Dredging Planned for October 2010

Dredging during the winter months has some distinct advantages but, it also means working from the ice.  The heavy snowfall precluded this option in February 2010 so dredging will begin in October 2010.  We are exploring a different dredging option that may be more efficient and environmentally friendly.  More on that later.

We have spent $2,000 to successfully secure the dredging permit from the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District.  The permit is good until Feb 2011.  All other funds remain in a segregated fund in the bank under the watchful eye of our treasurer Dale Monson and the UMSS Board.

Fund raising will continue later this summer toward our goal of $100,000.  The December fundraising was totally electronic.  We will use the old dock plan in 2010.  If you know of a sailboat or powerboat looking for a quiet marina this summer please have them call me a call at 612-759-7161.

 See you all on Saturday April 24 at the dock-in.  We are really going to miss that old dock.

$46,201 in 2009 • Tell-a-Friend in 2010!

We are grateful for the generous donations and pledges in December from 35 different families.  Thank you! Pass the word to those that have an interest in protecting sailing on Upper Lake Minnetonka.

Mep Abramson: "I feel very strongly about promoting the sailing school"

Mep Abramson has continued her families' support of sailing on Upper Minnetonka with a significant contribution to the capital improvement project. "Ed and I were among the founders of the Yacht Club,” said Mep.  "Early on, the families had the Sailing school at their homes. We were committed and I feel very strongly about supporting the Sailing School. It promotes wholesome activity for the families."  All of us involved with this project deeply appreciate the generosity of Mep and the entire Abramson family.

Dredging to begin in February with trucks working on the ice

The Construction Committee has been hard at work collecting and evaluating proposals from local contractors for the first phase of the capital improvement project.  Tom Niccum representing Minnetonka Portable Dredging was selected Monday, December 21 after a late night meeting interviewing contractors and refining our requirements.  Bill Langer discusses dredging requirements with Tom Niccum and Bob BuffinAn area similar to the footprint of the existing dock, 110' wide by 175' long, will be dredged using a Link Belt LS-78 crane with a 3/4 yard clam bucket.  An estimated 800-900 yards of muck and lake bottom will be trucked to a farm near St. Bonifacious and reconstituted as some very fertile farm ground.  Remarkably, all this happens during the winter from the frozen ice.  Stay tuned for pictures of the progress which starts in February.

Volunteers begin fundraising telephone calls

Expect a call from a UMYC/UMSS volunteer fundraiser this week.  UMYC/UMSS volunteers met at the Yacht Club Place Monday night to practice their fund raising skills.  Bruce and Charlie talk over UMSS fund raising strategyThey plan to talk with all of the members before year end to make sure they can fit a donation into their tax planning.  Brant Nelson helped the group script their sales pitch.  They seem to be more confident on the race course than selling on the telephone.  We know the membership will be receptive when they call.  Thanks to all of our volunteers including Charlie Bennett, Barry Bennet, Brant Nelson, Alan Greene, Bruce Hedblom, Noel Neuman, Dave Abramson, Keith Morical, Susan Tenney and Bob Buffin.  Our goal is to raise $40,000 before year end.  We are 25% there with the generous donation from the Dennis family.