Meeting Minutes

August 15, 2009 | July 18, 2009 | June 13, 2009 | April 9, 2009 | April 27, 2009 | February 23, 2009 | January 12, 2009

November 3, 2008 | October 7, 2008 | August 16, 2008 | July 12, 2008 | June 14, 2008 | May 5, 2008

October 15, 2007 | October 1, 2007 | August 30, 2007 | July 7, 2007 | June 9, 2007 | May 7, 2007 | February 19, 2007 | January 13, 2007

September 25, 2006 | June 10, 2006 | May 8, 2006 | April 4, 2006 | March 8, 2006

September 26, 2005 | August 8, 2005 | June 14, 2005 | May 9, 2005

Call to Order: 3:04

Roll Call: Larry Copley, Mike Solomon, Lois Poag, Al Anderson, Dave Foley, Jennifer Jermalowicz-Jones. Absent: James Dean

Minutes of November 3, 2008 meeting approved.

- 2008 Expended Worksheet

- 2009 Budget Worksheet (proposed)

- 2008 Revenue Worksheet

All of the above are archived in 2009 LMIB notebook.

Notes from treasurer’s report –

As of November 2008 – Revenue $123,554

Expenditures $147,242

"The November 2008 expenditures exceed November 2008 revenue because the LMIB has yet to be credited with all 2008 expenditures from the two participating townships and the City of Cadillac. Due to revenues exceeding expenditures in 2008 and prior years, a budget surplus of approximately $68,000 is available for use in 2009. A more accurate estimate will be available once December 2008 expenditure and revenue numbers are available. By combining this estimated $68,000 surplus with a yet to be credited 2008 summer collection of approximately $62,000, the LMIB will have approximately $130,000 in available revenue from January to June 30, 2009.

Of this estimated $130, 000, approximately $13,000 will be used to cover other board expenses from January through June, and $117,000 will be available for chemical treatment, harvesting, and weevil introduction. This $117,000 is considerably short of the original Lakeshore Environmental estimate of $172,000 for chemical/ harvesting treatment and weevil introduction.

Cherry Grove Township handles our payments and revenue collections, and their new fiscal year starts July 1^st. With this new fiscal year, an anticipated $185.000 will again become available after the summer collection. This revenue will help meet some of the LMIB financial needs in calendar year 2009, but must be paid in the CG Township year in which it is performed and only $130,000 is available from January to June 30^th of 2009. Al will be meeting with the Cherry Grove Township Board to discuss possible options.

Expense for weevils for 100 acres will cost about $22,800. The National Forest Service will supply $10,000, and this number has yet to be included in the proposed budget. LMIB would pay initially, and the NFS payment would be reimbursement.

With a proposed 2009 budget of $199,105 and current annual revenues of approximately $185.000, expenditures have to be reduced or carry-over revenue will diminish and end. A change from the current summer assessment to a winter tax assessment would also enable us to receive revenue in a more timely manner before our largest expenditures in the spring and early summer (before July 1).

Assessment roll changes discovered by assessors will provide additional revenue but cannot be completed until after April public hearings.

Motion: Motion to approve expenditures as stated in 2009 Budget Worksheet prepared by Board treasurer. Motion by Mike. 2^nd by Lois. Unanimous approval.

Motion: Motion to look into having public hearings this summer for the purpose of establishing a winter assessment. Motion by Lois. 2^nd by Mike. Unanimous approval.

Lake level is 1290.14 . This is above spring level and dam has been wide open since October. 5.9 inches of precipitation in December was much higher than normal.

5. Lakeshore Environmental Inc. (LEI) Report

LEI in preparing their contract incorporated "LMIB Expectations for LEI" which was prepared by Mike Solomon and Dave Foley.

Motion: Motion made to accept the "Professional Aquatic Consulting Services Contract for Lake Mitchell, Wexford County, Michigan 2009 (Renewable Annually)" prepared by Lakeshore Environmental Inc. with minor changes about water quality. Motion by Mike. 2^nd by Lois. Unanimous approval.

Janet Barnes asked about dredging project Franke Cove. Dredging will be paid for by Cove residents and begin in June. LMIB is not involved in this project.

John Gearhart accompanied Progressive in a weed survey in August and was surprised to see that large visible mats of milfoil were not inspected.

Lois: Paul McDonald, who does roadside pickup, offered two options for 2009. One is a continuation of the same services as last year for $8500. The other one extended service for three weeks for $9500.

Motion: Motion was made to extend McDonald’s contract as it was performed in 2008 for $8500. Motion by Dave. 2^nd by :Lois. Unanimous approval.

Al: Ask LEI to seek options in approaches to aquatic plant control and bid out chemical treatment and harvesting work to interested applicators.

Be sure to put "LMIB expectations from LEI" on website.

Motion: Motion to have LEI ask for bids and treatment options and get separate bids for harvesting and chemical treatments. Motion by Al. 2^nd by Mike. Unanimous approval.

Mike: Wants continuation of water quality program and board agreed to continuation.

Asked that board consider sending two reps at $60 each to Lake Board Conference in Tustin on October 16, 2009.

Dave: Newsletter/website updates are being prepared. Information will be shared with LMIB before it is published. Jennifer will help on this project.

February TBA Review Applicator bids; make selection.

April TBA Public Hearing on Assessment changes

Meeting adjourned: 5:12

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Call to Order: 3:32

Roll Call: Larry Copley, Mike Solomon, Dave Foley, James Dean, Ray Mayer. Also in attendance – Al Anderson (joins board 1/1/09). Absent: Lois Poag,

Minutes of October 7, 2008 meeting approved.

Public Comment: Don Powell wondered where Tony Groves of Progressive Engineering was. (Groves was not present as Lakeshore Environmental was scheduled to make a presentation).

1. Treasurer’s Report: Approved – see 2 attachments sent to Board members prior to meeting.

2. Discussion of Timing for next assessments: It was determined that the LMIB has adequate funds to pay if a fluridone treatment is desired for 2009.

3. Franke Cove Special Assessment: Ron Moelker, with comments from Bob Stephan (consulting attorney), both property owners on South Franke Cove, gave details of dredging program scheduled for South Franke Cove. Moelker provided an eleven page handout detailing the dredging project which has been approved by the MDEQ as long as project is completed by July of 2010.

Three bids were submitted. Michigan Hydraulics’ $139,500 bid was accepted.

All 17 South Franke property owners have approved the project and 15 of 17 have agreed to pay their proportion of the project.

The goal is to have the county borrow the money to finance the project which will be levied as a special assessment to the South Franke property owners. It is hoped that the township will provide authorization for the collection of payments.

The LMIB will not be directly involved in the project nor financially responsible, however Larry Copley will contact Cherry Grove Supervisor, Ron Vaughan on behalf of the South Franke property owners to help arrange coordination between the township and county offices.

4. Lakeshore Environmental Inc. presentation (LEI): Jennifer Jermalowicz-Jones, the Water Resources Director of Lakeshore Environmental Inc. gave a power point presentation detailing a proposed plan for control of Lake Mitchell’s invasive and aquatic vegetation.

Highlights of the proposal included the following:

Primary chemicals used will include 2-4-D and Triclopyr (Renovate OTF), both of which are systemic meaning that they destroy the plant’s root system versus using contact herbicides which just kill the plant after it emerges from the sediment.

Though treatment plans used in previous years used 2-4-D and Triclopyr, the 2009 program will incorporate these changes:

Surveys will occur earlier in the season so treatment will catch the plant in its early growing stages.

Survey will be expanded to 700-800 grid points; previous surveys had about 350 grid points. This will make it likely that fewer patches of milfoil will avoid detection and thus not be treated.

Treatment will not occur if winds reach 10-mph or the skies are overcast, to increase likelihood that targeted plants will be treated effectively.

On treatment days a representative from LEI will accompany applicators to insure that surveyed points containing targeted plants are treated.

Sections of the lake near Big Cove and along the north shore (each being approximately 50 acres) will each receive about 10,000 weevils. It is hoped that these beetles will provide biological control of Eurasian water milfoil.

The cost of this entire project is estimated to between $160,000 and $165,000. This expense will not require an increase in the assessment.

Can fluridone penetrate wells? Fluridone takes 30-90 days to decompose. To our knowledge it is safe, although no studies specific to well penetration have been made.

How will your program be different from what has been done? See comments regarding this in Jennifer’s proposal.

EWM composes only 16% of the lake’s surface. (Vegetation covers 73% of the lake and 23 % is EWM ) The majority of the lake will still be weedy, will a successful EWM treatment actually solve our problem? Most of the weed mats that frustrate boaters are milfoil. Eliminating EWM will greatly improve the situation. Harvesting will continue in coves and that will help. Native weeds beyond 300 feet from shore cannot be legally treated.

Mark Tonello, DNR Fisheries Biologist offered these observations on the possible use of fluridone (SONAR).

"EWM impedes boating and in excess can hurt fishing; Lake Mitchell is a world class fishery and its fishery could be negatively impacted by a fluridone treatment. The DNR strongly opposes fluridone use in Lake Mitchell and will ask the DEQ to deny a permit. When a lake is overrun by EWM, fluridone may be appropriate, Mitchell does not have enough milfoil to warrant fluridone because it would destroy not only milfoil but the majority of native plants which would reduce fish habitat. EWM typically returns in lakes within a few years where fluridone is used. Although a massive introduction of weevils to control all EWM would be ideal, a balanced program using 2-4-D and weevils is acceptable.

1. EWM is only found in 16% of the lake’s surface. DEQ prefers that a lake have at least 23-26% infestation.

2. 13 of 18 native species of plant life found in Lake Mitchell are susceptible to SONAR.

3. Houghton Lake is sandy bottom whereas much of Mitchell has a sediment bottom. A portion of Fluridone would dissolve in sediment and not be available to kill EWM.

4. Lake Mitchell is home to several endangered species including osprey, trumpet swans, and bald eagles. SONAR could pose a hazard to them.

5. Fluridone is applied to all lake waters until a certain concentration is achieved and that concentration is maintained for a period of weeks. With three inlets and one outlet, it would difficult to maintain the necessary concentration.

6. Although fluridone initially eliminates all milfoil. The plant usually appears, albeit in less acreage, in succeeding years.

Mike Solomon made the following motion which was seconded by Dave Foley and approved unanimously by the Board: The Lake Mitchell Improvement Board will complete its obligation with Progressive Engineering on 12/31/08 and enter into an agreement with Lakeshore Environmental Inc. for the coming year. After reviewing the 2009 program by LEI, the LMIB will determine whether to continue the relationship with LEI.

Meeting was adjourned at about 5:15.

Minutes submitted by Dave Foley

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Call to Order: 5:33

Roll Call: Board Members: Lois Poag, Larry Copley, Mike Solomon, Dave Foley, James Dean, Ray Mayer. Also Tony Groves from Progressive Engineering.

Minutes of August 16, meeting approved unanimously.

No public comments.

Agenda Items:

Treasurer’s Report (Ray Mayer): LMIB estimated balance at end of year will be $129,000. (Detailed treasurer’s balance sheet) is attached.

New LMIB member: When Ray Mayer resigns on 12/31/08. Al Anderson, who was appointed by Cherry Grove Supervisor, Ron Vaughn, will join the LMIB. The Board unanimously approved the appointment of Al Anderson to the LMIB. Ray has been on the LMIB since 2003.

Timing for next Lake Mitchell Assessment:

Tony Groves indicated that the funding was sufficient so that the board should not change the assessment in 2009. The recent check by the assessor of assessment roles found several properties that needed to be added to the list as well as some properties whose assessments should be raised. To do this, public hearings must be held in early late April/early May so that changes can be added to the summer tax bill. The Board set Thursday, April 30 at 7 PM at the Cherry Grove Fire Hall as the date for the public hearing regarding assessment changes.

Request for approval for website and office supplies for 2009. These items will be added to the budget.

Drain Commissioner’s Report (Mike Solomon): The current reading is 1289.75 which is 3 inches below spring level. The dam will soon be opened to allow the lake to drop to 1288.9 which is the winter level.

Progressive Environmental Consultant’s Report (Tony Groves)

Plant control update and Proposal for possible use of SONAR>

Tony passed out a report titled "Nuisance Aquatic Plant Control in Lake Mitchell" which will be posted on the lakemitchell.org website. Groves acknowledged that, although the harvesting was successful, the chemical treatments did not perform well. Samples of plants were taken from Mitchell to see if the vegetation could be developing a tolerance for chemicals used in the lake. He discussed the use of SONAR@ (fluridone) to treat Eurasian water milfoil which covers approximately 560 acre’s of Mitchell’s 2580 acre surface. The DEQ granted about 50 permits to use SONAR in Michigan lakes this year. A letter sent by Progressive to Larry Copley and the other board members, which offers more information about SONAR@ will be posted on the LMIB website.

Mike Solomon inquired about he cost and Tony indicated that it be about $180,000 and that treatments, by law, can only occur every 3^rd year. The LMIB could handle this expense without raising the assessment.

Clayton Jesweak, a lake resident, reminded Groves that in July he had said cost was prohibitive. Groves responded that at that time they didn’t realize how extensive Mitchell was infested with milfoil. To deal with current problem it would cost about the same whether problem was dealt with 2-4-D or SONAR@.

Ben Oliver asked about side effects and restrictions. Groves replied that the chemically totally dissipates, leaving no residue. There is a one-day swimming restriction and a 30 day irrigation restriction.

Jim Vick asked if the harvesting program would be cut back. Groves indicated that that would be unchanged.

Other audience members asked these questions:

How would SONAR be administered? It will be applied from boats.

Does it kill other vegetation? It will not kill vegetation other than naiad or elodea, neither of which are found in great quantities in Mitchell. Some native plants may grow slower during the year SONAR is applied.

How quickly does SONAR effect milfoil? It takes six weeks to kill milfoil. Milfoil should not be a problem by the Fourth of July. If it killed milfoil quickly, it could provoke heavy algae blooms or reduce oxygen levels in the lake.

Does the huge amount of nutrients coming into Mitchell from the swamps effect the effectiveness of SONAR? It should not have an effect.

James Dean made a motion and Lois Poag seconded it which directed Progressive Engineering to begin doing the studies needed to apply SONAR into Lake Mitchell in 2009. The board approved the motion unanimously. Mike Solomon clarified that this motion was not a commitment to do SONAR in Lake Mitchell.

Franke Cove Special Assessment District

The State of Michigan has issued a permit to allow Franke Cove to be dredged. Tony passed out a petition to be signed by Franke Cove residents acknowledging their agreement to approve the project and pay for its funding. The petition stated the amount could be $200,000. This petition would establish a special assessment district requiring all seventeen who own Frank Cove property to pay their share of the funding. If this goes forward and a special assessment is desired there will need to be public hearings.

Ron Moelker, a South Frank Cove resident, noted that 15 of 17 have approved the project. He also pointed out that he has received bids of $139,000 and $150,000.

Questions were raised about the LMIB’S role in the Franke Cove project. If the LMIB approves the project than they will inherit it; this means the contract must be ironclad to insure the work is done properly, the liability issue resolved, and funding obligations are met. The Board will need to review the contract. Mike Solomon wondered why the LMIB needed to be involved. Ron said they were looking to minimize cost to residents. They are also considering allowing the county to be a partner in the project. Ron and Tony will work together to iron out the details on this and my talk with a bonding attorney.

Report on Tax Tribunal

A tax tribunal was held earlier in the day to hear one association member’s appeal of the assessment on his three properties. A decision will be handed down within thirty days.

Lake Mitchell Update (Dave Foley)

Bass Release Program report

Foley reported that bass releases were done at 9 of 12 tournaments with weigh-ins on Lake Cadillac. 268 bass were returned to various points around Lake Mitchell. The pontoon boat donated by Track & Trail was used for four of the larger tournaments; Mike Engels covered five smaller tournaments with his own bass boat.. The cost to the LMIB was $234.09 this year. Equipment costs (aerator, net, siphon, bass release chemical) totaling $167.31 will not need to be spent next year. The gas and oil cost was $66.71.

Little Cove Conservation Easement

Several acres on the north shore of Little Cove are for sale for $119,000. Residents of Brandy Drive who live across the land would like to purchase the land and then place a conservation easement on it protecting it from future development. Raising the funds is a problem for them so they will seek matching funds grants. If the purchase is made, the Cadillac Conservancy would facilitate placing a conservation easement on the land but is reluctant to assume ownership of the land. Likewise if the purchase is made, Brandy drive residents would rather not own it. They have asked the LMIB to assume ownership. If the land is purchased, the LMIB would study the issue and decide whether or not to assume ownership.

The land, one of the last undeveloped tracts, other than Big Cove, is valuable wildlife habitat, a natural passage for animals coming across Lake Mitchell Drive from the Mitchell swamp. It also is a haven for waterfowl, a spawning area for fish, and used as a breeding area for snapping turtles.

Impending legal actions over sewer obligation and its impact on Lake Mitchell water quality.

Ron Vaughan, Cherry Grove’s Supervisor, addressed the meeting to explain his concerns over the implications of the expiration of the sewer district contract in 2017.

The sewer loop around Lake Mitchell that was constructed in 1977 currently sends waste to the city. In 2017 that agreement ends. In 2006 the city said it would not extend the contract under its current tenets.

The townships along Lake Mitchell’s shoreline must either negotiate a new contract or build their own plant.

Selma and Haring townships are suing the city. Cherry Grove has not joined the lawsuit and hopes to negotiate with the city, rather than let the courts make a determination on the suit.

Mike Solomon made a motion seconded by James Dean stating that the Lake Mitchell Improvement Board supports Cherry Grove Township in its effort to negotiate with the City of Cadillac on this issue. The motion received unanimous support.

The Dave Foley, secretary of the Board will send letter of support to Cherry Grove Township and encourage Selma and Clam Lake Townships to negotiate with the City of Cadillac.

Public Comments

Jim Vick noted that purple loosestrife is spreading along the shoreline and asked about spraying. Tony said he would look into that but also pointed out that the LMIB’s authority stops at the water’s edge, but chemical could be applied by boat.

Jim also asked about a late-season second harvest in the coves in hopes that that would remove biomass and seeds that would sprout the next spring. Tony had two concerns: 1) people would wonder why we were working when the boating season was over and others might wonder why so much money was being spent on several small areas (the coves) in the lake.

Vick also asked about using propeller driven harvesters instead of the paddlewheel ones that stir up bottom, perhaps spreading weeds. Tony said propeller-driven harvesters lacked the thrust to transport full loads of vegetation. He did point out that the harvesters should make sure they pick up loose vegetation.

Another resident asked if harvesting spread milfoil. Milfoil does spread by fragmentation; however, areas to be harvested are chemically treated before they are harvested to kill milfoil so it won’t spread.

JoAnn Engels asked if the meeting agendas and minutes could be put on the LMIB website. Dave Foley said that information would now be put on the website on a regular basis rather once a year.

Correspondence

Lakeshore Environmental Inc. Submits Proposal

Mike Solomon said Lakeshore Environmental Inc., a consulting firm from Grand Haven, had submitted a proposal for dealing with Lake Mitchell’s vegetation issues. It was decided to invite a representative from Lake Shore Environmental to a special meeting LMIB to be held Monday, November 3 at 3:30 PM at the Cherry Grove Fire Hall. The proposal will be discussed at that time and the public is encouraged to attend.

Committee Comments

James Dean noted that the City of Cadillac is taking steps to form an Improvement Board.

Meeting adjourned: 7:29

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Roll Call – Present – Lois Poag, Larry Copley, Mike Solomon, Ray Mayer, Tony Groves. Absent - Dave Foley, James Dean

Minutes of 7/12/08 meeting approved unanimously

Concerns raised by John Gearhart and Norm Yackey about weeds in Big Cove.

It was noted that the US Forest Service has provided $10,000 in funds to be used in Big Cove to deal with vegetation.

Ron Moelker from South Franke Cove noted that the July 23 chemical treatment of South Franke was successful.

Lake level is at 1289.7 2.5 inches below legal level which is okay for this time of year.

Tony Groves pointed out that Lake Mitchell is much more shallow than Lake Cadillac and thus more conducive to growing weeds. Mitchell may be a candidate for SONAR in 2010. SONAR was used in Houghton Lake in 2002 and formerly 10,000+ acres of milfoil was reduced to 400. Ron Moelker talked about SONAR and noted that negative opinions about effects on fishing are changing.

October 7 has been set as the date for the tribunal hearing 1:00 PM in the Cadillac County Courthouse.

Mike Solomon went over the update which pointed out problems in Lake Mitchell and possible solutions. (See attachment)

Budget:

$278,000
111,000 contingency
Spent 167,000
-20,000
$147,000 spent in 08
Cash on hand - $26,000

Actual expense:

20,000 July
71,000 August
91,000
Total spent - $147,000

South Franke Cove will pay for 2 out of 3 acres ( $478.80)for July 23^rd treatment.

Ron will receive a bill for this amount.

Ron will tell where (North Franke Cove) to bill remaining $239.40 for July 23^rd treatments.

Check payable to LMIB.

On this matter Lois made a motion seconded by Ray and approved unanimously.

Ray Mayer who represents Cherry Grove Township and is the current treasurer will resign as of January 1, 2009.

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25 were in attendance

Roll Call: Present – Poag, Copley, Mayer, Solomon, and Tony Groves from Progressive Engineering. Absent: James Dean

Approval of Minutes: Unanimously approved.

Public Comments: Several voiced their concerns about the excessive amount of weeds washing up on the east shore, the spread of Robbins and thin stem pond weed throughout the main lake causing boaters to frequently stop and clean propellers. Suggestions were made that we consider firing our engineering and stop using chemicals.

Questions were raised about harvesting and why it began more than a week late in Little Cove. The request was made to be sure harvesting begins and finishes before the 4^th of July holiday weekend. (See Progressive Engineer’s report)

Ron Moelker from Franke Lane asked us to make a resolution stating what our plans were for 2009 and evaluating the work of 2008. (See Lake Mitchell Report)

Several Franke Cove residents expressed their frustration with the work done (and not done) by the Board and Progressive to deal with the weed problem. (See Lake Mitchell Report)

The following action was taken on citizen requests for assessment adjustments:

Board member Dave Foley moved and it was seconded by Mike Solomon to hereby resolve that the reimbursement policy for the Lake Mitchell Improvement Board be for the current year and for the preceding year only. This covers changes as documented by the approved forms "Clerical Error Report Authorizing Current Year Changes." The respective Township Treasurers will be requested to make these reimbursements for the current year. The Cherry Grove Township will be requested to make reimbursements for preceding year corrections. The accuracy of the reimbursements will be the responsibility of those Treasurers.

Board member Mike Solomon moved and it was seconded by Lois Poag to hereby resolve that the following "Requests That May Change Future Assessment Rolls" and "Clerical Error Report Authorizing Current Year Changes" as per the forms attached to these minutes be so approved.

The property codes involved follow: 2110-WHB-52 & 54 Howard, 2210-WS-10 Vandermolen, 2210-36-4307 James, 2210-WS-01 Harper, 2210-PW-1020, 2210-PW-1021, & 2210-PW-1021-01 Friskey and 2210-PW22213 Taylor. Please note that 2210-WS-10 Vandermolen was a "Requests That May Change Future Assessment Rolls" approved in 2007, but the government employees responsible for preparing the tax bills did not correct it at that time.

2. It was the consensus that LMIB special assessments sent in error to Selma Township that were newly discovered and never assessed (several in the "H" category) will be folded into the 2009 category.

3. After consulting with Tony Groves about having Progressive Engineering maintain the assessment list and make changes as needed, it was decided that the LMIB and the townships and city will work together on this project.

4. Implementation of Special Assessments Identified by the Assessor Study. Tony Groves pointed out that if expenditures occur as projected we might accumulate as much as a $100,000 surplus. This would enable the board to suspend (make no collection) of the summer 2009 assessment. Then in 2010, when the current assessment expires, and public hearings begin, the Board will make an evaluation of what would be the appropriate assessment.

Tony noted that the initial June 4 spraying was followed by a July 8 second spraying to cover areas missed in first treatment or didn’t respond to treatment. Another survey on July 11 found more areas that were likely not treated.

Spray treatments in the coves were not too successful and most required a second treatment. When a treatment fails, second treatments are done at no cost to the board.

Because of high water harvesting of the coves was delayed until July 7. After 3 ½ days of cutting the harvester broke down in Little Cove and the operation has been temporarily suspended until a workable machine can be found.

In response to public comments about the abundance of Robbins pond and thin stem pond weed covering many acres in the mid-lake, Tony explained DEQ policy forbids using chemical to treat native species of weeds growing more than 300 feet from shore or in more than five feet of water. That leaves harvesting as the only option. Deepwater harvesting in open areas of a lake is difficult because of wave action hampering the harvesters efforts to cut and collect weeds and the hours spent carrying loads of weeds to distant boat launches.

The unusually heavy weed growth in the coves, the abundance of appearance of native Robbins Pond Weed on the lake surface, and the surprising amount of milfoil that was missed in earlier surveys has created a situation that rivals the worst years of weed problems. As the Board, Progressive, and the members of the association have noted, something is not working. Ron Moelker asked that a resolution be passed addressing this situation. The board felt that this was appropriate and passed the following resolution unanimously:

The Lake Mitchell Improvement Board will draft and publish a plan which will appear on its website and in its annual newsletter by May 2009 which will lay out a specific plan on what it will do in 2009 to deal with invasive and nuisance vegetation in all of Lake Mitchell. In addition it will also publish a detailed summary of the aquatic vegetation program and itemized expenditures for 2008.

Motion made by Foley. Seconded by Poag. Unanimous support.

Franke Cove residents are upset over the condition of their cove and pointed out that when they were paying for additional treatments prior to 2004, the cove was in better shape. They would like to be able to return to hiring additional work to be done. In a letter sent to them by Dave Foley on 12/15/04 the Board agreed that Franke Cove residents could do additional work if they contacted a member of the Lake Mitchell Improvement Board and Progressive Engineering. Contacting the Board was necessary so they would know what additional work being done so they could respond to questions from other lake residents about work being done on the lake. In additional, the request needed to forwarded to Progressive so they could insure that additional work would not compromise the ecological health of the lake. If Progressive felt the work was not injurious to the lake then Frank Cove could move forward. These requests would be dealt with in a timely fashion so there would be little delay before additional work could go forward.

The US Forest Service $10,000 contribution requires numerous forms and registration be completed. The Board is working to provide the required information.

Treasurer’s Report (Ray Mayer) A detailed spreadsheet was provided and has been attached. The current balance is $93,000. Motion made by Foley. 2^nd by Poag. Motion approved.

Drain Commissioner’s Report (Mike Solomon) - Current lake level is 1290.61 having dropped nearly a foot after reaching a record level in the days after the June 12-13 rains.

The dam was opened wider than it ever has been in the past to help alleviate the high water problem in the lake.

Lois Poag, the Lake Mitchell Association representative, was reappointed for another term on the Improvement Board. Motion Foley. 2^nd Mayer. Unanimous approval.

Called to order: 10:06

Members Present: James Dean, Ray Mayer, Lois Poag, Larry Copley, Mike Solomon, Dave Foley, Tony Groves

Minutes of previous meeting approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Submitted to members and approved.

Drain Commissioner’s Report: 10 inches of rain in June so far; six of that total came in June 12-13 storm. Lake level is 12.91 – more than a foot above legal limit and still rising.

Lake Mitchell Association’s update: Since the Association is almost out of money, the Improvement Board will publicize annual meeting through prominent bold type announcements in newsletter and website.

Election of Officers: Elections were held and the 2008-9 officers are the following:

Larry Copley, president

Lois Poag, vice president

Dave Foley, secretary

Ray Mayer, treasurer.

Bass Tournament Release Program: Almost all tournaments are met by the release boat, fish are collected, and returned to Lake Mitchell. Dave Foley presented a summary report and a bill totaling $181.88 for expenses. The board passed a motion approving reimbursement to Foley for his expenses.

Consultant’s Report: Tony Groves from Progressive Engineering, reported that a recent survey pinpointed 141.25 acres of milfoil to be treated with 2-4-D and 28.5 shoreline acres to be treated with Renovate. The treatment was done on June 10. Lois has checked with Hiawatha Court residents regarding the proximity of their wells to the shoreline and it appears all wells are far enough away from the shore (30’) to permit the use of 2-4-D in those areas. She is passing her data on to Progressive. Near the end of June a survey will be conducted to see the effectiveness of the treatment.

Several board members questioned Tony about the thoroughness of the survey, wondering if checking 400 grid points was enough and why areas like Big Cove had reported no milfoil. It was felt that while appropriate to skip areas deeper than 10 feet where milfoil doesn’t grow, that grid points in other parts of the lake needed to be closer together.

Weevils may be introduced into Big Cove in 2009, a project which could be financed by the US Forest Service which has offered $10,000 over three years to improve Big Cove.

Professional Lake Management is trying to find a dump site and is considering land owned by Mike Solomon or returning to Ron Klimp’s property.

Assessments: Larry Copley reported that property owners whose assessments have been raised as a result of assessor’s checking will be notified about a public hearing which will coincide with our August 16 meeting so that changes can be added to December tax bill. Those who have assessments cancelled or reduced have been notified. Many with assessment increases have combined their properties to eliminate multiple assessments.

No comments from those in attendance.

Meeting adjourned at 11:14

Submitted by

Dave Foley, secretary

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Called to order: 5:35

Present: Lois Poag, James Dean, Larry Copley, Dave Foley, Tony Groves

Absent: Mike Solomon, Ray Mayer

Approval of Oct. 15, 2007 minutes: Motion Copley; Second, Dean. Approved.

Election of Officers; Tabled until June 14 meeting..

2008 Budget: Projected revenue shown as $168,000, yet assessment revenue adds up to $188,000. Delinquents are $7,100 which still leaves almost $13,000 discrepancy.

Ray Mayer, the treasurer, will be consulted when he returns from Florida.

Newsletter/Website: Editor Dave Foley filed report (see attached).

Bills for Webmaster Jim Neff $600, Printmaster Printmaster $410 (w/tax discount) and Dave Foley – tabs $7.41, postage $304. Editor’s fee $600 were approved.

Motion Copley. Second Dean.

Bass Tournament Release Program: Dave Foley reported this will continue. See Attached for details.

Consultant’s Report: Tony Groves will replace Pam Tyning as consultant.

a. Special Assessment roll changes and special assessment proceedings:

Motion to approve changed assessments identified by Cherry Grove and Selma Township assessors. Motion by Copley; second by Dean. Approved.

Motion to amend status of property 2110-ESP-26 in Cherry Grove Township, changing status from "Y" Change in Assessment to "H" Hearing notice of assessment.

Motion Copley; second Dean. Approved.

Motion to approve letter w/ modifications that will discuss ramifications of combining adjoining lots which eliminates the separate assessment for each lot but could make it difficult to split the lot in the future which could effect owner’s ability to develop said lot in future.

Motion Copley; second Dean

b. Aquatic plant control – Plant survey will begin 1^st week of June and grid points will now have less space (450 feet) between them. Deep and shallow sandy bottom areas where EWM doesn’t grow will not be surveyed.

c. Phosphorus fertilizer ordinances – Tony encouraged Board to have townships convert our phosphorus-free resolutions to ordinances. This will help motivate businesses to sell phosphorus-free fertilizers.

Correspondence

Paul McDonald, our roadside pickup specialist has requested a $250 increase to $8500 to cover increasing fuel costs.

Motion Copley/ Second Foley. Approved.

Board Comments: Larry Copley encouraged the board to support the efforts and encourage Cherry Grove and Selma Townships to negotiate a new or continued agreement with the City of Cadillac for sewerage treatment which expires in 2017. Haring Township is currently involved in this process.

Meeting adjourned at 6:40.

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Following are the minutes of a special meeting of the Lake Mitchell Improvement Board held on Monday October 15, 2007 at 5:30 P.M. in the Cherry Grove Municipal Building located at 4830 East M-55, Cadillac, Michigan 49601.

Ms. Lois Poag Chairperson of The Lake Mitchell Improvement Board called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M. Monday October 15, 2007.

Members Present: Larry W. Copley, Lois Poag, Raymond Mayer &. Michael Solomon

Members Absent: David Foley &. James Dean

Approval of Agenda

Raymond Mayer made a motion that the meeting for the special meeting of the Lake Mitchell Improvement Board be approved as presented. Lois Poag seconded the motion.

All in attendance approved the motion unanimously.

Chairperson Poag announced that the meeting was open to public comments. Even though in accordance with the "Open Meetings Act," the agenda of the meeting had been posted on the Cherry Grove Township Office door since Thursday October 11, 2007 there was no one from the public in attendance.　

1. Members Larry Copley and Michael Solomon and Cherry Grove Township Treasurer Margo Copley. Presented a draft of the "Criteria" for development of parameters to be used by the Assessor(s) of Cherry Grove and Selma Township as well as the City of Cadillac in their review and development of the Lake Mitchell Assessment District Master Assessment List.

After making changes to the draft a motion for acceptance of the document now labeled "CRITERIA FOR LAKE MITCHELL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT APPROVED OCT. 15, 2007," was made by Michael Solomon and seconded by Raymond Mayer.

All in attendance approved the motion unanimously. (See Attached)

2. Members Larry Copley and Michael Solomon and Cherry Grove Township Treasurer Margo Copley. Presented a draft of a proposed letter requesting that the Assessor(s) of Cherry Grove and Selma Township as well as the City of Cadillac be hired to development a Master Assessment List for the Lake Mitchell Assessment District.

This letter outlined the format and criteria that was to be considered by the assessors and specified that this document be returned in an EXCEL Format to the Office of Michael Solomon via email on or before April 1, 2008.

Further, both Larry Copley and Michael Solomon were tasked to be liaisons with the various assessors should further clarification be necessary.

Chairperson, Lois Poag shall sign the letter and secure the services of the Assessor(s) of Cherry Grove and Selma Township as well as the City of Cadillac. (See Attached)

Once the Master Assessment List for the Lake Mitchell Assessment District is presented to Michael Solomon a special meeting of the Lake Mitchell Improvement Board shall be called on Tuesday April 5, 2008 at 5:30 P.M. in the Cherry Grove Municipal Building located at 4830 East M-55, Cadillac, Michigan 49601 for review and acceptance of this list.

Those in attendance authorized the above concepts.

Michael Solomon made a motion for adjournment and was seconded by Larry Copley. All in attendance approved the motion unanimously.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 P.M.

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Called to order: 5:31 P.M.

Members Present: Lois Poag, Mike Solomon, Ray Mayer, Larry Copley, as well as Cherry Grove Treasurer Margo Copley and Progressive Engineering Representative Pam Tyning.

Members Absent: James Dean

Secretary’s report: Motion to approve minutes; Larry. Second; Mike. Unanimous approval.

Drain Commissioner’s Report: Lakes are down 12" from spring level.

Treasurer’s Report: Full report is attached.

Highlights:

Jan.1 – September 30, 2007

Expenditure Budgeted $247, 491.01 Expenses 104, 617.14

Revenue Budgeted $247, 491.01 Revenue Received $155,296.16

(Chemical Treatment spent $84,526 Chemical Treatment Budgeted $120, 000)

( Harvesting budgeted $20, 000 Harvesting Expense ????)

Motion: The Lake Mitchell Improvement Board will have a deficit plan in line with the State of Michigan. Motion; Dave; Second, Larry. Unanimous approval.

Deficit Elimination Plan:
The Lake Mitchell Improvement Board prepares a budget which reflects their operations from year Jan. 1 to Dec. 31; however the LMIB’s fiscal year is based (like Selma and Cherry Grove townships) on a fiscal year that begins on June 30. A June 12 bill from Professional Lake Management for $84,256 created a LMIB fund balance deficit of $31,787.23 on June 30 at the end of the Cherry Grove Township's fiscal year. Payment was delayed per prior agreement until summer lake assessments were collected.　　 This occurred in July, August and September.　 Payment in full has occurred and the deficit eliminated.　 All bills are paid up to date and the Board has a positive fund balance of $52,738.77 as of Sept. 30, 2007.　 The Revenue and Expense report for Jan. 1-Sept. 30, 2007 are attached.

Assessment Criteria: Margo suggested we submit our basic assessment criteria to the assessors and then let them begin working at the agreed upon price per parcel. As complexities arrive that LMIB may not have addressed they will contact the subcommittee the direction. The subcommittee will come to the LMIB with questions clarifying our criteria. The LMIB accepted the recommendation.

Assessment interpretations: Molly Whetstone from the equalization office sent us questions regarding proper assessments. All answers to the questions were agreed upon by LMIB. Larry, Mike, and Margo offered to discuss these and document it in a form acceptable for the assessors to use and return to the LMIB with their recommendations. This document will be informally circulated to interested LMIB members for their comments before handing it to the assessors so they can begin their review. Lois stated that she wanted to be involved.

Motion: Dave made a motion which was seconded by Larry to form a sub committee to interpret some assessment questions that had been raised by Molly Whetstone. The committee would then report their findings to the LMIB. Unanimous approval of the motion.

Chladphora concerns: Dave Foley relayed Jim Vick’s concerns about a buildup of chladophora in the area of Brandy Brook and the Brandy Brook docks to Pam Tyning asking what could be done.

The problem was successfully dealt with several years ago by a harvester who has since gone out of business. PLM doesn’t have the equipment to do the job. Pam will ask PLM what the cost would be to either purchase the equipment or modify existing equipment and then to do the necessary work. She will also supply the names of the two other harvesting operations in Michigan so that they may be contacted to see if they can do the work. This project will be completed before spring.

Bass tournament fish release program: Dave reported that Track and Trail will supply a pontoon boat and motor at no cost to be used by the LMIB to release bass after 2008 tournaments. He requested authorization to purchase a tank, aerator, and siphon to create a live well for the fish. Dave’s motion was seconded by Larry and approved by the group.

Secretarial expenses: Dave produced receipts for purchase of copy paper, ink, and payments to internet company "1& 1" pay for keeping www.lakemitchell.org on the web totaling $85.84. Ray moved to approve the reimbursement of the expenditures to Dave; Larry seconded the motion and the board passed the measure unanimously.

Meeting Dates for 2008: The following were tentatively approved as LMIB meeting dates for 2008:

Monday May 5 @5:30

Saturday June 14 @ 10:00

Saturday July 12 @ 10:00

Saturday August 16 @ 10:00

Monday October 6 @5:30

Meeting adjourned: 7:06

Minutes submitted by Secretary, Dave Foley.

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Members Present: Lois Poag, Ray Mayer, Mike Solomon, Larry Copley, and Dave Foley

Members Absent: James Dean

Special Presentation: Jennifer Jermalowicz-Jones from ASI Engineering gave a presentation on the program used by her firm for aquatic vegetation control.

Criteria for lake assessments: Mollie Whetstone from the Equalization office raised some questions about the specifics in determining assessments of property owners. It was decided to find the most current criteria used for Lake Mitchell Assessments as well as examine the criteria used for Lake Cadillac assessments and from that determine the appropriate criteria for doing Lake Mitchell assessments. This project needs to be addressed prior to November.

Motion: Mike moved and Ray seconded a motion to pay the requested fee of $3.75 per parcel to the township assessors, after the LMIB has determined the assessment criteria. These funds will be paid after the LMIB has received the needed assessment revenue.

Next Meeting: October 1, 2007 at 5:30 PM

Minutes submitted by Dave Foley.

Members Present: All present – Lois Poag, James Dean, Mike Solomon, Bill Goodwill, Ray Mayer and Dave Foley. Pam Tyning from Progressive Engineering also attended.

Meeting called to order: 5:30

Treasurer’s Report: Ray Mayer reported that expenditures for 2006 totaled $71,148, while revenues for that period were $63, 812 creating a deficit of $7,336.

Drain Commissioner’s report: Mike Solomon reported that lake levels were 1289 feet above sea level which is .2 foot below the spring high water mark.

Lake Survey: The lake survey of August 30 indicates approximately 450 acres of milfoil which is an increase of three fold from 2005’s 150 acres.

Lack of Funds: As a result of the dramatic increase of milfoil all funds were spent on the first chemical treatment/harvest so a second one was impossible.

Public Comments:

Jim and Nan Vick have done preliminary work on instituting a phosphorus ban in Wexford County. Work on this project will continue through the winter.

Much interest was expressed on finding sources in addition to assessments, to fund aquatic weed treatment.

Mike Solomon suggested a plan and Bill Goodwill formulated it as a motion for administering aquatic weed control for 2007.

The motion states that all milfoil in the lake will be treated and a combination of chemical and harvesting will be used to insure that navigation is possible in all sheltered coves and other areas of shallow water weed growth near docks and homes. The navigational treatments will be done just once during the summer season. No attempt will be made to clear all weeds from coves.

Meeting adjourned: 7:45

Next meeting: October 23, 2006

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Members Present: Lois Poag, Ray Mayer, Dave Foley

Members Absent: James Dean, Bill Goodwill, Mike Solomon

Meeting called to order: 10:06

Secretary Report: Approved

Treasurer’s Report and Drain Commissioner Report: not submitted

Old Business: None

New Business:

Shoreline Cleanup: The new system of pickups made on specific days for specific sections of the lake seems to be going well.

Bass Tournaments: At the annual meeting Memorial Day, many concerns were raised about bass tournaments. The primary complaint being that Lake Mitchell fish caught by tournament fishermen often ended up in Lake Cadillac where they were released at Kenwood Beach and the City Park. Probably 25% of the tournaments have their weigh-ins at Pilgrim Village but again if you live other than in the southeast corner of Mitchell you lose fish from your area.

Dave Foley met with Mark Tonello, one of our area fishery biologists.and learned that in Michigan, tournaments do not need permits. They need one to use state facilities such as the Mitchell State Park dock but nothing in that permit pertains to fishing. Tournaments just show up, launch their boats and fish; that’s why some weekends we might have over a hundred boats from perhaps 2 or 3 tournament clubs. The anglers hate to see that many boats since it negatively affects their fishing.

State law says you cannot transport fish from one lake to another. If enforced, anyone who catches fish in Lake Cadillac couldn’t bring them to Mitchell (or vice versa) which would have major implications for all who fish. What the COs and fish biologists have done is have tournament fishermen return perhaps 50% of the catch to the other lake. This would be appropriate except with numerous counties to cover and tournaments in Houghton, Hamlin, Duck, Green, Elk, Torch, and Crystal Lakes as well as ours, there just isn’t enough officers to go around.

A year ago the legislature was approached about changing the season to make it illegal to catch and keep bass until mid-June, but the bass and tourist lobbies had more clout and the catch and keep season opener remains the last Saturday in May.

Tonello said he and Rozich searched the Internet and fish study archives looking for something that would show that the tournaments’ transporting and relocating of fish had a negative impact but could find no studies to back up the premise. I also did extensive web surfing and also found nothing.

This year 700 bass were caught by tournament fishermen on Memorial Day Weekend and 500 of those were released in Lake Cadillac.

At the June 10 meeting it was decided that:

1.Ron Moelker, a veteran tournament fisherman would find the wording of the law that requires bass tournaments to return fish to the lakes where they were caught. Dave Foley and Ron would work to have this posted at all launching spots used by tournament anglers.

a. Get support of Lake Cadillac Association and City of Cadillac, Pilgrim Village, and Mitchell State Park for this placement of signs.

b. Ron Moelker will provide wording of the law, type and size of signs.

2. Contact all tournaments in the winter and request that they bring necessary boats and live wells to transport at least half of bass caught to the other lake. (Mitchell to Cadillac, Cadillac to Mitchell).

3. Gain the support of the DNR so their fishery biologists and/or Conservation Officers will make sure tournaments comply. Lake Mitchell Association should be prepared supply volunteers at weigh-ins to see that this is done.

4. Clubs that are unwilling to transport fish will be asked not to hold tournaments in our lakes.

Aquatic Weed Control Plan: Tthe upcoming chemical treatment and harvesting work that PLM wiil do was discussed and Ron Moelker, a property owner on South Franke Cove, brought some pictures taken in the 1970s of the cove. Then it was an extremely shallow weed-choked body of water. The property owners subsequently paid to have it dredged to a depth of twelve feet. Now, as you know, it has silted in to an average depth of four feet and they looking to have it dredged again at a cost of $75,000- $100,000.

Ron’s point, and it seems to be valid, is that this cove was never really a natural body of water – at least at best is was quite shallow and filled with weeds. Consequently the aquatic growth that is there now just contributes to the silt problem. What the residents of that cove want is a more aggressive approach to weed control to minimize the decomposing weed matter that is filling in the cove.

The LMIB will be requesting that PLM to bring in their small harvester and work to do some long neglected harvesting up close to the southwest and south shore of the cove. Several docks are surrounded by lily pads and the weed growth in the center of the cove needs to be significantly reduced.

Purple Loosestrife Beetles planted in coves: On June 8, Cyndy and Dave Foley went to Petoskey and collected 40 beetles that feed on loosestrife and these were distributed on plants in Big and Little Cove. Although supplementary plantings will be needed, it is hoped that these insects will stem the increase of loosestrife in our wetlands.

Next Meeting: Saturday, July 8 – 10:AM Cherry Grove Township Hall

Meeting adjourned: 110:04

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Members Present: Lois Poag, Dave Foley, Bill Goodwill & Pam Tyning from Progressive Engineering

Members Absent: Ray Mayer, Mike Solomon, James Dean

Drain Commissioner’s Report: The lake is slightly more than two inches above the legal level so the dam is closed in anticipation that the lake level will continue to drop.

Shoreline Cleanup: Paul McDonald signed a contract making him the official shoreline cleanup/weed hauler employee for the 2006 season.

Aquatic Weed Control Plan: The weed survey will be held on one day between June 6,7, or 8. The chemical treatment will likely be June 12 or 13. Weed harvesting will occur in the week leading up to the 4^th of July – June 26-30.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:30.

Next meeting: Saturday, June 10 at 10 AM at the Cherry Grove Fire Hall.

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Call to Order: