Fisher Lake Association

Fisher Lake Association Annual Meeting

Saturday, July 10, 2010, 8:00 a.m.

CJ’s Fisher Lake Inn

Board Members Present: Jim Hills, Jim Souers, Sally Boeschenstein, Lari Roberts, Blaine Rabbers, Nancy Martin, Patty McClain, Everett Eylander, David Miholer, Mike Bosma, Elaine Didelot, Larry Clark. Approximately 50 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.

II. Secretary’s Report: The minutes from the 2009 Annual Meeting were summarized and approved.

III. Treasurer’s Report: Balance in FLA Checking: $4677.81

Balance in FLA Magazine: $5704.70

Balance in FLA Milfoil: $4621.43

Balance in FLA CD: $5540.77

Report was presented and approved.

IV. Election of Directors: All were nominated from the floor and unanimously elected.

Area 2 David Miholer:

Area 7: Patty McClain

Area 8: Nancy Martin

V. President’s Report: Old Business

A. Sewer Update:

1. Jim reported that the city of Three Rivers has hired a new head of the Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the previous violations are being corrected.

2. Negotiations had been suspended until violations were corrected.

3. At the Park Township Board meeting in June, the Supervisor stated that that talks with the city would continue within 60 days.

B. Jeff Middleton’s Annual Boat Census:

Pontoon Boats 175

Power Boats 93

Fishing Boat w/ motor 33

Canoe/Kayak/Rowboat 58

Wave Runner 104

Sailboat 13

Paddle Boat 53

Total Watercraft 529

Rafts, including new rubber/nylon rafts 36

Shore Stations 103

Airplanes (!) 1

C. Fishers Lake Magazine

1. Jim Souers displayed a copy of the FLM Compendium, which contains the bound copies of all 12 magazines, plus indices.

2. Jim presented a copy to the Fisher Lake Inn, in thanks for their generosity in allowing the FLA to hold their Annual Meetings there for many years.

3. Another copy will be presented to Eric Shafer, in thanks for his many years as President of the FLA.

4. Others will be or have been presented to various local and state libraries.

5. Both Jim and Elizabeth Oliver were thanked for their efforts in producing the indices for this compendium.

6. Jim announced that additional copies may be ordered by contacting him.

D. Milfoil Treatments

1. Rick Cordes described the treatment done this June by Tony Cunningham, from Clark Aquatic.

2. Rick reports that the main infestation is in Little Fisher, although there are small patches in the big lake also.

3. Discussion took place concerning the continuing need for funds for Milfoil treatments: Options include:

a. Asking for voluntary donations

b. Asking townships to pay for this

c. Creating a special assessment district

d. Petitioning to create a Lake Board

4. After much discussion, Nancy Martin moved that we send a letter to all residents asking for another voluntary donation to fund the milfoil treatment, as was done 3 years ago. Jeff Middleton seconded. Motion carried.

E. Facebook group: Fishers Lake Fan Club

1. Jim Souers explained that this site was available for residents to join and post messages, pictures, information, etc.

2. There is no cost for this program.

F. Fisher Lake Flags:

1. These are available for $35.

2. Contact Patty Lockwood or Lari Roberts to purchase a flag.

G. Dues:

1. Payment of this year’s dues of $20 was requested.

2. The FLA also requests email addresses for efficient distribution of information.

VI. New Business/Questions

1. CAFO’s: The dairy farm near the lake has improved its processes, but still does spray on local farmland. The one in Leonidas has been postponed, but is likely to be established in a year or so.

2. Concern over muddiness of river

3. Concern over some increase in geese population

4. Loons: Rick Cordes told the story of the loon who was present on the lake this winter. Others described the eagle that also is present on the lake at various times.

5. Those who viewed them appreciated the amazing fireworks displays this year.

VII. Adjournment:

1. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 a.m.

2. The next Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 14, 2010, at a location TBD. You will receive notice prior to the meeting. Any volunteer for hosting this meeting is welcome.

Respectfully submitted,

Sally Boeschenstein

Fisher Lake Association Annual Meeting

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.

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.

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.

4. Lockport Township Board officials may be addressing this issue at their next meeting, Monday, July 13, 2009.

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.

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.

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.)

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.

2. The FLA also requests email addresses for efficient distribution of information.

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.

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.

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.

VI. New Business/Questions

VII. Adjournment:

VI. Water Quality: Anna Harden

VIII. Neighborhood Watch

X. Fishers Lake Magazine: Jim Souers