Minutes of the Board of Directors

The Patterson Lake Association of Lanark Highlands

1980 Saunderson Dr, Ottawa

November 27, 2007

Present: Lorne Bowerman, Howard Stanley, and Ted Manning

Regrets: Jack Hobbs. Rhodena Bell, Patrick Gilliland

1. Lorne opened the meeting at 7:30 PM and noted that we have a quorum. In the absence of Rhodena, Lorne took the minutes and will circulate a draft to the Board prior to publishing them on the Internet.

2. Howard moved seconded by Ted that the agenda be accepted. Carried.

3. Ted moved seconded by Howard that the minutes of the last meeting on August 12, 2007 be accepted. Carried.

4. Election of Officers: Howard moved seconded by Ted the following slate of officers: Lorne as President, Ted as Vice President, Howard as Treasurer, and Rhodena as Secretary. There being no further nominations, the motion was carried.

5. Financial: Howard reported that as of the meeting we have 45 members, and that we have cash on hand and a bank balance totaling $1,320.26. Lorne submitted bills for reimbursement of $351.17, which were for August newsletter copying of $97.47 and postage of $98.58, AGM hall rental of $75.00, October newsletter copying of $25.00 and postage of $55.12. Howard submitted a bill for $13.64 for a numbered receipt book. Ted moved seconded by Howard that the bills be paid. Carried.

6. Lake Testing: A good discussion was held on the lake testing carried out in 2007. It was a worthwhile exercise. We now know that the inlet creeks, inlet springs, and the entire lake yield about the same readings and that the lake is slightly alkaline, most likely from marble and limestone underlayments. Lorne noted that a sample that he took of the lake bottom was also tested by Jenni Crosbie at Accutest Laboratories. The major difference was Lorne's result gave a pH of 7.0 and Jenni's gave 7.88. Ted was concerned about the different results. For 2008, Ted agreed to test the lake water at the culvert. All leftover test strips will be given to Ted.

7. The meeting noted that the lake level was low for this time of year and indeed the lowest reading that Lorne has had since he started recording in 1995. No culvert cleaning is required. The Board is still concerned about culvert cleaning with no consultation with the Board. It was and is the Board's intention to monitor the cleaning. The meeting requested Lorne follow up with the Township to ensure consultation takes place whenever they do the cleaning. For anyone doing independent unauthorized cleaning, Ted will compile a list of related regulations about interfering with the natural flow of water from the lake, either by trying to raise or lower the level, which will include the Ontario Drainage Act and the Federal Fisheries Act. These will be promulgated so that the seriousness of the action will be understood by individuals.

8. Lorne passed out copies of material he got from MNR Kemptville. The MNR staff had given him the files, a desk, and access to a copy machine. Lorne very much appreciated their hospitality. After a quick review of the material, the draft work plan for the Lake Management Plan was thoroughly reviewed. Ted suggested that the twelve areas of interest be grouped into four for better management. The agreed groupings are Water Management (level, fishing, floc, shoreline, septic systems); Natural Heritage (flora, fauna, minerals, and mining); Recreational Use (watercraft, watercraft safety); and Lake Development (history of settlement, development, and roads). After further discussion, it was decided that a one page (or so) fact sheet be prepared for each category giving the known historical knowledge in each category. Ted will do Water Management, Lorne will do Natural Heritage and Lake Development, and Howard with do Recreational Use. These will be mailed out to the property owners the end of January to solicit their participation in workshop groups in each area to develop plans for the future. These will be started next summer.

9. Cottage Safety and Inquiries Phone Number List: Lorne had received a sample Cottage Safety Numbers and Non-Emergency Inquiries card from the Greater Bobs and Crow Lakes Association. He passed it on to the Board for consideration. It was thought to be a good idea. Lorne asked for a discussion on the size as most do not carry wallets when at the lake. The choice was either wallet size or fridge size. In the end, it was decided that the most suitable format would be a one-quarter sheet size of an 8-1/2"x11" sheet for a fridge. Lorne will prepare a draft.

10. It was moved by Ted and seconded by Howard that an amount not exceeding $150 be spent to establish an Association website. It is hoped that the www.pattersonlake.ca domain name will be available. Lorne will register the domain, arrange for an Internet provider, and transfer the files.

11. Meetings: Lorne will host the next meeting at 6 Lipstan Ave on Thursday April 10 at 7:30 pm. Howard noted that a meeting in January may be needed to work on the one page fact sheets. The AGM was set for Sunday August 31, 2008 at the Watsons Corners hall. Lorne will book the hall.

12. It was moved by Ted and seconded by Howard that the meeting adjourn at 9:35 pm. Carried.