APELL - Volume 15 Issue 1

The Association for the Protection of the Environment of Latourelle Lake "Working together for our Members" l'Association pour la protection de l'environnement du Lac Latourelle "Travaillant ensemble pour nos membres" www.apell.org    Volume 15, No. 1   February 2006

A word from your president

By David Adcock

In this newsletter you will find the association's calendar of events along with the garbage and recycling schedules for 2006.  For reference purposes I have always found it convenient to attach a copy to the cottage refrigerator.

I would like to thank Jean-Pierre Gravel who will be hosting this year's children's fishing derby followed by the adult evening barbeque.  Please note the amended time for this year's evening event.  Jean-Pierre will also be coordinating the lake cleanup this year; I would like to ask cottagers, members or not, to offer JP some assistance on the weekends of June 17 and July 08; boats, chainsaws, ATVs, trucks and, of course, muscles will all be required.

Following last year's successful karaoke night we have decided to host a similar event again this year.  Please refer to the calendar of events for details.

Water testing results have also been included.  During last September's general meeting it was decided that a second set of tests should be carried out late September 2005.  Prior to then the municipality, at one of their monthly meetings, placed a financial limitation on the amount of monies they would reimburse lake associations for water quality tests.  In order not to exceed the $200.00 limitation, and given that the tests are for swimming purposes only and the cold weather was rapidly approaching, it was decided not to carry out supplemental testing.  Weather permitting, the next set of tests will take place in July this year.

In closing I would like to take this opportunity to offer health, prosperity and good fortune to all in the New Year.  We look forward to an early spring, a long and warm summer followed by the beautiful fall colours.  A ride on the Wakefield steam train is always enjoyable during the autumn period.
 

Minutes of the September 3, 2005, Annual General Meeting

Call to order:  President David Adcock called the meeting to order at 10:40 a.m. and welcomed everyone in attendance, especially those new to the association.

Minutes of the last meeting:  The minutes of the meeting held on May 28th, 2005 were adopted.

Water testing results:  Recent water tests were carried out in Lac Long (5 locations) and in Lac Morissette (4 locations).  Results and comparative figures for last year were as follows.

Results were disappointing and appear to indicate that water quality has gone down, although a variety of factors, including hot weather and recent rainfall, can influence the outcome.  All septic tanks were checked and showed no problems.

It was agreed that a second round of tests be carried out in September.  Anyone aware of problems should contact David.

Newsletters:  Copies of the recent newsletter were left at the mailboxes.  This is a good way of ensuring that as many people as possible receive a copy and the practice should be continued.

Mayor's Report:  Acting mayor Laurent Fortin attended the meeting and provided an update on municipal affairs.  Highlights are as follows:

• Road repair costs were $83,000 for this year but the paving of the road planned for next summer is estimated at $1.2 million.  Costs will be shared three ways between the local, provincial and federal governments.  The municipality would have to borrow money in order to pay its share.  At this point, it may be better to wait until after the spring thaw to commence the work.
• A committee composed of local lake association representatives is being restructured and will include more lakes than in the past.  APELL will be represented.  The mayor will sit on the committee.
• Water testing costs will be paid for by the municipality in the future for Lacs Long, Acaja, Blue Sea and Morissette.
• A committee has developed a proposal for a summer theatre in Blue Sea that would be based in the church, which is under-used and in need of revenue.  Two public meetings have been held to examine the proposal.  Lac Long was well represented.
• Snow removal costs are estimated at $1200 per kilometre for next winter, due to increased costs (primarily gasoline).
• A public meeting to look at the development plan for Mont Morissette will be held in November (originally scheduled for October).  The proposal includes a "casse croûte" and better surveillance to help prevent vandalism.
• The municipality purchased a car to help reduce the amount spent on travel costs reimbursement.  There has been a significant reduction in the number of kilometres travelled.
• A human resources consultant is examining Blue Sea's requirements vis à vis inspectors.  There are presently 2 inspectors working full-time, which is more than similar sized municipalities.  One possibility is to have 2 inspectors working only during the summer months.  A report is due in November.
• Municipal Elections will be held on November 6, 2005.

Lake Clean-Up:  Marc Girard thanked the people who helped with the annual lake clean-up.  The turnout was better than in previous years.  Anyone who sees floating logs should call Dave Adcock who will pull them out with his pontoon boat.

Clothing:  Joanne Girard reported that clothing sales were strong last year.  New t-shirts are now in stock, in various sizes, for $15 each, as well as hats, for $20 each.  For other orders, the turn-around time can be as little as 10 days, although waiting to submit orders until a number of items are required helps to reduce costs.  A variety of catalogues are available for viewing.  A logo for Lac Morissette is available as well.

Membership:  Revenues for membership fees are up to $580 this year, compared to $465 last year, indicating more interest in APELL membership.  People from Lac Morissette interested in joining should contact M. Émilien Fortin.

Signs:  New signs regarding swimmers and the ban on using leeches as bait have now been posted around the lake.  The signs were obtained by Marc Girard at no cost to the association.

Noise:  Complaints have been received regarding noise around the lake and boats travelling too fast, especially in the small bays.  Other than approaching the individuals involved, to make them aware of the disturbance, the only option available is to call the police.

Elections:  Elections for positions on the executive of APELL were held.  Several members of the 2003-2005 executive have indicated that they are no longer able to serve.  These include: Linda Cousineau, Victoria Baressi and Marc Girard.  Thanks to them for all their efforts.

A new slate of candidates willing to take on the positions was presented and acclaimed.  Your 2005-2007 APELL Executive members are:

The vacant position for a representative for Lac Morissette will be filled as soon as an available candidate can be found.

Draw:  A draw for a door prize was held.  Véronique Girard won a beautiful bird feeder.

The meeting adjourned at 12:10 p.m.  Minutes prepared by Christine Trauttmansdorff.

(Note: a financial report will be available at the next meeting).
 

Please note: The opinions expressed in this newsletter reflect the ideas of the authors and not the Association for the Protection of the Environment of Lac Latourelle.

A word from the mayor

by Laurent Fortin
Mayor
Municipality of Blue Sea

Greetings to all the members of the association for the protection of the environment for Lake Latourelle and Lake Morissette.  I would like to take advantage of this occasion to wish you a Happy New Year and much success with your future projects.

Continue with your good work for the environment of Lake Latourelle and Lake Morissette; it is very much appreciated by your Municipality.

I remain at your entire disposal at all times.
 

Garbage Collection and Recyclable Materiel

The Municipality of Blue Sea has provided the following information concerning 2006 garbage pickup and the collection of recyclable materiel.

Regular garbage pickup will take place on Mondays; in the event of a holiday the collection will take place the following Wednesday.

Recyclable materiel will be collected on the following dates:

APELL Calendar of Events

www.apell.org   APELL s/c 24e chemin de la Ferme, Blue Sea Lake, QC  J0X 1C0   2005-2007 Executive Committee

2005-2007 Executive Committee