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Meeting
Summary
May 17, 2006
Our first general session meeting of 2006 boating season covered many exciting topics with updates on some critical issues.
The meeting was attended by 65 people. Of the 65 attendees, 28 were first time participants. Our membership list has now grown to over 300 people.
OPENING REMARKS. The meeting began with a short introduction from Jim Schneider explaining our organization formation and our mission. One of our goals is to be a resource for information and education for our members. The quickest, least expensive method to reach our members is through email. We need to grow our email list of members, so we can share reservoir information with our membership.
SAFETY AWARENESS DAYS. We will hold this event over 2 weekends. Signs will be posted at the marinas. We will have volunteers on Saturday May 27 and June 3rd greeting boat launchers and Wolfie customers. We will hand out the Indiana Boating Handbook and one page quick rule reference guide with map of the designated idle zones. We still need volunteers for both Saturdays from 2 – 4PM. Please send email to jim.schneider@thomson.net if you can work either day.
DOCK ADDRESS SIGNS. Kim Jowitt from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s department presented this important safety project for the reservoir. We have had great success in securing the funding for his project. Each lake front property owner will receive an address for their dock. This dock address will be added to the street address data base used by local law enforcement agencies for emergencies. The dock addresses will allow for faster response time to emergencies on the reservoir. More information is available on our web site www.morseh2o.org including your personalized dock number.
INDIANAPOLIS WATER COMPANY INITIATIVES. Roger Goings, one of our members who serves on the Indianapolis Water Service Advisory Board, gave us an update on some of the new initiatives which should yield a positive impact on our water level issues for 2006.
The Service Advisory Board has initiated a study to determine the availability of ground water South of Indianapolis along the White River. There appears to be the location that will support the near term additional area water requirements for the greater Indianapolis areaBrian Lott, a member of the Fishers Fire Department and serving on the Geist/Morse Veola Water Citizens Advisory Group spoke about the need to grow our email list. This will assist in getting information to the property owners in a quick, effective manor. He urged everyone to get your neighbor’s email addresses into our data base. Your neighbors can go directly to our web site and register. www.morseh2o.org
WATER QUALITY. Bruce Vester gave an update on the Little Cicero Watershed Management Plan. You can keep up with the latest information on meeting notes, dates and locations plus the problems and action plans concerning the watershed plan on this web site
DREDGING. Ford Hebner discussed the possibility of organizing the property owners north of 236th street bridge for dredging the entire reservoir approximately 5 feet. The estimated cost of this project would be between $2,000 - $4000 per property owner in this area. There would need to be 100% participation to make this a reality. Property owners in other areas of the reservoir could organize themselves for dredging opportunities. You can contact Ford Hebner at 984-4845 for more information on dredging.
EXCESSIVE BOAT NOISE. Gary Helgemo reminded us that it is unlawful to operate a boat in Indiana without a muffler, an underwater exhaust or other device that muffles or suppresses the sound of the exhaust. He suggested that those who object to the noise contact your local representatives regarding this issue. If you have complaints about excessive noise call the local law enforcement agencies. Voice your objection to friends and neighbors who operate such a boat or to marine dealers that sell and demo such boats. If you don’t voice your opinion, nothing will be done. Contact Gary GHelgemo@aol.com if you have ideas or want to assist with this issue.
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES. Officer Gano has been responsible for regulation enforcement and safety on Morse Reservoir for many years. He reported that we have been fortunate to not have any serious accidents or fatalities the last few years. Safety is his number one priority.
He reported there were 384 total violations on Morse in 2005. Of those, 41 were alcohol related, 81 idle zone infractions, 28 life vest (PDF) violations many due to not having child PDF’s on the boat. There were 18 lighting infractions mostly due to no stern lights. This can cause a serious safety hazard, if approaching boat from rear or side can not see your bow lights. Nationally, there are 1/3 of boat accidents which are alcohol related.
The DNR schedules approximately 150 shifts per year. They do patrol the reservoir throughout the week, but have more shifts during the peak boating hours.
NOBLESVILLE POLICE. Officer Ginnan is taking over the Morse Reservoir responsibilities this year. He will schedule patrols during the peak hours, primarily on the weekends and the holidays. Having Noblesville assist the DNR patrolling the lake helps to deter potential violations. Noblesville does have a noise ordinance and can write tickets for violators.
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS. Save and place in your boat glove box.
Hamilton County Sheriff: 773 – 1282
Department of Natural Resources (DNR): (765) 473-9722
Noblesville Police Department: 776 - 6340
Noblesville Fire Department – 776 - 4636
Cicero Police - (Emergency) 911 (Non-Emergency) 984-3648
Cicero Fire - (Emergency) 911 (Non-Emergency) 984-4575
Donations always accepted. We need funds to help with our two major events ( Morse Cleanup Day and Safety Awareness days) and costs associated with web site and meeting notifications (flyers, signs). Your contribution of $10 - $25 (or more) can help our budget.
Make checks payable to Morse Waterways Association. Send your check to Morse Waterways Association c/o Bill Steves, 1520 Bayswater Ln. Cicero, In. 46034.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES. We need your help to distribute meeting flyers in your neighborhood 3-4 times per year. I need a volunteer to attend our meetings and write these summary notes. Contact Jim Schneider if you can assist jim.schneider@thomson.net