DOUGLAS LAKE SHORE ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS
August 4, 2007
MINUTES
The Annual Meeting of the Douglas Lake Shore Association (DLSA) was held on Saturday, August 4, 2007 at the Dutcher Lodge (City Hall) in Douglas, Michigan. Respite coffee and fruit, donut holes, rolls were available at 8:45 A.M. The business meeting was called to order at 9:15 A.M. by President Fritz Royce.
1. Approval of minutes of annual meeting August, 2006. After a brief discussion, the members of the Douglas Lake Shore Association approved the August, 2006 Annual Meeting Minutes by voice vote. None were opposed.
2. Treasurer’s Report. Treasurer Arlene Philp presented an annual treasurer’s report dated August 4, 2007 and discussed income and expenses as stated in the treasurer’s report. The balance in DLSA accounts as of August 4, 2007 was shown as $4,682.89. Questions were raised about the cost of the summer social, in terms of expenses, and the difference between the summer social’s net cost as shown on Pat Woods’ summer social report and the treasurer’s report. It was agreed that the net cost of the summer social will need to be corrected on the treasurer’s report. A motion was made by Steve McKown to approve the treasurer’s report with a correction regarding the net cost of the summer social. The motion was approved by voice vote of the members, with none opposed.
3. Committee Reports and Old Business.
(A) Summer Social – Pat Woods. Pat Woods provided a written summary of the summer social, including expenses and ticket sales, auction sale results ($889.00 – best ever), sale of plants and donations left with our volunteer bartenders.
Pat offered suggestions for the next summer social as follows:
(1) Have Saugatuck Yacht Club reserved for July, 2008;
(2) Have a few “live” auction items;
(3) Set a figure to donate auction proceeds with overage offsetting cost of the DLSA social, or increase ticket cost;
(4) Use 125 people as estimate for caterer.
Positive comments were made by DLSA members regarding the 2007 summer
social. Pat White specifically thanked those volunteers who put in extra effort to set up, arrange games, refreshment, the auction and the provision of music by Jay Hernly.
4. Beach Safety – Rip Tides and E.coli – Al Lyon. Al Lyon presented information regarding both rip currents (a more accurate term than “rip tides” in Lake Michigan) and the dangers of hypothermia, especially in the Spring and Fall. Al explained that rip currents can happen on both sides of a pier and pointed out that there is a website for the City of South Haven that has additional information. He also suggested that DLSA offer its sympathies to the family of the boy who drowned at Douglas Beach in the Spring.
Al also provided information about ecoli contamination. One or more Grand Haven City beaches were closed a few weeks ago. Oval, Douglas and Pier Cove beaches have been tested this summer on a frequent basis, with low levels of contamination.
There were suggestions from the audience regarding rip currents including installation of flag warnings and signs. It was suggested we approach the City with these suggestions. Another member suggested that electronic signs could be installed that warn the public of dangerous conditions on the beach.
5. Real Estate Developments.
(A) August 6 Public Hearing at City Hall regarding West Shore
Cottages (golf course) development – Fritz Royce. Fritz Royce reported that the Douglas City Council will meet on August 6, 2007 and will discuss the West Shore Cottage Development, as well as a moratorium on development plans while a review of the zoning ordinance is under way.
(B) Status of SwingBridge Project – Joe Milauckas. The City is using Williams & Works to review large projects, including the SwingBridge project. Williams & Works and the City Manager will be reviewing provisions of the zoning ordinance that apply to major projects such as SwingBridge and West Shore.
(C) Ticks – Wayne Kidder. Wayne Kidder made a presentation about the transmission of lyme disease and other diseases by ticks in the lakeshore area. Wayne provided helpful information about the habits of ticks, including the fact that ticks are able to function well in cold weather. He offered suggestions for protecting pets and people, as well as where information can be found about lyme disease and tick infestations.
(D) Fire Safety. Information was provided about fire safety, including hazards presented by outdoor fires and fireworks, especially during periods of drought in the summer dry season.
6. Remarks of President regarding Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance. Fritz Royce presented information regarding the Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance, including a discussion of the member organizations of the Alliance that have formed a coalition to act on behalf of the lakeshore. The Great Lakes Coalition was also discussed which is a coalition of organizations concerned about the rights of property owners, erosion, and the effect of water levels in the Great Lakes as well as the St. Clair River.
President Fritz Royce suggested that the DLSA contribute $500.00 to the Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance to promote the preservation of the former Dennison property, as well as to protect other endangered properties along the lakeshore. Motion was made by Robert Lefley to approve the $500.00 donation, and the motion was supported, and the membership voted by voice vote to approve the $500.00 expenditure.
NEW BUSINESS – Membership Comments:
Comments were made about the passing of long-time member Pruscilla Mueller and about her valuable contribution over the years to the lakeshore community, including DLSA. New members in the audience were also introduced.
Election of Trustees.
Three trustees terms are up in 2007. Trustees Pat Woods, Steve McKown, and John Blair have indicated that they would be willing to serve an additional three years. There were no nominations from the floor, by voice vote, Pat Woods, Steve McKown and John Blair were elected to the Board of Trustees of DLSA, with terms expiring in 2010.
Adjournment of Annual Business Meeting.
Fritz Royce encouraged DLSA members and other members of the audience to stay for the program to be presented by Phil Miller regarding his efforts and the efforts of the Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance and Saugatuck SOS to preserve the former Dennison property from development, as well as other issues concerning the preservation of endangered properties along the Lake Michigan shore. The annual meeting was then adjourned.
Respectfully submitted:
Steve McKown