The August 10th meeting was held in person and via Zoom.
Board members in person: President Brian Weist, Treasurer Anita Hagen, Ben Anderson, Gordon Behm, Jeff Gertgen, Darvin Hauptli, Brian Knoke, Bob Meyerson, and Mark Streed. Via Zoom: Dean Volk. Absent: Tim Groshens, Tom Hayden, and Pat Ryan. Others in attendance: lake residents Judy Christensen, Jim Nissen, Butch Willems, Mike Spence, Jeff Spence, and Ron Trebesch; Dan Coughlin, MFCRWD District Administrator; and Chris Stephan, Moleaer Representative.
Motion made, seconded, and carried to approve the July 5th, 2024, minutes as presented.
Motion made, seconded, and carried to approve the July Financial Report as presented with a checking balance of $4,548.47, savings balance of $1,046.59, and money market balance of $82,81
1.84, total of funds $88,406.90.
From 10:00-10:27, Mark Samelstad, Treasurer for the Tri-Lakes Management District in Wisconsin, joined the meeting via Zoom. Mark explained the very poor water quality of their lakes. The Tri Lakes Association rented a Nanobubble unit from Moleaer and after 2 ½ months they seen 95% improvement and a sediment study found the muck in the bottom of the lake reduced by one foot. They have 4,727 properties in their association. They held public meetings and then voted in favor of ordering more Nanobubble units. They have a fleet of seven harvesters and now feel that has been a band aid approach for their lakes.
Chris Stephan, Moleaer Representative, explained how the Nanobubble Technology works.
The University of Minnesota and DNR studies show that low levels of oxygen cause issues for bodies of water. Low oxygen levels can cause high levels of hydrogen sulfate, large amounts of muck/sediment on the floor of water bodies, and issues with weeds. Nanobubbles are 2500 times smaller than a grain of salt and are less buoyant. They mix and deliver oxygen throughout the water column and into the sediment layer. They behave differently than larger bubbles made by aeration technologies that are more buoyant.
There was discussion, questions, and comments from board members and guests.
Dan Coughlin, MFCRWD Administrator, explained how the Watershed District could possibly help with the finances. This item still needs to be voted on by the Watershed Board at their next meeting.
11:38 – Gordon Behm, Dan Coughlin, and Chris Stephan left the meeting.
Ben Anderson has been in contact with James Johnson, Aquatic Ecologist, Freshwater Scientific Services. Mr. Johnson is recommending a weed survey of Diamon Lake be done in May 2025 for $2,600. After discussion, motion made, seconded, and carried to contract with Freshwater Scientific Services for this survey.
Ben also presented a proposal from PLM to chemically treat Diamon Lake in 2025 for $41,000. After discussion, motion made, seconded, and carried to contract with PLM for weed treatment in 2025.
Action on weed harvesting topic was tabled until after the 2025 survey has been completed.
12:08 – Bob Meyerson left meeting.
After additional discussion on the possibility of installing a Nanobubble unit in Diamond Lake, it was agreed that an informational open house meeting should be held on August 24th, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with a presentation at 9:30. It was agreed to send notices to the lake association and to post on the Website and Facebook.
Discussion continued on the cost of chemical treatment, possible harvesting, and possible installation of a nanobubble unit and how it would be financed. Motion by Mark, seconded by Ben, to propose a $150,000 levy for 2025, contingent upon approval by the MFCR Watershed District to approve the purchase of the nanobubble unit. Motion carried unanimously.
Ben explained the process for the CPL Grant application and the deadline of September 17th.
Anita reported that the 2024 WeedFest was a success. Many people attended and are still donating. Estimated net proceeds should be about $1,400.
AED status and the fish barrier on the east side were tabled to the next meeting.
Jeff requested permission to pursue an ordinance to have a no wake zone. Motion made, seconded, and carried to allow Jeff to do so.
Next board meeting was scheduled for Saturday, November 16th, 9 a.m., MFCR Watershed District Office, in person or via zoom.
Motion made, seconded, and carried to adjourn the meeting at 1:00 p.m.
Respectively Submitted,
Anita Hagen
Treasurer
