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: (13) Tracy Hass, Ray Penwarden, Walt Smith, Sharon Smith, Margot Kohl, Carl Swanson, Betty Jo Williams, Mike Ziegler, Donna Ziegler, Richard Anderson, David Knosalla, Linda Knosalla, Pat Bodin

Today’s Meeting Agenda:  Was accepted with an addition of discussion about the Invasive Species Grant. 

February Outcomes: Were approved with no changes.  

Treasurer’s Report:   Ray presented the treasurer’s report. 

Correspondence:  Walt shared he noticed a write up on the DNR website about funding in the amount of $143000 towards upgrading Ann Lake public water access and he plans to reach out to the DNR to get more information.

Old Business:

Civic Organizing:  Sharon did not attend the Ann Lake Township meeting but shared the office of treasurer is currently open and the annual meeting will take place on Tuesday. 

The group talked about how tall the plants in the boat landing rain garden have become, learned it will likely be burned off in the spring, then will grow back.

Ham Bingo will take place on Sunday March 24^th with 7 games awarding money and 7 awarding hams plus the coverall prize.  Bacon will be the only meat raffle prize because of its popularity.  Sharon called for volunteers to help out. 

Curly Leaf Grant:  To reduce the total amount of money we need from ALWA, to treat the boat landing area and Springbrook bay, Walt applied for and ALWA was awarded a $1,600 grant. Thank you, Walt, because we know it was a lot of work to accomplish. 

Sharon reviewed that she and Walt have been working on managing the “Swift Account” Jeff had established for grant deposits and Soil and Water monies back in 2012-2014.

COLA March meeting will take place on March 7^th.  Ray reviewed information about last meetings discussion about boat landing signage (clean/drain/dry), tool boards for weed removal and a new handicapped accessible requirement for porta pots.  Due to higher costs for them, they may not be provided to smaller lakes.  He reviewed that ALWA pays for garbage and lighting at our landing.    

New Business:  Springtime roadside cleanup was brought up.  Rich said he would get in touch with his Ogilvie 4H contact.

Good to the Order:  Rich shared the sad news of the passing of a long time Lions Club volunteer, Gary Baker who was his contact for years, for donations to ALWA.  He also shared the news of health struggles for a long time ALWA member Tommy Lind.  Later in the meeting more sad news was shared of the passing of long time neighbor Annie Mclalwain.  Our gratitude for their contributions and well wishes go out to them and their loved ones. 

Road treatment on Forest Shores and Falcon St was discussed and anyone with comment is encouraged to attend the Ann Lake Township meetings held on the first Monday night of every month at 7:00 pm.

Forest Shores Rd speed limit signage:  Mike Ziegler shared the success story he and LaDonna attending the township meeting, requesting signage to help slow down the traffic on Forest Shores Rd.  Now the signs are up and the group applauded the success!

Evaluation:  The meeting got 5 from the group.

50 cent Drawing: was won by LaDonna Ziegler.

25 Dollar Incentive Drawing:  Would have been won by Lee Friske but he was not in attendance.

The meeting ended at 11:00

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

We look forward to seeing you again at the next meeting on April 13th, 2024 – 10 am

ALWA Dues go from January through December.

$15.00 per individual per year

$25.00 per couple/family per year

$100 individual lifetime membership