Lake James Property Owners Association, Inc.

MEETING OF PAST PRESIDENTS OF LJPOA
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2008

A meeting was held at the Red Barn for all past presidents of the Lake James Property Owners Association on Tuesday, May 14, 2008. The meeting was called to order at 2 p.m. by Tim Hughes, current president of the LJPOA.

Past presidents in attendance, who also held various other positions on the board, were Ted Nielsen (1980-1985), Leon Syckle (1988-1992), Ed Oswald (1991-1999), Al Collins (1995-1998), Brian Webber (1997-1999), Fred Mengel (1998-2003), Roger Van Omen (2000-2003) and Al Walker (2003 to present).

Tim Hughes addressed his concerns about getting association members to serve on the board. The general consensus from those present was that nothing changes over time and that this is an age-old problem. A question was raised as to those property owners on Shadow Lake and their eligibility to hold a position on the board. Tim responded that Shadow Lake property owners are Associate Members, they pay dues and have full participation of lake privileges. They have voting rights and are eligible to run for a position on the board. At the present time, Tom Mears is an active representative from Shadow Lake on the Board and because of his work has gotten 100% participation from all property owners.

Al Collins and Ed Oswald brought up their concerns regarding voting at the annual meeting. The general consensus of the past presidents were that proxies should not be used except in the case of a tie vote. It was felt that only those people who attended the annual meeting be allowed to vote as these owners were the ones who were truly interested in their association. In the election mailings, no candidates had their name listed on the ballot but instead a proxy was sent out to be returned giving the President or Secretary the empowerment to cast their vote. At the annual meeting, the proxy was returned at time of check-in and exchanged for a ballot listing all candidates’ names. Nominations were then allowed from the floor which followed by a vote by all those in attendance. The quorum required was meant only for the people in attendance at the meeting. Leon Syckle, who helped draft the By-Laws in the 1960’s, stressed that they were not thinking that these same By-Laws, which also capped Association dues at $60.00, would be adhered to in the 2000’s. Ted Nielsen added to the discussion by stating when repairs needed to be made, such as the dam, the vote was taken at the annual meeting by all those present. Tim concluded the discussion by stating that their concerns would be brought up with the current board.

The financial budget was brought up and it was expressed by Al Collins that before raising dues all monies should be spent. An effort should be made to eliminate unnecessary spending. Fred Mengel objected to the $10.00 fee that property owners had to pay for their new gate key to the boat launch and that perhaps we were trying to make a profit from our own people. Tim stressed that all money collected was first being used to pay the cost of these keys and then the rest (which was minimal) was being put back into the lake. It was a win-win situation. Al Walker explained the reason behind the change in keys was to keep our private lake private and for property owners only. Old keys were found taped on the existing gate pole as well as under rocks around the gate area. He also mentioned that the majority of the violations issued by the Marine patrol were to those who were not property owners but “guests” on the lake. The vast majority of owners who thus far have picked up their key said “it was about time.” Tim went into some of the cost savings that the current board has undertaken this year alone. Some discussion followed as to how much authority the Board has and when the Board should let the association vote on significant spending.

Ed Oswald brought up that maybe dues should be set up differently especially for the “back-lotters”. They might then possibly get more involved in the association. The consensus of the group was that these property owners enjoy all the benefits of the lake and should pay the same amount as the lake-front owners. It was also brought up that the owners who lived on the water paid higher property taxes in addition to their association dues. Some discussion as to having an area for the back-lotters to dock their boats followed. Tim concluded this part of the discussion by stating that this would be looked at by the present board.

Discussion concerning weeds took place. It was mentioned that milfoil was first spotted in the lake about ten years ago. Brian Webber expressed his concern not only about weeds but also that erosion is taking place in the bays as water earlier was approximately six feet in depth in various bays and is now nearing three feet. He also stated that lily pads are becoming more prominent around the various islands.

Discussion again followed as to how to get property owners involved in their association and so past techniques were brought up. One of those mentioned was that lot owners on each bay had a representative who checked with his/her neighbors as to what they felt was needed or wanted and then in turn reported back to the board. This seemed to work for a time but now there are more weekenders who lead busy lives during the week and just want to come up and enjoy the lake for the short time they are here. Ted Nielsen suggested that perhaps the ladies get together and plan a garage sale with all funds going toward the lake. Other suggestions made were bingo, wine and cheese get-togethers, activities and special events for kids, golf outings both for men and women, an old car show, a “Home of the Month”, to name a few.

Tim brought up the area near the tube and that the County would be installing a guard rail. We are at the County’s mercy as to when that will happen. The fence at the tube was installed in the 80’s and even though it needs to be replaced and/or repaired, the County owns 33 feet on each side of the road and they have the right-of-way.

Al Walker explained the court procedures and that a lien has been placed on all properties that are up for sale so that at the time of sale, all outstanding dues are paid. Liens, however, have to be updated every year so follow-up is important.

Ted Nielsen suggested that in the future we eliminate a “no” vote but instead have options on which to vote and the option acquiring the most votes wins.

Tim concluded the meeting by stating that there will be a meeting held at the Senior Center in Houghton Lake on June 7, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. for all property owners to explain the financial crisis for the upcoming years. No vote will be taken—this is just an informational meeting for a vote to be taken at the annual meeting in August. Al Collins felt that we also show at this meeting what we will have to do without if we cannot acquire the necessary funds.

Tim once again thanked all those present for their time, their input and their suggestions and the meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Dorothy M Yakes, Assistant Recording Secretary

Revised Wednesday June 04, 2008 3:19 PM