MINUTES OF THE
LEPOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
August 11, 1997
Meeting was called to order by President Mike Eberly at 7:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Ashworth, Mike Eberly, Leon Eisemann, Rod Kurowski, Carol Marsh, Don Stocker.
MINUTES of the July meeting were reviewed. Rod Kurowski motioned to approve, Leon Eisemann seconded. Approved.
TREASURER’S REPORT was read by Leon Eisemann.
Mike Eberly asked Don Stocker if LEPOA would be billed for the second visit of the aquatic treatment firm. Don said the second application for weeds would not be billed since the equipment failed during the application to the south side of the lake. However, the application for the algae would be billed. Don said he would get the bill from Aquest to Leon, as it is due Aug. 1.
Rod Kurowski motioned to approve, Don Stocker seconded. Approved.
BUILDING COMMITTEE – Leon Eisemann reported five approvals in the last month. Four single family dwellings, one modular, (one was a rework of an application of the month before).
Leon reported that Jack and Barb Williams had toured the development and had counted three hundred, sixty-seven houses.
The owners of the shed in Irish Mist (reported last month) were sent a letter from the Township Police. It was still there as of August 10. Two groups using lots for camping were also issued letters – have not been sighted since.
Mike Eberly reported that the Irish Mist Assignment of Rights has been signed and filed. So LEPOA now has enforcement power in Irish Mist.
There has been no evidence of a variance request for Irish Mist to date.
WATER QUALITY COMMITTEE – Don Stocker reported receiving one notice for fill and one for a bulkhead from the DEQ.
He reported that the June 10 testing for Zebra Mussels showed no signs of infestation at that time. Two more samples have been taken since then – no results reported as yet.
Don reported that Michigan Aquatic wanted to set a date to tour the disappearing islands. Mike Eberly said he would call the Board members when a date is set.
Don said the State is holding public meetings at different area lakes to gather testimony about jet skis before voting on legislation regarding the watercraft.
There have been two recent requests for the lake study by prospective property purchasers. Mike Eberly suggested having an LEPOA "Library Copy" available to members with a $5.00 deposit – refunded upon return of the document. Bob Ashworth said he would scan a copy and put it on the Web Site.
PARKS COMMITTEE – Mike Eberly announced that Tim Callahan had relocated because of his new job. He said Tim deserves a lot of credit because the Parks Committee has come a long way under his leadership and that because he did such a good job his absence has left a pretty big hole. Don Stocker added that Tim was also instrumental in teaching the young people on the lake how to water-ski. Mike expressed the need for a new Parks Committee Co-Chairman, (with the hope that Kathy Z would be willing to continue in her position as Co-Chair) and asked for any volunteers. Mike announced that Bonnie DuChateau had to decline filling Tim’s position on the Board due to family commitments.
Mary Maxe distributed a report on the Boat Parade, and asked that the report be used in the Newsletter along with photos she supplied. Mary requested an announcement in the October news regarding the sale of extra T-shirts and baseball caps. She suggested an article in the News for the readers to watch for announcements in the News and with fliers in order to know what is happening on the lake.
Mike Eberly thanked the Maxe’s and the DuChateaus once again for their labor and interest in putting the 4th of July Boat Parade together once again this year.
Carol Marsh reported a call asking that something be done about two culverts and the algae at Tralee Pond. Board will discuss in Executive Session.
A member from Waterford sited that the new gate at the 40 Acres, installed four days before the meeting, has been torn away from its bolts already
Carol Marsh asked if the Board had made any decisions for having a water line laid along the entrance boulevard. Rod Kurowski said he is still waiting for quotes.
FISH & WILDLIFE COMMITTEE – Leon Eisemann reported that 750 6"-8" large mouth bass had been stocked in the past month.
FIVE YEAR PLAN – Rod Kurowski reported that the installation of the steel seawall at Park E has helped significantly. The Drain in Park B has been finished, and the Park filled. Park G has had RipRap installed. Local High School kids were hired to do odd jobs around the community: Painted two port-o-john shelters; installed six new signs in various parks; replaced the pump at the lagoon at the front entrance; installed the gate at the 40 acres; attempted straightening signs damaged by cars at various parks (however, were unsuccessful with the park rules sign at the launch park); painted the entryway sign; fixed a major separation in the basketball court, repainted the lines and installed new nets.
Rod restated his concern that the Board consider stabilizing one of the South side parks. He asked for recommendations. After discussion, Rod motioned to install stabilization at Tipperary Park, Leon seconded. Passed.
LEGAL QUESTIONS/PROCEEDINGS – Mike Eberly reported that LEPOA will not be able to use the Drain Commissioner’s normal maintenance of the Spillway as an excuse for a draw down each year, because this is only done once every three years. Steve May sent Mike a copy of the strategy that was used by Posey Lake. He suggested using their legal process to establish LEPOA’s authorization to draw down Loch Erin annually. Mike gave the Board copies of the court order used by Posey, stating that this is how LEPOA will go about obtaining this authorization.
Mike reported that the Drain Commission is proposing to do an Engineering study this year (which will bring about a draw down for us this year). Study will include the area at the bottom of the spillway. Bob Ashworth asked if anyone had discussed putting a fence in front of the spillway so that shallow draft boats could not be drawn over it. Mike will introduce the idea at the Drain Board meeting.
TOWNSHIP MEETING – Rod Kurowski reported nothing discussed which was pertinent to Loch Erin. He stated that the bulk of the meeting was taken up with discussion of area farmers renting spaces out during the race weekends. However, an item coming up which would affect Loch Erin is a request for a lot split in Wexford. After discussion of the facts, it was decided by the Board that this would not be a true lot split, and that it would not create a problem.
OLD BUSINESS: Mike Eberly reiterated the need for a new Board member and Parks Committee Co-Chairperson. There were comments of appreciation for the Board members’ volunteerism and dedication.
NEW BUSINESS: There was a request for regulations on rafts – requiring a minimum height showing out of the water and that reflectors be placed on the sides. Board asked that an article be placed in the Newsletter regarding reflectors on rafts and asking owners to make sure their rafts are as safe as possible for boaters and skiers, as visible as possible for nighttime boaters. Also, to remind them of the maximum of 30’ from the shore.
Bob Ashworth motioned to adjourn, Rod Kurowski seconded.
Meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Marsh
LEPOA Secretary