Okauchee Lake district says lake is "impaired but improving," approves treasurer report and small expenditures

The Okauchee Lake Management District on Oct. 14 voted unanimously to accept its treasurer's report and to authorize small, targeted spending as it grapples with lake management needs and equipment damage.

Commissioner Bruce Mueller reported total revenues of $410,023.23 and total expenditures of $301,978.36, leaving a budgeted balance of $108,044.87. Accountant Pat Furno said the district spent $2,000 outside the budget after a 40-foot tree fell on the newest harvester; the district paid a $1,000 property deductible and a $1,000 cutter deductible while the manufacturer assesses front-end and engine damage. "We were able to get the tree removed," Furno said.

The meeting also focused on lake health. During public comment, resident Keith Granum asked whether Okauchee Lake is listed as impaired; Commissioner Brian Sichi replied that "yes, we are considered impaired but improving," and attributed the impairment over the past five years largely to excess phosphorus runoff from farm fertilizers, detergents and leaves. Sichi added that local farmers are increasingly adopting practices to reduce runoff.

Brady Mullikin, the district's lake operations manager, gave the aquatic plant management report. He said the 2024 season closed Oct. 11, with crews hauling a record second-highest 291 dump-truck loads of vegetation (short of the 350-record year because eelgrass up-rooted early). Mullikin said the crew will rebuild damage to harvester C1 where the tree fell, plans to restore about 80 feet of shoreline using a metal-plate method expected to last 50–70 years, and is monitoring an aging 1993 dump truck transmission that "may last one more season." He also said consumable parts for 2025 will be ordered in advance because delivery can take months.

On finance matters, Commissioners John Foley and Tom Godar reported meeting with a banker to consider placing roughly $300,000–$400,000 of liquid funds into low-risk investments to earn additional interest, with Foley saying returns "up to 4%" are possible while avoiding long-term commitments. The board asked Accountant Furno to clarify required minimum liquid balances before funds are moved.

The board appointed Dee Schriver as a consultant during an organizational transition; Schriver will assist with contacts and historical context and will work with Foley and others on modifying the five-year aquatic plant management plan, using the 2022 plant survey to extend the plan through 2027 and reporting back in November.

Other actions: the board approved payments for Aug. 12–Sept. 30, 2024; approved the Aug. 12 minutes; and approved spending up to $500 to obtain a schematic diagram of septic systems on the lake to support planning. The board also discussed charging Golden Mast for 50 piers for 2025 and asked Commissioner Sichi to send a letter requesting additional fees. A proposed closed-session performance review and compensation discussion for the harvesting supervisor and/or crew was deferred to the November meeting. The board set its next meeting for Nov. 11, 2024 and adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Votes at a glance

- Treasurer's report accepted: motion by Commissioner Brian Sichi; second by Commissioner Doug Larson; unanimous. - Payments Aug. 12–Sept. 30 approved: motion by Commissioner Brian Sichi; second by Commissioner Doug Larson; unanimous. - Aug. 12 minutes approved: motion by Commissioner Brian Sichi; second by Commissioner Doug Larson; unanimous. - Up to $500 for septic-system schematic authorized: motion by Commissioner Doug Larson; second by Commissioner Bruce Mueller; unanimous. - Adjournment: motion by Commissioner Bruce Mueller; second by Commissioner John Foley; unanimous.

What’s next: The board will revisit barge-use insurance and compensation, continue work on the strategic plan ahead of a Nov. 15 grant deadline, complete the harvester damage assessment, and consider boundary and tax-key reconciliation for properties on Garvin Lake.