July 2026 Board Meeting Minutes

SLA JULY 2026 BOARD MEETING MINUTES

Meeting Place:  Sugar Lake Lodge 

Date: July 18, 2026

Time:  8:30 am

Agenda

  1. Call to order (1 Minute) In attendance: Tom Huettner, Roger Laska, Bill Hagenbuck, Brede Schepper, Linda Lonson, Paul Mullaney. Don Evans via Zoom.  Guest: Bruce Erickson.

Bruce Erikson Rusty Crayfish Project Update: There is no commercial trapping of crayfish taking place on our lake this year– only volunteer trapping.  Twenty-two volunteers do dockside pick up, freezing, disposal.  Through July 16th there have been 254 pounds harvested.   Since the beginning of the trapping program began last year, it has generated a net $174 dollars over expenses – this attributes no cost to all the volunteer time given.  Bruce estimates that 80 percent of Sugar Lake’s catch are small and 20% large sized.  This contrasts with the trapping on Pokegema which catch 80% large and 20% small sized.  This suggests that the crayfish trapping last year did have an impact on the rusty crayfish population in our lake.

2) Announcements, General Discussions & Correspondence:

    1. Landing Porta-potty should have been adjusted as the door doesn’t close well.   Tom has called for the third time to complain.  

    2. Roger noted that an abandoned grill and coals were left behind at the landing.   He picked up the grill for disposal.  

    3. The County had slated our landing for improvements but due to funding shortages it isn’t clear when these improvements will be made.

    4. Bill will Check with Itasca County to see if they are going to test for DNA for AIS.  

    5. Discussion was held about the Associations ability to fund people to monitor the landing.  A suggestion made to perform an audit by volunteers over a weekend.  DNR involvement may be needed. 

3) Secretary's Report/Prior Meeting Minutes Affirmation: 

Vote: To approve June Minutes – all approved. 

4) Treasurer's Report (5-10 minutes) - Linda’s Report 

    1. Financial update 

    2. Other?.23

Vote: To Approve Treasurer’s Report – Approved by all.  

$106,173 in total funds. Upcoming maturing CD’s in Sept 25 of $12,000 and Oct 23 of $16,000.  We recently invested $20,000 into a CD at a rate 4.25%.  Received porta potty grant of $690.  Received a gift of $2,000 and $374.   Pending expenses of $1,100.  Treasurer states that through operating reserves and CD’s maturing within the current year, the Association has $55,000 available without liquidating unmatured CD’s.  A Financial Reserve policy was refined by the Treasurer after receiving comments.   The Revised policy needs to be reviewed by Tom and Paul prior to submitting it to the board for comment. 

5) Key Dates (Informational):

  1. Next Board Meetings will be held August 8th at SLL

  1. Install/Remove AIS Signs at Public Landings (Approx. Dates): Early May/Oct

6) Committee Reports: (Suggested topics; please make your own agendas)

a) Membership: Chair: Paula H.; Co-Chair: Joan S./Lynn E.

- We now have 123 members – 85% participation level.

b) Water Quality, Management & Education: Chair: Tom H.

(Temporary); Co-Chair: Roger L.

      1. Lake Wakeboard Map progress (Brede to check Minnesota Lakes and River Advocate example.)

      2. Weir – Rocks occasionally get removed.  Need to check frequently.

      3. Banded Mystery Snails are an invasive species and are becoming more prevalent in the Lake.  The DNR does not see them as a threat to the ecosystem at this time.  

7) Open Initiatives/Special Projects

    1. Lake Steward Program – Itasca County delayed Roll-out until likely 2027.  Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocate have a program for the entire State.  Paul to investigate. 

Meeting Adjourned