1.      Call to order

2.      Approval of 2008 AGM Minutes

3.      President’s Report

4.      Secretary’s Report

5.      Treasurer’s Report

6.      Director’s Reports:

·        Regatta

·        Regatta Draw

·        Environment

·        Membership

·        Tax – special information around new debt-reduction strategy by the district

·        Water Level

·        Fish Management – Fish Stocking report

   6.  Commodore – Wood Lake Sailing Club

7.      Nomination and Election of Officers

8.      New Business

·  Motions

The meeting was opened by President Bob Lytle who welcomed everyone and noted that coffee and Baileys were available at the back of the room.

A motion to approve the minutes was presented by Glen Stanley-Paul, seconded by Ron Cook.

Bob Lytle opened discussion on the annual picnic to find out if there was any interest in having one again.  He noted that volunteers would be needed in order for it to be carried on.  It was noted that there is some duplication between the regatta and picnic, so the picnic was dropped.  There was no interest among the members present to have another picnic.

Bob raised the issue of the Fox Point Boat Launch.  Bernie Jacobek has been exchanging emails with the town, and the Association sent a letter earlier in the year.  Patty Thompson from the town of Bracebridge indicated that the funds had been approved.   Dave Dane made the point that the launch will become more of an issue, now that the Islanders have decided to block access to the lake from the lodge.  It was noted that the Fox Point launch is town property and therefore it is not up to Wood Lake to maintain it. 

It was agreed that Bob Lytle would send another letter to the town regarding this issue.

The issue of the Merrick Road snowmobile route was raised.  Last year, the route was closed at the request of Merrick Road residents.  Glen Stanley-Paul gave background information on how the decision was taken.  It was noted that some properties had changed hands recently and there was concern from some residents that there had been damage to the road, which Merrick Road residents must maintain on their own.  The snowmobile association requires each resident to sign off to have the road open and groomed and that all it takes is one person to shut down the route.  As Merrick road is a private road, this was not a matter for the Association to deal with, but was presented to the members for information purposes.

Marlene Newell advised members that the reason for the date change for the AGM was because of a clause in the constitution, as well as it allowed the Executive to spend the long weekend with their family and guests, rather than participating in Association events all weekend, as the regatta is held on the August long weekend.  Marlene noted that the constitution has not been revised in many years and is hoping to have a draft revision ready for the Winter Executive meeting.  The process of revising the constitution is to have the Executive approve it, then it would be published in the newsletter for members to read, and then a vote at the AGM.  A Constitution change requires 80% approval from all members, not just members who show up to the AGM.  If  it is ready for vote, proxy forms would be distributed for those who cannot attend the AGM

Stephen Fellow’s report was read by Marlene Newell.  Stephen noted that the Association finished in the black for the second consecutive year.  There was a slight decrease in net income overall, and as of January 31, 2009 we had a bank balance of $14,317.72 .  A detailed balance sheet will be published in the newsletter in the spring.

Dianna Armstrong read the Regatta report.  Katlyn noted that the event went very well and she thanked all of the volunteers for helping to make the day a success.  She thanked Brian for the use of the lodge, the Porter/Bells and the Elliots for the use of their properties for various events.

It was noted that some changes were made this year, notably in terms of only purchasing medals for the first place winners and having ribbons for the other winners.  All participants were eligible for a Participant’s ribbon.  By doing this, it cut costs considerably. 

The Hammels donated two new trophies this year, in memory of Steven Hammel, their son/nephew who passed away last summer.  The trophies are for kayaking for Seniors (15-18 years) and Adults.

There is a trophy still missing since Regatta 2008.  It is the trophy for the Male under 21 Long Distance Swim.  Brendan May has won this event twice and has never received his trophy.  If anyone has it, or knows where it is, please contact the Regatta Chair. 

Katlyn noted that she would be chairing Regatta next year for the final year and really requires a Regatta Vice Chair so that the Vice Chair can take over the following year.    If anyone is interested, please contact Katlyn.

After Katlyn’s report was read, Heather Ingram asked that the regatta committee enforce the rule that children can only compete in their own category and not move up or down.

Al Kaminsky thanked those who had donated items.  He noted that expenses were slightly up, and ticket sales were down by approximately 350 tickets this year.  Al and his wife have agreed to do the draw for another year and noted that donations for prizes are always welcome.  Al will also run a short note in the newsletter next spring to ask for donations and remind people to buy tickets.

Jennifer Milne gave the report.  Merideth Jewson will be stepping down as Environment chair.  Donna Lefebvre asked how the water quality was and Jennifer responded that we are still above levels and are still testing for our water quality. 

Membership

Dianna Armstrong gave the Membership report.  She noted that membership was down this year, resulting in a decrease of about $600.  This possibly partly to do with the economy, but also the fact that we no longer have active shore representatives to follow up with members.  The map of Wood Lake was brought and Dianna requested people make and changes necessary.  Dianna thanked Brian for allowing the use of the lodge to hold the annual wine and cheese event, which was a success.  Thanks went to Dave Armstrong and the Opimium Society for their donations.

Bernie Jarosek noted that several people have had their assessments reduced and that it is worth going over to see if anyone is entitled to one.  Bernie is happy to help anyone with the process.  His email is in the newsletter.

Art Clarke did not attend the meeting, however, Bill Rapson spoke to this.  He noted that his property has been impacted by high water levels with some soil erosion.  Art Clarke has not been getting any response from the Town regarding their responsibility to maintain the water levels.  Bill asked to put a motion forward to have the Association send a letter to the town.  There was quite a bit of discussion as to what the motion should say and whether anything needed to be done.  Some members were quite happy with the levels, others were confused as to the wording of the motion.  Marlene Newell asked Bill to clarify what exactly he wanted the Association to ask the Ministry to do.  The motion is to be presented under the new business category.

Dave Wharry presented a comprehensive report on the recent fish stocking.  A full copy of his report will be in the newsletter in the spring.  Discussion around the matter included whether we needed to stock the lake and what ongoing costs there would be.  Jennifer Milne noted that fish stocking is part of a healthy lake by reducing phosphorous levels and helping to reduce the infusion of spiny fleas that have been found in the lake.  As such, Al Kaminsky thought that the Association did have a role to play in contributing to the cost.  Dave Wharry will present a motion under the new business category.

Dave also asked that during early spring, people refrain from cruising near the shoreline as it disturbs the spawning areas.  Dianna Armstrong requested a map indicating the spawning areas and Dave will supply that.  Dave will also write an article for the newsletter in the spring.

Commodore’s Report

There was no report from the Commodore

The following people were nominated and approved for the executive

Donna Lefebvre as Secretary  effective immediately

Scott Crockatt as Treasurer beginning at the next AGM

Marlene Newell as Vice President  effective immediately

Karla Rebman noted that our local councilor was not invited to the meeting and should be. 

Brian Middleton spoke to the issue regarding the islanders wanting to put up a gate.  A small group of islanders voted in favour of the gate, but Rob Denny noted that the majority of islanders do not want such a gate and was concerned about emergency access for those who do not hold a key to the gate.  Brian is extremely opposed to the gate and feels that it is on part of his property.  He would like to work with the Islanders to resolve this, but feels there has been no flexibility on the Islander’s part.  Bob Lytle volunteered to speak to the President of the Islander’s association regarding this matter.

The motion carried.

Motion carried.

Meeting Adjorned.

  Happy 2009, my name is Bob Lytle and was somehow coerced into being your new president of the WLCA.  Tim Jewson, the former president, and eager to hand over the reins, saw easy prey at the annual wine and cheese party held at the Jaroscak’s.  I am more than happy to jump into this position and help Wood Lake prosper.  Funny thing, having never been to a AGM, in the over 40 years on the lake I have run the regatta twice and now, at my first meeting, I become president.  Therefore this year I am suggesting free beer and wine before the meeting, this may prove to be the most interesting meeting ever and even pull in more than the 12 regulars. 

I should take a moment and introduce the new executive of the WLCA.  Besides me, we have:

Secretary, Marlene Newell

Treasurer, Stephen Fellows

Newsletter, Karen Stanley-Paul

Membership, Dianna Armstrong

Regatta, -Katlyn Armstrong

Draw, - Al & Cris Kaminski

   The executive of the WLCA got together for the annual winter meeting on March 8^th  to discuss ongoing events and the upcoming summer.  Some of the things on the go include the Fox Pt. boat launch.  Improvements have been on the Bracebridge council agenda  for over 3 years.  Once again we submitted  a letter to council urging immediate attention is needed due to the possible closing of the Caribou Lodge launch.  Yes, a gate may be put up due to some unfortunate circumstances.  Let it be known that the boat launch beside Caribou Lodge is under the control of the Wood Lake Islanders Association.  If  by some grace and or positive mediation, no gate appears, please, please always allow Island property owners first access, and never leave cars or trailers in the way.  Bracebridge council has approved money in the budget for Fox Pt.and we hope repairs will be completed this spring.

  The winter meeting also produced much debate over the stocking of fish in Wood Lake.  It was noted that to bring a motion to the AGM of such magnitude, notice of the possibility of stocking and a vote being held could have been handled better to get the word out.  It was concluded that nothing in the constitution prevented us from going forward with the project, but it was agreed that in future, more effort would be made to inform members  .  Discussion at this summer’s AGM will decide if we carry on with this incentive.

  The web page for Wood Lake, yes we do have one and yes it desperately needs attention.  Hopefully by the time summer comes I will have at least changed the names of the executive committee.  A volunteer to help me figure this out would be most appreciated.  You can visit our site at www.wood-lake.com.  Please feel free to comment.

  For some cottagers, winter is the best time of the year.  Another long snowy winter made for some of the best snowmobiling in years.  Unfortunately trail102B along Merrick rd. was closed and made passage in and around the lake impossible.  There was much debate and discussion on this matter, which I will be adding to the website soon, but nothing has been resolved yet for next year.   I really hope something can be resolved and I urge you to call me if you have any questions or concerns regarding this issue.

  To end, I would like to say, have fun and stay safe.

Bob