Steel Lake Q3 Minutes 080823Steel Lake Advisory Committee
3rd Quarter Meeting
August 8, 2023 Minutes
4:00 to 5:30 pm
Committee and COWF Staff Attendance: Tom Dezutter (Chair), Margaret Reyhner, Jeremy Benson, Mark Sabol, Dave Heimer, Shelley Springer, and Dan Sternkopf.
Call Meeting to Order:
Meeting was called to order by Tom on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 4:02 pm.
Margaret approved all the minutes below, Tom seconded and everyone approved with no changes reported.
Special Meeting Minutes on March 14, 2023
2nd Quarter Meeting Meeting on May 9, 2023
Special Meeting Minutes on May 24, 2023
Approval of the 2023 Work Plan:
The 2022 to 2027 Work Plan was discussed. Jeremy motioned to approve the plant and the Mark seconded it and it was approved by all. The contract has been approved.
LMD Renewal Update:
Public hearing will be on 9/19/23.
Water Quality Monitoring Data Update:
This week the blue green algea clumps are coming up and a sample has been dropped off at King County to be analized. The lake is not very clear and can only see down approximately 1
meter.
Aquatic Vegetation Survey Update / Spray Report:
Aquatechnex is being held ransom and is working on this issue of a data breach before they can provide the information.
We have seem small leaf pond weed and some small patches of lilies on the lake around the more shallow parts. If these smaller patches start to spread, we will need to discuss if we
should treat it or not.
We need to get rid of the milfoil, but should verify what the report shows before we take action.
We should make some benchmark data for Steel lake, then when the lake reaches that number, action could take place without a vote.
An example would be if lilies lilies are 10%, the lake could be treated.
Milfoil has a zero tolerance.
Geese Management:
Lake currently had 36 geese on the lake. Per the USDA, there has to atleast 40 geese and they would like 100.
Is there a lake size requirement? Steel Lake is small and it would be nice to get the geese managed.
Is there other companies that can do geese management?
FISH and Wildlife will check if there is other options available.
Status of LMD Assessments, Collections, and Delinquents / Current Financials:
Deliquent assessments list was reviewed. These are mailed to the home owner of the property. The City of Federal Way will mail reminder letters to each of the delinquent property owners.
Discussion of Open Public Meetings Act:
Anytime committee members come together and talk, it must be advertised. Can’t email the group and discuss items in a group email per the City of Federal Way’s laywer. When sending
a group message, remember 4 or more people would result in a quarum and count as a public meeting.
Review LMD Scope, Duration and Assessment Rates:
Group discussed earlier in the meeting.
Education Efforts:
We could start the Steel Lake newsletter again called Water Log. Dan will try and search for this newsletter. The newsletter was mailed and it was 2 pages front and back. The contents
were:
What you should do and not do living on the lake.
Don’t pressure wash geese droppings into the water.
How to protect the lake.
How to treat weeds on your property.
Possible spring BBQ event for 2024:
Could invite Aquatechnex to discuss lake weeds and how to manage.
City of Federal Way could provide a table with educational information.
Questions / Misc. / Adjourn:
Kevin knows a professor that is doing a report on Steel Lake. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
A few residents have water rights on the lake and have been pumping water out for their lawns.
Ecology has a map that shows which properties have water rights.
Meeting was adjourned at 5:02 pm. Minutes were proofed by D. Sternkopf 8/15/23.