Spring Lake Winter Meeting — Minutes

Gary W clarified his initial interest in the condo lot 17 based on the fact that all owners that still have deeded access to the lot would be liable if anyone was ever injured on the lot. This came up based on when the pier was deteriorating and Gary witnessed kids crawling across an opening in the pier and discussed the liability with the town’s attorney. There is a hypothetical possibility of a liability issue that could come up based on only those that have deeded access to the lot. Some folks don’t even know or realize if they do or don’t have access. Some of this has fallen off of some deeds over the years. But there is “gray area” about ownership, taxation (it would be a separate line item on someone’s property tax bill), and liability on that lot. There’s also a dead tree on the lot that could become a liability. Who should cut it down? Who pays to have it removed? Would everyone in the covenant split costs? The township may just leave it the way things are at this point, but there is concern about liability. This is not an SLMD issue, but a Town of Marion concern. SLMD minutes - 1/18/25 Spring Lake Management District (SLMD) board members in attendance were Chair Ted Gallagher, Treasurer Marilee Pelko, Secretary Joshua Daubner, and Marion Town Chair Gary Walejko. SLMD members Rob Walejko and Joan Lehman were also in attendance. Called to order at 9:01 by Ted Gallagher Josh Daubner read the minutes of the October 2024 meeting. Marilee Pelko moved to accept and Ted G 2nd. None opposed. Marilee Pelko read the treasurer’s report. She was not able to print report and will provide me with a dig copy. Ending balance of $20,670.28. Beginning balance $21,626.28. Josh Daubner moved to accept the report. Ted Gallagher 2nd. Old business - Goose control. I updated that Bill Hutchison will be sending letters to property owners next month. Permits have been filed. Water testing - Mike Beauchaine will present at the April meeting. He could not attend today. Weed treatment - Ted Gallagher read the survey results and it is suggested to treat for Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM). We need to contact Cason to move forward with treating as much EWM as possible as permitted by the DNR. Ask Cason to contact Ted Johnson at the DNR to see how much he will approve. I brought up the clam population as asked by an SLMD member, and that Ted Johnson did respond about it when he visited the lake last fall and the DNR’s position is that they are not concerned about the clam population in Spring Lake at this time. SLMD documentation project - Ted and I will get together and organize folder structure and access for SLMD board members. New business - carp weir - the DNR has asked for more information and sent detailed questions to the board. Gary Walejko had answered the questions to the best of his ability. We need to follow up with Eric Stadig (DNR) on how to move forward. Ted G doesn’t have the answers to the questions that were received by Joan Lehman. She will forward to Ted if he can contact and follow up with Eric Stadig at DNR. Last communication from DNR was on Dec 30, 2024. We need to find out who needs to sign the permit, the land owner near the weir or an SLMD board member. Open discussion: Gary W clarified his initial interest in the condo lot 17 based on the fact that all owners that still have deeded access to the lot would be liable if anyone was ever injured on the lot. This came up based on when the pier was deteriorating and Gary witnessed kids crawling across an opening in the pier and discussed the liability with the town’s attorney. There is a hypothetical possibility of a liability issue that could come up based on only those that have deeded access to the lot. Some folks don’t even know or realize if they do or don’t have access. Some of this has fallen off of some deeds over the years. But there is “gray area” about ownership, taxation (it would be a separate line item on someone’s property tax bill), and liability on that lot. There’s also a dead tree on the lot that could become a liability. Who should cut it down? Who pays to have it removed? Would everyone in the covenant split costs? The township may just leave it the way things are at this point, but there is concern about liability. This is not an SLMD issue, but a Town of Marion concern. Josh D moved to adjourn at 10:00AM, Marilee P 2nd.