August 3, 2023 Update-Mirror Lake Improvement Association Meeting
MINUTES OF THE MIRROR LAKE IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION MEETING
On August 3, 2023 a meeting of the Mirror Lake Improvement Association was held at 5:30 p.m. at the Highlands Community Building. The following board members were present at the meeting:
Pat Gleeson- President
Mike King- Vice President
Tom Roberson- Treasurer
Henry W. Welch- Secretary
The meeting was called to order by Pat G. at 5:30pm. The board members were introduced. In addition, the following guests were in attendance:
The Honorable Mr. Patrick Taylor - Mayor of Highlands
Mr. John Bryant representing River Sand the company working with the association to obtain permits and provide the dredging
Pat G. asks Mr. Taylor to update the attendees about what was happening concerning the cities involvement with getting Mirror Lake dredging started. Mr. Taylor advised that Representative Gillespie and Senator Corbin were working with the state to get some state funds approved to allow the dredging of Mirror Lake to take place. At this time everyone is waiting on the state to approve a budget. At that time we will know if funds are approved and how much monies will be available. If those funds are approved, the city will be responsible for managing the administration of those funds.
Pat G. then reviewed phase one dredging and showed a slide on the screen for everyone's review. Phase one will include areas on each side of the bridge over Mirror Lake Road. Phase one will start soon after the permits are received.
Pat G. and Mike K. discussed the removal of the canoes located near the Mirror Lake Bridge. These canoes have to be removed in order for a portion of the first phase of dredging to take place. There was discussion on how to get these removed. Mike K. asks that anyone who had a canoe there to please remove it. Discussion also took place with the Mayor about storing the boats on city property until they can be claimed by the owners. If not claimed, they will be disposed of in a manner to be determined. It was discussed that legal notification needed to be provided before final disposal of the canoes takes place.
John Bryant with River Sand gave an update on the process of getting the permits approved. There are several agencies that they are required to work with to get the permits approved. The process is proceeding and hopefully will be approved within 30 days. John advised that this first phase would require the materials removed to be hauled away. He has a site available where he can take the materials. Once they receive the permits, River Sand has Mirror Lake on their schedule and will start work as soon as they can get equipment and personnel available. John hoped they could start approximately 30 days after receiving the approved permits. John answered several questions from those attending.
Tom R. gave a financial report of the monies that have been raised for phase one of the dredging project. He encouraged everyone to continue to give as they can to keep the project moving. There is no certainty that we will receive any monies from the state. Currently we have total assets equal to $490, 557. All monies donated above the membership fee of $100 goes into the account designated for the dredging fund. No monies from that fund will be used for anything other than the permitting and dredging project.
Election of new Officers:
The following people were reelected to their offices:
Pat Gleeson- President
Mike King- Vice President
Henry W. Welch- Secretary
Mr. Tom Roberson is resigning as Treasurer. He has agreed to remain in charge of fundraising for the dredging projects. Nominations were requested for Treasurer, but none were made. Pat G. stated that he had someone available that has agreed to serve as Interim Treasurer.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Henry W. Welch