NOTE: These Minutes have not yet been accepted by the PLPA Membership and as so, not the official Minutes until voted upon at the 2004 Annual Meeting.

CALL TO ORDER Kathy Henry, president, brought the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m. Fifty-eight members and affiliates were in attendance. A few minutes were allowed for the members present to read the minutes from the 8/31/02 meeting. Russ Hogue and Debbie Seward made and seconded the motion to accept the minutes as written.

TREASURER'S REPORT Russ Hogue reported that the PLPA has 188 paid members (38 affiliates and 150 residents). For the period 7/1/02 - 6/30/03, the total inflow was $13,834.50 and the total outflow was $14,678.18. The total net worth, (including the two CDs, the Fish Fund, the Money Market and Checking Accounts) is $24,008.02 as of 6/30/02, $24,255.72 as of 6/30/03, $24,940.28 as of 8/26/03. Additional money has been added to the fish fund since the report was written. A committee (Nancy Allen, Paul Nestork, Larry Doubleday and Russ Hogue) is looking at software that would replace Quicken and make PLPA bookkeeping more efficient. Special thanks to North Shore's Jim DelSavio (of Washburn, Ellingwood, Sheeler, Thaisz & Pinsley, CPA, PC) for donating his talents to audit our books. Some suggestions were made but, in general, the books are in good shape. The Budget for 2003-04, is based on last year's activity.

Kathy Henry and Emilio Muscolino attended the New York State Federation of Lake Associations, NYSFOLA, conference. A change in insurance is anticipated resulted in an increase in the amount budgeted. The Winterfest generated a $12 profit. A small dollar amount was underwritten by the PLPA for the annual dinner. The PLPA covered the cost of the band, dessert and prizes for the annual picnic. A motion was made and seconded by Deb Seward and Liz Pratt, respectively, to accept the Treasurer's report.

TOWN OF BLEECKER REPORT John Peck reported that the town wide assessment has been completed in the town of Bleecker. The town expected a 100% rate but originally received a 91% rate. Mr. Galarneau and John Peck went to Albany to discuss the rate and 100% was eventually achieved. The discrepancy was due to the size of the town of Bleecker. While the tax rate is down somewhat, most lake residents will realize an increase in their property taxes. John Peck suggests that we talk to our legislators regarding changing tax representation in the state. While the STAR program aids those with lower assessments, there is a need to change the formula, which is used, by the state. Johnstown now has a 100% rate so that both sides of the lake are now equal. The school tax rate is the same for the town of Johnstown and Bleecker and this rate dropped this year from $25 to $21 per thousand. We still need people on the lake to become in the town government. There are two Republicans looking to run for Town Supervisor - Dave Howard and George Manchester. The Town Clerk and Highway Superintendent are running unopposed. There are four people running for the Bleecker Town Board: Tammy Angus and Don Foster (on the Republican ticket) and Mick Brenno and George Becker (on the Independent ticket). There are vacancies on the Bleecker Town Board for Assessment and Review and Planning. John Peck will not run once his term has expired. In the Town of Johnstown, there is no competition for any of the positions. Only the incumbents will run. One change is that Tom Harte is replacing Norene Persch on the Town Council. We need more lake residents to vote in the town elections. Those couples who are seasonal residents may consider splitting their votes. One could register to vote in the Town of Bleecker (or Johnstown) and the other could vote in their primary residence. Call the Fulton County Board of Elections to register.

Mick Brenno (from Maplewood Drive) who is running for the Bleecker Town Board introduced himself. He moved to Gloversville in the 70's, has taught Gloversville High School for more than 30 years, has been going to the Bleecker Town Board meetings for the past year. He will run as an Independent on the Adirondack Line. His symbol is the moose.

Linda DelSavio canvassed the residents at this meeting to determine whether there is sufficient interest to hold a "Meet the Candidates" night for both towns. There was insufficient interest. Perhaps we will try next year.

LAKE COMMITTEE REPORT Paul Nestork thanked all have contributed to the fish stocking: 900 lbs. Fathead minnows; 500 Rainbow trout; 250 Largemouth bass; 670 Brown trout. Thanks to Bob Allen and his "SWIM for the FISHES" which raised more than $600 and to all who helped with the Pig Roast (which raised $300). The next bottle collection will be Saturday, Sept. 6. Leave bottles at the end of your driveway by 9 a.m. John Peck voiced his concern regarding putting new species of fish in the lake (brown trout) that are not native. Paul indicated that all of the species in the lake seem to be healthy and that no new species will be introduced. John indicated that there is a need to consult the Peck family before more brown trout are put in the lake. Paul indicated that this had been done. John Peck also voiced a concern that he saw people dumping trees and other brush in the lake and on the ice. In reply Paul indicated that the trees sank by the Fish Stocking Committee are weighted down when put in the lake and that they are being put in to provide habitat for the fish as recommended in the 2000 Fish Study Report. Kathy Henry suggested we indicate in the newsletter that people should not put things in the lake on their own. Larry Doubleday suggested that we form a subcommittee to explore this issue. Thanks to Emilio Muscolino for putting together the buoys and for putting them into the lake solo. He could use help with this task.

Water quality, as read from Stu Smith's report, shows a clarity of 13 feet visibility - the same as 2001/2002. At one point, due to heavy rains, the level dropped to 8.7 feet. The pH level has remained neutral at 6.7 this year as it has been for the past 5 years. A question was raised as to whether there is any control over the number of trees cut on the shoreline. This is regulated by the APA. There is concern due to the erosion of soil into the lake when the trees are removed. Septic dye test kits are available. All lake residents are encouraged to test their septic tanks for leakage and pump their tanks regularly.

Thanks to all on the Fish Stocking Committee and to Stu Smith for all of their fine work.

PECK FAMILY REPORT Wellington Peck welcomed to all lake residents...new and old! Thanks to the WELCOMING COMMITTEE for their work and the distribution of information regarding the lake. Regarding septic tanks: when the first camps were built on the lake in the 1960's, metal tanks were installed. Since that time, concrete tanks are required and those old metal tanks need to be replaced. Thanks again to Emilio Muscolino for his fine job with the buoys. Their location and the map of the buoy locations are excellent. As for the water level, due to the snowy winter and wet spring, the floodgates, which are usually closed in March or April, were not closed until July 1 this year. It is the first time that Wellington recalls such a flow of water. The current lake elevation is about normal for this time of the year. The summer picnic was a huge success this year thanks to all of the many people involved. Kathy Henry thanked the Peck family for allowing us to use the North Shore Trail for the hike and the Meadows for the festivities!

COMMUNICATIONS Larry Doubleday announced that he will be retiring from his position of Communications Chairman and is looking for a volunteer or volunteers to fill this position. Our thanks to Larry for all of his excellent work and time spent over the years in this role.

Thanks to Paul Nestork for maintaining the PLPA website. Paul reported that there are some minor problems, which will soon be resolved. The password is still "beaverbay" but if this does not work try "holidaypoint". Anyone having experience with web design and would like to help in this capacity is asked to contact him.

Liz Pratt and Priscilla Muscolino are our co-historians. Copies of the new history are available from either one of them. Paul has organized the old data in binders. There is a photo album including old postcards from the lake donated by Sue Peck and recent photos of lake events. Thanks to Priscilla and Liz for their fine work.

Grace and Warren Decker have been busy encouraging the campers to become involved in the PLPA activities and in becoming members. We currently have 38 affiliate members this membership number has gone up each year. Thanks, Grace and Warren.

Katie Santomartino and Jeanne Brenno have been busy welcoming the many new lake residents...WELCOME to the Chens, Pednaults, Wadsworths, Silvetskys, Lighters, LeRoys, Atchinsens, Murphys, and Kirshenfelds. Thanks Katie and Jeanne.

As for garbage collections, Larry has asked for volunteers to design a container to be purchased by residents. This could be placed on the road by weekend and year round residents rather than leaving bags out, often disturbed by wildlife. Any design submitted would need to be approved by the Town of Caroga before such containers could be manufactured and sold.

Thanks to Arnie Henry for an outstanding job maintaining the North Shore mailboxes. Sadly, Tom Foster, our South Shore resident who maintained those mailboxes, passed away last year. We miss him and send our thoughts and thanks for his dedication to the PLPA to his family. Bill Nitsche will now maintain the South Shore mailboxes. Larry is looking for people to help with the computer database.

Congratulations to Hal and Renee Clark on being honored as LIFE MEMBERS of the PLPA.

As always, directories, guidebooks, and colored maps are available for $3 each.

UPCOMING EVENTS Nancy Allen listed a tentative schedule of events: Fall golf scramble is September 21, 2003. Call or eMail Bill Nitsche if interested. Caroling/Potluck Dinner is Saturday, December 13, 2003 hosted by Liz and Dave Pratt. Winterfest in February, 2003 Lapland Ski Outing in March 2004. Spring Clean-up in May 2004. Annual Dinner in July 2004. Lake Breakfast in July 2004. Picnic & Concert in August 2004.

OLD BUSINESS

ELECTIONS Thanks to our current Board members and officers. The nominating committee presented the following slate of officers for the next year. Lorraine Carlson made the motion and Dave Pratt seconded the motion to accept the slate of officers and directors.

NEW BUSINESS

Bob Kossowsky found a dead loon wrapped in fishing line near his dock. Kathy Henry has contacted ENCON and they may take the carcass for testing for metal (mercury, lead, etc.). Residents and guests who fish are asked to please try to rescue broken fishing line to avoid a repeat of this tragic event.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 am.

Respectfully Submitted,
Lorraine Carlson, Secretary

FEEDBACK WANTED! Suggestions or comments about our web site can be e-Mailed to Paul Nestork, the Web Site's Manager. We would like to know what you think of our site and how we can improve it.

Copyright © 2004 Peck Lake Protective Assoc.   Last Update 04-29-04