MINUTES OF THE DOUGLAS LAKE SHORE
ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING
OF 11/21/09
On November 21, 2009 the DLSA Board held a meeting at Lakeshore Resort, 2885 Lakeshore Drive, Douglas, Michigan. The meeting was called to order by President Sheldon Wettack at approximately 9:20 a.m. Board Members present were Steve McKown, Al Lyon, Pat Woods, Joe Milauckas, Dennis Dreyer, John Blair, Sheldon Wettack, Arlene Philp,. Members absent: Vince Beckman, Mary Kay Baker.
The agenda items were reviewed, and there were no additions to the agenda.
The minutes of the September 19, 2009 board meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Arlene Philp reviewed the revised annual treasurer’s report dated August 8, 2009 and the annual treasurer’s report dated July 26, 2008 and explained the adjustments which have been made since the 2009 annual meeting. Arlene confirmed that the balance as of 11/19/09 of $4,547.92 was correct. Income and deletions since the September, 2009 treasurer’s report included receipts of $85.00 (dues plus one book) and a payment to the State of Michigan for the annual report of $20.00. The treasurer’s report was approved as submitted.
OLD BUSINESS:
A. Website: Jay Hernly reported the new developments on the website and demonstrated the capabilities of the website. Jay took suggestions and comments from board members. He has invested a great deal of time on this project, and the board thanked him for his efforts.
B. Mailing of Minutes – Mary Kay. Sheldon reported that Mary Kay had mailed out minutes of the last meeting to non-e-mail receiving members.
After discussions concerning the e-mailing of minutes, the board agreed that approved minutes will be sent out by e-mail monthly and that minutes would be sent by mail to those members who do not utilize e-mail every two months.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Summer Social – no committee meeting yet.
B. Annual Meeting – no committee meeting yet.
C. 2010 Newsletter Committee. The 2010 newsletter committee consists of John Blair, Al Lyon, Jay Hernly, and Mary Kay Baker. Al Lyon is the chair. Newsletter articles should be ready for distribution in February, 2010.
D. Township Road Committee: Update by Al/Joe – no meeting has been with the township yet. One possible emergency access road that may be explored involves the use of Tranquility Lane.
E. Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance: Update – Sheldon outlined recent developments involving the former Denison property and the pending purchase of that property by Conservancy Groups – closing is expected by the end of the year, if state funding can be secured.
F. Homestead Tax: Mike Flynn – there was a brief discussion regarding how Proposal A works and effect of homestead and non-homestead designation on properties. Steve McKown will be preparing an article for the February newsletter regarding real property tax issues involving SEV/taxable value/uncapping/principal residence exemptions.
G. Saugatuck Harbor Committee: Report by Joe Milauckas – Joe explained that the Saugatuck Harbor Committee was exploring the possibility of receiving significant federal funding through the stimulus package. Approximately $345,000,000 is available for Great Lakes restoration. The nine member Saugatuck Harbor Committee, with representatives from Saugatuck Township, City of Saugatuck, City of Douglas, has been involved in discussions concerning the possibility of securing federal funds for the dredging of all or part of Lake Kalamazoo/Saugatuck Harbor. Funds have been donated by participating municipalities for preparation of an RFP for grant applications.
H. Saugatuck Township Planning Commission: The Saugatuck Township Planning Commission will be meeting on November 23, 2009.
I. International Upper Great Lakes Study. Joe Milauckas reported that the level of Lake Michigan went up in October, which was unexpected. Levels are down in November as usual. The current level of 578.4 feet is approximately 4 inches below the long term average.
Joe also explained that a final report should be coming out regarding the St. Clair River within the next month or so. Further study was conducted at the request of property owners on Lake Huron in the Georgian Bay area where reduced water levels have caused a problem gaining access to cottages. Joe explained that the second part of the long term analysis of the Great Lakes would involve releases of water from Lake Superior to the lower lakes.
J. Addressing Lakeshore Rentals: Al Lyon spoke about problems caused by rentals of property on Lakeshore Drive and inquired about the possibility of the township adopting regulations limiting rental properties. The consensus of the board was that it would be appropriate to survey members of the Association before having the board contact the township or other municipalities regarding placing limitations on rentals. It was agreed that a survey should be included in the newsletter.
K. Other: Prior to adjourning, the board discussed the possibility that wind turbines might be placed in Lake Michigan based on recent feasibility studies. Joe Milauckas reports that the township is looking into possible ordinance amendments regarding wind turbines.
L. Next Meeting. It is likely that the next meeting will be January 9th or January 23rd. Sheldon will notify board members of the next meeting (NOTE: The next meeting will be held on January 9, 2010.)
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Steve McKown
Acting Secretary