Meeting Minutes

Lake Mitchell Improvement Board Special meeting minutes -- October 15, 2007

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.

Meeting Called To Order

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

Roll Call

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.

Public Comments

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.　

AGENDA ITEM(S)

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.

Board Comments

None.

Chairperson Comments

None.

Adjournment

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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Lake Mitchell Improvement Board Minutes – October 1, 2007

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.

Old Business:

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.

New Business:

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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Lake Mitchell Improvement Board Meeting – August 30, 2007

Called to Order: 7:04

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.

New Business:

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.

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Lake Mitchell Improvement Board Minutes – July 7, 2007

Called to Order: 10:00 A.M.

Members Present: Lois Poag, Mike Solomon, Ray Mayer, Larry Copley, and Pam Tyning from Progressive Engineering.

Members Absent: James Dean and Dave Foley

Secretary’s Report (Dave Foley): Motion for approval by Solomon; 2^nd by Mayer. Unanimous approval

Treasurer’s Report (Ray Mayer):

Checking balance $2,665.42

Money Market Balance $50,002.46

With the Summer Taxes season not complete until September it may be necessary to set aside some major payments pending receipt of cash.

An individual from the audience requested that the LMIB attempt to split the LMIB Lake Assessment so that 50% would be on each tax bill.

Motion to accept the Treasurers Report was made by Mike Solomon; seconded by Larry Copley. Unanimously approved.

Drain Commissioner’s Report (Mike Solomon):

Lake level is 1289.91 which is okay.

Swimmers itch is prevalent on several locations around Lake Mitchell. It is requested that individuals contacting this malady should contact either the Wexford County Drain Commissioners or any other member of the LMIB. The purpose of these reports is to allow an incident base to be developed for possible future treatment.

Old Business:

Results of last survey June 21, 2007 (Harvesting): As identified in the survey 25 acres with an additional 4 acres being added have been targeted for harvesting in Frankie Cove, Little Cove and East of Camp Torenta The harvesting phase is scheduled to end on or about July 14, 2007.

An individual in the audience requested that Progressive check out Lake Mitchell between West Division and the Johnson Center for additional Mill Foil.

Several of those in attendance were complementary of the harvesting efforts thus far.

Assessment Roll Responsibility – compensation for Margo: It was brought to the attention of the LMIB via an e-mail from Cherry Grove Township Treasure, Margo Copley that there is need for the LMIB to develop procedures specifying responsibilities and duties consistent with acceptable business practices to address the following:

Develop and maintain a master list of all parcels within the assessment district.

Specify how and by whom additions and deletions of parcels to the master list are to be made.

Develop procedures to insure how changes/corrections to the master list are to be affected.

Develop a protocol specifying how and when funds should be transferred from the townships and city to the LMIB.

Investigate the feasibility of providing a stipend per parcel transaction for the affected townships and city treasurers.

Chairperson, Lois Poag indicated that she would be in contact with the township boards, city commission and Progressive to develop a system that was clean and equitable for all involved. It is imperative that these processes take on a professional persona to handle the concerns of all involved.

Following is a listing of concerns brought forward for the LMIB to consider and correct:

Judith VanderMolen indicated that she was billed three times for lake assessment though she only owned two parcels. The documentation for the following parcels 83-2210-AK-23A, 83-2210-WS-53 and 83-2210-WS-10 were presented. Chairperson Lois Poag indicated that the LMIB would attempt to rectify this problem and report back.

Steve Osborn indicated that he had two lots, which were separated by other parcels and indicated that he would like consideration similar to lots that were adjacent which could be consolidated. It was explained that lots in this configuration must be counted as two separate parcels.

Matthew Schmitt of 117 Eagle Court requested that the Board consider letting him consolidate several adjacent parcels into one parcel. Chairperson Lois Poag indicated that the LMIB would attempt to rectify this problem and report back.

The Marline Harper Trust also requested consideration concerning consolidations and billing. Chairperson Lois Poag indicated that the LMIB would attempt to rectify this problem and report back.

Chad Collins, GIS Coordinator for Wexford County provided a listing of the following parcels which meet the specifications of the assessment district but have never been billed:

2210-26-4401 Selma Township, and 2110-10-2101, 2110-ESP-26, 2110MPK-151, 211-MPK-114, 2110-10-1101 & 2110-HP-77 Cherry Grove Township.

Chairperson Lois Poag indicated that the LMIB would attempt to rectify these problems and report back.

Any Additional Business: Michael Soloman requested that Progressive provide the LMIB an enumerated listing of services provide. Mr. Solomon indicated that he had sent Ms. Tyning of Progressive a detailed request via e-mail during the last several days.

Pam Tyning of Progressive indicated that the Lake Mitchell Improvement process was on track and that it was under constant evaluation.

Public Comments: Ron Klimp, 7288 S. 33-½ Road Cadillac Mi. 49601 telephone 775-6577 brought samples of composted weed material. Mr. Klimp indicated that if individuals were interested in getting some of this material for fertilizer, that they should contact him direct to work out cost and delivery.

Next Meeting, Saturday July 21, 2007 10:00 A.M.: Ms Tyning of Progressive indicated that she thought this date had been changed at a previous meeting. Ms. Tyning will contact Chairperson Poag with the previously agreed upon date so that proper posting can take place.

Meeting Adjourned: 11:02 A.M.

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Lake Mitchell Improvement Board Minutes – June 9, 2007

Called to Order: 10:00

Members Present: Lois Poag, Mike Solomon, Ray Mayer, Larry Copley, Dave Foley, and Pam Tyning from Progressive Engineering.

Members Absent: James Dean

Secretary’s Report (Dave Foley): Motion for approval by Solomon; 2^nd by Copley. Unanimous approval

Treasurer’s Report (Ray Mayer): With money now available, LMIB funds have been used to repay $3000 loan from Cherry Grove Township.

Balance sheet often appears overly optimistic because township is on June to June fiscal calendar while LMIB operates on a January to January calendar.

Initial budget showed a shortfall of slightly less than $9000; however less-than expected milfoil on boat survey enabled budget to be balanced. (See revised budget – emailed to LMIB members 6/9/07.)

Motion to accept budget of $184,891 was made by Dave Foley; seconded by Larry Copley. Unanimously approved.

Drain Commissioner’s Report (Mike Solomon):

Lake level is 1280.25 which is okay.

Old Business:

Release of tournament bass: The three tournaments that have been held on our lakes this season have all willingly complied with our request to return fish to the lake where they were caught.

Renewal of Progressive contract: Progressive’s request to raise their annual fee from $7000 to $12,000 was discussed. Pam Tyning talked about their expanding role and increasing costs and showed us a sheet that spelled out Progressive’s services which discussed the expanded aquatic vegetation surveys and oversight, increased work with contractor, and volume of email communication involving LMIB issues.

Motion was made by Mayer and seconded by Foley to approve the annual $12,000 cost for 2007-2009. Approval was unanimous.

Roadside Pickup: Mayer made a motion and seconded by Copley to approval the 2007 contract with Paul McDonald for $8250 to handle roadside pickup from May 21 through September 7. Unanimously approved.

New Business:

Progressive Engineering report (Pam Tyning):

Aquatic vegetation survey: On June 5, Pam Tyning from Progressive Engineering, along with Dave Foley, did a grid survey of Lake Mitchell as they checked depth and vegetation looking for milfoil at 267 points in the lake. Approximately 250 acres of Eurasian milfoil was discovered.

Chemical treatment will occur June 14 (weather permitting) and approximately 250 acres will be sprayed with 2-4-D for milfoil and plus additional acres will be treated with Reward for weeds primarily in the coves. In the third week of June, Progressive Engineering and the Lake Improvement Board will check on the effectiveness of the chemical treatment and determine where harvesting will occur. Harvesting should occur during the last week of June.

Seawall request: Jackie Clark inquired about procedures needed to follow to build a seawall along the common-shared shoreline of Hiawatha Court. She was referred to Pat Donavon of the DEQ.

Docks at Road ends: Patrick McQueen sent the board information about the HB 4463 which, if passed, would allow the placement of docks at road ends if townships pass ordinances endorsing this law. This matter was referred to Selma and Cherry Grove Township supervisors.

Dock on MDOT land: It was also reported that a dock and pontoon boat have been placed along M-55 on public land. Mike Solomon referred this matter to MDOT. The MDOT will request that the dock be removed.

Public Comments: None

Next Meeting: Saturday, July 7, 2007 at 10 AM.

Meeting Adjourned: 12:02

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Lake Mitchell Improvement Board - May 7, 2007

Called to Order: 5:32

Members Present: Lois Poag, Mike Solomon, Ray Mayer, Larry Copley, Dave Foley and Pam Tyning from Progressive Engineering

Members Absent: James Dean

Secretary’s Report: (Dave Foley) Minutes of February 19 meeting approved.

Treasurer’s Report : (Ray Mayer)

We have a $66.10 credit in my name at the Cadillac News

Drain Commissioner’s Report: (Mike Solomon) Lakes are 3 inches above legal minimum and that is normal. The dam is wide open.

Old Business:

Requests for funds from Cherry Grove and Selma Townships:

Selma Township will give us an annual grant of $1650 to be used for milfoil eradication and will require us to make a quarterly report of the use of the this fund. This grant may be renewed annually.

Cherry Grove Township will be giving us an annual grant of $1100 to be used for milfoil under an arrangement identical to Selma’s.

Both townships came up with their figure by taking their boat launch/park lots on Lake Mitchell (3 for Selma, 2 for Cherry Grove) and treated them as if they were assessed as commercial units ($550 per commercial unit).

Status of Matching fund grant requests: 17 of 47 applicants were approved for the More Fish Fund Program of he National Fish and Wildlife Association. We missed the cut. We also were turned down for the grant with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Website and Newsletter Report: Our 2007 newsletter and website expenses were $1718 as we mailed.555 12 page newsletters at $.63 each. (Last year we mailed 630 8-page newsletters @ $.39). An additional 140 were notified by email saving us about $150.. Our webmaster expense went from $225 to $400. Next year I hope to return to an 8-page newsletter as the unusual amount of news necessitated additional pages. That should save us on postage and printing.

Weed Hauler Contract renewed:

Paul McDonald’s contract was renewed for 2007 and will be paid $8250 this year, an increase of $2000. He will begin on May 21. and finish on September 7^th. Lois will make sure he is ready to get started on May 21.

New Business:

Professional Service Agreement with Progressive Engineering. The 2007 contract with Progressive calls for and increase from $7000 to $12,000. This reflects the increased time and effort it will take to do about three full lake grid surveys this year. Mike Solomon moved and Ray Mayer seconded a motion to delay voting on this issue until the June meeting so LMIB members can check into this. The motion passed unanimously.

Weed Survey Date is tentatively set for June 6th.

Chemical treatment will come about 4 to 7 days later.

Pam will consult with PLM about the possibility of harvesting later in the summer, instead of the week before the 4^th of July to maximize the benefits of the single harvest

Dave will submit the form needed to have flock of Canada geese that hang around Hiawatha Court relocated by the DNR this summer.

Public Comments:

Bob Miller was concerned that State Park received weed treatment yet never paid any money.

Next Meeting:

May 25 10 AM – Annual LMA meeting.

June 9 10 AM - LMIB

Meeting adjourned: 6:20

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Lake Mitchell Improvement Board Meeting -- February 19, 2007

Called to Order: 5:28 by vice president- James Dean

Members Present: James Dean, Mike Solomon, Larry Copley, Dave Foley with Pam Tyning from Progressive EA

Members Absent: Ray Mayer, Lois Poag.

Secretary’s Report: Minute’s from January 13 meeting approved.

Approved. Motion - Foley; 2^nd Copley

Treasurer’s Report: Margo, Cherry Grove Treasurer, withdrew $20,000 out of Cherry Grove assessment collections from 2006winter tax collections and paid back $3000 we had borrowed.

Finances as of February 10:

Bank Balance is $13, 091.29 in money market savings.

Checking is $4,208.06.

Total is $17,299.35 (We have used $2700.65 of monies we don’t usually use until summer.

Approved. Motion - Solomon ; 2^nd Foley

Drain Commissioner’s Report: Lake level = 1289.75 3 inches below normal.

New Business

Business Regarding Assessment Rolls:

Change in Assessment policy for Condominiums

Based on a request from Lynn Francis comes a request to change occupied condominium assessment from 1 unit to ¾ unit and owner of condo pays 1 unit.

Motion: The Lake Mitchell Improvement Board will change the assessment for occupied lakefront condominiums from 1 unit to ¾ unit and the owner of the condominium will continue to pay one unit.

Motion by Foley. No second. Motion defeated.

Assessment for condos will continue to be 1 unit for occupied units and 1 unit for condominium developer.

Changes to Assessments based on appeals by property owners:

Motion: To approve 2210-HB-018 Edward Williams. Change to zero assessment because the parcel has been combined.

Motion: Foley; 2^nd Solomon. Approved

Motion: Because 2210-IS-020 Gary Donahue’s 2 parcels are next to each other but split between two plats (part in Indian Springs and part in Hiawatha) Donahue should pay $275 for Hiawatha portion but zero for Indian Springs portion because the country won’t allow him to combine them.

Motion by Foley; 2^nd by Solomon. Approved.

Official Complaints to the tax Tribunal:

Motion: The Lake Mitchell Improvement Board denies the complaints brought by Gordy Maxwell 2210-PW1011and Don Powell 2210-35-3201 and 2110-BB56507 and BB 56041 that they should not pay their lake improvement assessments. Motion by Foley; 2^nd by Copley. Approved.

Written complaints and protests about Assessment

Tonya Holman – Concerns -Letter answered

Norris Hunemorder – Opposes assessment - Letter answered.

Tim Williams – concerns -Letter answered.

Joesph Smith – concerns – Letter answered.

Gerald and Anne Kent – Concerns & deeded access should pay full assessment. – Letter answered

Vicki & Doug Essenmacher – Opposed assessment – attended January 13 meeting.

Guy Forman – Opposed Assessment until environmental study before chemicals used – attended January 13 meeting.

The resolution that approves the final assessment rolls for changes in the assessments made in 2007 are attached to the minutes.

The Lake Improvement Board approved their Aquatic Plant Control Plan for 2007 which is as follows:

The Improvement Board’s objectives

The Improvement Board’s stated objectives for aquatic weed control, in order of priority are stated as follows:

1) Control Eurasian milfoil in the main part of the lake.

2) Remove vegetation that hinders boaters’ access to the lake.

3) Clear thick weeds away from ends of docks.

4) Provide roadside pick up for weeds.

To meet these objectives the Board held a public hearing on January 13^th for the purpose of raising the property owners’ assessments and getting feedback from members of the Lake Mitchell Association.

The Board’s plan for aquatic plant control in 2007

1. In June 2007, approximately 450 acres of milfoil will be treated.

A. 2-4-D will be used in all areas that are more than 250 feet from shore. (2-4-D cannot be used within 250 feet of any shallow wells.)

B. For milfoil and nuisance plants near the shore, Renovate and Reward chemicals will be used.

2. In addition to chemically treating the thick vegetation in the coves, harvesting will be done in late June to remove the vegetation near docks and to provide navigation paths so boats can enter and exit the coves. As the harvesters cut the weeds, they will collect them so the weeds do not pile up and clog these waters.

3. The shoreline cleanup program will continue to operate starting the week before Memorial Day and ending the week after Labor Day.

Approve Prepayment of Website Newsletter Expenses

Motion: The Lake Mitchell Improvement Board approves payment of expenses incurred in the production of the 2007 Lakesider newsletter and the update of the website www.lakemitchell.org Expenses and approximate costs are as follows: Webmaster: $350.

Printing and folding of newsletter $250. Mailing labels $25. Postage $250. Editor’s Fee to Dave Foley $600. Total approximately $1475.

Motion by Solomon; 2^nd by Copley. Approved.

Request for secretarial Funds

Motion: The Lake Mitchell Improvement Board approves not more than $100 to be paid annually to the secretary for expenses incurred relating to Lake Mitchell Improvement business upon being presented documentation of these expenses.

Motion by Solomon. 2^nd by Copley. Approved.

Request for Water Quality

Upon recommendation by Mike Solomon, the Drain Commissioner, water testing will continue to be done on Lake Mitchell this year. In addition water near the inlets will be tested for phosphorus content. The cost will be paid by the Lake Improvement Board and should be about $500.

Lake Mitchell Action Committee Report of winter 2006-07 activities.

Phosphorus-free resolutions: Cherry Grove and Selma Townships have both written and approved resolutions recommending that no phosphate fertilizers be used within 500 feet of the shores of Lake Mitchell. Jim and Nan Vick were in charge of this project.

Milfoil Stamp: A resolution, based on a program in Maine, has been approved and supported by the MUCC at their Regional Meeting which would require that all motorized boats launched in Michigan waters purchase annually a milfoil stamp ($10 for residents and $29 for non-residents). Funds anticipated to be $12-15 million would be used to treat invasive species in inland lakes. This resolution will likely be approved at the MUCC State Convention in June and then be part of MUCC’s legislative policy agenda. Al Anderson researched the milfoil stamp; resolution written by Dave Foley.

Bass Redistribution: With support of the DNR, Lake Cadillac Association, and the City of Cadillac, Part 459 of the Fisheries Law forbidding the transfer of fish between lakes will be adhered to during bass tournaments this year. Tournament officials will be asked to return 50% of their catch to the lake opposite the weigh-in and to five different locations along Mitchell’s north and west sides. Permanent signs will be posted at seven locations and tournaments wherever possible will be contacted before the tournament.

Mike Engels, Ron Moelker, Al Anderson, and Dave Foley developed this plan.

B.A.S.S. And NTWF Grants; Although Larae Peters has written two matching funds grants for $95,000, we have not heard if they have been accepted.

Township Funding Requests: The Lake Mitchell Improvement Board will officially make requests at Cherry Grove and Selma Township meetings for funding to be used for aquatic plant control.

Lake Mitchell and Lake Cadillac Boards working together: Representatives from the Lake Mitchell Improvement Board now attend Lake Cadillac meetings and work together on common issues.

Weed Control Plan for 2007 – After much research including extensive study of Sonar, rotovators, harvesting techniques, weevils, and chemical treatment plans, it was determined that the plan proposed for the 2007 aquatic plant control is the best one.

Goose Relocation – Bob Johnson from the City invited the LMIB to be a part of Canada goose relocation. Dave Foley will make a request to Ruth Ann French of the DNR. In June problem geese from Lake Mitchell will be relocated..

Next Meeting - May 7, 2007

Adjourned: 6:24

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Public Hearing on Assessment Roll for Improvements to Lake Mitchell -- January 13, 2007

1. Gary Donahue – 2287 East Lake Mitchell (Selma) 2

His 50 foot lot straddles Hiawatha and Indian Spring plats and this one lot is assessed two units (2210-IS-20 Indian Springs & 2210-HB-026 Hiawatha). He would like this reduced to one unit and assessed for the larger Hiawatha Plat.

Motion: The Board moves to have the assessment rolls adjusted to show that Gary Donahue will now be assessed one unit instead of two for his East Lake Mitchell property. Motion –Foley. 2^nd Dean. Unanimous support.

2. Richard Prebay (Cherry Grove)- He lives on a lakefront lot and owns ½ of the connecting back lot and is currently assessed for 2 units. In addition he owns two back lots (#139 & 140). He currently pays an assessment for each of these lots. He plans to go to the equalization office and combine each of these two separate properties so that the records will show that he owns a single lakefront lot and a single back lot. He will thus reduce the total number of units he is assessed for to two.

Motion – When the records show that Richard Prebay has consolidated his lakefront property to a single unit and has also reduced his number of back lots to one. This must be accomplished by February 15, 2007 His new assessment will reflect his reduction in assessed units. Motion – Foley. 2^nd- Dean.

3.Gordy Maxwell – 120 Mallard Court #2210-PW1011 wishes the record to show that he will be making a complaint to the state tax tribunal. He feels that since assessments are supposed to be levied so that improvements can be made to a property, that the lake improvement assessment monies fail to improve the quality of the lake and may even be adding to the problem. Thus the value of his property is not improved by assessments levied on his property.

4. Don Powell – Selma Township lake front lot in Potter’s Woods #2210-35-3201 and Cherry Grove Township lots 2110-BB56507 ( 415 S. Lake Dr.) & BB56041 (414 S. Lake Dr.) will also be making a complaint to the state tax tribunal. With the same rationale as Gordy Maxwell (See comments above for details).

Minutes submitted by Dave Foley, Secretary of the Lake Mitchell Improvement Board.

January 15, 2007

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Lake Mitchell Improvement Board – September 25, 2006

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.

Old Business

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.

New Business

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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Lake Mitchell Improvement Board Meeting – June 10, 2006

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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Lake Mitchell Improvement Board Meeting – May 8, 2006

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

Members Absent: Ray Mayer, Mike Solomon, James Dean

A quorum of four members was not present, so no official business was conducted.

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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Lake Mitchell Improvement Board Meeting – April 4, 2006

Call to Order: Vice-president James Dean called meeting to order at 5:45.

Present: James Dean, Bill Goodwill, Mike Solomon, Dave Foley

Treasurer’s report:

Foley requested authorization to present bills to Margo Copley for payment of winter bills regarding website, newsletter, & weed hauler ads.

Board members made a motion and passed it unanimously to approve the payment of the bills.

Old Business:

Two bids for weed hauler job were received. Paul McDonald of McDirt Delivery and Snow Plowing LLC was low bidder at $6250. (Brent McCumber bid $7,500). McDonald was notified of Board’s acceptance of his bid contingent of his signing of contract which James Dean will develop with assistance of Pete Stalker.

The Board made a motion to accept McDonald’s bid and it passed unanimously.

New Business:

Dave Foley asked to be reimbursed for expenses of nails and getting signs laminated that will be posted around Lake Mitchell informing PWC drivers of Michigan Boating laws. The Board agreed to his request.

Foley asked permission to contact Lake Mitchell Association to ask if they would add a sentence on their mailing of annual meeting notice encouraging property owners that if they fertilized to use phosphorus free fertilizer which was available at the 13^th Street Market and Grahek’s. The Board approved his request.

Meeting adjourned: 5:00 .

Next Meeting: Monday May 8, 5:30 PM Cherry Grove Fire Hall.

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Special Meeting of the Lake Mitchell Improvement Board--March 8, 2006 at 401 Lake St.

Members present: Mike Solomon, James Dean, Bill Goodwill, Dave Foley

Members in Florida: Lois Poag, Ray Mayer

Meeting Called to order: 6:00 PM

Motion: Mike Solomon moved (second by Dave Foley) to appoint James Dean as vice-president of the Lake Mitchell Improvement Board. Motion passed unanimously.

Motion: The Lake Mitchell Improvement Board, through an ad in the Cadillac News, will solicit bids for a weed hauler the 2006 season. Bids may not exceed $8000. Motion was made by Mike Solomon and seconded by James Dean.

The details of the Weed Hauler’s Job Description and the revised policy for Shoreline Cleanup will appear on the website www.lakemitchell.org. by March 9.

Meeting adjourned: 6:40 PM

Minutes submitted by Dave Foley

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Lake Mitchell Improvement Board Meeting – September 26, 2005

Members Present: Lois Poag, Mike Solomon, Bill Goodwill, James Dean, and Pam Tyning from Progressive Engineering

Members Absent: Ray Mayer

Meeting Called to Order: 5:32

Secretary’s Report: Approved

Treasurer’s Report: Ray was absent but the balance sheet shows a balance of about $15,000. August harvesting and September shoreline cleanup bills have been paid.

Drain Commissioner’s Report: Mike Solomon reported that the 9/25 and 9/26 rains (about 2.4") brought lake level to 1259.76 - three inches below lake maximum level.

Milfoil survey: Progressive’s survey found 118 acres of milfoil in Lake Mitchell.

Shoreline Cleanup plan for 2006: A representative from DMW weed haulers proposed that all calls be directed to their home phone which will solve the situation resulting from the current problems with Shoreline Cleanup Hotline telephone.

Report from Enviro-Science meeting in Kalkaska: James Dean reported on an informational meeting he attended where Enviro-Science talked about using weevils to control Eurasian milfoil. Dean reported that 1) Weevils can fly five miles; 2) They can overwinter in manicured laws; and 3) Cost is 1000 weevils for $1200 plus $4500 for a survey and administrative costs. This information differs form earlier data given by Envrio-Science. Pam noted that Progressive will get in touch with ES to determine what is the most reasonable expectations from a weevil planting. Lake Cadillac will likely do a combination of weevils and chemical treatment in dealing with its milfoil problems.

Measuring of ecoli in Lake Mitchell: Mike Solomon noted that a grant will allow for measurement of ecoli levels in Lake Mitchell. Tests at State Park Beach in 2005 yielded low levels of ecoli which do not threaten swimmer’s health.

Discussion of August treatment in Lake Mitchell: Although the survey by Progressive showed the chemical treatment of Hiawatha and Franke Cove was successful, several Franke Cove residents felt it was inadequate. Apparently there is differing opinions on what is adequate weed control. In 2006 residents of Franke and Little Cove will be invited to ride survey boats so an agreement can be reached on weed control.

Water Quality investigations to continue: A motion was passed to spend $370 to continue water quality tests in Lake Mitchell in 2006.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:08. Next meeting is May 8, 2006

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Lake Mitchell Improvement Board Meeting – August 8, 2005

Members Present: Lois Poag, James Dean, Dave Foley, Mike Solomon.

Members Absent: Ray Mayer, Bill Goodwill

Members Absent: 5:36 P.M.

Discussion of next harvesting: The effectiveness of the June chemical treatment/harvesting will result in only 5-6 acres of harvesting and very little chemical treatment in mid-August.

Working with Lake Cadillac: The board has offered to work with organizations that form to deal with Lake Cadillac’s weed problem.

Weevil Informational Meeting: The board passed a resolution to pay mileage (at the government rate) and meal expenses for James Dean to travel to Kalkaska on August 16 to attend an informational meeting about the application of weevils to control Eurasian milfoil.

A Grid for Lake Mitchell? Lois Poag will check with Progressive about the possibility of having them do a grid of the lake to determine the exact location and extent of plant growth in Lake Mitchell.

Ecoli checks for beaches: Mike Solomon noted that a grant had provided funds that will enable area beaches to be checked for ecoli levels. The State Park beach on Lake Mitchell will be checked and possible Camp Torentas as well.

Meeting Adjourned: 6:13 P.M.

Next Meeting: September 28 at 5:30.

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Lake Mitchell Improvement Board Meeting – June 14, 2005

Members Present: Mike Solomon, James Dean, Ray Meyer, Lois Poag, Pam Tyning

Members Absent: Laura Lee Smit

Meeting called to Order: 5:32

Secretary Report: Approved.

Treasurer’s Report: $81,892 on hand. Approved.

Drain Commissioner’s Report: Mike Solomon reported that current level is 1290.23’, 3" over summer level but starting to drop. The dam has been partially closed.

Old Business:

Franke Cove Boat Ramp: Dave Foley made a motion based on information provided by Mike Solomon to pave the ramp (instead of adding rock to it) not to exceed a cost of $499. The motion was made because paving would be cheaper and would provide a stronger surface for vehicles. The motion passed.

South Franke Cove Treatments: The new policy, wherein any chemical treatments or harvesting other than those requested by the LMIB must be approved by Progressive Engineering and the LMIB, was explained. A spirited discussion among residents of Franke Cove followed.

Resort Assessments: Clarifications were asked concerning assessments of new condominiums at the Country Club site. (Margo Stratton confirmed that once occupied, likely 2005, each unit would be charged a full assessment.)

Public Hearings: Pam Tyning, representing Progressive Engineering, talked about procedures needed to prepare for the July 22 and August 5 (both at 5:30 at Cherry Grove Township Hall) public hearings.

Next meeting: June 28. 5:30

Minutes submitted by Dave Foley

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Lake Mitchell Improvement Board Meeting – May 9, 2005

Members Present: Lois Poag (President), Mike Solomon (Drain Commissioner),

James Dean(City Commission), Ray Mayer(Treasurer-elect), Dave Foley (Secretary)

Members Absent: Bill Goodwill (County Commission)

Meeting called to order: 5:30 PM

Secretary Report: Approved.

Treasurer’s Report: April 30, 2005 balance - $76,739.90

Mike and Dave will meet to make sure actual budget and budget projections agree.

Drain Commissioner Report: Mike Solomon reported that the lake level is 1290.016 which is about right for this time of year.

Motion: Nominated Ray Mayer to be the treasurer of the board. Nominated by Dave Foley; seconded by Mike Solomon. Unanimous support.

Motion: Approved the budget for 2005 to meet the new state requirement that this action be taken. Moved by James Dean; seconded by Mike Solomon. Unanimous support.

Pam Tyning from Progressive Engineering reviewed the chemical treatment and harvesting contracts for 2005. Professional Lake Management will do most of work. Midwest Aquatics will do north end of Little Cove.

The email info@lakemitchell.org will continue to answer email queries but the person (Dave Foley at present) who responds will be sure to note whether he is speaking on behalf of the LMIB or just offering personal ideas.

Shoreline Cleanup has not been activated yet but will start on Memorial Day weekend and operate until Labor Day assuming the service can be reestablished.

Next Meeting – June 13 (South Franke Cove concerns will be addressed at that time.)

Minutes submitted by Dave Foley

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