KRWPOA
MINUTES OF ANNUAL MEETING
April 24, 2007
6 P.M – 6:50 P.M. Walleye Dinner, catered by Bay Cafe
Notification of the Annual Meeting was on the front page of the February, 2007 River Journal. Phone calls
were made to the majority of members to remind them to RSVP. Approximately 200 members, River Clean
Up Sponsors, River Journal advertisers and invited guests were notified of the meeting.
The dinner was attended by approximately 90 people. The meeting was attended by approximately 70
people.
1. Call to order – Thirteenth Annual Meeting of the KRWPOA
The meeting was called to order at 6:50PM by President, Bob Rau, at the Bangor Township Hall. The
Agenda had been distributed to those present.
A. Welcome, recognize dignitaries, new members
The following invited guests were present:
Charles Curtiss – Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy
Thomas Hickner – Bay County Executive
Michael Janiskee – Undersheriff – Bay County
John Miller – Sheriff – Bay County
Joseph Rivet – Bay County Drain Commissioner
Dave Rogers – Guest speaker and his wife Delores
Terry Watson – Bangor Township Supervisor
2. Annual Meeting Agenda
A. Secretary’s Report: Minutes of the 2006 Annual Meeting The
Secretary’s Report from the April 25, 2006 Annual Meeting as reported by Secretary, Clara Pasko, had
been distributed to members present. There were no corrections or additions. Motion to accept by Don
Herm, seconded by John VanOchten, all in favor. The minutes will be forwarded to the Webmaster to be
posted on the KRWPOA website.
B. Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer’
s Report for the 2006 Budget, 2006 Actual Expenses and the 2007 Budget had been prepared by
Treasurer, Joe Vogl, and distributed to members present. The 2006 Budget was $10,100 for Income and
$10,100 for expenses with $2,000 to be taken from the Reserve Account. Actual 2006 Expenditures were
$9,360 for Income and $9,360 for Expenses with $1,466 taken from the Reserve Account. The cash
balance as of December 31, 2006 was $3,445.51.
The 2007 Budget is Revenues – $9,550; and Expenses - $9,550 with $900 to be taken from the Reserve
Account.
For the year 2006, there were 138 paid memberships
Motion to accept the 2006 and 2007 figures by Carl Rowley, seconded by Don Herm, all in favor.
3. Election of new board members
A. Recognition of outgoing member: Jim Nesbitt
Jim Nesbitt had tendered his resignation from the board. President Bob Rau presented Jim with a
Certificate of Appreciation and a plaque. Jim had served as Vice President and on the Safety Committee
during his six years on the board.
B. Nomination committee, Darryl Stiener
• Nominees to fill one-year vacancy of Jim Nesbitt’s term
The Board had received the nomination of Joe Kababik.
From the floor, John Pasko nominated Dave Bledsoe.
C. Three Year Extensions: The Board had received nominations from, Tim Banaszak, Michael Darbee
Julie Kleinau, Jeff Staudacher and Darryl Steiner to run for another three year term. There were no further
nominations from the floor.
Motion to approve slate of nominees by John VanOchten, seconded by Glen Rowley.
D. Membership to cast ballots or approve nominees
Members were instructed to vote for either Joe Kababik or Dave Bledsoe on the blank ballots they were
provided.
Motion to approve the election of the five nominees for the three year terms by Ron Cunningham,
seconded by John Korpal, all in favor.
The five nominees will serve until April, 2010. The winner of the one year term will serve until April, 2008.
During the time the members were voting and the ballots being counted, a package of hickory stick
sausage, a gift from Beson’s Market, a KRWPOA supporter, was passed out to those present.
4. Review of 2006
A. Highlights of Last Year
President Bob Rau reviewed the various projects and the accomplishments of the Board during the past
year. These were:
1. Sustained our membership to 140 paid members, and 32 supporting businesses that either
advertise, or assist with our annual river cleanup. (Kathleen Brown & Bill Chernenko)
2. Financially we are the strongest ever; our budget exceeded $10,000 last year. (Joe Vogl)
3. The Board of Directors is strong and committed
4. Held our first ever, “Winter River Walk” in February. (Mike and Stacy Darbee)
5. We maintained our River Channel Markers, lending safety to our River
6. We successfully petitioned our State and Federal Representatives, to have weather monitoring
equipment installed on the Bay (Jerome Bartkowiak )
7. River Cleanup in 2006, was very successful, 6 Truck loads were removed, and socially our
Pancake Breakfast was well attended (Tim Banaszak )
8. Initiated Advertising in our Quarterly News Letter, ads funded cost
9. Continued the efforts to make our River safe, we are staying involved with the speed ordinance
issue that has been so difficult to enact. (Darryl Steiner)
10. Unsuccessfully applied for grant monies to help clean up the Kawkawlin
11. Weed Control was adopted by all three townships, and has been extended for the next five years
(Jerome Bartkowiak)
12. Summer Picnic was very well attended Aug. 12th. (John & Liz Roszatycki)
13. Helped sponsor the Polish Pyro Fireworks on July 29th. (Tim & Mary Banaszak)
14. Supported the efforts of the Saginaw Bay Coastal Initiative, and the Kawkawlin River
comprehensive river restoration effort. (Darryl Steiner)
15. Purchased a “Welcome Sign” for the mouth of the River, which was on display
16. Initiated a new committee on E-Coli Testing
17. Purchased “NO WAKE” signs for the mouth of the River
Jack Anderson brought up the subject of the rusty oil pipes on the north branch of the river. He had
voiced concern at last year’s meeting and the board had pursued action. It was thought the matter would
be taken care of and the pipes removed. At the last minute, that did not happen. Mr. Anderson informed
the group there were repairs under the Chip Road Bridge and he is concerned about an oil leak into the
river. The board will readdress the issue.
B. Presentation of $2150 Check to Rail Trail and Bay Foundation
The KRWPOA had planned to present the check for the purchase of a bench and bike rack to Diane
Demers from the Bay Area Community Foundation. Due to a family matter, she was not able to attend.
Arrangements will be made to present the check to the Foundation.
5. New Business 2007
A. Weed Issues, extension of program for 5 years, continuing SAD’s/ township
Bangor, Kawkawlin and Monitor Townships are all on board for the extension of the weed control
program.
B. Speed Ordinance update, Sheriff John Miller
Sheriff Miller is following the progress of the snowmobile ordinance as it makes it way thru the Lansing
process. He has not heard from the DNR but will continue to pursue the progress of getting the proper
wording for the law to be enacted. The Michigan Snowmobile Association is against the Kawkawlin River
being designated as a trail. The Marine Division of the Sheriff’s Department is ready to go and will be
patrolling the river this summer. The department should have additional snowmobiles next winter. If
anyone witnesses a problem they should call 911 to report it.
C. River Cleanup, June 2nd. Flyers were available with the information about this year’s clean up.
Everyone is urged to come out and assist.
D. 2007 Social Events:
a. Summer Picnic on the River - the date and location to be determined
b. Fishing tournament, KRWPOA membership, July 14th @ 7 A.M. Castaways
c. Fireworks & Boat cruise – It is not know if there is going to be a fireworks display this year but we
still want to have a boat cruise. Last year the cruise was a B theme, Carol Nesbitt is looking for ideas for
this year’s cruise. We would also like to see more boats participate.
E. New ideas and recommendations to the board at www.kawkawlinwebmaster@yahoo.com
F. Results of election – the results of the election for the one year term were announced. Dave Bledsoe
received the majority of the votes and will serve for one year ending April, 2008.
G. Award to Bob Rau:
Darryl Steiner presented a plaque to Bob Rau for his contributions to the KRWPOA board and for
serving as President for the last four years. Bob was previously Vice President. He has been a member
of the board since 1995. Bob has served on several committees. Bob will continue to serve on the board.
6. 7:50 Dave Rogers, Guest speaker, Topic, “Saginaw Valley Indian Heritage”
Dave Rogers gave an interesting talk and power point presentation about the Indians that inhabited this
area. Dave is a local writer and journalist and has written several books.
7. Adjournment:
A motion to adjourn was made by John VanOchten, seconded by Don Herm, all in favor. The meeting was
adjourned at 8:40PM.
8. Post Meeting of the Board of Directors, Election of Officers for 2007:
The Annual Reorganization Meeting was held immediately following this meeting.
Submitted by:
Clara Pasko
Secretary