AGM Minutes

Directors’ Meeting Minutes Wednesday 15th January 2025 7pm via Facebook

1.  Quorum fulfilled. In attendance: Bob, Heloise, Tim, David, Marnie and Colin

2. Adoption of the agenda Moved to adopt Tim, 2nd Colin Carried

3. Adoption of minutes from November 6th 2024 meeting Moved to adopt David, 2nd Bob Carried

4. Treasurer's report – Bob Noted that the category balances were omitted, Bob will rectify this.  Moved to accept Bob, 2nd Colin Carried

5. Renewal of Director’s Insurance with Integris – Bob Completed

6. Renew of Membership with BCLSS – Bob.  Bob will renew

7. Independent review from EBS – Bob Bob read the letter from EBS confirming that an independent review had been carried out and all was satisfactory. Bob will keep this on file and has already shared it with Integris.

8. Use of funds from Casino Night – Bob Bob wishes to purchase four aerators at a cost of approximately $400 each and will approach landowners around Bouchie Lake for their installation and maintenance. An oxygen sensing machine (Cost ~$2500 would also be required to measure before and after levels of oxygen. Bob will circulate more information for a decision on spending to be made next meeting (Reports on algae levels and reports from BCLSS) and definite costs.

9. Progress on permitting for Milburn Lake (see attached) – David David reported that we cannot access material from Rayland Pit on Paradise Road because of liability concerns from MoTI. A request for a quote has been made to Purmal excavating. Colin will talk to Troy.

10.Letter to Invasive Species Council of BC (see attached)– David Just a reminder of our commitment to help this group implement an Eco Action Project “Grounded Learning for Freshwater Protection” David will renew contact and confirm the support measures they would like from us and bring it back to the next meeting.

11.Award nomination with BCLSS- David Notification that BLWSS has been nominated.

12.Memorandum of Understanding with FoBM – Heloise Heloise shared a MoU draft. An itemised list of resources needs to be added. Seeking further ideas, amendments, revisions with a view to signing off at next meeting.

13.Bouchie Lake Country Store 10th anniversary block party – Heloise Celebration to be held the week from February 23rd to March 1st. Actual anniversary date is 26th February. Seeking participation in form of a table from BLWSS.

14.Any other business. Bob mentioned to google Diane Orihiel for more information on blue-green algae

15.Date for next meeting Wednesday March 12th 2025 at 7.00 pm via Facebook

16.Motion to adjourn. Carried - Meeting adjourned at 7.58.pm.

Minutes for Bouchie Lake Watershed Stewardship Society AGM held 7.p.m. on Wednesday 13th November 2024 at Bouchie Lake Hall.

Chair: David Law

1.    Quorum fulfilled: In attendance David Law, Marnie Greening, Lars Carlson, Dixie Carlson, Carol Law, Dale Moskalyk, Gloria Moskalyk, Heloise Dixon-Warren, Tim Patchett, Karen Fyles, Bob Ross.

2.    Motion to adopt agenda: Moved Gloria, 2nd Dixie Carried

Matters arising: Website created www.blwss.ca , new banner purchased.

3.    Motion to accept minutes from last AGM (2023) Moved Gloria 2nd Dale Carried

4.    Financial report: Bob Ross.  We have $21,122.18 in the bank consisting of: General, $7,558.61; Bouchie Lake, $200; Milburn Lake, $7981.19; Fund raising, $5,382.38.  Casino Night raised $2,890.70 each for BLWSS and BLCA and $271 for BLVFD.

Motion: to accept the financial report Moved: Bob, 2nd Carol Carried

5.    Membership report: David We have 110 members on record.

6.    Progress report on activities:

Bouchie Lake, Bob Ross. Discussion included: reaching out to MoE and Fisheries for information; Community Sewer System feasibility study; many previous studies have been done on Bouchie Lake, Bouchie Lake is unique in that the turnover results in a uniformly warm lake studies determined that aeration would be of no benefit.

Motion: That Bob will request MoE to host a public information meeting on the history of the studies done on Bouchie Lake Moved David, 2nd Heloise Carried

Milburn Lake, David Law. Ongoing maintenance at the access included tree removal, repairs to outhouse vent, repairs to outhouse steps, installation of grab bars. Ongoing permitting arrangements with MoTI. Poker Paddle made $2089.12, next event 23rd August 2025, more volunteers needed. Table held at Chamber of Commerce Trade fair and Moose Meadows Fall Fair.

7.    Election of directors:

Motion: That BLWSS accept the resignation of Myia Duperron and Richard Armstrong as directors and thank them for their past year(s) of service.

Moved: David, 2nd Heloise Carried

Motion: That Heloise Dixon-Warren, David Law, Bob Ross, Colin Keis, Marnie Greening and Tim Patchett be appointed as directors for a three-year term.

Moved: Gloria 2nd Bob Carried

8.    Any other business

a) Land N and W of Milburn Lake for sale. Concern over possible contamination of the lake should future owner graze livestock.

b) On sale of property, government can require homeowners to improve or replace their sewer systems

c) Next AGM will be Wednesday 12th November 2025, 7pm at Bouchie Lake Hall

9.    Motion to adjourn. Moved Dale, 2nd Gloria Carried

Meeting adjourned at 8.10.pm

Thank you to Safeway and Bouchie lake Hall for provision of coffee and snacks.

Minutes for Bouchie Lake Watershed Stewardship Society AGM held 7.p.m. on Wednesday 15th November 2023 at Bouchie Lake Hall.

Chair: David Law. Meeting called to order at 7.03. pm.

1.     Quorum fulfilled. 9 members present: Heloise Dixon-Warren, Colin Keis, Carol Law, David Law, Dale Moskalyk, Gloria Moskalyk, Bob Ross, Cleo Stromquist, Vicki Warner.

2.     New agenda items and

Motion to adopt agenda.

Moved Heloise 2nd Gloria  Carried

3.     Motion to accept minutes from last AGM (2022)

Moved Bob 2nd Colin          Carried

4.     Financial report: Bob Ross. We have a bank balance of $14,347.57, subdivided into three categories: General $5955.95, Milburn Lake $5923.56, Fundraising $2468.06 along with $26.20 in the Gaming Account.

Motion: to accept the financial report

Moved: Bob 2nd Colin         Carried

5.     Adoption of Bouchie-Milburn Watershed Management Plan Update

Heloise explained that the update was based on work done by the previous Bouchie Lake Stewardship Committee in 2009 titled Bouchie-Milburn Watershed management Plan 2009. Further development of the plan will be undertaken after Christmas.

Motion: That the Bouchie Milburn Management Update Plan be adopted.

Moved: Heloise 2nd Bob     Carried

6.     Progress report on activities:

a)     Bouchie Lake     Bob Ross

Bob reported he’d had conversations with Scott Harley, the Fisheries Biologist with the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, looking to get more information on lake aeration to reduce blue/green algae growth in Bouchie Lake. Bob suggested installing 10-15 pond style aerators around the lake. Also suggested testing the oxygen levels in the lake. Proposed that BC Parks buy lake front land; lot next to the public access may be coming up for sale and has electricity supply.

b)     Milburn Lake     David Law

David reported that a recycling bin has been installed at Milburn Lake.

On 15th February, three directors attended a meeting in Williams Lake between the CRD, MoTI and BLWSS with three objectives: 1. Gain commitment from MoTI to complete the remediation work begun at Milburn Lake in September 2022, 2. Resolve jurisdictional issues regarding allowing BLWSS to implement site improvements and 3. Secure a commitment to enlarge the overflow culvert at Milburn Lake. The meeting did not produce any of the desired results. A Hydrology Report was commissioned by MoTI on the third topic and sharing of some of the results would be considered but a subsequent request for information was denied. A Freedom of Information Request was made, and a severely redacted document was received which contained no information on recommendations made. A permit application to carry out works at the public access site was denied citing the need for Section 11 approval. Further confirmation from Sheri Harnden, Water Stewardship officer in Williams Lake, with the Ministry of Forests, revealed that provided the work done remain above the high-water mark as on the survey plan, Section 11 is not required.

Motion: That the Revised Milburn Lake Access Plan 2.0 be adopted and submitted to MoTI for permitting approval.

Moved: David 2nd Dale       Carried.

Motion: That BLWSS purchase directors’ insurance.

Moved:David 2nd Gloria     Carried.

Motion: That BLWSS purchase Commercial General Liability Insurance contingent upon permitting approval from MoTI

Moved:David 2nd Dale        Carried

Motion: That BLWSS ask the CRD for an increase in the maintenance funding

agreement from $3000/year to $6000/year.

Moved: Gloria 2nd Heloise Carried

Motion: That BLWSS get on the agenda for the Northern Caucus finance meeting to present their case for an increase in the maintenance funding.

Moved: Heloise 2nd Gloria Carried

David further reported a successful 4th annual Poker Paddle held on 19th August which raised $1195 with 45 participants.

7.     Outreach: MoE, BCES, development of website. Colin will research the organization CleanBC.ca and report back to the next directors meeting.

Motion: That BLWSS become a member of the BC Lake Stewardship Society.

Moved: Colin 2nd Gloria     Carried

Motion: That BLWSS set aside $250/year for development and maintenance of a website.

Moved: David 2nd Heloise  Carried

8.     Election of directors:

The following five directors have a further one year to serve on their three-year term: Richard Armstrong, Heloise Dixon-Warren, David Law, Bob Ross, Colin Keis. Bonnie Watkiss has a further two years to serve on her three-year term.

Motion: That BLWSS accept the resignation of Trine Armstrong as director and thank her for her past year of service.

Moved: David 2ndCarol     Carried

Motion: That Miya Duperron and Gloria Moskalyk be appointed as directors for a three-year term.

Moved: David 2nd Bob        Carried

9.     Membership. Currently 89 members, (plus 7 people who signed up at the Poker Paddle this year whose information has not been registered) many of whom signed up for a 5-year membership in 2017 or 2018. An e-mail will be sent to those members asking if they would renew their membership for a further 5-year term. This can be done electronically by choosing an e-transfer from online banking, adding blwatershedss@gmail.com to your contacts, entering BLWSS as the name and re-entering the above e-mail address. There is no need to ask a security question, as auto deposit has been turned on. Finally, in the “Message” field please enter your first and last name and the year of starting your membership.

10.  Any other business

a) Bob reported on the weed harvester use at Tabor Lake (used significantly with a $20,000 grant from their regional district) and Williams Lake (only in use after October, costs $2000 to launch and operate with only 3 wheelbarrow loads of weeds collected)

b) Bob reported that area B director had requested $50,000 from the CRD for a feasibility study on a sewer system for Bouchie Lake. CRD declined but committed to a 6-month consultation process of lake shore residents.

11.  Motion to adjourn. Moved Dale 2nd Bob  Carried

Meeting adjourned at 8.02.p.m.

Minutes for Bouchie Lake Watershed Stewardship Society AGM held 7.p.m. on Wednesday 16th November 2022 at Bouchie Lake Hall.

1.     Quorum fulfilled. Meeting called to order at 7.10.p.m. In attendance: Trine Armstrong, Heloise Dixon-Warren, David & Carol Law, Bob Ross, Bonnie Watkiss. Apologies: Colin Keis & Richard Armstrong.

2.     Motion to adopt agenda    Carried

3.     Motion to accept minutes from last AGM (2021) Carried

4.     Financial report: Bob Ross reported a bank balance of $9,835.67. 

Motion: to accept the financial report      Carried

5.     Progress report on activities:

Bouchie Lake   Bob Ross reported difficulty getting a response from MoE regarding aeration. Quote of $150,000 for whole lake. Alternatively, $2,000 for a small-scale pilot. Discussion ensued. Salient points: need for a watershed management plan and promotion of same with CRD and MoE, need for building awareness eg Save our Lake Day or Watershed Day. Suggestion to engage with grade 5/6/7 students at Bouchie Lake school.

Milburn Lake   David Law reported a successful 3rd Annual Poker Paddle which raised $423.79 towards cost of a new picnic table. New recycling bin on its way with funds provided by CRD. MoTI imported 1250 m3 of gravel onto the access site in September. Contribution of help finding boundary pins for the access from Brad Wiles of Wiles Surveying was recognized. Working to set up a meeting between CRD, MoTI and BLWSS with three objectives: Completion of restoration of access level, resolve jurisdictional issues regarding carrying out improvements, installation of enlarged overflow culvert.

6.     Mission Statement: Recommended by the directors that the mission statement be amended to “Bouchie Lake Watershed Stewardship Society is committed to enhance and maintain the health of the waters of Bouchie lake, Milburn Lake and their watershed for the overall benefit of the ecosystem”        Carried

7.     Election of directors:

The following five directors have a further two years to serve on their three year term: Richard Armstrong, Heloise Dixon-Warren, David Law, Bob Ross, Colin Keis.   

Motion: That Bonnie Watkiss and Trine Armstrong be appointed as directors for a three-year term.  Carried

Thanks was expressed to outgoing director Dan Aussant for his years of support and service as director.

8.     Any other business- none

9.     Meeting adjourned at 8.00.p.m.

Important notice re Covid-19 precautions:

All participants must show proof of double vaccination before entry

All participants must wear masks and maintain social distancing

Contact tracing information will be collected at the door

Minutes for Bouchie Lake Watershed Stewardship Society AGM held 7.p.m. on Wednesday 17th November 2021 at Bouchie Lake Hall.

Door: Dan Aussant

Chair: David Law

1.     Quorum fulfilled: 8 members in attendance. Opening remarks: David called the meeting to order at 7.10 and thanked everyone for coming to the meeting and observing the Covid 19 protocols.

2.     Motion to adopt agenda.   Moved Elaine 2nd Eloise     Carried.

3.     Motion to accept minutes from last AGM (2019) Moved Dan      2nd Colin         Carried

4.     Financial report: Bob Ross.  Bob reported that there is a bank balance of $8,427.05. The casino night raised $2222.42 for BLWSS. Two poker paddle events netted approximately $550 and $430 Category totals were not available due to problems with the spreadsheet. An updated report will be sent out with the minutes. Motion: to accept the financial report. Moved         Bob  2nd   Dan Carried

5.     Progress report on activities:

Bouchie Lake   Bob Ross     Bob reported the lake was beautiful this year. Attempting to get a permit from MoE to allow small scale aeration.

Milburn Lake   David Law   David reported that MoTI is conducting internal discussions to permit BLWSS to import gravel to the Milburn Lake public access site by extending the conditions of the existing permit to install the outhouse. If successful MoTI will allow BLWSS to access gravel from a site on King Pit Road. Access to the gravel will be allowed to prevent flooding of neighbouring properties to the public access. The replacement of the culvert is on hold because of other priorities this year but is still on the books for when future services become available.

6.     Election of directors:

Motion: That Dan Aussant, Richard Armstrong, Heloise Dixon-Warren, Colin Keis, David Law, Bob Ross, be appointed as directors for a three-year term.  

Moved David   2nd Carol      Carried

David thanked outgoing directors Paul Wild, Karen Keis and Meaghan Lackey for their past service. David thanked the current directors for their ongoing service.

7.     Any other business

To help manage the financial sheets, agendas and minutes, Eloise suggested that we use Google Sheet and Google Documents within our g-mail account.

8.     7.30 Motion to adjourn.     Moved Bob 2nd Dan        Carried

Minutes for AGM held 7.p.m. on Wednesday 23rd October 2019 at Bouchie Lake Hall.

Chair: David Law

1.   Quorum fulfilled: 21 members present

2.   Motion to adopt agenda

Moved Heloise    Seconded Meghan      Carried

3.   Motion to accept minutes from last AGM

Moved Paul         Seconded Richard        Carried

4.   Financial Reports (2018-19 Financial year + Current):

Bob presented the financial report as circulated with the agenda. Motion to accept the financial report for 2018-2019 year.

Moved Richard    Seconded Meghan      Carried

David thanked Bob, Paul and Linda for their efforts in raising funds to purchase microbes for Bouchie Lake from the Bouchie Lake residents.

5.   Milburn Lake Report:

David reported on progress in building support of the community, seeking to secure the necessary permits and securing the necessary funding. Still seeking active support from MoTI and looking for first major commitment in order to leverage further funding. See attached flowchart.

6.   Bouchie Lake Report:

Bob reported that more product had been placed in the lake this year than in any previous year. The results were not as effective as hoped. He will consider changing the supply company for next year. The microbes are to attack the algae thereby lessening the smell and reducing the toxicity of the lake water. He has contacted the MoE 4 times this year but received no response.

7.   Upcoming Plans:

Heloise reported that a committee has been established consisting of Jodie, Paul, Bob, Elaine and herself, to pursue plans for a Casino Night Fundraiser in conjunction with FoBM.

8.   Election of extra directors: for a 2 year term.

Colin and Karen Keis were elected by acclamation.

9.   Any other business.

a) Powerpoint presentation available after the meeting.

10.                  Date of next meeting: October 21st 2020.

11.                  Motion to adjourn.

Moved Heloise    Seconded Richard        Carried

Meeting was adjourned at 7.40.p.m. (Members stayed for informal discussion & refreshments)

Minutes of the AGM of BLWSS held 7.p.m. on Monday 5th November 2018 at Bouchie Lake Hall.

Chair: David Law

Recording Secretary: Elaine Ross

1.     Meeting called to order 7.05.p.m.Quorum fulfilled 18 people in attendance. Thanks to Elaine for acting as recording secretary and to Linda for advertising the meeting.

2.     Motion to accept minutes from last AGM ( Moved Dan Aussant, seconded Sybil Muschik) Carried

3.     Motion to accept the agenda (Moved Richard Armstrong, seconded Bob Ross) Carried

4.     Financial report: Bob Ross reported that we have $9300 in the bank, $2500 held as a grant from FortisBC towards the Milburn Lake Access Improvement Plan and $2500 assigned to pay for the Prescription Plan from Quesnel River Environmental leaving $4300 funds available. Motion to accept the financial report. (Moved Dan Aussant, seconded Sybil Muschik) Carried

5.     Progress report on activities: Richard Armstrong summarised the activities of the BLSS this year including: 3 lakes, Mitt, Milburn & Bouchie; MOE elimination of flowering rush (Cariboo Divers); discussed concept of community park; need for weed harvester; aeration of lake; introduction of microbes; service of public access; $1000 from CRD for signage; raising awareness of Milburn Lake Prescription Plan; work on Mitt lake was done to clean up the shoreline Richard did a flyby; grant writing letterhead, logo & mission statement; manned booth at Billie Bouchie days; flyers and banner printed; directors met seven times during the year. Bob explained how he services the public access on Bouchie & Milburn and earns $3000/year for the society.

6.     Motion (Moved Carol Law, seconded Richard Armstrong) That the name of this society be changed to “Bouchie Lake Watershed Stewardship Society”. The new name would more closely describe the society’s mandate. Carried

7.     Motion (Moved David Law, seconded Richard Armstrong) That the society accept the Prescription Plan prepared by Robert Mills of Quesnel River Environmental for the Improvement of the Milburn Lake Public Access. Some discussion; overall cost $105,000 plus taxes. Carried.

8.     Election of directors: Up to 8 directors for a 2 year term.

The following eight people were elected as directors for the next two years: Richard Armstrong; Dan Aussant; Heloise Dixon-Warren; Meghan Lackey; David Law; Bob Ross; Blair Sundby; and Paul Wild.

9.     Any other business

a) Next AGM will be end of October 2019

b) First director’s meeting will be January 16th 2019 at home of Dan Aussant, 2588 Norwood

c) New e-mail will be blwatershedss@gmail.com meanwhile the old one will still be in use.

d) Meeting would welcome minutes of director’s meetings to be sent out to the membership

10.  Motion to adjourn. 7.41.p.m.

Inaugural meeting of the Bouchie Lake Watershed Society

November 8th 2017 at Bouchie Lake Hall

Meeting called to order 7.05.p.m. Thirteen people in attendance.

Adoption of agenda:

1.      Welcome from chairman and purpose of meeting: David Law

2.      Presentation from Bob Ross

3.      Election of directors

4.  Summary comments

1.  Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting, explained the main purpose to elect a board of directors, and introduced Bob Ross.

2.  Bob recounted the financial situation and described recent activities of residents around the lake including:

            Contract to maintain and pump outhouses on both Bouchie lake and Milburn Lake

Introduction of microbes to the water over the past 4 years with varying degrees of success in  reducing the algae bloom level

            Attempts to contact group from Tabor Lake re their dredging and riparian vegetation harvesting

            Rush elimination by Cariboo Divers

3.  Gerry explained the purpose of electing a board of 6 directors rather than individuals to specific tasks.

Nominees were presented of people who had agreed to stand:

            Richard Armstrong

            Dan Aussant

            David Law

Bob Ross

Blaire Sunby

No other nominations being received from those present the above people were declared elected.

4.  Discussion open to the floor for comments or questions. Seeing none the meeting was adjourned at 7.26. No time or date set for next meeting. Motion to adjourn Richard Armstrong seconded Bob Ross. Carried.

Directors Meeting (held immediately after the general meeting)

1.      Motion Richard Armstrong seconded Dan Aussant Three signatories on the account: Bob Ross, David Law and xxx

Carried.

2.  Next meeting Wednesday November 15th at 7pm at the house of Bob Ross.

3.  Motion to adjourn Blaire Sunby seconded Richard Armstrong Carried.