Lake Leelanau Lake Association

Annual Business Meeting
Mueneke Room, Leland
July 12, 2008
minutes
approved Sept. 11, 2008

Hugh Farber, president, called the meeting to order promptly at 9 a.m. with an introduction of the executive board. There were twenty-five people attending. The three modifications to the agenda were Bob Miller added as the vice president candidate, communication report by chairperson Mary Taylor will follow introductions and by-law change, review and vote. The changed by-law will state, "A non-riparian associate member can become a voting member will all ensuing privileges via nomination by a board member and approval at a board meeting by two thirds of the board." Farber discussed the need for the change. Following discussion Bernie Weidenaar made the motion to accept the change. John Fitzpatick second. The motion passed.

Communication Report: Mary Taylor gave an update on the wind socks that we distributed with the Friends of the Lake Leelanau Campaign that has been sent to all in the newsletter to increase the awareness of best practices for lake use. We still have a good supply of wind socks and they will be available at the picnic. The Legacy Circle celebration is at Fountain Point on September 13 from 6-8 p.m. for those who have increased membership to a kayaker, runabout or cruiser. The Legacy Circle Committee has had two meetings and will be meeting again on September 2.

Secretary's Report: John Fitzpatick made the motion to accept the minutes as written.  Pete Taylor second. Approved.

Financial Report: Tom Coulter presented the fiscal year report as stated in his written report. The budget estimates for the fiscal year 2008-2009 were presented. Farber explained the membership fee and the reason it is necessary for running our association in a financially responsible way. Gil Bogley gave praise to Coulter on how well the report was written and presented. Harold Martin made the motion to accept the report. Gwen Rich second.  Approved.

Membership Report: Gwen Rich reported that there are 439 members today. Reminder letters are sent if dues are not paid. Gil Bogley discussed having January 15 as the official count date. Sera Thompson suggested sending a letter at the end of December as a reminder. Mary Taylor urged letting everyone know what we have accomplished. Betty Farber stated that the emails coming in are very positive and supporting of the association.

Election: All positions are two year terms. Officers: President- John Fitzpatrick, Vice-President- Bob Miller/ Township Representatives: Centerville-open, Leland- Gil Bogley and Wayne Wunderlich, Solon- Gene Wishowski, Elmwood-Bob Miller, Bingham- John Popa/Committee Chairmen: Communications-Larry Hauser, Fish-Pete Taylor, Water Safety, open, Membership-Gwen Rich, Water Quality-Wayne Swallow. Nominations were open to the audience. There were no additions or changes to the slate.  A vote was taken and the slate was approved as presented.

John Fitzpatick stated he hopes to get involved in education of riparians and work with the builders and architects in the area to protect our lake.

Leland: Gil Bogley reported on the master plan zoning ordinance for Leland that will protect the Narrows in the future. Pete Taylor shared that Leland Twp. Board had passed a motion to put a swimming dock at the end of Chandler St.  Taylor met with Harry Larkin, Leland Supervisor, and expressed that regulations need to be included such as no docking by boats and no over nights. At this time no docks are at any of the road ends. Taylor stressed the need to stay proactive and stay breast of these issues. Bernie Weidenaar added that the State of Michigan Supreme Court has made a ruling on road ends and what can be placed in the water. John Popa gave an explanation of the use of road ends from the Road Commission.

Elmwood: Bob Miller feels good about the progress they are making on buffer zones, dealing with the language on buffer zones and restrictions on set backs from the lake.

Bingham: John Popa has a meeting in September to introduce some changes to the zoning ordinances.

Committee Reports:

Communications: Larry Hauser reported that the list of donors have been added to our web site. The web site is available with current information at www.lakeleelanau.org.

Fish: Pete Taylor shared that the DNR had a successful stocking of over 17,00 lake trout in north Lake Leelanau in April under the ice. The 4^th annual Kid's Fish Day was a huge success. It has developed into a great community event with about 600 attending and 700 hot dogs consumed.

Water Safety: Harold Martin talked with the DEQ about buoy regulations and he suggests using a reasonable approach. The buoy regulations will be published again in the next newsletter.

Membership: Gwen Rich had already presented her report during the financial report discussion.

Water Quality: Wayne Swallow is monitoring the permits on South Lake Leelanau where building is being planned on a wet land. The association is collaborating with the Conservancy on monitoring the streams that empty into Lake Leelanau. The 2008 survey indicates that swimmers itch and zebra mussels are still problems. The handbook and water quality plan are being updated. Chuck Hesse thought the zebra mussels might be declining, but has no way to prove it.

Picnic: Russ Flick reported that all the preparations are made for the picnic at Nedows Bay on Sunday, August 10 from 2-5 p.m. He asked for the information to be added to the web site.

Narrows Update: Hugh Farber reported the DEQ wants more information on the permit changes granted by the township. The hearing with Judge Rodgers is set for August 4^th at 11 a.m. in the Government Center.

Zoning: John Popa is going through all zoning ordinances including lighting, key holing,  and road ends for all of the townships on the lake. It is a very slow process. The dam in Leland is working well and is monitored every 15 minutes by a computer

NOLA: Bernie Weidenaar stated there are about 15 lakes in the association that meet twice a year to discuss common concerns. Bob Miller wondered if NOLA should look at the road ends issue. Weidenaar thought Michigan Lake and Streams Association would be a better place to address those concerns. Hugh Farber talked with the executive director of the Michigan Lakes and Stream Association asking for information and he received their newsletter to distribute. As an association we are not members.

John Fitzpatick thanked Hugh Farber and Mary Taylor for their support and hard work through the years. The meeting was adjourned at 11:05 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Colleen Moose
LLLA Secretary