July 18, 2009

President Bev Matthews called the LLCNPC annual meeting to order at 1:08pm at the Point Lodge. 

Treasurers Report:
Gary Howard gave the financial report, which included the Revenue Sharing Grant that expires at the end of December 2009. Karen McGarvey made a motion to accept, second Deb Kalakis. The report was approved as read. 

Minutes:
Sharon Clark read the minutes of the 2008 annual meeting. There were no additions or corrections; Patty Billman made a motion to accept, it was seconded. The minutes were approved as read.

Bev introduced Elizabeth Gray, Assistant Mat-Su Borough Manager and Eileen Probasco from the Planning Department of the Mat-Su Borough.

Old Business:

Joe Stam reported on fire prevention activities and training:

1.  A training day will be scheduled for hands on familiarity with the fire equipment coordinated with a brush cutting work party at the Lake Louise/Susitna channel.

2.  Bev Matthews and Joe Stam will work on adapting a fire manual for Lake resident's reference. Joe discussed fire core training for home and cabin owners.

3.  Joe would be happy to conduct a three-hour class for those interested. A sign up sheet will be provided.

4.  Joe talked about the need to discuss boat safety in the channel. 

Corky Matthews reported on location of fire equipment:

1.  Corky showed a map that noted eight locations on Lake Louise and three on Lake Susitna where fire equipment is located and the location of the First Responders. Wolverine Lodge is the Master Location.

2.  People are free to access the storage Kiosks that include a variety of fire equipment - pumps, fuel oil, suction hoses, nozzles, backpack pumps, ax shovels and other appropriate equipment.

3.  Mike McGarvey on Tyone Lake has personnel equipment that is accessible to those in need.

4.  Corky made a request for fire volunteers.

5.  Tim Sutter and Corky Matthews split the responsibilities of Fire Chief with Joe Stam as a consultant.

6.  Corky emphasized the need to be clear when you call for help. Call on the VHF Channel 11. It is constantly monitored. State your problem, name, and location. 911 calls are referred back to the First Responders.

7.  There are nine trained First Responders (ETT's) Judy Bertuca is EMT-2. The Borough supplies all the needed equipment and medicines.

8.  Corky advised everyone to become familiar with the use and location of the fire equipment and the location of the ETT's.

9.  Bev Matthews shared that Bob Rolley was impressed with the fire equipment set-up after he had an opportunity to use the system. 

A member of the audience asked if life jackets were still being provided. Tom Lohman explained that the Kids Don't Float is a state program and jackets were provided at the campgrounds and Wolverine lodge. John Delaquito indicated he was interested in having them at Lake Louise Lodge.

Bev Matthews reported on the Revenue Sharing Grant and other programs: The LLCNPC qualified for $20,200 and there is a possibility it may be available next year or/and the year after. The following items are being considered depending how far the funds go. 

ATV or UTV to transport fire equipment
Office equipment, desk, chairs, file cabinets
Shelving, for community records, fire supplies, EMS supplies
Folding chairs and tables, for community meetings 
Lockable storage cabinet for EMS supplies 
Small outboard boat for fire service 
M and 0 fund for road maintenance equipment

The weather station will be located at Lake Louise Lodge. Bill Fair has gathered the equipment from the Point and it will be installed before the winter season.  We need to purchase a computer.

The Helmet Heads program is split between Lake Louise Lodge and the Point Lodge. There are approximately 40 helmets of various sizes available. 

Trails:
Winter trails were discussed and Corky spoke to Ron's resolution that speaks to what trails the lake community would like to see groomed by the big equipment, just smoothed out or do not touch. The wolf pack is asking the community for input.

Comprehensive Plan:
Judy Bertuca commented that there will be an addendum to the Comprehensive Plan.  A public Meeting will be scheduled and everybody contacted.

Bev Matthews introduced Lynne Woods our Borough Assembly Representative. She spoke to trying to get the approval for the establishment of the McClaren Trail. The prospects are not good at this point.

Airport Update:
The first phase has been completed. The date for the second phase and the 400'extension is not known. The runway is closed although Helicopters have used it. Dan Billman says the runway is as smooth as a billiard table and sees no reason one cannot use it if there is no construction going on.

Lake Louise/Susitna Channel:
The four-years of brush cutting have helped visibility at the channel. Wayne Simmons had coordinated this effort and people should look for a call over the VHF for volunteers. A brush mower is stored at the Simmon's cabin. Last year there were about a dozen volunteers. It was emphasized that a tall flag should be used on your boat for better visibility in the channel. Calling on the radio is also advised.

New Business:

Nominations for the LLNPC Board: Gary Howard says he will not run again. Ron Glaeser nominated Bob Watson, second Debbie Kakakis Corky Matthews nominated Judy Bertuca, second Sharon Clark Tom Main nominated Karen Miller, second Margit Detrick 

Results:
The new board members are Judy Bertuca and Karen Miller

                                          PUBLIC HEARING
Eileen Probasco of the Mat-Su Borough Planning Department explained the use of the building grant. The handout is only the conceptual concept and not the final plan. The placement of the building is different then shown on the map. The building will be 1600 sq ft and will house the emergency equipment, parking of the ambulance. It will not be plumbed. The building is designed for secure storage of medical supplies and will include a parking area for the road grader. It is not designed for community meetings.

The archeological survey is complete, upon approval of the wetlands permit and the conceptual survey completed, the borough will be able to sign with the state, and the survey and design proposal will proceed.

Ron Glaeser raised concerns about the selected site and suggested there were other possibilities and road access options available.  Eileen enumerated the reasons that this was not a good idea.

A.  This lot was the only borough lot available. The engineer's identified the SW corner as buildable at the end of Moose Run.

B.  The need to acquire right away from the state to reduce the length of access option would increase cost and the required environmental review that would go beyond the deadline for the completion of the project.

C.  To search for a state parcel would delay the project and the Borough would lose the grant. The first proposal by the Borough three years ago was not approved. The Borough reapplied two years ago and the grant was approved.

Ron Glaeser questioned why the Borough ignored the petitions from the residents of the area that requested that access via the route indicated be denied, not all residents signed the petition. It was pointed out that this is a designated public road and the Cul-de-sac at the end of the road was designated as temporary. Other access is not viable. 

The road will be maintained all year long with dust control in the summer. The Borough will contract with the LLCNPC to maintain the road as the community does not have road service funds. 

Ron Glaser enumerated his concerns of traffic congestion, thievery, parking of RV's etc.  Some of these concerns can be addressed by posting signs such as Emergency Use Only, No Parking, and signs indicating location of campground facilities. The ambulance use is minimal approximately five calls a year. 

Other concerns:  Heating - EMS fund pays for heating.  Fuel security - the Borough would have an agreement with the community group to secure the fuel tanks and keep them full.  That the storage building would turn into a community meeting room. Eileen stated that this concern cannot be dismissed but the size of the building would not be conducive to meetings. However, Eileen commented that the needs of a community change so use may change. 

Corky pointed out that the remaining parcel would be designated wild lands. The footprint of the building only takes up a small portion of the lot. 

Eileen thanked the audience and closed the Public Hearing.

Sharon Clark asked if there was interest in having lock mailbox pods (Cluster Boxes).  Linda Fairbanks indicated that the cost would be approximately $100.00 but would vary according to participation. DOT would be involved in finding a location. Five people raised their hands. Sharon and Linda will work on it.

Tom Main said that 48 hours of training had been conducted and the community had two new ETTS.

There was a discussion on the use of the ambulance meeting the helicopter at Eureka rather then coming to the lakes. It works out that it takes 40 minutes to drive to Eureka and that is the amount of time it takes the helicopter to get to Eureka. Time is actually saved. There is also an issue of refueling.  Mike Anderson will check it out.

Judy Bertuca will conduct a free course on CPR.

Bev Matthews asked Elizabeth Gray if she had anything she would like to add.  Elizabeth encouraged everyone to access the Mat-Su Borough web site and to take the annual report available on the table upfront.

Mike Wells reported on the counters put on Lake Louise Road:  May 13-31 daily traffic average 39, July 1-9 daily average 297.  The next count will be Labor Day weekend. These counts will be done regularly 

A question of having fuel available for helicopter was discussed. It was suggested looking into having a tank available. There was some question as to how much it would be used.  Joe Stam explained a program where four barrels were stashed yearly at different sites and then what was not used was mixed with oil for stoves. No action was taken.

Bev ended the meeting by having a drawing for door prizes provided by the magazine Cabin Life.  Winners: Harry Holt, John Kalakis, Leona Dawson, Karen Miller, John, Sharon Clark, Matt, Tom Lohman, Margit Detrick, and Mike. 

Bev Matthews thanked those who provided cookies for the meeting and Patty Billman for providing lemonade and coffee.

Corky made a motion to adjourn, second Gary Howard.

The meeting adjourned at 2:47pm

A board meeting was held after the annual meeting

Respectfully submitted,
Karen Miller
Secretary

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BOARD MEETING - July 18, 2009, 3:00pm - Point Lodge

President Bev Matthews called the meeting to order at 3:00pm.  Members present were Bev Matthews, Joe Stam, Judy Bertuca, Karen Miller, Sharon Clark, and John Kalakis.  Terry Draeger was absent.

New Board Positions are:

Joe Stam and Bev will work on a pamphlet for the Lake community this winter.

Judy Bertuca will schedule CPR training in October.

The next Board Meeting is scheduled at Lake Louise Lodge on August 10 at 3:00pm.

Sharon Clark moved for adjournment, second Joe Stam.

The meeting adjourned at 3:30pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Karen Miller
Secretary