July 6, 2024 Stormy Lake Association Minutes

Stormy Lake Association Annual Meeting

July 6, 2024

The meeting was called to order at 9:02 am. by Debbie Benson-Maczko at the Conover Center.  94 people were in attendance.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  The National Anthem was sung by Maddie McCormick. A moment of silence was held for the following residents who have died in the past year: Dwight Samuelson,  Carl Lange, and Lanny Studdard from the Fireside, Denny Baillargeon from Denny’s excavating.

Minutes from July 1, 2023 were read by the secretary. Accepted.

Reports from the Officers:

President Debbie Benson-Maczko reported that the social events have increased communication and community around the lake.  She emphasized that as residents get to know each other,  focus on the lake health and other issues that concern the lake residents can be discussed in a collaborative way. 

The Directory will remain in hard copy; we hope to develop an online directory.  A website is being developed to serve all SLA residents.  Debbie asked for volunteers for board positions.

Vice President Sandy Sieber reported that social events have been fun and well attended.  She has been sending out the notices and annual newsletters.  She requested updates to the Directory.  Anyone who does not want to be online with their information, should notify Sandy by writing “no” by your name in the Directory. 

Treasurer Berleen Carlton presented the annual report. The treasury balance is approximately $10,000 which is stable. Donations have been provided to the following organizations. Based on a motion in New Business (see below), the $50 donations will be increased to $100 next year.

Conover Fire Department	500.00
Headwaters Food Pantry	200.00
Vilas Food Pantry	200.00
Loon Watch	50.00
Sno-Buddies	50.00
Conover Lions Club	50.00
Headwaters Trail	50.00
Northwoods Share	50.00

Reports from Committees:

Lake Report: Don Olson provided a lake report. The clarity report was 15 ft. which the lowest it has been in years. Sandy Sieber read the Conover Lakes Committee report for Jim Sieber who was unable to be here.

Tom Navratil reported on the Vilas County Lake and Water commission study done by Cathy Higley and  assisted by Tom, Don Olson and an intern.  Weed counts, water samples and other assessments were made and the data is being compiled.  It is hoped that the study report will be completed by the end of 2024.  There are grants available for monitors to be hired for the boat landing to increase awareness of clean boats and clean water. 

Nominating Committee: Kathy Kilen presented the proposed slate of officers and board members:

President:  Debbie Benson-Maczko

Vice President:  Bruce Campbell

Secretary: Sandy Sieber

Treasurer:  Stephanie Wesloh

Directors:  Steve Fox, Valerie Laabs, Gregg Cook

There were no nominations from the floor.  Motion to accept the slate was made, seconded, and approved by acclimation.

Old Business:

Clean Boats, Clean Waters: $5000 was set aside by the SLA last year to pay for the boat landing monitoring.  As the study is completed, this will be investigated more fully so that it can be a successful effort in keeping the lake clean. 

Stormy Lake Association website: Debbie reported that the cost of the website is being investigated.  A recommendation was made to include the website address in the Directory. 

Spiny flea study: A question was raised about $2500 that was donated in the past 10 years to address Spiny Flea issue in the water.  Berleen agreed to look into the past financial reports to determine if that was done. 

Swimmer’s itch: Linda Difino reported that there is Swimmers Itch on the south shore.  She advised that ducks and geese can be carriers and feeding them is strongly discouraged.

New Business:

Spectrum installation: A resident asked about the status of internet.  Debbie reported that Spectrum has started laying fiber and it has to be completed within 3 years.  The expected cost is $40/month.  Debbie agreed to include any updated information in the newsletter.

Adopt-a-Highway: Bruce Campbell asked if there was interest in providing cleanup of Highway K.  It would involve 3 times a year that SLA residents would cleanup the highway. Information will be forthcoming on the opportunity to participate. 

Sailboat course buoys: Rusty Anderson asked if anyone is interested in putting buoys out for a sailboat course. 

Charitable contribution increase: Nancy Wurmle moved that an increase of $50 be made to all charities currently given $50 to $100 annually. It was seconded and passed. 

Lake Views open house proposal: Debbie asked if any residents were interested in having Cabin Open Houses to share fellowship and snacks about 4 times a year.  Volunteers were asked to contact her. 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:56 am.  

Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Kilen