Star Prairie Land Preservation Trust Meeting Minutes

November 9th, 2009 - Suzanna’s Restaurant, New Richmond

 

     The November Meeting of the SPLPT was called to order at 4 pm by President Beth Wood. 

     Board members present were Pete Kling, Mike Reiter, Mike Kelly, Beth Wood, Trish Moberg, Stu Nelson, Dan Davison, Paul Schotller and Consultants Cheryl Clemens and Aleisha Miller.

 

     The Treasurer’s and Secretary’s reports were approved as read.

 

  1. Phyllis Menke sent information on the Sycamore Land trust in Indiana and also a photo of bear damage to a bird feeder on the McMurtrie Property.
  2. Cheryl reported on the Land Trust Alliance Conference she recently attended in Portland Oregon. Land trust accreditation is really a “big deal” but requires much documentation and a lot of time commitment. After some discussion it was felt that the SPLPT should use the information on accreditation but not pursue that option at this time.
  3. Insurance for legal fees in easement and property disputes and infractions was discussed. A package option may be available but at an upfront cost with fees assessed for all easements and properties covered. After discussion it was felt that we should not become involved at this time but should review this topic from time to time.
  4. The Conflict of Interest Policy was reviewed. The question of each board member signing a conflict of interest form was proposed. Dan will look into how the Kinni Land trust handles this issue and report back at the next meeting. 
  5. A motion was made and approved to incorporate the Conflict of Interest Policy and the changes made to the Strategic Planning Implementation Chart and updates to the Land Protection Strategy as presented. Copies of each were circulated.
  6.  Aleisha has completed the Nelson Easement baseline report and presented the hardcopy and CD for review. Dan will donate a storage cabinet to house all SPLPT records. Previously, Ron has offered to store this information at his office. An effort will be made to archive all our records and information in a single location. Pete took possession of the Nelson easement baseline information until this can be completed.
  7. It was felt that baselines should be provided on all our properties and easements. Some information already exists in the form of photos and documents. Jim Reimer of the USF&WS will be contacted to help in some of this documentation as with the case of the Boche Property. Aleisha will coordinate this effort.
  8. A lengthy discussion was held on the gate that is located off highway M at the entrance of the McMurtrie Property. It was decided to accept Mick Anderson’s offer for him to move the gate further down toward the parking lot with the stipulation that the original posts be left in place incase problems arise and the gate needs to be returned to its original location. Ron will be contacted to act as a mediator with this effort and a written agreement of this activity will be requested.
  9. It was brought to our attention that the SAFE Program payment on the Boche property has been held up due to apparent non-compliance of the contract. An effort is being made to clarify this issue. The Boche Property has also been reevaluated with a marked increase in evaluation.
  10. The Schottler Event is scheduled for December 7th. Everyone is urged to attend.
  11.  Mike Kelly reported on the Irle Property easement negotiations. Mike Kelly will coordinate this and check again with Ron on where it currently stands.
  12. Mike and Stu have been in contact with Margaret Sankovitz concerning a 2-3 acre parcel of land located south of Highway H near Cedar Lake. She wishes to donate an easement on this property. Mike and Stu will follow up on this and report back at the next meeting.
  13. Cheryl described a property consisting of 125 feet along the Apple River upstream from Star Prairie. The owner presently wishes to sell this land. It was decided that this acquisition was not consistent with our mission policy at this time. The owner will be notified of our position. 
  14. Our next scheduled meeting will occur on Monday, January 11th at 4 pm at Suzanna’s Restaurant in New Richmond. Our meeting schedule will be set for 2010 on the second Monday of every other month and include the dates: January 11th, March 8th, May 10th, July 12th, September 13th and November 8th.

 

     With no further business the session was adjourned at 5:15 pm.

 

                                  Respectfully Submitted - Mike Reiter - Recorder