2025 Annual Meeting
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING
OF THE BLACKWATER LAKE ASSOC
July 19, 2025
The Annual meeting of the members of the Blackwater Lake Association, hereinafter referred to as “BLA”, was held on the above date at 9:00 a.m. with social hour and the meeting at 10:00 a.m. at Woodrow Town Hall. 44 members were present including board members, Chairman Shannon Klundt, past Chairman Lloyd Thielmann, Carolyn Dindorf, Dodi Sletten, Barbie Laughlin, Becky Seemann, Tim Marr, Scott Agre, and Rick Zbikowski. Pat McKee Director elect was also present.
Call to Order
Shannon Klundt, Board chair called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. with an opening statement asking any new first time members to stand and introduce themselves.
Approval of Agenda
The agenda was distributed prior to the meeting via Blackwater Blurb and email and copies were also available at the meeting. Shannon asked the floor if there were any additions to the agenda. There were no additions from the floor and upon motion duly made and seconded, the agenda was unanimously approved.
Approval of Prior Minutes
The minutes of the 2024 annual meeting were posted on the BLA website and were made available at the meeting by Secretary, Dodi Sletten. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the minutes were unanimously approved.
Guest Speakers
Shannon introduced our guest speaker – Jaque Johnson – DNR conservation officer for Cass County for Longville based out of Bemidji. She fielded a number of questions from the floor regarding lake quality, her role and responsibilities at the DNR, and time spent on Blackwater.
Treasurer’s Report
In the absence of treasurer Brian Roos, director Rick Zbikowski provided the Treasurers report – highlights and summary for the year 2025 to date. The reported membership is at 126. The balances in the various accounts and funds as of July 19, 2025 are as follows:
Total funds:
General Fund: $4,546.52
Lake Protection Fund: $22,361.94 this includes a $4,000 CD that matures on 10/8 that will generate $150 in interest and a $15,569 CD that matures 11/20 that will add $454 in interest.
Walleye Stocking Fund: $6,330.00 this includes a $5,000 CD that matures on 10/9 and will earn $188 in interest.
To date, the CD’s have earned $572 and an additional $800 will be earned by the end of 2025. Most preapproved expenses have been paid with an additional $2,000 of overlap expenses expected due to the change in the fiscal year end.
A commitment was made for Walleye Stocking in 2025 and the balance in the Walleye fund will cover that stocking.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Treasurers Report was unanimously approved.
In Remembrance
A moment of silence was held in remembrance of friends who are no longer with us.
Committee Reports
- 4th of July Parade: Cindy Larson reported that 13 watercraft participated in this year’s boat parade. 5 boats participated in the best decorated boat. The winning boat was the Zbikowki’s with a theme of Lake Monster.
- Beaver Control: Lloyd Thielmann reported that our beaver control contractor has done a very thorough job. He reported the removal of 23 beavers. He keeps the water way open. The dam is being allowed to be built back up again to maintain water levels but will be treated again in the fall.
- Lake Water Quality Report: Jim Sletten talked about the process he goes through to test the water and to get the clarity readings. He noted that we use RMB labs to test and track the results. He had physical copies of the trends for anyone who was interested in seeing the results and also told the members of the RMB site they could access and look at the trends at any time. While Phosphorous ticked up slightly, he reported that overall the lake looks to be in good shape with no significant changes.
- AIS Report: Carolyn Dindorf spoke about the volunteers who looks for invasive species around the lake. She reported that Woman Lake has Zebra mussels. She talked about the importance of cleaning our boats and the installation of tools at our access for our use. These tools include a grabber, brush and a plug wrench. She reported the invasive species we have on the lake are Chinese Banded Mystery Snails, Rusty Crawfish and a little Purple Loosestrife.
- Water Levels: Scott Agre reported that the DNR comes out in May to record water levels. He takes a reading once a week. The lake is up about 2 inches and doing well as far as normal levels. He noted that the water level recordings from year to year can be found at MN Lakefinder. Scott takes the water level readings weekly and reports them to the DNR.
- Fishing Committee report: Shannon reported that the fishing committee has committed to stocking walleye in the fall of 2025. The association was able to do this due to generous donations from it’s members. 338 lbs. of fish at $20 per pound has been committed to. These will be fingerlings very nice size 6-9 inches.
- Board of Directors Election:
The board of directors nominated the following for election.
- Rick ZBikowski (Director-2 year term)
- Pat Mckee (Director-2 year term)
- Scott Agre (Director-2 year term)
A motion was duly made and seconded, the nominations were closed as there were none from the floor and the slate of directors nominated by the Board of directors was elected by unanimous acclimation.
- Cabin Coffee: Due to low turnout and response, the board has decided to eliminate the cabin coffee events.
New Business:
- Rental Property Concerns: Property rental concerns were raised from the membership regarding the misuse of the properties and lake and behavior from the renters. They asked if the board could do anything to help when these situations occur. Shannon explained it was best if the local law enforcement get engaged if the situation required it. Further discussion led to working together to put a letter outlining respecting the lake properties and water as well as abiding by fishing regulations and regard for neighborhood. This letter would be included in the welcome packets.
There being no further business to come before it, upon motion duly made and seconded, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 11:35 a.m.
Dated as of the date first written above.
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Dodi Sletten, Secretary