Lake James Property Owners Association, Inc.

2006 Annual Meeting Minutes

LAKE JAMES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION
2006 ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES
7:00 PM
SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 2006
HOUGHTON LAKE COMMUNITY CENTER

Opening Remarks:
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM. Al Walker, President introduced all the Board members including those that were departing - Stan Watkins and Terry Dyrval (absent) - were thanked for their years of work on the Board. An explanation of the agenda, meeting format, audio taping and a review of the Fish Fund Raffle and door prize process was done. Al thanked Mary Hughes for her outstanding work and volunteering to fill the Treasurer position on an interim basis because of Bob Mower’s resignation mid year.

Guest Speakers:
Randy Stevenson, Under Sheriff for Roscommon County Sheriff’s Office and Ray Van Goathem from Aquatic Nuisance Control

Boating Safety Regulations were reviewed by Al Walker and guest Under Sheriff Stevenson fielded questions on the rules and regulations that apply to Lake James. Al thanked the Sheriff’s Office for all their support and having at least one Deputy on the Lake most weekends.

Tim Hughes and Ray Van Goathem advised that Lake James’ milfoil is under control and that only 3 areas (18 acres) will need to be sprayed in September. An extensive discussion took place about the effectiveness of the milfoil spraying of Shadow Lake. Additional spraying will be done this fall and again in the spring, some of which the Association will not be charged.

Administrative Items and Voting:
Minutes from the 2005 meeting were reviewed. Motion to approve Ed Scanell and 2nd. by Fred Mengel. The meeting time was noted as incorrect and will be corrected before filed.

The financial report was presented by Mary Hughes. After an extensive review of the current financial status (we are barely in the black) Mary expressed the Board’s concern that if spending remained the same in the coming year she forecasted an $1800 short fall. Motion to approve the Treasurer’s report Dan Nelson and 2nd. by Larry Bittner.

Al introduced the new Board candidates: Dorothy Yakes, Jim Van Vonderen and Al Walker. Al stated that as we have more votes via ballots/proxies then association members present the Board proposes that the three candidates so identified be approved as is and that a vote take place to fill the fourth open Board position. The fourth Board member will be selected from the write in’s received via the mailed voting process and any nominations from the floor. Motion to approve Roger Van Omen and 2nd. by Pat Hagel.

Al then explained the voting process. Jim Van Vonderen (current board member), Ted Nielsen, Fred Mengel and Roger Van Omen (all past Presidents) left the meeting to count the votes. As a result of the vote count Dan Nelson was elected to fill the the fourth Board position.

Director Reports:
Report/Comments from Al Walker: Al introduced the Association’s new Web Site Master Tom Hayes. Al also advised that the Board was looking at selling 3 pieces of property to raise money based on the concern discussed earlier in the meeting on the lack of funds down the road to pay the increasing cost of weed management and etc. Considerably discussion took place wherein Al asked for a show of hands as to whether the owners would rather have a dues increase or sell property. A overwhelming majority said that would vote for a dues increase vs selling property. The Board agreed to take this input into consideration before proceeding with any property sale.

Dam:
Dam: Stan Watkins report that dam gates are in the Pole Barn will be installed this fall.

Parks:
Jim Preczewski reported that several split rail fences have been replaced and thanked Ray Kahl for mowing the grass at Linwood park. Jim also advised that the amount of grass to mow this year had been reduced to cut costs.

Fish Program:
Gary Varco reported that based on last falls fish survey (which was paid out of the fish fund, not the general fund) the lake has been stocked with 50 gallons of blackhead minnows and that a catch release program has been started on bluegills.

Weeds:
See above.

Al Collins suggested that the Annual Meeting be moved to Saturday morning as attendance might improve. Note only 58 voting members (plus family members) were in attendance.

Motion for Adjournment was made at 9:30 pm by Al Collins and 2nd. by Fred Mengel.

Revised Tuesday April 15, 2008 4:11 PM