Lake James Property Owners Association, Inc. Home Page

Lake James Property Owners Association, Inc.

Roscommon County, Michigan

2011 Annual Meeting Minutes
AUGUST 13, 2011
(Draft)

Board Members
Name Position  
Larry BittnerPresident 
Rodger ShutterVice PresidentExcused
Dorothy YakesSecretary/Treasurer 
Rocco DaversaAquatic Weed Mgmt 
Jane TomaszewskiEvents 
Jimmy PreczewskiParks Mgmt. 
Gary KnollFish Mgmt. 
Don AdamsParks Mgmt.Excused
Pat MurrayDam MgmtExcused
Tom MearsShadow LakeExcused

Call to Order:
Larry Bittner, President, called LJPOA Board Meeting to order at 10:02 a.m. The meeting took place at the Houghton Lake Senior Center

Larry introduced the guest speakers to our meeting. Officer Ed Pearen, Head of Marine Safety Patrol, Roscommon County, addressed the new law effective October 1, 2011 with regard to PWC's. Those less than 14 years of age may NOT legally operate a PWC. Those 14 and 15 years of age may operate a PWC legally only if he/she is accompanied on board by his parent or legal guardian. Those 16 years of age or older may operate any boat on the waters of Michigan provided they have a boating safety certificate or a valid Michigan I.D. The same rules apply both to PWC and or pontoon/boats.

All those who operate either a PWC or a pontoon/boat are highly recommended to participate in the Michigan safety boating class. Everyone operating a PWC or a boat/pontoon must have valid identification on their person at all times when on the water.

The "no wake" rule was also discussed. There is a "no wake" rule in all of our channels. It was suggested to the property owners that for those not respecting the "no wake" policy, that the MC number from the boat in question be obtained. They should then call either Dave Krug, who resides on our lake, call someone from the LJPOA lake marine patrol or call 275-5101 and a patrol officer would investigate the problem.

A representative from Savin Lake Services Inc., our new weed provider, gave a report that they have received some constructive criticism but that all is positive. They have sprayed the lake on June 22 and 23, and July 22. They will be back on August 23 to spray for weeds, algae and lily pads. Lily pads will be sprayed this year at no additional cost. The DEQ guidelines state that only a 40 x 40 sq. ft. area can be sprayed in front of homeowner lots or if the lily pads are an impediment to navigation. Call Rocky Daversa for more information at 734-284-0184 or email him at bunnyrock64@aol.com After all the guest speakers completed their presentations, Larry proceeded to explain the agenda, meeting format, and the utilization of the microphone. He also explained the 50/50 raffle and explained that there would be three winners as before-25%, 15% and 10%. He also reminded everyone that LJPOA logo items would be offered for sale before and after the meeting. Some items had been marked down.Administrative Items:

Minutes:
Larry submitted the minutes from the 2009-2010 LJPOA annual meeting for review and approval. The minutes have been on the website since October 2010.

  • Motion made by LJPO Mary Wakeen to accept the 2010-2011 LJPOA annual meeting minutes as written and presented.
  • Motion second by LJPO - Diane Gendron
  • Motion Vote: I's All Nay's -0-

Treasurer/Finance:
Dorothy Yakes presented the annual financial report ending July 31, 2011 consisting of:

Gross Revenue$90,895.74
Gross Operating Expenses$76,608.46
Net Revenue$14,287.28
Balance Sheet
Current Assets$155,789.54
Fixed Assets$54,865.63
Total Assets$210,655.17
Liabilities$0.00
Ownership Equity$196,367.89
Year to Date Revenue$210,655.17
  • Motion by LJPO Jim Preczewski to accept the Treasurer's Report as written and presented.
  • Motion second by LJPO Jane Tomaszewski
  • Motion Vote: I's All Nay's -0-

Presentation of Fourth of July Traveling Award:
Jane Tomaszewski acknowledged all those who participated in our 6th annual parade and mentioned that participation was down somewhat this year but the excitement of those involved and those watching from their boats or front yards was the best ever. Accepting the most patriotic award was Sharon and Bernie Adams. The most original award went to the Millers for their Stanley cup entry. Both the Adams' and Millers' were presented with a free lube compliments of Hart Auto. Third place overall was presented to the Yakes Family for their "Santa's Vacation is Over" entry. A tie for the trophy this year went to Team Waldenwood for their "Thomas the Train" entry and to the Timberlakes for their USS Pride entry. The trophy will remain with each for six months. Jane also extended a thank you to Brian's Small Engines and T & W Landscaping for their generous monetary donation and Parker Seiler for the snow sculpture at the winter picnic.

Review of voting process and ballot handout:
Larry Bittner reviewed the voting process and introduced the candidates running for the three open three-year positions. Those running are Pat Murray, Rodger Shutter and Jane Tomaszewski. There were no nominations from the floor for additional candidates.

  • A motion was made by Larry to vote by acclamation the three members running for the three open positions.
  • Motion second by Dan Nelson
  • Motion Vote I's All Nays - 0 -

There were no nominations from the floor for the one year open position on the board.

All proxy ballots to be destroyed after the meeting

Board Reports

Fish - Gary Knoll
Gary reported that last fall, 1,000 walleye were deposited in the lake by Cedarbrook Trout Farm that were 10 to 13 inches in length. More walleye will be planted this October. He reminded everyone that a walleye needs to be 15 inches to be legal. He would like those that catch walleye to report it on the website just for information purposes. We are still a voluntary catch and release for bass. Gary also reported that according to the DNR, Lake James is considered a public lake with private access. With various testing that has been completed because of concerns brought to the board's attention, it has been reported that we have a very healthy lake.

Weeds - Rocco DaVersa
Rocco reported that he could add nothing more to the report made by Savin Lake Services. He did remind everyone that if they have a lily pad question, to get in touch with him.

Dam - Pat Murray
Larry reported for Pat Murray who was unable to attend the meeting. The gates have been closed at the dam since early spring. The lake is down due to the lack of rain and also by those residents using the lake to water their lawns.

Parks - Don Adams
Don reported that vandalism is still occurring within the parks. This vandalism has been and will continue to be reported to the police. At present, we are having a problem with ATV's tearing up Matchwood Park and running into the playground equipment. We are asking that if you notice anything unusual going on within the parks, to please call a board member. It was also brought up that property owners need to be more aware of their dogs and their "deposits." Dogs are to be on a leash at all times and owners need to be more conscientious in cleaning up behind them. Lisa Manzenella talked about "Goose Busters" to come in a help with our goose problem. Township needs an ordinance to have Goose Busters come in. Lisa has volunteered to help us with the paperwork.

Events-Jane Tomaszewski
Hoping to start a committee to expand our 4th of July celebration by doing a pig roast or some type of festival. Also trying to organize a women's group to perhaps go out for brunch once a month. First get-together will be Wednesday, September 14th at 11:00 a.m. Call Jane for more information.

Dues - Rodger Shutter
We have 762 members in our association. There are approximately twenty members who have now fallen behind from 2006 through 2011. Dues statements for 2011-2012 will be going out shortly. The statements will have a new appearance. Dues are due October 31, 2011.

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS

  1. With the water being low, stumps are showing up. Is there a way to get rid of them?
  2. Has anyone complained of swimmer's itch?

Larry reported that there had been a problem on the lake in the spring with dead ducks and geese cropping up. An illness of a dog had also been reported. Water samples from different areas of the lake were collected and sent to the MSU Lab for a mass spectral test to check the vapors. This information was also sent to a veterinarian in Gaylord who verified that there are various chemical in the water-all of which were natural and non-harmful to both humans and animals. A heavy metals test was also suggested and completed with results that indicated no problem with the water, and that, in fact, we have a very healthy lake.

  • A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mary Wakeen.
  • Motion second by LJPO Ed Scannella
  • Motion Vote: I's All Nays - 0-

Meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m.

A short meeting of the new board convened immediately after the meeting to determine officers for the new fiscal year.

Respectfully submitted
Dorothy M Yakes
Secretary, LJPOA Board


Revised Tuesday August 30, 2011 9:08 AM