Lake James Property Owners Association, Inc.

Lake James Newsletter
Fall, 2007

VIEWS FROM YOUR PRESIDENT:
Well summer has said good bye to the Lake James area and the smell of wood burning in the fireplaces around the lake is in the air. This to me is the prettiest time of the year to be enjoying Michigan’s northern country. Boats that have cruised the lake to catch the evening sunset are gone. Also many members of the lake are bidding goodbye for the winter months, heading for those warmer sunsets in the south.

The trees around the lake are doing their best to show off the colors of Michigan’s fall season. Soon the clouds will be covering the sky and snow will cover the Lake James landscape. Then another sound will resound thru the lake as the snow people enjoy the winter months on the snowmobiles. It seems that there is something special about every season up here on the lake, I guess that is why we keep coming back to enjoy our time on the lake along with all our friends and neighbors.

As it has been in the past, the winter picnic is scheduled for the second weekend of Tip-Up Town. The location has changed and we’ll now be meeting at the red barn at the dam. Just a word of caution though, the ice in the area around the dam is usually thin so you need to avoid that area and observe the markers and yellow tape. We have opened two shoreline areas for snowmobile riders to get to the picnic area –they will be marked.

So, until we hear the sound of boats on the lake and smell of great foods cooking away on the outdoor grills, we’ll close the books on another great time on our lake. Let us all enjoy the change of colors that this season brings to the lake and look to have a wonderful winter with all its peace and beauty.

See you again in the spring,
Tim Hughes

DELINQUENT DUES STATUS:
As of late October many members are late in paying their yearly dues. A reminder letter is in the mail to all delinquent members advising them of their lateness and that (per the Association By-Laws) they are required to pay the 7% late fee on all past due accounts. Also, that if past due balances are not paid by December 5, 2007 we will begin Small Claims Actions and place liens on the property. It should be noted that if legal actions are taken they will be responsible to pay all associated court costs and any LJPOA incurred costs as a result of the legal actions.

WINTER PICNIC 2008:
The winter picnic will be on January 26, 2008 between 12:00 noon to 3:00pm. As Tim said above, its being held at the red pole barn next to the dam. Food and beverages will be provided, including hot dogs, chips and warm beverages. We hope to see all of you there, and for you that may be coming by snowmobile please heed the thin ice markings.
Don Bleisch

PROPERTY RESTRICTIONS AMENDMENT STATUS:
Reminder - you still have time to send in your consent form to approve the Property Restrictions (PR) revisions. As stated in our September letter, we have made some further revisions to the PR’s that reflects your input of two and one half years ago. Please, if you have any questions contact Al Walker or Tim Hughes. WE NEED YOUR RESPONSES.

NEW BOAT LAUNCH KEY/DECAL PROJECT STARTS SPRING 2008:
As discussed in detail at the Annual Meeting, its time to change the boat launch key/padlock system due to the increasing number of trespassers on Lake James. In addition we will be implementing a boat trailer decal requirement for all trailers parked at Moosehead Park while the LJPOA members are on the water for the day. A letter will be mailed to all LJPOA members this winter detailing the program--when and where their new key and decals will be available this spring.

LAKE JAMES MEMORIAL/HONORARIUM PROJECT:
As addressed in the Summer Newsletter and again at the Annual meeting Lake James is providing all members the unique opportunity to memorialize/ remember your past loved ones or pets by purchasing an approved memorial item. Please check out our website, www.lakejamesmi.org and click on Park Maintenance on the left side for more information.
Pam Bylica, Project Administrator

WEEDS/AQUATIC NUISANCE UPDATE:
I have completed my first year as the “weed man”. A warm spring accelerated the weed growth in the lake. Once we started spraying, the weeds got knocked down and I felt the lake looked the best since I bought on the lake (2001). Lily pad spraying took place in the fall with 9 of the 12 lots sprayed in 2006 being sprayed again this fall. We also had 14 new applications in 2007.

With the weed growing season done for the 2007 season, we are now looking at 2008 for a new contract to control aquatic nuisances in the Lake James. I sent out requests for bids to numerous companies that specialize in weed control and received four bids.

Our Lake Management team reviewed the bids and I am in the process of resolving questions that are specific to each company. Once the questions are answered, we will be signing a new contract for 3 to 4 years. As information becomes available I will update the web site.
Dan Nelson

PARK MANAGEMENT:
Well, the parks have pretty much shut down for the winter so there’s not to much to report. However, remember to mark your calendars for the parks clean up, May 3rd 9:00am. We will meet @ the boat ramp. At around noon we will knock off for lunch - don’t forget to invite your significant other to join us for lunch as well. Also, if have any ideas for park improvements please let us know.
Jim Preczewski

DAM MANAGEMENT:
The Dam is in good shape after being repaired last year. We have removed the boards for the winter and will replace them in the spring. During the next few months we will continues to monitor the water level and for any debris that flows into the Dam. When the ice comes we will be watching for any excessive ice build up as well.

This is my first year on the Board and would like to thank everyone who voted for me and if any one has any comments or questions, please call or send an email. I have been on Lake James for almost 34 years and never realized how much there is to keep the lake running and how much the Board and volunteers do for us. I look forward to learning and helping to keep this a great family lake.
Larry Bittner

LAKE JAMES LOGO ITEMS:
We have some great logo items to choose from so please contact Mary Hughes @ 989.366.4397… All profits go to the fish fund so order your Christmas gifts early.

MONTHLY BOARD MEETINGS:
Your Board meets the 3rd. Saturday of the month (April thru November) at the red pole barn near the Dam @ 9:00 am. Anyone wishing to attend should call (any Board member) in advance to confirm the date and time. Anyone requesting to be on the agenda is asked to provide the agenda topic 10 days prior to the meeting.

ADDRESS CHANGES:
Please help us maintain an up-to-date record of local and out of town addresses and telephone numbers. Also, when you sell your property it would certainly help if you would let us know so that we can work with the new property owners and not have to find out via the postal system when our various mailings are returned.

Revised Tuesday April 15, 2008 4:10 PM