AGM Minutes: September 25, 2021

Vaseux Lake Stewardship ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING September 25, 2021
Location: 216 Sundial Road  

Attendees: Arlene Loverin, Ed Szajniak, Rosalind Gardner, Patty Smith, Gordon Smith, Cathy Underwood, Randy Ruf, Sean Hirtle, Taryn Winsor, John Lee, Monika Jones, Steve Jones, Myles Radchenko, Phyllis  Radchenko, Grant Temple, Michelle Gaumont, Norm Gaumont, Laura Wanamaker, Jim D’Andrea, Neil  Hartman. 

Chairperson, Norm Gaumont.
Recorded by Phyllis Radchenko. 

Meeting was Called to Order at 2:15 pm 

Ongoing Projects Report 

• Myles Radchenko reported on Water Monitoring. $6000 grant from the Okanagan Basin Water Board, two-year project. Hi-lights included:
  Water Monitoring results for the past 1.5 years are available on the vaseuxlake.com website.
  Nitrate and phosphate levels remain within standards.
  Total water quality sampling is assessed by Caro’s independent lab in Kelowna quarterly.
  Four people have been trained to perform water testing with the Hach equipment.
  Contact has been made with the Osoyoos Lake Water Quality Society. 
• Jim D’Andrea reported on the Siltation Study. $30,000 grant from the Okanagan Basin Water Board, one year study. Hi-lights included: Silt deposition continues to be a challenge at the lake’s north end. Water  Smart Consulting Group is investigating possible solutions. Shuttleworth Creek silt continues to be the main cause due to the “slingshot effect.” Water Smart Consulting Group continues to pursue a partnership with the Okanagan Nation Alliance who is motivated to encourage salmon fish reintroduction. The  Siltation Study is halfway through the grant cycle.  
• Norm Gaumont reported on Public Access Cleanup. Hi-lights: RDOS provided $1000.00 to be used for cleaning up Public Accesses but due to the requirement for workers to be insured it has been challenging to find a suitable contractor. The Board Members are continuing to pursue leads to ensure the funding is not lost.  
• Norm Gaumont reported on weed eradication efforts. Hi-lights: Permits were issued for the harvester to be used in  Vaseux Lake, however, since the lake is a Bird Sanctuary the time was limited to August. Due to the low water levels and extremely dry conditions, the rototiller could not be operated. A request was made to increase the water level but that was not possible.  
• Norm Gaumont reported on Road Safety concerns that had been brought to the attention of the VLSA.  Although traffic is not within the mandate of the VLSA, inquiries were made to the Department of  Highways regarding excessive speed, noise from heavy vehicles, collision potential, and left turning lanes. Response from the Department of Highways was that changes were unwarranted at this time. These issues will be raised to the next level. 

Past Successes Report by Chairperson Norm Gaumont 

1. The website is well maintained and a nod of appreciation to Rosalind Gardner. She suggested that Members are welcome to contribute photographs or articles that relate to the lake, such as safety on the water, etc.  
2. The wetland that acts as filtration for the water treatment plant has demonstrated good growth and effectiveness. A VLSA site visitation is being organized. 
3. Trailer Park development adjacent to Ramification Vineyard and Winery has been stopped.
4. “No Motorized Boat” signage has been posted at formal lake access points. 
5. Comprehensive Vaseux Lake Study was completed by Larratt Aquatic, 2017-18, $25,000 grant.

Financial Report by Chairperson Norm Gaumont. 

A Financial Statement was distributed and elaborated on. Hi-lights: Expenses are low. Funds come mainly from grants. Membership fee collection is currently in progress and the goal was to have it completed early this Fall. Some membership fees were paid at the AGM.  

Election of Officers 

The following members were elected to the Board in the following positions:  

• Chairperson (including Siltation Study) – Norm Gaumont 
• Vice-chairperson – Grant Temple 
• Directors of Finance – Sean Hirtle and Taryn Winsor 
• Communications and Website Director – Rosalind Gardner 
• Director at Large and Secretary – Phyllis Radchenko 
• Director at Large and Water Monitoring – Myles Radchenko 
• Director for Projects (finding funding) – Arlene Loverin 
• Director for Projects (including Siltation, Rototilling, and Public Accesses) – Jim D’Andrea
• Membership Directors – Cathy Underwood and Randy Ruf 

New Business 

• Moved by Myles Radchenko that VLSA join the BC Lake Stewardship Society to take advantage of membership benefits particularly as it applies to insurance for members when doing voluntary work for the Association. Seconded by Grant Temple. Passed. Action Item: Myles Radchenko to apply and report to Board on benefits, etc.  
• Moved by Patti Smith that VLSA apply for Okanagan Basin Water Board for further funding for water testing. Seconded by Taryn Winsor. Passed. 
• Moved by Grant Temple the Chairperson will request a monthly report of Okanagan Falls Water  Treatment Plant results on an ongoing basis. Seconded by Monika Jones. Passed. 
• Moved by Norm Gaumont that VLSA goes to one signatory on the bank account with a requirement that  one or two Board members review the financial statements for accuracy on a routine basis. Seconded by  Randy Ruf. Passed. 
• Moved by Phyllis Radchenko that the Chairperson, or representative, of the Trails of the Okanagan Society come to a VLSA Board meeting to elaborate on the potential trail development on the West side of Vaseux Lake. Seconded by Arlene Loverin. Passed. 

Meeting Adjourned 4:25pm.