Minutes, April 21, 2009
Notification of the Annual Membership Meeting was published in the March, 2009 River Journal. 26
sponsors and special guests were also invited to attend the dinner and meeting. The membership and
guests enjoyed a walleye dinner catered by Bay Café beginning at 6:00 PM. In excess of 73 people were
in attendance.
1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by President Tim Banaszak.
2. Introductions: Tim began the meeting by introducing the special guests and sponsors in
attendance at the meeting, followed by introductions of the board members in attendance. Carol Nesbitt,
Webmaster, and Cindy Kababik, River Journal Editor were also introduced. Special guests present were
Jim Lewis from US Representative Dale Kildee’s office, Charles Curtiss of the Saginaw Basin Land
Conservancy, Bay County Commissioner Ernie Krygier, Bay County Sheriff John Miller, Bangor Township
Supervisor Terry Watson, Jeanne Place, Kawkawlin Township Supervisor Dennis Bragiel, Spicer
Engineering Group representative Russ Beaubien, and special guest and speaker for the evening,
Charles Bauer (Michigan Department of Environmental Quality – Water Division).
3. Ernie Krieger announcements: Ernie Krygier, Bay County Commisioner and President of SOS
made a few announcements about upcoming activities in support of the State Park – there is a Beach
Wellness run on May 16th, and in June there will be a beach volleyball tournament, with 5 different bands
playing for entertainment.
4. Secretary’s Report: A copy of the April 22, 2008 Annual Membership Meeting minutes were
included in a membership packet for each voting member at the meeting. No revisions or additions were
proposed. Bill Chernenko moved to approve the minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Joe
Kababik. The membership voted to approve the minutes as submitted.
5. Treasurer’s Report: A copy of Treasurer Joe Vogl’s report was included in each membership
packet provided to the voting membership. The 2008 budget results were included as well as a copy of
the board approved 2009 budget. No additions or corrections were proposed. Bob Rau moved to
approve the report as submitted. John Roszatycki seconded the motion. The membership approved the
Treasurer’s report and 2008 budget report as submitted.
6. Board Election: There were 5 openings on the Board of Directors. All openings were for three
year terms. Prior to the meeting, two of the existing board members whose terms were expiring had self-
nominated themselves for an additional three year term. (Ben Ramsay, Bob Rau) Bill Chernenko self
nominated for a 1 year extension on his term. Also prior to the meeting, members Glenn Rowley and
Kevin Eickmeyer were nominated for the open seats being vacated by Clara Pasko and Tina
VanOchten. Tim Banaszak asked for additional nominations from the floor – none were made. John
Pasko moved to approve a unanimous ballot for the five nominees for the five open board seats. The
motion was seconded. The membership voted unanimously to approve all five nominees.
7. Appreciation for departing board members: Certificates of appreciation were presented to Clara
Pasko and Tina VanOchten for their years of service and dedication to the KRWPOA Board and its
members.
8. 2008-09 Committee reports: Bill Chernenko gave a report on the membership committee,
including the organizations goal of achieving 200 active members. There are 20 new members so far this
year. He pointed out the new informational brochures developed by the board this past year and
available at area businesses. Jerome Bartkowiak gave an update on the Weed Control committee. John
Roszatycki discussed river restoration/dredging issues. Darryl Steiner deferred providing an update on
water quality issues as the program later this evening would cover that topic. Instead he discussed the
new weather station buoy from NOAA at the spark plug, which provides up to the minute wind and
temperature conditions on the Saginaw Bay. The University of Michigan is working on a device to hang
over the side to get the wave conditions. Dave Bledsoe provided a Safety Committee update pointing out
the new solar lights for the channel markers. He thanked member John Korpal for the use of his pontoon
boat every year for installation and removal. Channel markers should be going in towards the end of
April. Mike Darbee gave on update from the Fun Committee – he mentioned the upcoming golf outing on
May 23rd, the member mixers at Castaway’s the third Wednesday of every month fall through spring, the
Walleye tournament the 2nd weekend in June, the membership picnic on August 22nd. He also
mentioned that the kayak/canoe launch at the Monitor Township Park should be installed toward the end
of the month. River Cleanup committee – Bob Rau discussed the need for lots of help, as the spring
floods have created quite a mess of debris at the river mouth. Tina VanOchten reported on the History
Committee – people with old river memorabilia, pictures, etc. should contact a member of the board –
these items can be included in the River Journal or on the website. Cindy Kababik discussed the River
Journal quarterly newsletter – asking for stories & pictures from members. Clara Pasko thanked the River
Journal sponsors. Carol Nesbitt discussed the association website, kawkawlinriver.net, and reviewed with
members the types of information and links they can find at the site.
9. KRWPOA Storage Building proposal: Tim Banaszak reviewed with the membership the board’s
desire to obtain property for a storage building to be used for association property, such as channel
markers, signs, tools, etc. The project is still in the planning stages – updates will be provided to the
membership as it progresses. The building will be paid for through fundraising, donations, and volunteer
labor.
10. Special Presentation on the Kawkawlin River Restoration Grant: Speaker Charlie Bauer of the
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality discussed the goals and progress of the various sub-
committees involved in guiding the plan for the Kawkawlin River Restoration Grant. Russ Beaubien of
Spicer Engineering was also present and provided additional information and discussion. There is
expected to be about 1 ½ years of planning and a 3-5 year implemention.
11. Adjournment: President Tim Banaszak adjourned the meeting at 8:20 pm.
Kawkawlin River Watershed Property
Owners' Association Annual Meeting
Minutes 2009
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