Minutes, April 22, 2008
Notification of the Annual Membership Meeting was published in the February, 2008 River Journal.
Reminder postcards were also sent to the membership a couple weeks before the dinner. 23
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. A total of 79
people were in attendance.
1. The meeting was called to order at 7:10 PM by President Darryl Steiner.
2. Introductions: Darryl 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 Jacob Bennett and Jim Lewis from US Representative Dale Kildee’s office,
Representative Jeff Mayes, Charles Curtiss of the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy, Bay County
Commissioner Ernie Krygier, Bay County Sheriff John Miller and Undersheriff Michael Janiskee,
Director of Bay County Environmental Affairs Laura Ogar-Ryder, Bangor Township Supervisor Terry
Watson, Roy Van Goethem of Aquatic Nuisance Control, and special guest and speaker for the
evening, Joseph Rivet (Bay County Drain Commissioner).
3. Secretary’s Report: A copy of the April 24, 2007 Annual Membership Meeting minutes were
included in a membership packet for each voting member at the meeting. No revisions or additions
were proposed. Bob Rau moved to approve the minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded
by Joe Kababik. The membership voted to approve the minutes as submitted.
4. Treasurer’s Report: A copy of Treasurer Joe Vogl’s report was included in each membership
packet provided to the voting membership. There was some discussion on the report. Spending
has been low to budget so far this year as most of the spending occurs in the summer. The 2008
budget is $8,650. Income to date is $5,335, primarily from 160 membership dues payments.
Expenses so far in 2008 amount to $860. A motion was made by Bill Chernenko, Jr. to approve the
Treasurer’s Report as submitted. John VanOchten seconded the motion. The membership voted to
approve the Treasurer’s Report as submitted.
5. Board Election: There were 5 openings on the Board of Directors. All openings were for
three year terms. Prior to the meeting, 4 of the existing board members whose terms were expiring
had self nominated themselves for another three year term. (Dave Bledsoe, Jerome Bartkowiak,
John Roszatycki, and Joe Vogl.) Also prior to the meeting, member Tim Mark was nominated for an
open seat on the Board of Directors. Bob Rau moved to open the floor for additional nominations
to the Board. None were received. Jim Nesbitt moved to close the floor to nominations. John
Roszatycki 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 the five
nominees for a three year term on the board.
6. 2007 Review – A lengthy list of 2007 accomplishments and notable events was included in
the Agenda provided in the membership packet. A list of planned 2008/09 projects was also
included. President Darryl Steiner reviewed the items with the membership. During the review some
extra discussion was had on a few of the topics: Weed control (specifically lily pads) - Residents
with a lily pad problem should contact the township, as the township must direct the contractor to
treat the lily pads only in areas where there are complaints. Channel marker installation has been
delayed due to some shallow areas – the board is presently waiting for the water levels to improve
slightly. Some more exploring is needed to find the deepest route out of the river for this boating
season. There will be two more Wednesday night membership mixers at Castaway’s before a
summer hiatus (3rd Wednesday of April and May are remaining dates). The mixer will start again in
September. A Golf Outing for members will be held May 30th at Maple Leaf Golf Course with a
dinner afterward’s at Castaway’s. Tim Banaszak is coordinating the event.
7. Welfare of the Organization or suggestions from KRWPOA Members: The floor was opened
to the general membership to ask questions or air their concerns. Joe Kababik mentioned the
improvement the winter sheriff patrols have made for safety of the river, but cited continued safety
issues when sheriff patrols are not present. Ice fisherman are harassed by snowmobilers wishing to
speed, and speeders simply wait for the sheriff patrol to leave, or move to another section of the
river if they want to drag race. When calling 911 as the membership has been instructed when
experiencing safety issues, some 911 operators have denied knowledge of the ordinance. Ernie
Krygier stated he would entertain comments about poor 911 service going forward. Skrocki’s voiced
concern about litter and hazardous material left on the ice by ice fisherman, such as propane tanks.
These items are left to sink into the Saginaw Bay in the spring. It is unclear who is responsible for
policing this area.
8. Special Presentation on Environmental Initiatives in the Kawkawlin River Watershed:
Speaker Joel Rivet, Bay County Drain Commissioner, gave an informative presentation on the
environmental condition of the Kawkawlin River and several current initiatives aimed at improving
water quality in the River. Some highlights: E-Coli hot spots include the State Park Drive Drain and
the Bergeson Drain at Lagoon Beach. These drains will be inspected to identify sources of
pollution. There is grant money available to help property owners with repairs, if necessary. He
also discussed the challenges moving forward with the next dredging project for the Kawkawlin
River. (Need a local 50% match for grants, need Federal Authorization, and a spoils site, etc.)
Federal Grant Status – Spicer Group and Wetland Coastal Consultants are helping draft a
management plan that can be used to help apply for a federal grant to help pay for the
environmental initiatives included in the plan.
9. Adjournment: President Darryl Steiner adjourned the meeting at 8:15 pm.