Lake James Property Owners Association, Inc.

Monthly Board Meeting Minutes

LJPOA MEETING MINUTES
May 17, 2008

Call to Order
Call to Order: LJPOA Board Meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m. by Tim Hughes at the LJPOA Storage Barn.

There were no minutes available from the April 19th board meeting. When available, minutes will be sent by e-mail to all board members to look over and make comments. Vote to approve the minutes will be completed via e-mail to Tim Hughes.

Treasurer/Finance:
Dorothy Yakes presented the month ended April 2008 financial statements. A suggestion was made by Larry Bittner that a grand total of available monies in the general checking account and various savings accounts be listed on the report for easier access.

• Motion made by Dan Nelson to accept the treasurer’s report as presented.
• Motion Second by Larry Bittner.
• Board Motion Vote: I’s: All Nays -0-

Dorothy Yakes presented for review and approval all checks written through May 14, 2008.

• Motion made by Al Walker to accept the check summary as submitted
• Motion Second by Tim Hughes
• Board Motion Vote: I’s: All Nays -0-

Ongoing Business

Tim Hughes passed out the minutes from the past Presidents meeting that was held at the Red Storage Barn on Wednesday afternoon, May 14, 2008. Nine former presidents attended the meeting. Al Walker, attending as a past president, commented that he was not optimistic about the meeting at first but that he left feeling very upbeat. The meeting served a two-fold purpose. It was one that had been requested at the Association’s Annual Meeting and good constructive work came as a result of the meeting. The minutes will be sent to all those who attended the meeting and then be forwarded by Al Walker to Tom Hayes to be placed on the website.

The Spring Newsletter should have been mailed, as of the meeting date, to all those who had requested to receive one. Other Association members will find a copy on the website. The summer newsletter will be mailed as there will be several enclosures including the presentation of the June 7th meeting and information for the annual meeting to be held August 23rd.

Al Walker reported that there are still 20 property owners who have not paid dues. All are in some stage in the court system. Liens have been placed on all those homes and vacant lots that are for sale and have still not paid dues. He also reported that there was a problem with one of our downstate processors. There is a state statue that the Court will only accept a $21.00 process server fee. All additional costs have to be detailed in order for reimbursement. This will be adhered to in the future by the process server.

Jim Preczewski reported that key pickup went well with positive feedback from property owners. Another date for key pickup will be Saturday, May 24th from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Tim Hughes added that he will be contacting the welding company and the new lock will go on sometime during the week of the 19th of May. He also mentioned that the lock might be raised on a bar with a rubber flap covering so that people will not have to bend down when trying to open the lock.

Jim also mentioned that every year he seems to think that Spring clean-up will be easier than the year before but finds that isn’t necessarily so as Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate. This year a lot of work was done around the Red Barn. There were twenty-five people plus to help. Larry and Janie Bittner donated a prize that was awarded to a worker after everyone once again gathered at the red barn. After the official clean-up date, a sizeable tree that apparently came from the bottom of the lake was removed from the front of a home located in the Hazelwood area. Other trees are also popping up from the bottom. Larry Bittner brought up concerns about brush being cleared out at Hazelwood Park. As a board, we discourage this undertaking by our property owners but in any event, we do control what is being cleared. The seawall at Hazelwood Park needs to be filled in. Bikini Island’s park bench is once again smashed.

It was brought up that the same rules that apply to our “pets” downstate apply here. The leash law applies and is #13 in our Property Restrictions. Dogs are not allowed to run free on the islands and must be on a leash. It was also mentioned that all owners need to clean up both after themselves and their dogs on all the islands.

Dan Nelson inquired as to the progress of the removal of the Jantzen pontoon boat. Tim wrote a letter to the property owner, but he has had no response. Al Walker suggested a lawyer to lawyer contact.

Buoys will go into the lake on Friday, May 23. Everyone will meet at the barn at 9:00 a.m. to help load the buoys. Larry Bittner has volunteered his boat for this undertaking. Tim Hughes will re-rope the buoys for the swim area. The buoys are positioned by the Lake Management Team.

Al Walker reported that we are about 35 signatures short of the required 51% for passing the amended property restrictions. Al suggested that everyone on the Board try to get three signatures apiece no later than June 7. He also passed out to everyone present, copies of the current By-Laws and an explanation of the changes so that all would be more familiar with the amended property restrictions in case we would be questioned. Once we get the 51%, a letter will be drafted that will require the signature of Tim Hughes, Jim Van Vonderen and Al Walker (all Board officers) so that it can be recorded at the Court House.

Old Business

Jim Preczewski said that the first grass cutting of the season will take place on Monday, June 19th. Replanting of pine trees from Cole Park to Linwood and other areas will take place in the Fall. Jim mentioned that Terry Jenks, Ray Kahl and Des Hanson are doing a great job in maintaining some of the parks. Jim also brought up the signage boards for the three lake entrances and felt very strongly that it was a good idea and should be pursued. Dan Nelson reported that the projected cost for the three boards would be approximately $3,000-$4,000. Further discussion was tabled as the funds are not available but it would be placed on our “wish list.”

Don Bleisch and Dorothy Yakes will handle the “3rd” annual July parade. It will take place on Saturday, July 5 at noon. All boats to meet at the Red Barn area. Hotdogs will follow for all participants who wish to return to the barn.

As far as our blight issues, the St. John property has now gone from storing two pontoon boats to four. All have been registered that have motors on them. Tim reported that this issue is now in the hands of Denton Township

Dan Nelson inquired about parking of commercial vehicles as he has become aware of such actions on the part of a property owner. Tim has discussed this with the property owner and was told it will only be a temporary issue.

Al Walker reported that Tom Hayes from Suburban Computer is now the host for our website. As discussed in previous minutes, the prior host was to be replaced in the fall but because a major virus was discovered in our hosting service, this move was expedited. Tom has cleared up the site and everything is working well.

Tim reported that his wife, Mary, has stepped down from the Logo sales. Larry Bittner’s wife, Janie, has volunteered to take over this position. The two women will get together to go over procedures.

New Business

Discussion followed regarding the format of the meeting to be held at the Houghton Lake Senior Center on Saturday, June 7, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. A postcard informing all property owners of the meeting on June 7, 2008 regarding the financial future of Lake James will be mailed out sometime during the week of May 19th.

• A motion was made by Al Walker at 2:55 p.m. to adjourn the meeting
• Everyone seconded the motion.
• Board Motion Vote: I’s All Nays – 0 –

Meeting adjourned at 2:55 p.m.

Revised Saturday August 16, 2008 11:10 AM