Douglas Lakeshore Association Annual Meeting Minutes August 8, 2009
On August 8, 2009 the DLSA held its annual meeting at Douglas City Hall.
The meeting was called to order by President Sheldon Wettack at 9:00 A.M.
MINUTES:
The minutes of the 2008 annual meeting were reviewed by Steve McKown, and approved by voice vote.
TREASURER’S REPORT:Arlene Philp gave the treasurer’s report dated August 8, 2009.An accounting of the summer social for 2009 was also provided showing gross income of $2,040.71 and expenses of $3,675.96.After reviewing the summer social accounting, it was pointed out that the annual treasurer’s report showed gross income for the summer social, but expenses of $1,635.25 rather than $3,675.96.Because the balance of $4,507.70 was accurate, based on bank records, and the other 2009 expenses were accurate as reported, it appears that the discrepancy must be found in the cash on hand as of 7/26/08.
On motion made by Steve McKown, the members present resolved that the annual treasurer’s report should be amended to reflect a correct cash on hand balance from the last annual report, together with gross income and expenses for the summer social.Arlene Philp agreed to make the revisions for approval at the 2010 meeting.
2009 SUMMER SOCIAL REVIEW:Pat Woods provided a report regarding the 2009 summer social.Attendance was similar to 2008.Comments were made by board members and others that the 2009 summer social was successful and enjoyed by those who attended.
REPORT:SAUGATUCK DUNES COASTAL ALLIANCE:President Sheldon Wettack informed members attending the annual meeting that the Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance is a coalition of environmental and regional groups that have formed an alliance for the purpose of attempting to protect the lakeshore area from unreasonable development, including both the lakeshore itself and inland areas.Sheldon advised that the Coastal Alliance was intimately involved in the proposals to purchase the portion of the former Denison property located south of the Kalamazoo River, and was also involved in the review of the current owner’s plans for development of the former Denison property located north of the river.The Coastal Alliance has donated significant amounts of money to Saugatuck Township in order to allow the township to defend pending tax tribunal cases brought by the current owner of the property as well as to provide legal fees for upholding the R-4 zoning classification of the property.Steve McKown mentioned that the township is left with a difficult and expensive legal burden in tax tribunal cases, even though the township actually receives a very small portion of the income from real property taxes assessed against township properties. The greatest share of tax revenues is paid to the public schools for operating expenses and debt retirement, but the township is left with the legal expenses of defending tax tribunal cases.
REPORT:SAUGATUCK HARBOR COMMITTEE: Joe Milauckas provided the members with an analysis and summary of the efforts the nine member Saugatuck Harbor Committee to seek funding options for dredging Lake Kalamazoo as well as the possibility of establishing a port authority or harbor authority or commission.The three municipalities (Saugatuck Township, City of Saugatuck and City of Douglas) each have appointed three members to the nine member committee.That committee is now seeking guidance as to options for funding of long term plans for Saugatuck Harbor.It is possible that federal stimulus money may become available and the municipalities have contributed funds for a study that would be used in connection with grant applications.
COMMENTS AND MEMBER IMPUT:Fritz Royce brought up several points, and urged the board to focus on issues of local importance, including maintenance of Lakeshore Drive and the establishment of an emergency access in the event of further damage to Lakeshore Drive.Fritz also discussed how the Association could increase attendance at the annual meeting.
ELECTION OF TRUSTEES:Sheldon Wettack explained to the members present that four directors’ positions were open and to be filled by the membership at the annual meeting.The nominating committee approved a slate of Jay Hernly, Joe Milauckas, and Arlene Philp, all of whom are currently board members, together with Dennis Dreyer who would be a new member.On motion made, the members of the Association present approved the election of Jay Hernly, Joe Milauckas, Arlene Philp, and Dennis Dreyer to new three year terms as directors.
On motion made and support, the membership voted to adjourn the annual meeting.