Saturday, July 2, 2005

Keepsake Shores

Call to order: President Skip Youngblood called the meeting to order at 9:35 AM. Forty-three people were in attendance.

Skip Youngblood again thanked Keepsake Shores for allowing us to use their access site for the Annual Meeting. Thanks were extended to Pat and Mary Cummings for the use of their gazebo and electrical service for preparing the coffee as well as those Association Board members who worked to put the meeting together. A show of hands was taken for each lake area to recognize those in attendance.

Minutes of June 26, 2004 Annual Meeting: Approved as presented on motion by Ruth Wilkinson and second by Joy Brown.

Treasurers Report: Approved as presented with a balance of $760.23 on motion by Ruth Wilkinson and second by Joy Brown.

Weevil Update: Chuck Cubbage provided an update on the progress of the weevil treatment of the lake to combat Eurasian Milfoil. EnviroScience has been harvesting weevils from areas of Eagle Lake with the agreement they will replace two for every one removed. These harvested weevils are cultivated in EnviroScience’s laboratory for implanting in other lakes as well as replanting in Eagle Lake in areas where they are needed. Implanting replacement weevils where they are needed in our lake helps with the overall distribution of the weevils for the most effective treatment. Approximately 5,500 weevils have been removed and 11,000 are being, or will be, replaced.

Water Quality: Chuck also reported on the evaluation of Eagle Lake that was done by Dr. Fusilier, Consulting Limnologist with Water Quality Investigators of Dexter, Michigan. This report compared data collected from Eagle Lake since 1993 and shows the relative healthy state of our lake while noting warning signs of the slow build-up of phosphorous, which feeds both the Eurasian Milfoil and native weed growth and contributes to the deterioration of water quality. Copies of the full report are available from the area representatives.

Considerable discussion followed Chuck’s review of the report. Many of those in attendance supported the Association’s efforts to bring awareness of the causes of this phosphorous build-up to the attention of property owners through articles in the newsletter. It was noted the immediate actions that could be taken were the elimination of yard waste burning within 50 feet of the water’s edge and the elimination of the use of commercial fertilizers, or at least use of non-phosphorous containing fertilizers, near the water. In response to questions regarding ordinance restrictions on yard waste burning it was noted that the Township government was reluctant to in-act such restrictions and that property owner attendance at Township Board meetings would make the supervisors aware of the interest in such burning restrictions.

Discussion turned to what the greatest cause of our lake pollution is, the septic systems around the lake, especially the older systems that may not be operating properly and are most likely closer to the lake. Many asked about the possibility of a sewer system, which had been considered some years ago, and were advised the Lake Association had asked an expert in that area to address the Board at its September meeting. The pros and cons of previous sewer considerations were discussed as well as newer concepts and possibilities. Kip Kerby noted that it was very possible that within the next 20 years we would be required to have a sewer system and that planning for such a system ahead of time may be more advantageous to the property owners than waiting until such a system is forced on us.

Concerns From Property Owners: Continued concern was expressed regarding boaters who fail to stay clear of swimmers using diving rafts as well as some rafts being to far out in the lake, well out in the normal navigation area of the lake. Others were concerned about the high speeds of some watercraft as well as the reckless handling by the operators. In all cases they were advised to contact the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office and register a complaint, preferably with the registration number from the watercraft. While the Association addresses these concerns in newsletters and postings at the access site, we have no enforcement powers and must rely on the County to police the lake, which they frequently do and are doing with unmarked watercraft.

There was also concern regarding the dam in the drain next to the public access site and the possibility there was a piece of steel missing from it. Chuck Cubbage advised that the legal level of the lake was established by the DNR years ago and the dam is in place to maintain that level when there is sufficient water in the lake. There is not a piece missing from the dam, it is designed that way intentionally. The established lake level is intended to address concerns of property in some of the lower areas around the lake.

Election of Officers: The slate of officers presented in the agenda was elected on motion by Ruth Wilkinson and second by Tony Herd. Chuck Cubbage will serve as President, Skip Youngblood as Vice President, Pat Cubbage as Treasurer and Doug Dorgan as Secretary.

Other Business: Doug Dorgan related his involvement in the recovery of several watercraft that had either floated away due to the higher water this spring or broken loose when mooring lines failed. He also related a personal incident regarding the loss of a swing set that had blown into the lake some time this spring and was not missed until it had been destroyed by the property owner where it had washed up. Doug recommended that anyone finding an errant item floating up on their property, or anyone who has lost an item, contact their Lake Association area representative who can contact other Board members and help in tracking down the owner or item. In the case of registered watercraft, notify the Van Buren County Sheriff’s office and they can have the registered owner contact you. You also might consider marking your floatable property with your name for easier identification should it happen to float away. Two meeting attendees mention dock sections that had floated up on their property and remain unclaimed.

Adjournment: The 2005 annual meeting was adjourned at 10:25 AM.

Douglas G. Dorgan

Secretary