Members: the following briefings are to help you prepare for this year's Annual Meeting on the 27th of June. Please read and come prepared to discuss. We will cover these agenda topics but are making every effort to give you as much information as possible beforehand so that we can be efficient in the execution of the meeting.
1) Launch Signage: Kari Ryan and her team have assembled a proposal for replacing signs at the launch. You were invited in April to submit your suggestions and/or to join the committee. The proposal involves 4 signs: No Wake, No Power Loading, DNR Fishing Regulations, and a large launch fee/info sign. Cost is approximately $750 and is within the parameters of the FY26 budget, as approved by you last year; as such, this is not a voting item for members. The Board will review and vote on the proposal (and any changes thereto) at the Commissioners' Meeting following the annual meeting.
2) Workers' Compensation Insurance: As you know from last year, our WC insurance covers 3 people, those being the 3 elected Board members who are considered "municipal clerical." Last year's coverage was $515/year total. A increase is, of course, anticipated. But in addition to this, the Board has been advised of the costs for adding maintenance personnel to the existing WC coverage: it is a minimum of $168 per role per person, based on a salary of $1,000. A higher salary will increase the minimum fee; lower salary will not change it. Please keep this in mind as you consider the Job Proposal that was distributed earlier, and upon which you will be voting in the Meeting.
3) Updating the Lake Level Measurement System: With the guidance of the DNR, we have contacted WaterWays Lake Management Services, who has taken over placement of updated measurement systems now that the DNR no longer has sufficient staff to handle the process. WaterWays has provided us with a quote of $1,025 for a year, which includes site assessment, spring (or initial) placement, calibration, data management, and fall removal. (This process is typically initiated in spring, but the Board was not authorized to move forward on this without an approved budget item.) The assessment will determine if there is a stable location at which to install the gauge, and will involve making comparative metrics to existing system and external data. Once installed, the process STILL involves a volunteer to read the gauge every other week and to report to WaterWays, who will then upload all information to WI State data systems. This data is legally certified and viable. (Yes, there are other automated systems available, starting at $13,000.) Your job at the meeting is to decide IF we need a new system and if we want to invest in WaterWays' proposal. This would have to be added to the proposed budget.
Your Board of Directors,
Mary Lake P&R District
Todd Smith, Chairman