Short version Minutes (for full version see Secretary)
1.   WELCOME
Denis Courte, President, welcomes everyone, notes that an attendance list is  circulating and that coffee is available. The agenda and last year’s minutes are available. All members present are given a chance to introduce themselves.
2.    MINUTES OF LAST AGM are approved.
3.    COMMITTEE REPORTS
    A) Membership: Frankie Gordon reports that there are 131 members presently. Work needs to be done to increase Round Lake membership. Every director and deputy was asked to participate in the canvassing of members. Frankie thanks the canvassers.
    B) Frankie Gordon gives the Treasurer’s Report. In short: Closing balance of  $ 2529, after Opening balance $ 2085, revenues of $ 2820, total expenses of  $ 2357. Main expenses were: water tests $ 1016, printing, copies, mailing, etc. $ 655, ME/CRELA/ FAPEL/RougeNet $300, fish derby and picnic $ 204.  Surplus!  Thanks, Frankie.
    C) Water Testing : Emanuel Klaesi explains that after the usual bottle distribution Saturday  morning in Weir and in Arundel with the help of most directors and deputies, a total of 127 bottles were analyzed efficiently by the lab. CD MZ in Montreal.
    On July 9, 88 samples were taken, and the only eight bad results were phoned onwards following Friday, and the 64 perfect zero Fecal Coliform results hereafter transmitted by e-mail and telephone. Among the 16 samples the Booth's took around the lakes, the results were generally excellent (zero or 2 FC/dl), except at the creeks (24 at mid creek Rd-Bn, 18 Pike creek and 112 Village creek in Weir, and 124 at the Inlet to Bn-Lake).
    On August 13 (under the direction of Jack Roy) 39 bottles were sampled : we had 24 bottles with perfect results, six with 2 FC/dl. Among the nine lake tests, the results were much better than in July; 10 to 24 FC/dl at the four creek locations. So, generally good result, but as expected again: Weir must check the Village and Pike creeks, and the beavers are responsible for the other creek pollution. Thanks to all the volunteers!
    D) Septic Tank Emptying: Ron Williams called all the members who noted interest . There were 5 in July and 17 in August by Pompage Mont Tremblant pumping the tanks out and returning the top grey water to the tanks. Both compartments should be done. There may be another session in September depending on requests.
    There is a Bylaw in Weir that all tanks must be emptied every two (residents) or four years. Those not supplying a receipt will be contacted. For enforcement there will be a visit, then a warning, then a fine.  Arundel now has a similar bylaw.
    E) Sunfish Derby: Dean Booth, Michel Latreille, Bob Parkinson and Louise Girouard are thanked for their organization and the success of the event . It was a sunny Saturday, and a dozen children participated and every one got a prize. There were 14 boats and some 30 adults enjoying the corn, hot dogs and beverages.
    F) Lake Access and Safety: In trying to control the safe use of motorboats, rules are being developed.by Patrice Slavinski. ALBeRo stickers were available with membership, but they need to be bigger and more obvious. People from the adjacent municipalities have a right to come onto the lakes, but not guides bringing groups to our lakes. The Municipal Councils need to become involved in the control and monitoring. .
We need to allocate places and/or times when different activities occur with a view to safety (tubers and fishermen…). It is suggested to give an instruction sheet to people coming in at Alfie’s, Madison’s and Parkinson’s.   It is noted that for tubing and water skiing, there must always be a spotter/helper for each tuber/skier, besides the driver.
     G) Installation of buoys and signs: Five new speed-warning buoys were manufactured (by Em.Klaesi), and installed on July 3. It is agreed that they made a difference safety-wise. Six new poster boards "Take care of our lakes..." were ordered (by Denis Courte) and placed by directors at various locations on and around the lakes.
It is suggested that any vandalism/theft be reported to the secretary, Pat Thomas (819-687-9201), such as the theft of three kayaks, and some motors on Round Lake, and that it be posted via <rougenet.qc.ca> to possibly find the culprits. Shall we develop an e-mail list of all members for reporting purposes taking the privacy issue into account?
     I)  Removal of rocks requested in writing by Bob Parkinson: according to Ministry of the Environment’s rules, however, it is not legal to alter the bottom of lakes or rivers!
     4. ENVIRONMENT: Dale Rathwell, Arundel Councilor, informs us about their new septic system bylaw. And that T.C. Stuart donated 40 acres of land on Beaven Lake near Swail’s Corner, in order to establish a wildlife reserve under the administration of the Municipality, as of this Fall 2005.         AlbeRo participates in a five year program for Water Quality Control (Denis Courte).    Kay Flanagan notes that more vigilance is needed concerning human contamination of water (check smell of septic overflow!).
     5. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The slate of directors for election consists of Frankie Gordon, Pat Thomas, Walter Scofield, Michel Latreille, Patrice Slavinski to continue, and new Ron Williams, Jack Roy, André Fillion (all deputy directors, to replace outgoing Denis Courte, Dean Booth and Leslie Bellon). Acceptance unanimous! While the present secretary (Pat Thomas) and treasurer (Frankie Gordon) remain, Patrice Slavinski as president and Jack Roy as VP are decided afterwards by the new Board.  As deputy director are confirmed new- comers Jean Claude Homet and Marco Piccin, and others are invited to volunteer.
      6. PRESENTATION by M. Gilles Gaudet: "Prevention Against Predatory Animals". There is a problem with overpopulation of some groups of animals (beaver, raccoon, coyote, deer…). If we have our own good trapper, keep him (Raymond Desjardins). An inexperienced trapper may miss a beaver and that beaver will then become “hunter-wise” and evade being trapped again. It is very dangerous to shoot an animal in the water (bullet ricochet). Put fence/rabbit wire around trees to protect them from being felled by beavers. Beware of the fever-inducing parasite Giardiase near beaver habitats. One needs a permit to take down a beaver dam. Permits are free but reasons for removing the dam must be supplied. The owner of a place is responsible for damages caused by beavers on his/her own land.  An inventory of beaver lodges should be done.     Bears are generally scared by loud noises. They love sunflower seeds and are attracted to bird feeders. If they are into your garbage, take it in for a few days and they will probably go elsewhere.
Do not feed the deer! Do not attract them near a lake, stream or road, or interfere with their natural life. Avoid adding phosphates to water because aquatic plants grow on it.
       7. QUESTION PERIOD       Jan Morgan suggests a public meeting on the question of access to and use of the lakes with Councilors from both municipalities.
       8. ADJOURNEMENT: Denis Courte is thanked for his tenure, guidance and efforts as president in the past two years, and Dean Booth for his many years of good services. Thanks for room, coffee and cakes to Pat Thomas.  Meeting adjourned around noon.
PT ek mwa  AGM05shortminutes.doc 060517