August Minutes, 2008
Annual Meeting, unapproved

Rock Lake Improvement Association
Annual Meeting at 10 a.m., Aug. 16, 2008
Lower Rock Lake County Park

RLIA board members present: President Milt Strauss, Vice President Tom Pezzi, Treasurer Jim Colegrove, Secretary Margaret Krueger, Johanna Chworowsky, Larry Clark, Scott Johnson, Ron Niedfeldt, Stan Smoniewski and Russel Wagner.
The meeting was called to order at 10:10 a.m. Board members and officers were introduced by Milt Strauss.
Secretary’s Report – Margaret Krueger
Minutes of the Aug. 25, 2007 meeting were approved.
Treasurer’s Report – Jim Colegrove
Treasurer’s Report showed current assets of $10,552.54 as of Dec. 31, 2007, including $6,380.70 in RLIA Checking Account; and $4,171.84 in RLIA Savings Account. The Lake Management Account was closed earlier this year.
President’s Report – Milt Strauss
The RLIA Articles of Incorporation were signed and registered Oct. 7, 1971, and then the organization was inactive for several years. It was designated a 501(c)3 on May 24, 2004. The mission of RLIA is to promote and generate positive action on issues concerning the preservation, protection and improvement of Rock Lake. We are a lake advocate group and highly sensitive to issues that affect Rock Lake and its watershed. Our current major emphasis has been implementation of the Management Plan for Rock Lake. Memberships include Wisconsin Association of Lakes and Rock River Coalition. We maintain an interest in statewide and county water-related issues such as a state-wide ban on fertilizer containing phosphorous, improvements to the north end parking lot, state and town pier ordinances, Adopt-A-Lake program, and resident goose population as well as other issues. We are seeking more volunteers for projects and a feature writer to assist the publicity committee. The volunteer contributions of deceased RLIA members Robert Dauffenbach and Larry Everson were remembered with gratitude.
Guest speaker Susan Graham, Department of Natural Resources Lake Management Coordinator
             She said the large amount of algae in Rock Lake this year is probably due to the June flooding. The large amount of algae may linger for a year or two, and those using the lake should watch for blue-green algae scums. The lake is Mesotrophic or moderately clear. Water quality is very good, but the amount of phosphorous is increasing and reduction of this nutrient is needed to keep the lake from further degradation. Most invasive species are introduced to the lake by humans, and preventive measures are the best way to keep out invasive species. She said Rock Lake has excellent fish diversity. She handed out charts on lake quality, lists of what can be done to protect the lake, and a map of designated sensitive areas.
Publicity report - Chairwoman Johanna Chworowsky
The publicity committee sends out a membership brochure in spring, follow-up thank you note, and a newsletter in fall. Packets are distributed to new lakeshore owners. The committee is seeking a feature writer to promote RLIA projects through newspaper articles. A new display was exhibited at Town and County Days, and will also be shown at the Fall Festival. Tee shirts are available at Dutch Designs and will also be sold at the Fall Festival. Volunteers are always welcome to help.
Rock Lake Joint Committee Report – Chairman Glen Zastrow
The committee is an advisory watch dog. A slow-no-wake order can now be enforced when the lake is five inches, instead of six inches, over a DNR-established seasonal lake level of 828.33 feet. The committee is studying recommendations to the town’s proposed pier ordinance, which is difficult until the state’s new pier ordinance is clarified. The town is proposing stricter rules in four DNR-defined Sensitive Areas. Public hearings will be held prior to a vote.
Fishermen and jet ski users would like the hours of operation reviewed. Both feel they do not have enough designated time on the lake. A study will be done on whether slow-no-wake buoys are placed too close to sensitive areas.
Lake Rules Enforcement - Dave Walz, DNR Conservation Warden
Funding was received for invasive species education and enforcement. Nine water guards were hired to work at boat landings. On Rock Lake, the biggest complaint is skiers coming too close to fishermen.
Land and Water Conservation – Patricia Cicero, Water Resources Management Specialist, Jefferson County
The town of Lake Mills and Jefferson County are working together to reconfigure the north end parking lot, with the help of a grant. She distributed plans for the project which will begin this fall. A shelter is being built at Korth Park, and volunteers are needed for shoreline restoration. An osprey platform will also be built at the park. Water sampling continues at the Cedar Lane channel.
Management Plan for Rock Lake Update – Tom Pezzi, RLIA Vice President
            The board is working on 22 of 47 projects listed in the plan. Storm drains running into Rock Lake will be labeled. Other projects include shoreline restoration, native plantings, boater safety courses, and goose count. The USDA worked with the city to relocate 208 geese from the Lake Mills area.
General Membership Forum
Members were invited to ask questions pertaining to lake issues.
Election of board members and officers:
All board members were re-elected. They are Milt Strauss, Tom Pezzi, Jim Colegrove, Margaret Krueger, Johanna Chworowsky, Larry Clark, Scott Johnson, Ron Niedfeldt, Stan Smoniewski and Russ Wagner. Officers re-elected to serve the organization are Milt Strauss, president; Tom Pezzi, vice president; Jim Colegrove, treasurer, and Margaret Krueger, secretary.
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 12:10 p.m. Attendance sign-in sheet was signed by 27 people.
            Minutes submitted by Margaret Krueger. The next annual meeting will be held in August 2009.