Fisher Lake Association Annual Meeting
Saturday, July 11, 2009, 8:00 a.m.
C.J.’s Fisher Lake Inn
Board Members Present:
Eric Shafer, Jim Souers, Sally Boeschenstein, Lari Roberts,
Blaine Rabbers, Nancy Martin, Patty McClain, Everett Eylander, David Miholer, Mike Bosma.
Approximately 72 members and guests also attended.
I.
Opening:
The president opened the meeting at 8:05 a.m.
1.
He introduced the officers and directors present.
2.
He showed a CD of a complete video tour of the lake shoreline residences done last fall by Bart Trammell.
II.
Secretary’s Report:
The minutes from the 2008 Annual Meeting were summarized and approved.
III.
Treasurer’s Report:
Balance in FLA Checking:
$3684.17
Balance in FLA Magazine:
$3417.12
Balance in FLA Milfoil:
$8562.03
Balance in FLA CD:
$5497.00
(The most recent printing of the FLA Magazine has been paid.)
Report was presented and approved.
IV.
Election of Officers and Directors:
President:
Jim Hills
Vice-president:
Jim Souers
Secretary:
Sally Boeschenstein
Treasurer:
Lari Roberts
Area 1
Blaine Rabbers:
Area 4:
Mike Bosma
Area 6:
Elaine Didelot
Area 9:
Scott Larkins
V.
President’s Report:
Old Business
A.
Sewer Update:
1.
Eric reported that the Park Township Board has voted to pursue the sewer project through at least the first four (of 31) steps.
2.
Attendees requested that information on the sewer project be posted on the web site.
3.
The information from this meeting will be posted on the web site.
4.
Lockport Township Board officials may be addressing this issue at their next meeting, Monday, July 13, 2009.
B.
CAFO’s:
1.
Eric explained what a CAFO is and why their presence is sometimes controversial.
2.
Matt Lori, State Representative, was present to explain the legislative perspective.
3.
Rep. Lori explained that, while he does not oppose CAFO’s, he believes that their location should be logical and appropriate and that technology is available which can reduce offensive odors through methane digesters, but is not now required.
4.
There are two different State organizations, the Dept. of Agriculture and the Dept. of Environmental Quality, which regulate CAFO’s, and this factor sometimes causes confusion and/or issues to resolve.
5.
Some attendees questioned why CAFO’s are considered under the “Right to Farm” Act; others asked why the odors are offensive for such great distances.
6.
The lagoons and spreading of the manure without plowing it under create much of the odor problem.
7.
A side issue was brought up about the large geese presence and their nuisance quality at the lake – some suggested an “open season” on geese.
C.
Water Quality Testing:
Anna Harden
1.
Anna explained that the water quality testing remains fairly consistent.
2.
She also suggested that we ask MSU, who does the testing, to compile a chart showing trends.
3.
Attendees asked about zebra mussels – this population usually goes up when they are first introduced into the lake; then levels off, and there is little that can be done at this point.
Some areas of the lake seem to have more presence than others.
4.
Rick Cordes explained that zebra mussels clean up the lake clarity, but they kill native clams, and this improvement in clarity also allows weeds near the bottom to flourish with the additional light,
5.
A side issue Rick mentioned was the Emerald Ash Borer, which is now appearing in Michigan.
This worm will destroy ash trees without treatment.
He has information on various treatments.
Interested persons can call him at 535-0414 for more information.
D.
Milfoil Treatment:
1.
The representative from Weed Patrol, Tony Cunningham, did not arrive in time to present information on this year’s treatment.
2.
Rick Cordes had met with him about a week ago, so he gave the following information:
a.
There is more infestation this year than last. (Residents corroborated this in the Little Lake.)
b.
Rick described the areas where he has seen it around the lake.
c.
Residents may call Rick (535-0414) if you would like him to come and verify its existence and/or help removing it.
3.
Tony Cunningham arrived at the meeting after it adjourned, but he met with Rick after the meeting.
Tony stated that he would be treating the lake next Thursday (July 16).
4.
Funding for future treatment may need to come from a special assessment district through the townships.
E.
Fisher Lake Flags:
1.
These are available for $35.
2.
Contact Patty Lockwood or Lari Roberts to purchase a flag.
F.
Dues:
1.
Payment of this year’s dues of $20 was requested.
2.
The FLA also requests email addresses for efficient distribution of information.
G.
Neighborhood Watch:
1.
Due to the death of Ann Talbot, the former president of this organization, they have not been active in the last year.
2.
They stressed that email addresses are an efficient and effective way to distribute NW information also.
H.
Fishers Lake Magazine:
1.
The latest and (possibly last) issue will be distributed to members after the meeting.
2.
Jeff Middleton moved that up to $1500 of the FL Magazine account be used to purchase binders (Cost - $75 each) for the 12 issues that have been donated to public schools and libraries.
Jim Hills seconded.
Motion carried.
Jim stated he might make this available to WMU’s and the State Libraries also.
3.
Any others may also contact Jim if they would like to purchase a binder and have their magazine copies bound in the same manner.
VI.
Jeff Middleton’s Annual Boat Survey:
Pontoon Boats
187
Power Boats
96
Fishing Boat w/ motor
25
Canoe/Kayak/Rowboat
61
Wave Runner
102 (all-time high)
Sailboat
9
Paddle Boat
40
Total Watercraft
520
Rafts, including new rubber/nylon rafts
41
Shore Stations
116
Airplanes (!)
1
VII.
Thank you to Jerry, Carol, and Jeff, for the generous use of the Fisher Lake Inn for the meeting every year.
VIII.
Adjournment at 9:40 a.m.
The next regularly scheduled Board meeting would be Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at 7 p.m.
A volunteer host would be appreciated.
Respectfully submitted,
Sally Boeschenstein
Fisher Lake Association Annual Meeting
