SPITZER LAKE ASSOCIATION

MINUTES

A second meeting was held on May 18, 2019 at Inspiration Point Bible Camp.

John Kruse opened the meeting with information on OTC COLA (Otter Tail County Coalition of Lake Associations) which is a private volunteer group working with Lake Associations and lake property owners for the common good.

John spoke about the importance of becoming an Association and steps in doing so. He spoke about the importance of an organizational structure, democratic process, transparency and fiduciary responsibility with the Association. He addressed the organizational structure and provided information. Linda Olson and Connie Dummer agreed to be the committee for work on the documents necessary to form Spitzer Lake Association.

John spoke of the OTC COLA with it being a long time private volunteer association . It is an arm of AIS (aquatic invasive species) task force and he spoke of the dangers of starry stonewart invading OTC waters. There are 56 lakes involved and 70% of lake acreage is in the OTC COLA. COLA provides water analysis and you can access their website at www.ottertailcountycola.org. There is a monthly newsletter and meetings and events planned. He emphasized the power in numbers of a Lake Association and joining the OTC COLA.

John said we are at a good starting point since we have already had an organizational meeting, but we still need to get more data on the lake ( we have 2 years at present) to get a good trend analysis. It is also vital that property owners and interested parties are active in the establishment of the Association. John provided his email to all who want to contact him at jhkruse2015@gmail.com and suggested all go to the website (listed above) and to signup for the newsletter. There is a lot of valuable information to be found.

The floor was opened to question. What do we do now? We don’t have years. Along with getting organized as an association asap we can all contact our politicians and let them know what is happening. Jim Wilkus of North Turtle Lake spoke of the polluted condition of his lake and how the COLA helped with organization. He stated that face to face contact benefited him as well as telephone calls and letters. He emphasized the number of people involved was important. (So we all need to contact our representatives – see below)

Ron Christensen, acting vice president suggested we elect officers since we are moving on at establishing a Lake Association. Nominations, seconds and votes elected Gary Olson as President, Ron Christensen as VIce President, Linda Olson as Secretary and Linda Christensen as Treasurer. There were 30 people attending the meeting and no volunteers for any of these positions was made or other

nominations.

Our website was address, with Erik Thorberg creating and designing it at no cost to the Association. The web address if SpitzerLake.com.

Patrick Waletzko, Otter Tail County Emergency Manager attened and spoke about what entails a FEMA action and what does not. Since this is an evolving and an on going problem we are not eligible for FEMA. He also, spoke about the Ottertail County commissioners passing (on May 14, 2019) a not wake restriction on Spitzer Lake, 300 feet from the shore.

Stephanie Adams, Grant Coordinator for Pomme De Terre watershed spoke about grants that my be available for shoreline erosion and that this is a 6 county board for watershed control.

Bernie Suchy, Supervisor Leaf Mt township board said that corrective action will be taken on Spitzer Lake Trail, Spitzer Lake Road, 405th Ave to aleviate high water level.

It was emphasized that all persons should be in contact with our politicians as listed below:

Leaf Mountain Township: Bernie Suchy, Supervisor – 218 267 5691

Les Becker, Supervisor – 218 267 5731

Noel Cook, Supervisor – 320 760 3587

Ottertail County Board of Commisioners: County Administrator, John Dinsmore 218 998 8172

Commissioners use same number: Douglas Huebsch, Lee Rogness, Wayne Johnso n, Betty Murphy, John Lindquist

State Representatives: Mary Franson 651 296 3201, rep.maryfranson@house.mn

Bud Nornes 651 296 4946, rep.budnornes@house.mn

Senator: Bill Ingebrightsen 651 297 8063, sen.bill.ingebrightsen@senate.mn

Torrey Westrom 651 296 3826, sen.torrey.westrom@senate.mn

Minnesota DNR Hydrologist: Julie Adland, 218 739 7577

US Fish and Wildlife, Fergus Falls: 218 739 2291

Stephanie Adams, Pom De Terre Watershed: 937 307 9416

Lt Governor, Peggy Flannagan 800 657 3717

Governor, Tim Walz 651 201 3400 or 800 657 3717

You may also go to www.gis.leg.mn/iMaps/districts/

ISSUES:

HIGH WATER LEVEL, FLOODING OF ROADS AND PROPERTIES,

TWO FEET OVER 100 YEAR HIGH WATER MARK, EROSION, SPITZER LAKE IS A

NATURAL ENVIRONMENTAL LAKE

CALL OFTEN, EMAIL AND FACE TO FACE CONTACT IF POSSIBLE

KEEP CALLING ——-