Lake James Property Owners Association, Inc.

Lake James Newsletter
Spring 2008

The President’s View
By Tim Hughes, President LJPOA

Spring has again arrived here at Lake James. It is time to put away the winter toys and those snow throwers and shovels. We have experienced an old time winter up here on the lake with all its snow and beauty. This past winter, we tried a first with the Winter Picnic being held at the barn. According to all who attended it was a long overdue success and a great way to use the barn area.

As we now look ahead, there are changes in the wind, some good and some not so good. On the good side, come this May the boat ramp area will be under a new lock system. Notification was sent out during the winter and is posted on our web site (www.lakejames.org). On the down side, we have the economy, which has begun to touch the Lake James area. I understand the difficulty and added expense to owning two homes in these trying times. Also the full time residences are experiencing added costs. Now we have had some various Blight issues around the lake and the Board has gone to the owners to correct the problems. Some are still in the legal process and are being addressed. But remember this is still a wonderful area that should be preserved by all. So I ask of all of you, that whatever the individual situation maybe, in these changing times, that you maintain your investment in the lake and your individual properties. These economic issues shall pass as they have in the past, so let us all enjoy what time we can on the lake and respect our commitment in keeping Lake James the best in the Roscommon area.

As an added note, Lake James is forever moving forward and needs your help to do so. There will be new openings on the board this year as their have in past years. Remember we all have an investment in Lake James so why not take sometime to become a Board member and help move and improve this lake. Serving on the Board is an interesting time and gives you a view of lake living that you may not have realized before.

There is a story out there, which I’d like to share with you……

“This is the story of four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was asked to do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, But Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. Consequently, it wound up that Nobody told Anybody, so Everybody blamed Somebody.” So as the story ends nothing got done………

If you are interested in an opportunity to become a member of the Board, please contact me or any other Board member prior to the July meeting on the 3rd Saturday of the month. Again remember that Lake James is all our responsibility and not just a few. So as the lake goes, so does your individual investments in it.

Enjoy the Spring season and …see you on the Lake!

2008 Aquatic Nuisance Update
A new treatment for Milfoil is now available. It is called Renovate OFT and it has been very successful in killing Milfoil in other lakes. If the flow data for or lake shows it can be used, we intend to use it this spring. There is a drawback to this type of treatment and that is the ban time for watering of plants from the lake is longer than prior years Reference the winter letter on this subject, which is also posted on the website. We have asked that the posting to be done one week prior to treatment and the follow up monitoring, to determine irrigation timing, to be done 3 weeks after the application.

Spring Clean Up
Reminder we have selected May 3rd. as our annual cleanup date. We need help in this project to clean up the parks around the lake. We will again meet at Moosehead Park, i.e. boat ramp, around 8:30 am and complete projects around noon at the Barn. Hot dogs and pop will be available after cleanup.

New Key/Decal Program
We have set up a replacement key program for the boat launch. Board members will be at the barn on Saturdays 10am till 1pm starting April 5th for 6 weekends ending May 10th. After this time frame you can contact Jim Preczewski (366-5536) or Al Walker (366-0212) for keys.

Please refer to the mailing that was sent out during the winter or look at the web site for instructions on what is needed when you arrive to get your key.

RED, WHITE & BLUE!
The Third annual 4th of July Boat Parade will be held Saturday July 5th.

Again the staging area will be in the Dam area at approx. 11:00 – 11:30 am. The parade will run from noon till 2pm. There will be hotdogs after the event at the Barn area. The theme is open and let’s enjoy the day on the lake. Sorry, there will be no rain out date for this event.

Lake James Logo Items
Logo items are available by calling Mary Hughes (366-4397). Also they may be viewed on the lake’s web site. Mary Hughes has asked the Board to mention that due to other commitments someone needs to volunteer to take over this function. So if there is anyone interested please contact her @ 989.366.4397.

Dam Update
Due to the unusual snow fall this winter, we will be monitoring the lake level very closely this spring. There are reports of 20 + inches of ice on the lake and with all the snow back in the Denton Flood Plane area we can expect above normal run off this season. Both gates are fully functioning and will be regulated as needed the spring thaw.

Fish Planting
We will again be conducting the spring planting of fish, date to be determined later. We are still requesting that a catch and release be upheld on our bass. Also we ask that the catch and release continue on the Bluegills and Black Crappies in the lake that exceed 7 inches. This program will only help to improve the population and size of our fishery. Just think of the stories your kids and grandkids will tell of the fish they caught and of course the adults too.

Financial Status
Based on estimated lake treatment costs this summer and current cash balances it is estimated that we may not have the necessary cash and revenue to meet our financial obligations starting the spring of 2009. Based on this projection a “special owner meeting” regarding finances, annual dues and special assessments will be scheduled in June or July.

Boaters Safety Class
A boating Safety will be held June 21st. at the Pole Barn from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. All interested persons should contact Larry Bittner (586.219.7879) or Al Walker (989.366.0212) by May 31st ,so we can determine the size of the class and advise the Sheriff’s Office.

Lake Management

LJPOA Marine Patrol:
We continue to look for Lake James owners to volunteer to join our Marine Safety Patrol. We can never have enough eyes and ears looking out for our safety on the Lake.

Reminder: Lake James is a private access lake and NO FISHING tournaments can be conducted unless sponsored/approved by the LJPOA Board. Lake James is for the exclusive use of its paid members and their authorized guests.

Phosphorus Fertilizer Update:
Denton Township has approved a phosphorus fertilizer ban effective January 2009. Banning the use of phosphorus will help keep the nutrient from entering our lake, where it helps cause the accelerated growth of all aquatic plants such as Eurasian Milfoil, which we have worked very hard to reduce in the lake. Many of our local stores carry phosphorus free fertilizer and are generally cheaper than fertilizers with phosphorus.

Property Restriction (PR) Amendment Update:
REMINDER – you still have some time to send in your consent form to approve the PR revisions. We would like to wrap up these minor revisions by this spring. We need your responses ASAP.

Delinquent Dues Status:
As of the end of March, 25 members have not paid their 2007 dues. All delinquent owners are currently in the Small Claims Court process and/or have liens (some have both) placed on their property. It should be noted that when legal actions are taken the delinquent owner is responsible to pay all associated court costs, legal fees and LJPOA costs resulting from these legal actions.

Spring 2008 lake treatment notice

Revised Wednesday June 04, 2008 3:05 PM