Harper Lake Association Membership Meetings

All board members present and accounted for: Roger Zeh, Mary Blumenstein, Erin Kozak, Randy Heemstra, Nancy Randall and Becky Veneklase. Joe Landis was absent.

Harper Lake Association members present: Marcae Johnson, Lou and Beth VanderLaan, Regina and Richard Thomas, Laurence Van Dolsen, Susan and Garryl Roon, Jerry and Valeria Krause, Bill Stimer, Dick Blumenstein, Lisa Muller, Kathy Boeve, Cheryl and Lance Lamar, Fletcher and Rhonda MacGregor, Wally and Sandy Wierzliecki, Susan Badalucco, Bob McDonald, Gord Hoek, Duane and Peg Mickelson, Kim and Mike Gill, Molly Heemstra, Karen Humfleet, David and Donna Kott, Carol Draper, Phyllis and Scott Reyburn. Guest speaker from Iron Fire Department was Tom Elenbaas.

Motion to accept the minutes of the Fall Meeting on August 25, 2007 was made by Laurence Van Dolsen and seconded by Bob McDonald. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s report was given by Erin Kozak. Handouts were given with current financial information and proposed 2008 budget from November 2007 - December 2008 which included beginning balance, income, expenses, ending balance and assets. Motion made by Donna Kott to accept the treasurer’s report and seconded by Becky Veneklase. Motion carried.

Nancy Randall - Bylaws -has copies available for anyone that would like them. Picnic - July 19, 2008 at Rogers Zeh’s, Social Hour 3:00 p.m., Dinner at 4:00 p.m. Boat Parade - August 9, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.

Roger Zeh - Directories - Passed out new directories to members present and will see that other members receive theirs. Clothing/Retail - Displayed and new items shown.

Erin Kozak - Fish and Water Fowl - Lance Lamar reported fish planting only lasts one year and the cost could run $1500.00 to $2000.00. Good weed cover is needed for fish to be planted. President Linda Van Dolsen stated that we need a long range plan. Will try to get someone from the DNR-Wild Life to speak to us at the fall meeting regarding our fish population.

Joe Landis - Weed Control, Lake Maintenance, Water Testing - Bob McDonald - Bob tested the lake water and said visibility is as good or better than it has been in the past. Stated that the lake is not changing in its consistency. He will check the Milfoil and make a map of the Milfoil beds and will spot treat troubled areas.

Linda Van Dolsen - Newsletter/Web Site - always open for news, photos and receipts.

Gypsy Moth - Discussion for article in newsletter for 2009 to ask for donations of $25-$30 to put toward moth treatment. Decision made that Gypsy Moth discussions can wait until next year, and we will focus on the Milfoil treatment first.

Guest Speaker Tom Elenbaas - Chief of Eden-Elk-Sauble Townships Volunteer Fire Department came to the meeting to answer questions and give information about our Rescue and Fire Department. Handouts were available at the end of the meeting on various subjects. He informed us on the rules of burning and burning bans and answered questions on obtaining burn permits. If uncertain we are to call the DNR and we can go to http://www.michigandnr.com/burnpermits. He gave us the date for the Fireman’s Ball which will be held on August 2 at Skinner Park.

Letter was read to us by Bob McDonald from Bill Royce and will be submitted with the minutes. (To Be Supplied)

Fall Election: We need board candidates for fall elections. We will be replacing Nancy Randall and Rogers Zeh because their terms are finished. If anyone is interested in running, please let Roger Zeh know.

Our thanks to Joe and Bobbie Landis for donating the composter for today’s door prize - and the winner was Fletcher MacGregor

Also a thank you goes out to Erin Kozak for the refreshments and being hostess at our meeting.

Harper Lake Association Fall Meeting will be held at Irons Union Church on August 30, 2008 at 9:30 a.m.

Motion made by Nancy Randall to donate $50.00 to St. Bernard’s for the use of the meeting room. Second by Erin Kozak. Motion carried.

Motion to adjourn made by Laurence Van Dolsen . Second by Dick Blumenstein. Motion carried.

HARPER LAKE ASSOCIATION FALL MEETING MINUTES
August 25, 2007 - 9:30 a.m.
St. Bernard's Church

Motion to accept the minutes of the Spring Meeting on May 19, 2007 was made by Richard Blumenstein and seconded by Linda Van Dolsen. Motion carried.

Financial Status was given by Erin Kozak for Joe Landis. Treasurer reports the bank balance is $6,874.74. Dues have been paid by ninety cottages out of a total of 114 opportunities. Suggestion was made for Joe to check on a new C.D. for weed money. A motion was made by Bob McDonald to approve the treasurer's report and seconded by Richard Blumenstein. Motion carried.

Directory - Roger Zeh - handed them our and asked for everyone to review and submit any corrections a.s.a.p. New revised directory will be printed and passed out.

Fish Committee - Lance Lamar - will contact the DNR to help establish long term plans for fish stocking. It was also pointed out that fish funds do not come from the general fund but from funds that are generated by separate contributions.

Clothing / Retail- Roger Zeh - Retail sales have done very well. Rogers was given the authority to discount the remaining old inventory. New items will be ordered. A price list of items is coming and will be put in the newsletter.

Gypsy Moth - Jim Hickey - was not in attendance to give report. Discussion concluded that very little moths have been seen, so there is not need for spraying at this time.

Newsletter - Linda Van Dolsen - Open discussion for future topics such as Lake Association Fund Balances, Boat Parade, New Price List for HLA Clothing, General Information Sharing: White Deer, Recipes, Event Photos.

Picnic / Boat Parade - Joyce Mc Donald - Great picnic turn out. A good fundraiser for the general fund. All activities and games went well with great donations given by many. Boat Parade was also a great success.

Road Clean Up - Bob Mc Donald - will be held Saturday morning September 1, 2007. Weed Control/Lake Maintenance / Water Test - Bob Mc Donald - Weed control went very well this year, will treat two new spots of Milfoil. A motion was made by Linda Van Dolsen to purchase two bags of ZYOD for next years usage - seconded by Richard Blumenstein. Motion was carried. Lake water clarity is normal.

Note: New time voted upon and approved. Meetings moved to Holiday Weekends in hopes of getting a better turn out.

Motion made by Linda Van Dolsen for Roger Zeh to have a Harper Lake Banner made to be used at special events. Joyce Mc Donald seconded.

New Picnic Committee for 2008 - Joyce Mc Donald, Lisa Mullen, Richard Blumenstein, Molly Heemstra, Erin Kozak, and Cheryl Lamar

Road Clean Up: Bob Mc Donald - Immediately following Spring Meeting (5/24/08) and Fall Meeting (8/30/08)

Fish and Waterfowl Committee. Seconded by Mary Blumenstein. Dick Blumenstein to co-chair with Lance Lamar. Will check with DNR to investigate the geese issue.

Because of the small turn out at the fall meeting ballots will be mailed out in the newsletter with a list of candidates to vote on to fill the two vacant spots of Jim Hickey and Bob Nalbach.

Motion made by Nancy Randall to donate $50.00 to St. Bernard's for the use of the meeting room. Second by Erin Kozak

Thanks were given to Lance and Cheryl Lamar for their hosting of the Spring and Fall meetings. Erin Kozak volunteered to be our host for the upcoming 2007-08 year.

	Harper Lake Association Financial Summary
		August 1, 2006 - March 31, 2007
				CASH FLOW
	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan	Feb	Mar	Summary
Beg Cash Balance	4,975.87	5,982.92	5,731.67	5,950.67	950.67	1,143.67	3,973.67	3,913.67	4,975.87
REVENUE
Dues						2,830.00	165.00	385.00	3,380.00
Sale of Merchandise			219.00		193.00				412.00
Pig Roast Reveune	1,299.00								1,299.00
Total Revenue	1,299.00	0.00	219.00	0.00	193.00	2,830.00	165.00	385.00	5,091.00
EXPENSES
Mailing & Postage	39.00	50.87							89.87
Pig Roast 2006	252.95	150.38							403.33
Donation/Meeting Expense		50.00							50.00
Membership MLSA							150.00		150.00
Purchase of CD				5,000.00					5,000.00
Water Quality Testing							75.00	400.00	475.00
HLA Merchandise								880.07	880.07
Total Expenses	291.95	251.25	0.00	5,000.00	0.00	0.00	225.00	1,280.07	7,048.27
Ending Cash Balance	5,982.92	5,731.67	5,950.67	950.67	1,143.67	3,973.67	3,913.67	3,018.60	3,018.60
Certificate of Deposit				5,000.00	5,000.00	5,000.00	5,000.00	5,000.00	5,000.00
Total Cash & Investments				5,950.67	6,143.67	8,973.67	8,913.67	8,018.60	8,018.60
FUND BALANCES
Fish Fund	122.00	122.00	122.00	122.00	122.00	122.00	122.00	122.00	122.00
Gypsy Moth Fund	921.00	921.00	921.00	921.00	921.00	921.00	921.00	921.00	921.00
General Fund	4,939.92	4,688.67	4,907.67	4,907.67	5,100.67	7,930.67	7,870.67	6,975.60	6,975.60
Total Funds	5,982.92	5,731.67	5,950.67	5,950.67	6,143.67	8,973.67	8,913.67	8,018.60	8,018.60

Motion to accept the minutes of the Spring meeting on May 20, 2006 was made by Dick Blumenstein. Seconded by Joe Landis. Motion carried.

FINANCIAL STATUS – Russ Hodder, Treasurer reported the bank balance is $5,932.05, which includes:

A motion by Ross Springer was made to accept the Treasurer’s report. Linda Van Dolsen seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Motion to donate $50 to St. Bernard’s Church in appreciation of use of facility for our meeting was made by Becky Veneklase. Seconded by Linda Van Dolsen. Motion carried.

1. VOTE FOR NEW DIRECTORS: Ballots for the upcoming board of directors elections have been mailed and gave out at the picnic. Make sure to vote and get your ballot in. The new board of directors will be announced in the newsletter.

2. VOTE ON BYLAW CHANGES FROM PRIOR MEETING NOTICE: Jerry Krause made a motion to increase the dues by $30 to $55. Jim Hickey seconded. Discussion that additional $30 to be put in the general fund. Motion carried.

3. MEETING HOST: Lance and Cheryl Lamar will be host of our Spring and Fall meetings for 2007. Thanks for hosting the meeting in 2006.

4. HLA PICNIC – 92 people attended the 2006 HLA Picnic at the Harper Lake Resort hosted by Laurence and Linda Van Dolsen. There was a great turnout and lots of fun was had by all. Thanks to this years committee of Linda Van Dolsen, Donna Kott, Karen Humfleet, Nancy Randall and everyone else who helped make this a great success this year.

Joyce McDonald, Becky Veneklase, Rhonda MacGregor, Kim Walbridge, Jessica and Rich Walker, and Nancy Randall.

The date and location will be posted on our web site and announced at the Spring Meeting.

5. LAKE LEVEL – Bob McDonald reported some erosion and the water is running around the dam. Bob fixed it some and will work on it more. No water is going over the top.

6. HLA DIRECTORY – Roger Zeh reported he has updated the directory. If you have any changes let Roger know. You can call or e-mail him.

7. HLA ITEMS FOR SALE – Roger Zeh has a few shirts left and lots of can coolers. He will place a new order for more sweatshirts. Let him know if you want anything.

8. GYPSY MOTH – Jim Hickey reported that he cut about 120 tens but not to bad maybe we need to do something in the Spring. Russ Hodder has seen a few moths but not many. We have $921 in fund and it will cost us around $3,000 to treat. Jim Hickey and Bob McDonald committee members will keep an eye on this.

9. WEED CONTROL – We spot treated this year and may to professionally treat next year. Bob McDonald checking on different options like the weevels but it is probably not feasible because it would cost about $6,000. Discussion on the weevels. The Milfoil Weed Control/Lake Maintenance Committee consisting of Bob McDonald, chair, Roger Zeh, Lance Lamar, Bill Royce, Nancy Randall and Dave Kott will report back on this. Report and Milfoil in your area to Bob McDonald to make sure you are on the map for treatment.

10. BOAT PARADE – The Boat Parade was held on Saturday, July 15, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. Thanks to the judges, Joe and Bobbie Landis and Bill and Dorothy Royce, they were very good sports! Thanks to Bob and Nancy Randall for donating the prizes. 1^st place went to the VanderLaan’s shower stall and 2^nd place went to the Brower’s toga boat! Everyone had a great time and thanks to everyone for participating.

11. ROAD SIDE CLEANUP – Bob McDonald will be the new chairman of this committee. Thanks to Russ Hodder for his many years as chairman. This year’s clean up will be immediately following the Fall Meeting. Meet at 10 ½ Mile Road and Granger Road.

12. NEWSLETTER – Roger Zeh will work with Linda Van Dolsen to publish the newsletter due to be mailed in December with the membership dues envelopes.

13. WEB SITE – Laurence Van Dolsen from Harper Lake Resort was kind enough to create a web site for us and now we need to add to it. Check it out at http://association.harperlake.com and don’t forget to add it to your favorites and check back and see how we are doing. If you would like to be on the committee to help us construct this web site, contact Nancy Randall.

1. PUSH FOR NEW MEMBERSHIP – Talk to your neighbors and explain what we are doing and what needs to be done to keep the Milfoil under control. We need everyone to join.

2. Jim Hickey reported that the white deer are hanging around Nixson Road, stop by there and check them out.

3. Thanks to Russ and Joanne Hodder for all of your help in the past. We will miss you on the lake.

4. Roger Zeh has some ideas for some Fund Raisers. He will report back to us at the Spring Meeting. If you have any ideas, let him know.

Dick Blumenstein made a motion to adjourn. Becky Veneklase seconded it. Meeting adjourned.

Motion to donate $50 to church in appreciation of use was so moved and accepted.

5. FINACIAL STATUS – Russ Hodder, Treasurer reported the bank balance is $4,665.09, which includes:

Russ reported that we have 82 paid members as of this date. Joe Landis moved to accept the treasurers report, Jim Hickey seconded.

6. GYPSY MOTH – Jim Hickey reported that the gypsy moths are not bad this year some on the Northeast side and should probably treat next year.

7. LAKE LEVEL – Bob McDonald reported some erosion around the dam but fixed it. We have had good rain. There is a 3 ½” gap by the dam but water is not going over it.

8. HLA ANNUAL PICNIC – The HLA Annual Picnic Committee shall consist of Linda Van Dolsen, Karen Humfleet, Donna Kott and Nancy Randall. The picnic will be held this year on August 19, 2006 at Harper Lake Resort hosted by Laurence and Linda Van Dolsen.

9. FISH COMMITEE – Lance Lamers reported the shoreline is very important to fish habit try and leave down trees for fish cover. The island is a good area for fish shelter.

10. HLA ITEMS FOR SALE – Roger Zeh has a few things left for sale and will be getting a few extra items. Let him know if you want more items.

11. HLA DIRECTORY – Roger Zeh reported he has updated the directory and has delivered the majority of the directories and will mail out the ones he hasn’t been able to deliver. If you have any changes let Roger know. You can call or e-mail him.

12. ELECTION OF OFFICERS - We will hold our annual election of officers at the fall meeting. If anyone is interested in running for an office please let Roger Zeh know. We need new people!

13. BOAT PARADE – This year we will hold the Boat Parade Saturday, July 15, 2006 instead of after the picnic. We will have two judges, the Landis’ and the Royce’s, and you must go around the lake two times. The parade shall start at 7:30 p.m. Nancy Randall will get prizes for 1^st and 2^nd place for the best decorated boat.

14. SPECIAL TAX ASSESSMENT – Bob McDonald reported that the Special Tax Assessment Committee has given their recommendations to the HLA Executive Committee and they were discussed at the last board meeting. The two recommendations they presented are:

a. Recommendation 1 – was to establish a Special Assessment District (SAD). A SAD provides for the annual collection of a fee to be used for a specific purpose in a specific area. In HLA’s case, the specific purpose would be for weed control. Once established, the SAD and its monies would be administered by the Elk Township Board.

b. Recommendation 2 – Raise dues for the HLA membership by at least $10 per year to cover the annual cost of weed control. Administration of the funds would be done, as they are now, by the Harper Lake Association.

Larry Noble made a motion to send out an invoice to the membership to voluntarily increase the dues by $30 per year. The motion was seconded by Joyce McDonald.

The motion was then amended by Dave Kott to pursue a change to the Bylaws and ask for an increase in the dues by $30 at the fall meeting. Motion seconded by Joe.

Notice shall be mailed out to everyone giving notice that there will be a vote for a bylaws change at the fall meeting for the purpose of increasing the dues by $30.

Road Clean Up will be held right after the meeting, please meet at Granger Road and 10 ½ Mile Road.

Larry Noble made a motion to adjourn. Nancy Randall seconded it. Meeting adjourned.

a. Milfoil Fund	$ 958.91
b. Gypsy Moth	921.00
c. Fish Fund	172.00
d. General Fund	3,880.14
	$ 5,932.05