ALWA Identity Statement: Concerned citizens using civic governance as an approach to policy making that produces the sustainable civic infrastructure needed to govern for the common good.

ALWA Purpose Statement: To develop the civic imagination and organize the civic capacity and infrastructure needed to partner with local government and restore the waters of Ann Lake to the MPCA standards for nutrients and to protect and preserve the water quality of the Ann Lake watershed.

Civic Standards:

1. All those impacted by the problem are stakeholders and help define the problem in light of civic principles and the realities of their situation.
2. All stakeholders are accountable for contributing resources (leadership/time, knowledge, constituencies and dollars) to solve the problem.
3. All stakeholders are engaged in decision-making and policy-making that contributes to the common good.
4. All stakeholders implement policies grounded in civic principles in the places where they have the authority to act.

The following people were present: (4) Walt Smith, Sharon Smith, Margot Kohl, Richard Anderson

Sharon started the meeting at 10:03

Outcomes from the last meeting were accepted with no changes.

Today’s Meeting Agenda: The topic of Cannabis was added to Civic Organizing.

Treasurer’s Report:   Ray was unable to attend, and Sharon mentioned some bills that were paid.  Ray will present treasurer reports for April and May at the next meeting.   

Correspondence: There was a fair amount of very nice Thank You’s from the Berg family for ALWAs support of Ogilvie’s gun safety program.  Sharon was contacted by Kanabec Times to continue including an ALWA ad in the area business and community page.  Sharon was concerned about being listed as a business when ALWA is non-profit.  The paper added a word to include us as a non-profit.  Sharon made the decision to be included because she felt it was inexpensive advertising for ALWA.   Sharon also passed around a MLR newsletter featuring an article about wake safe maps.

Check In Old Business: Sharon said that during the April Ann Lake Township meeting the topic of cannabis was discussed and the rules about growing/selling it:  each township should do their own ordinances with regards to growing cannabis. Kanabec County allows 2 commercial sales sites.  Ann Lake Township has no ordinances so any number of growing sites can be developed the way it stands.  Chad Gramitz was at the meeting to answer questions about the roads and bridges.  Chad was also asked about setting up a staging area to haul in gravel to be used over the year.  Chad explained the process of getting a variance and going out for bids to obtain the gravel.

Bingo Update: Sharon attended the city council meeting and put up flyers for Bingo on May 17 at the Tower Bar.  Planning was done for the equipment and meat raffle, 50/50 drawing, calling and Sharon asked for volunteers.

Curly Leaf: Treatment has occurred to 6 acres at the boat launch and 5 acres in Springbrook Bay.  We have treated the boat launch area 5-6 consecutive years and discussion occurred about potentially taking a year off. 

Roadside Cleanup: Rich continues trying to get roadside cleanup organized.  He thinks Own-It will help us out again this year.

Check In New Business: Elections will take place at the June meeting.  The positions of Treasurer and Vice President are up for election.  Please consider volunteering for one of these important positions and attend the June meeting to vote.

Good to the order: There was some discussion about the topic of carp stirring up the muck at the bottom of the lake and carp fishing/reduction in Ann Lake and other lakes.

Evaluation:   The group agreed the meeting got a 5.

50 cent Drawing: Was not done because of low attendance and Ray was not at the meeting.   

25 Dollar Incentive Drawing: Was not done either for the above reasons.

Meeting adjourned at 10:50

Don’t forget to check out the website:   https://annlakewatershedalliance.org 

We look forward to seeing you again at the next meeting on June 14- 10 am at Ann Lake Town Hall.  1448 240th Ave, Mora, MN 55051  

https://maps.app.goo.gl/d1kfY5FLZWiiL3Fe8

ALWA Dues (January through December each year)

$15.00 per individual per year

$25.00 per couple/family per year

$100 individual lifetime membership

Don’t forget to check out the website:   https://annlakewatershedalliance.org 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/d1kfY5FLZWiiL3Fe8

(See map below)