Manistee Lake Association
Home	Picture Gallery	News Archive	Board Members	MLA Members Section

December 10, 2001 Manistee Lake Association BOARD MEETING

SATURDAY – DECEMBER 01. 2001

Officers Present: Terry Slalbic, President Gerry Winkler, Vice President Don Thomas, Secretary Jerry Sheahen, Treasurer Dale Ritchie, Membership Chair Bob Mazzuckelli, Sgt. at Arms/Parliamentarian Chip Sheahen, Water Quality Chair Guest: Bob Stein   The Treasurer’s report given by Jerry Sheahen showed cash balance of $3909 that reflects 153 paid members for the year. The Secretary’s report was presented by Don Thomas. The MLA website (manisteelake.org) is now online and continues development. Any one can visit the main areas of the site but paid members (beginning in 2002) will be given a password to enter the special section “for members only”. The plan is to allow members to submit lake-oriented photos for the picture of the month contest, express concerns, communicate with other members, etc. We would also appreciate e-mail and/or fax numbers of members in order to communicate newsletters, etc. He also presented to the Board a letter submitted by Dave Britton to Mike Newbecker, Cold Springs Township Supervisor requesting help from the township attorney in preparing a petition of a 5-year tax assessment to be spent for lake quality purposes. A report on lake water quality condensed from the AuSable Institute annual studies was distributed to the Board members. This report will be posted on the website upon consultation with the Institute Staff.   The membership committee and the Fund raising Committee: Dale Ritchie reported that he would continue to work on the tee shirt-sweatshirt project. When the shirts are available they will be able to be ordered through the website.   The Water Quality Committee report: Chip Sheahen introduced Bob Stein who presented an updated presentation on lake levels. and his activities since the last membership committee meeting in September. Discussion followed on what would be the most effective methods to control lake levels e.g., one larger culvert would be more effective than two smaller ones in controlling water levels. Bob also presented to the Board a letter and petition to be circulated to property owners requesting their support for managing lake levels. It was agreed that the petition would be circulated to all properties in the spring of 2002. Approval of 2/3 of all property owners around the lake is needed for a successful petition. If this happens then the feasibility of regulating the lake would then be evaluated by qualified specialists (Certified Professional Civil Engineering Companies or consultants). Their recommendations would form the basis for further action to achieve the goal of lake level management. The Board unanimously agreed to go forward with this petition by providing information in the January Newsletter and posting on the website. There was also discussion about and agreement to go forward with a petition to request a 5-year property tax assessment to raise about $15,000 per year. This petition requires 51% of the property owners around the lake to agree to the assessment. These funds would be needed to pay the expenditures needed achieve management of lake levels and control pollution of lake waters. The Board also agreed to tentatively set the General Membership meetings for the following dates: Memorial Day, May 25, 2002 July 4th, July 6, 2002 Labor Day, August 31, 2002 These dates and times will be confirmed after January 1st when CETA hall can formally be reserved. Confirmation will appear in the January Newsletter and on the website. The next Board meeting will be in early April (time, place and date not firm) to look at progress in all the initiatives mentioned above.   Respectfully Submitted   Donald C. Thomas Secretary, MLA

Story submitted by:     Donald Thomas

News Archive