Transcribed from original minutes

EAGLE LAKE-PAW PAW ASSN.

President Glen Wilkinson called the meeting to order at 10:15 AM.

The Board Members introduced themselves.  Absent were: Hoodrije Rep. And Palmer Beach Rep.

Sergeant Fred Siegel represented the Sheriff Department.  He stated there was a change in the Personal Watercraft Laws.  The new laws are now in effect.  Question was asked regarding the PWC laws regarding age.  Comment was made there has been little law enforcement made.  Lots of lake are not enforcing.  Chuck Cubbage said to feel free to use the Association to enforce.  Sergeant Siegel stated to please call 657-3101 when illegal operation is being done.  The PWC are to be off the lake one hour prior to sunset.  Question was asked regarding swimmers.  How far out can they go.  He stated there is no limit.  It is the swimmers prerogative.  There is no law regarding paddle boats.  No Wake regulation is in effect when dark.  There are 78 lakes the sheriff department controls.  They spend up to 112 hours a week on inland lakes.  The department has four boats and two jet skis for the 78 lakes.  Question regarding alcohol.  Cannot drink and operate a vessel.  “Boatus.com is a course on the internet.  This certificate is acceptable.  Average fine for violation is $25-$100.

Sergeant Siegel was asked if it was possible to have a volunteer marine program.  He stated it would be no problem if someone from the lake would be willing to go to school.  Chuck Cubbage commented the MLSSA will work together with the Sheriff Department.  Non power boats have the right-away over power boats.

Ellen Collins asked if the representative from the areas around the lake are willing to be called.  Skip Youngblood suggested taking the materials regarding the laws, etc. and pass them out.

Harold Finley suggested the Association could send a letter to the violator.  If that does not take care of the situation then go to the Sheriff Department.  Question was asked if the rules are posted.  They are not.  The DNR is responsible to put up signs.  Permission needs to be granted to post signs at the DNR Public Access.  The DNR Plainwell Law Enforcement # is 685-6851 – Law Enforcement-Kim Early.  Ask for Sergeant or Lieutenant for permission to post signs.

Aquatic Weed Control- Chuck Cubbage:  The Board has listened to five different concepts regarding weed control.  We have decided to go with the Middfoil Weevil.  We plan to stock enough weevils to take care of the problem.  Chuck explained the process of the weevil ”working”.  It is not bigger than a grain of rice.  It only eats Eurasian Milfoil.  Enviro Science has given us a proposal of 2-3 thousand per acre.  They will come in and do assessment.  We are looking at 38 acres within the five feet category.  We have 20-30 acres that present a problem.  Price is $1.00 per bug.  Going with the weevils we do not need to go with the whole lake at one time.  Impact will be inhibited by boats going through.  Regarding assessment-Collins Cover situation brought up.  Question was asked regarding size.  (About 32^nd of inch).  Tom Kohl stated we are looking at a special assessment through the township.  We need 51% of the people around the lake to sign a petition to do the special assessment.  Petition will then be submitted to the Paw Paw Township Board.  Tom described the procedure involved.  We would like to try to assess the DNR, which has five units of benefit.  Glen Wilkinson and Tom Kohl met with the assessor.  He stated he would probably us unit of benefit.  Legal lot size is 200 ft.  Going with the Township, they will put the money up front.  The petitions need to be circulated as soon as possible.  Skip Youngblood suggested everyone talk to their neighbors and get them to sign.  The assessor will determine the assessment district.  Skip Youngblood explained using the weevil over chemical.  The chemicals have to be repeated.  Mel Brown stated on August 8, an Engineer from Enviro Science will be here.  Everyone is invited to come.

            The minutes from the 1999 Annual meeting were read.  John Tapper moved to accept.  Dr. Cain supported.  Motion passed.

            Treasurer Patricia Cubbage read the treasurer’s report with $3,113.94 balance.  Harold Finley moved to approve.  Dr. Cain supported.  Motion passed.

            Nominating committee.  President Wilkinson recommended nominating committee of Harold Finley, Chuck Cubbage and Jerry King.  John Tapper moved the nominating committee be Harold Finley, Chuck Cubbage and Jerry King.  Mel Brown 2^nd.  Motion carried.

            No old business.

New Business:  Question was asked what are we legally allowed to do with the geese.  Suggestion was made to contact the DNR.  Duane Packer suggested writing a letter to the DNR expressing the concern regarding the geese.

Ellen Collins asked question regarding disease in “ash trees”.  Suggestion was to call the MSU Extension Office at 657-7745.

--Concern was expressed with the lake level being so low.

--Ellen Collins moved to activate the petitions 60 days from today by September 22.  Barb Kohl 2^nd.  Motion passed.

--Barb Kohl was thanked for printing the newsletter and putting it in newsletter format.

Bob Brown moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:55 am.  Pat Cubbage 2^nd.

Respectfully submitted,   Bernice Packer, Secretary

Back <<