Lake Mitchell Improvement Board
  
Lake Mitchell Improvement Board - November 3, 2008

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).

Agenda Items:

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.

Jennifer answered the following questions:

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.

Using Fluridone (SONAR) in Lake Mitchell would not be the best choice at this time according to Jennnifer for the following reasons:

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

Lake Mitchell Improvement Board Meeting - October 7, 2008

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 3rd 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

Lake Mitchell Improvement Board meeting - August 16, 2008

Call to order

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

Public Comments:

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.

Drain Commissioner’s report :

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

Progressive Engineering:

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.

Lake Mitchell Update:

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

Timing of next year’s assessments:

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 23rd treatment.

Ron will receive a bill for this amount.

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

Next meeting: Changed from Oct. 6 to October 7. Time remains as 5:30 at the Cherry Grove Fire Hall.

Meeting notes taken by Lois Poag and transcribed by Dave Foley

Lake Mitchell Improvement Meeting - July 12, 2008

Call to Order: 10:02

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 4th 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)

New Business

1. Assessments

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.

Resolution for 2008 Bill and Assessment Roll Changes:

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.

5. Progressive Engineer’s Report (Tony Groves):

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.

6. Lake Mitchell Report (Dave Foley

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. 2nd 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. 2nd Mayer. Unanimous approval.

Lois Poag, who served as the Board President from 1988 when the board was formed until 2008, was presented a plaque honoring her service to the board.

Next Meeting: Saturday August 16 10 AM at Cherry Grove Fire Hall.

Meeting adjourned at 11:54

Lake Mitchell Improvement Board Meeting - June 14, 2008

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

Lake Mitchell Improvement Board Meeting - May 5, 2008

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 1st week of June and grid points will now have less space