Fisher Lake Association Annual Meeting

Saturday, July 12, 2008, 8:00 a.m.

C.J.’s Fisher Lake Inn

Board Members Present:   Eric Shafer, Jim Souers, Sally Boeschenstein, Lari Roberts, Larry Clark, Blaine Rabbers, Nancy Martin, Patty McClain, Everett Eylander, Gary Sherman.   Approximately 70 members and guests also attended.

I.                    Opening:   The president opened the meeting at 8:05 a.m.   He introduced the officers and directors present.

II.                Secretary’s Report: The minutes from the 2007 Annual Meeting were read and approved.

III.            Treasurer’s Report:       Balance in FLA Checking:       $1894.05

Balance in FLA Magazine:             $12,422.55

Balance in FLA Milfoil:             $8688.53

Balance in FLA CD:                         $5402.72

                        (The most recent printing of the FLA Magazine has not yet been paid.)

                        Report was presented and approved.

      IV.   Election of Directors:             Area 1:   Larry Clark

                                                            Area 2:   David Miholer

                                                            Area 9:   Still open

            We will try to find someone to fill that opening after the meeting.

IV.               Milfoil Control:   Tony Cunningham, Weed Patrol, Inc.

A.     Tony began with a brief history of the company.

B.     He then described how and where Eurasian Milfoil grows.

C.     He explained that his process is to survey the lake, obtain permits to treat, treat the areas, return periodically to check and re-treat when necessary.   He will return in the spring to survey again.

D.     He treated our area on June 16, with Renovate, a systemic herbicide (kills entire plant and roots).   The kill time is about two weeks.

E.      He will be coming to the lake this week to survey and retreat where necessary.

F.      He stressed that all lake residents must be responsible for learning how to identify the milfoil and reporting when they find some.   He cannot treat areas where he does not have a permit nor where he does not have signed permission from the landowner.

G.     He explained that watering from the lake in treated areas must be restricted until water testing indicates the water is safe to use for watering.   This usually takes 10-14 days.   The test results from our treatment are not back yet, but he feels it is now safe to water from the lake.

H.     He suggested that next year we pay for a permit to treat all areas of the lake, which costs $1500, and obtain permission from all residents so that he would be able to treat any area where the milfoil is found.

I.        This will probably be an ongoing issue, and the Board will have to decide whether to seek an assessment district for funding this treatment long-term.

J.       Weed Patrol, Inc.’s telephone number will be put on the website.

K.     Tony passed out copies of “Twelve ways to be Lake Friendly.”

V.                  Report from Howard and Molly Roth:

A.     Fisher Lake is fortunate to be a part of this Exotic Aquatic Plants Pilot Program, through Michigan Lakes and Streams.

B.     The next phase of the Cooperative Lake Management Program (CLMP) surveying will involve setting up 15-20 spots in the lake to survey for all plant types.   A satellite can now view the lake for changes.   Thanks to Steve Schauer, they have photos of different areas of the lake to use for comparison.

VI.               Water Quality: Anna Harden

A.     Anna samples from May – October.

B.     Testing is in deep water basins as follows:

1.       Once per week: Secchi Disc clarity testing

2.       Every two weeks: Dissolved oxygen testing

3.       Chlorophyll in May, June, July

4.       Phosphorous in April & October

C.     These results are compiled and we get the results in the next spring.

D.     So far all tests show consistent results, with only very slight increases in chlorophyll and phosphorous.

VII.            Sewer Project:

A.     Eric explained that right now the Park Township Board is waiting for the Memorandum of Understanding between the townships and Three Rivers to come back from their attorney.

B.     These negotiations take a great deal of time.

C.     Three Rivers Wastewater Treatment Plant has the capacity to take our waste.

D.     Members were urged to attend township meetings if they are interested in this issue.

VIII.         Neighborhood Watch

A.     The Penny family reported the theft of a kayak and paddles in the last two weeks.

B.     Gas has also been stolen from boats, and cars have been broken into and items stolen this spring/summer.

IX.               Jeff Middleton’s Annual Boat Survey:

Pontoon Boats                                     180

Power Boats                                      99

Fishing Boat w/ motor              25

Canoe/Kayak/Rowboat             54

Wave Runner                                     105 (all-time high)

Sailboat                                     16

Paddle Boat                                     48

Total Watercraft                         527

Rafts, including new rubber/nylon rafts    36

X.                  Fishers Lake Magazine:   Jim Souers

A.     Jim reported that the magazine now costs more than it makes, but we have reserves to cover it.

B.     Sally Boeschenstein does proofreading and was thanked.

C.     Patty Lockwood does all the advertising and was thanked.

D.     Jane Schauer does the distribution and was also thanked.

E.      Every FLA member gets a free copy.

F.      Jim will definitely do another one next year, and will do more as items to include are available.

G.     Eric thanked Jim for his enormous contribution through this medium.

H.     The newest copy was distributed at the end of the meeting to all paid members.

XI.               New Business:

A.     A Home tour of Fisher Lake homes was suggested as a fund-raiser.

B.     Constantine has an antique outboard motor show going on today and tomorrow.

C.     A pair of loons is nesting on the lake, which is very rare for this far south in Michigan.

D.     A suggestion for residents to put Christmas trees and/or lights down by the lake was offered.

E.      A suggestion for lake-wide garage/yard sales was offered.

F.      The Flukes’ wildflower garden on Lakeshore Drive is again beautiful this year.

XII.            Thank you to Jerry, Carol, and Jeff, for the generous use of the Fisher Lake Inn for the meeting every year.

XIII.         Adjournment at 10:00 a.m.   The next regularly scheduled Board meeting would be Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at 7 p.m.   A volunteer host would be appreciated.

Respectfully submitted,

Sally Boeschenstein