The monthly meeting of the Grand Lake Rec Club was called to order by President, Brad Fisher at Sloopy’s. Vice President, Keith Seitz read the September meeting minutes. Treasurer, Mike Metz read the treasurer’s report. Approximately 44 present.

Thanks to Sloopy’s for letting us have our meeting there and for the generous samples of wings and chicken chunks – the homemade sauce was amazing! Things are progressing quite well, the renovations are amazing. Sloopy’s will be opening no later than October 24th. Breakfast will only be on the weekends to start, they will be 7 days a week once possible. They will have a limited menu, in general, at first. Like any new restaurant, please remember to be patient.

Treasurer’s Report and Financials

• Current checking account balance: $21,379.80.
• Mobley Foundation balance: $1,517.00.
• Recent expenses:
  • Thank you postcards
  • Safety lights for dredge $2,000
  • Rock for Oil Derrick $4,000
  • Davis Welding is under new ownership, we have not received an invoice for services

Park and Community Updates

• The campground was nearly full this past weekend and is only eleven sites short for the upcoming weekend.
• Camp hosts received special thanks for their contributions.
• A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the new playground at Shelter One, which is seeing frequent use.
• The fishing derby was a huge success.
• Reminder: Get “adopt a buoys” out before the weekend of October 17–18, 2026.
• The Walk with Nature event is scheduled for Sunday, October 18, 2026, coinciding with the fall festival in St. Marys.
• Boaters were advised to check end-of-season safety equipment; it’s a good time to buy replacement gear on sale.

Dredging and Capital Projects

• Dredging Update:
  • A total of 128,365,000 cubic yards have been dredged.
  • Brutus is pumping at the park entrance channel.
  • The Hodag is pumping in the channel west of Harbor Point.
• Capital Project Updates:
  • Fry’s pit latrine is being converted into a heated, flush restroom with an ADA adult changing station; expected to open by the end of October 2026.
  • The new park office and camp store is progressing well, with asphalt, windows, and temporary electricity installed; targeted for completion in spring 2027.
  • Over $6 million is allocated for the East Bank Marina area, including a new boat ramp, restroom, and additional docks; design phase not yet started.
  • A portion of East Bank Road will also be improved; design is underway.

Community and Volunteer Projects

• Playgrounds:
  • The new ADA playground at East Bank was highlighted as a successful project
  • A new playground and shelter house were installed in 2025/2026—the first ever playground at West Bank
• Lighting and Navigational Aids:
  • One blue light at Windy Point and some on Safety Island are out and need repair before ice-in.
  • The oil derrick light was replaced and is confirmed working.
  • The LIA is working on funding the replacement of the Behm’s lighthouse fixture and needs an electrical contractor to help.
• Cleanup and Maintenance:
  • Volunteers are requested for one more beach cleanup this year.
  • Ditch cleanup efforts have been successful, reducing frequency from four times a year to spring and fall only.
  • The Log Dog boat was used for channel clearing and cleanup

Oil Derrick Project

• Mike Metz is leading a project to compile information about the oil derrick.
• Goal: Create a one-page summary with supporting documents from partners such as Dr. Jacquemin, Wright State, and the LIA.
• The project aims to seek funding from oil companies.
• Kickoff meeting: Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 6:30 PM at Mike’s house (by Dockside).
• Future meetings: Second Tuesday of each month.

LRC and LIA Updates

• The Handicap Kids Fishing Derby on September 16, 2026, was a rewarding event.
• The new playground at the first shelter house cost $180,000, including a generous $50,000 donation from the St. Marys Eagles.
• The LIA Icebreaker event is scheduled for February 20, 2027.
• To date, 970,000 gallons of water have been pumped through the wetlands, with a goal of reaching one billion gallons.

Club Business and Next Steps

• Magnets: Input is needed on magnet design by the end of October 2026 to have them ready for the Christmas party.
• Meeting Schedule: A rough draft will be created and voted on at the next meeting.
• Thank You Cards: The club will resume sending thank-you postcards to donors.

Club drawing was for $240, #70, Rob and Donna Hignite (paid, not present)

Next Club drawing is for $260.00

Next meeting: November 8th, 2PM @ Moose

2026 Dues are now due ($20.00 per family for the year)

Respectfully submitted by Amy Ruane, Secretary.