Meeting Called to Order by Mike Stappert at 9:00 AM at the Johnson County Community College Olathe Health Education Center and via Zoom
Present: Ryan Mueller, Amy Heaven, Leslie Hind, Sandy Adams, Mike Stappert, Melinda Broward
Absent: Greta Jahraus, Mike Rankin, Blake Larson
Board Roles: Mike Rankin was unanimously selected to be the next GLA President after Amy Heaven stepped down in the Fall.
Mike Stappert, a new Board member from Lake Road 11, opened by expressing appreciation for the hard work of the GLA Committee and encouraged residents to invite friends and neighbors to future meetings.
Agenda Overview
Mike outlined the agenda, which included a Special guest speaker from KDHE.
Officer Reports
Secretary’s Report
- Minutes from the last meeting were reviewed. Motion to approve by Donna Pierce, seconded by John Messina.
Treasurer’s Report
- Financial updates were shared.
- Motion to approve report by Sandy Adams, seconded by Pete Adams
Special Presentation: KDHE Water Quality and Algae Update
Guest Speaker: Ben Growcock – Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)
Presentation Overview:
Ben addressed a newly discovered form of harmful algae in Gardner Lake—benthic cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae mats. His detailed explanation included:
- Algae Type & Characteristics:
- Benthic cyanobacteria grow on the lakebed and can attach to rocks, plants, or docks.
- During warm months, the mats can produce gas and float to the surface, appearing suddenly.
- These mats can persist year-round and become a health concern when disturbed.
- Health & Environmental Concerns:
- Exposure (especially to pets or children) can lead to illness through skin contact or ingestion.
- Identification is difficult since these mats may mix with harmless algae or plants.
- Statewide Context & Monitoring:
- KDHE has tracked planktonic algae (the “pea soup” type) since 2010.
- Discovery of benthic types at Gardner Lake in late 2024 prompted the creation of new protocols in 2025.
- KDHE’s bloom season runs from April to October, and monitoring is complaint-driven for public-access waters.
- Next Steps for Gardner Lake:
- Gardner Lake is now actively monitored by KDHE.
- Residents are encouraged to report unusual algae growth.
- KDHE will continue providing updates and advisories through official channels.
Old Business
1. Community Engagement
- Emphasis on improving attendance and neighbor involvement.
- Discussion included suggestions to promote meetings and increase participation.
2. Water Quality Monitoring
- Continued collaboration with KDHE on testing and public advisories.
- Review of how blooms were detected and reported in past seasons.
3. Social Event Coordination
- Acknowledgement of the effort needed to plan and host annual events.
- Volunteer recruitment was mentioned as a priority for sustaining these activities.
New Business
1. Community Ownership Exploration Task Force
- The GLA task force is still investigating the possibility of local ownership of the lake. The survey did not have a strong response and so the team is looking into alternative plans.
- Goals include improving community control over decision-making, especially around health, access, and environmental care.
- Early-stage research is underway; updates will follow in future meetings.
2. Lake Health Update
- Leslie provided comments on continued lake quality tracking.
- Concerns included runoff, wildlife impacts, and resident-reported changes in water clarity and odor.
- Recommendations included proactive shoreline maintenance and seasonal cleanups.
3. Questions and Concerns from Residents
- Open discussion invited community members to share additional concerns.
- Topics included algae sightings, pet safety, lake access points, and signage during health advisories.
Social Events Report
Special Events
- Melinda gave a preview of upcoming community events for summer and fall.
- Mentioned events included a 4th of July celebration, Fall potluck, and a potential movie night by the water.
- Emphasized the need for volunteers to help plan and set up each event.
Raffle
- A cooler raffle was held at the end of the meeting.
- Tickets are available through Venmo or Leslie Hind.
Motion to Adjourn
Motion to adjourn was made by Mary Burnettand seconded by Tracy Kerth.