Brush cutting along Limberlost Road is underway; Shane described this as necessary evil for safety, and pointed out that opening up the road helps the sun melt the snow. – The Muskoka Watershed Council: Every 4 years they put out a report card. Shane brought copies. This is a general document but the website provides specific info on each watershed. See: http://www.muskokawatershed.org/wp-content/uploads/BigEastRSubwatershed.pdf We have a good rating for water quality although we remain vulnerable to invasive species. There is also a new interest in calcium levels in the water which are higher than they could be. You can support the Council financially by donating to the “Friends of Muskoka Watershed” – Electronic waste can now go to the Dwight Transfer Station 7 days a week. There are hazardous waste days almost every other week. As a Muskoka resident you can also use the Bracebridge sight which is not far off Hwy 11. It is open 7 days a week. – The OPP have indicated that policing costs are on the rise. The Drummond report reorganizes how OPP costs are distributed across the province. The increase for our area could go from 10 million to 17 million increasing our taxes substantially. Township Items of Interest: – Bears in the Fieldale Road area are still a problem. Local Councillors are still trying to put a bylaw together to prevent people from feeding bears. – Fire halls: The recent Capital Asset Review recommended closing Station 50, and the other 2 Lake of Bays fire halls, and recommended building a new “super fire hall” to cover the whole area. Shane reports that while there is some justification for this in the Review, there is no real interest in closing any of the fire halls. If there is a decline in volunteers we may have no choice in the future. Shane feels that as long as there is a pool of dedicated volunteers he will not be supporting any recommendation to close our fire hall. – The much anticipated Cell tower will be a month late. It will likely be ready early August. – Shane thanked everyone who participated in the Limberlost road cleanup. – With respect to the upcoming Municipal Election in October, Shane advised that 6 of 7 Councillors and the mayor are running again. The new person is in Rideout Township so there will be no real change for us. Shane made a number of Handouts available including: – LOBA “Did you know” sheets. Useful info re fire practices, shoreline development and respecting neighbours. – HOLD group (Hillside Oxtongue Lake and Dwight) info – community events. – Muskoka District Council has submitted a proposal to open a new Nursing station in Dorset. The approval process was held up by the provincial election but Council is hoping to hear from the Provincial government in the next few weeks. 3. Murray Arnold, Captain of Fire Station 50, reminded cottagers to please cut tall grass and brush around their fire number sign so that emergency vehicles can easily find the proper addresses in case of an emergency. Overgrown driveways can also hinder emergency vehicles. 4. Motion that the Annual General Minutes from June 29, 2013 be approved as distributed, made by Keith McRobbie; seconded by Bruce Cameron. Motion CARRIED. 5. 2013-2014 Treasurer’s Report – Diana Leicht distributed the report. It was proposed that Cottage dues for this year remain at $40.00. These can be mailed or done by Interac Email Tranfer by following directions on our webite at: http://www.oxbowlake.org/info/14/ Alternatively, dues may be dropped off to anyone on the Executive. Diana summarized the report indicating that this year brought no unexpected expenses. Last year we had an excess of $800 and we currently carry a balance of approximately $5000. For 2014-2015, assuming the same amount of dues are collected, and assuming there are no unexpected expenses, we should be able to balance the budget and maintain our reserve. Diana noted that the proposed budget includes an additional donation to Hospital Foundation of $500.00. Motion to approve budget and dues by Bruce Cameron, seconded Gary Lachance. CARRIED. 6. Lake Stewart’s Report – Mark Lichtenberg and Danielle Rusheleau are our Lake Stewards. Danielle provided a report reminding us about invasive species and rinsing boat, trailer and bilge if you take your boat elsewhere. She also reminded us to avoid using phosphorous detergents, household products and fertilizers. Trees that fall in the water create a habitat for many species. Danielle added that is is better to leave the trees in the water as long as possible especially those that are highly decayed. It takes over 100 years to recreate the habitat if the trees are removed. Water quality was described as great, although calcium levels are high. Danielle recommends that we sprinkle the cooled ash from our campfires around the base of the trees. This will cause calcium to slowly get back into the lake system. Fortunately, lower levels of Giant Hog weed have been reported this year. 7. Roads Report – Gary Lachance reported on the West Arm Boat Ramp. After a series of calls to various departments, the Parks Department has agreed to repair the ramp themselves. Bruce Cameron reported that the roads have been graded and dust control has been applied. There was a culvert that had to be replaced this spring on the East Oxbow Lake Road. Bruce requested they replace another culvert near 1150 the East Oxbow Lake Road this summer. 8. Upcoming Summer Dates: a) Oxbow Lake Social: Cocktails at the Conlons will take place Saturday, July 26 from 5:30-7:30 pm. Please bring an appetizer and beverage of your choice. b) Oxbow Lake Regatta: The Regatta will begin at 1:30 pm, Sunday, August 4th on the shores of the Oxbow Lakeside Community Club (the Lodge). If you can help out shepherding the kids, please contact Angie or Peter Heydon. 9. New Business: 2013 Directors and Executive for OLCA. Nominations for election to the OLCA board: President – Angie Heydon Past President – Jim Vigmond Vice President – John Lilly Treasurer – Diana Leicht Secretary – John Scarfe Members at large: Larry Barber, Gary Lachance, Nick Mosgrove, Darlene Conlon, Brian McCann, Tara Stickwood Communications – Lynda Arnold West Arm Rep – Bruce Cameron East Arm Rep – Karen Vigmond Oxbow Lakeside Community Club Rep – Stephanie Parkin Motion to accept the slate of Officers and Directors, as well as appointments brought by Bill Thompson, seconded by Gary Lachance. Motion CARRIED. Further appointments made by the OLCA board: Lake Stewards – Mark Lichtenberg (east arm) and Danielle Rusheleau (west arm) Roads Committee – Bruce Cameron, Gary Lachance, John Lilly, Jim Vigmond Sinclair Advisory – Bruce Cameron, Larry Barber and Lynda Arnold Regatta Marshalls – Angie & Peter Heydon West Oxbow Cottage Sign – Ian Goodhand 10. Oxbow Lake Website and Communications: Regarding Canada’s new anti-spam legislation, the Association takes the position that part of its function is to keep our members updated as to current events affecting our community. If you pay your dues, you are deemed to agree to receive updates from Associations. In an effort to address people’s concerns with respect to email spam, Angie and Lynda reminded us that anyone who wishes can ask to be “unsubscribed.” Contact Listing: The Association will send our contact info as dues are paid. 11. John Crockett – Huntsville Hospital Foundation came as a special guest, provided a summary of what the Huntsville Hospital does, how it is funded and thanked us for our $500 donation. 12. Other business: Station 50 Captain Murray Arnold reported about upcoming new legislation requiring CO2 detectors in every home. In addition, new homes or renovations now require that smoke detectors be installed in each and every bedroom. Please check your smoke detectors. The newer ones have a date on the back. If there is no date, your smoke detector is likely old; they need to be replaced every 10 years. When testing smoke detectors, don’t just push the test button, light a match and make sure the smoke sets it off. 13. Meeting Adjourned at 11:00am – CARRIED. Thank you to all who attended.
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