Spring Lake Annual Meeting — Minutes

Spring Lake Management District (SLMD) Annual MeeƟng minutes 6-24-23 The meeƟng was aƩended by SLMD board members Derek Stone, Pamela Stephens, Josh Daubner, and Marion Chair Gary Walejko. SLMD members in aƩendance were Katherine Bogdanoff, Leonard Narus, Jim Stephens, Pat Koenig, Bill Grygail, Mark and Lauren Lewis, Rob Walejko, Judy Puls, Daniel Aronsen, Dave and Beth Vedder, Ted Gallagher, Joan Leyman, Mike McMonigal, Bill and Kathy Hutchison, Tom and Seana AugusƟne, J.R. Siewert, Kevin Milliken, and Mike Beauchaine. MeeƟng called to order at 9:00 by Derek Stone. Josh Daubner read the minutes from last year’s annual meeƟng. Kevin Milliken corrected minutes aŌer read by me about DNR website NOT being accepƟng of the lake management plan and should have been County website. Pam Stephens moved to accept minutes; Derek Stone 2nd. MoƟon carried. Pam Stephens read treasurers report. She menƟoned that the audit performed showed no errors. $12,266.87 beginning balance; $28,799.35 ending balance. Derek Stone moved to accept report, Rob Walejko 2nd. MoƟon carried. Township – Gary talked about Short Term Rentals (STRs) - aƩorney conversaƟon; answers from aƩorney suggested that the township would have to ban STR over enƟre township not just Spring Lake. Issues are how to enforce if something passed. Covenants on Spring Lake Estates effect only lake properƟes; town board chose not to pursue. They went aŌer noise and fireworks ordinances - 3 days before and 3 days aŌer Permit should be granted if outside those days. Noise ordinance is 11PM. Sherriff dept will support having officers available around those Ɵmes. He expressed that the SLMD can create a ban or STR whether lake wide or covenant based just for SLE. SLMD would need to hire aƩorney if to pursue this issue further. He menƟoned beaver control and catching 6 beavers last year. Old Business – Goose Control – Derek Stone explained why Goose eggs have not been oiled this year. The permit Ɵmeframe elapsed because of Federal and State applicaƟons being needed and Derek was not willing to put his name on the contract. Bill Hutchison will spearhead Goose Control for next year as far as oiling eggs. Bill Hutchison explained what happens to get at the eggs. Derek moved to be able to reimburse Bill Hutchison if needed; Pam 2nd; moƟon carried. AquaƟc Invasive Species (AIS) Management – Derek summarized Golden Sands’ survey last August. It showed EWM present in areas and we had WI Lake and Pond Resource (WLPR) treat the lake in early June based on August Survey, no Spring survey was done (it was missed, as Derek was new as chair and didn’t see it in his notes.). North end of lake treated for Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM). Updates on Short Term Rentals (STR) – Katherine Bogdanoff gave her presentaƟon on STRs. She wants to ask the board to pursue further acƟon against STRs. – which will be discussed in new business. New Business Goose Control – was highlighted in old business – Bill Hutchison to take on. AquaƟc Invasive Species (AIS) – Mike McMonigal asked to present a plan for future treatments. He reviewed the plan to survey 2x yearly (spring and late summer-fall). He spoke about how bad Curley Leaf Pondweed (CLPW) was for him this year. Mike wants to make sure that we get a copy of the plan approved by DNR based on survey from contractors doing treatment. He wants to be sure that we get treated with what is found by the survey through follow up with the actual treatment. CLPW requires survey in April-May; EWM survey should be done in Sept-Oct. Mike explained the importance of a comprehensive treatment program (muƟ- year) We could commit to a 2 year concept (or agree to consider) with Cason (single contractor) to do surveys and treatments – this may help to get a handle on weed control, especially CLPW. Pam moved to accept Cason and Josh Daubner 2nd that we go ahead with this plan with Cason. Josh Daubner moved that we also reimburse Mike for the money he spent on a survey from Cason for CLPW . Pam 2nd. None opposed, moƟon carried. Kevin Milleken objected to using Cason based on his experience with them in the past. Mike Mcmonigal moved that we accept the concept of using a single contractor for a mulƟ-year plan, weather its Cason or WLPR. Kevin expressed concerns over chemicals used by Cason vs WLPR. There was discussion about the different companies involved (explained by Kevin). Mike moved to accept a moƟon to survey 2x year, and Leonard 2nd. Leonard brought up using the SLMD water treatment plan in making future decisions regarding AIS treatment. Mike just wants consistency in the treatment plan so things don’t get missed. SLMD all in favor – none opposed. Short Term Rentals (STR) – Mike McMonigal reviewed what Katherine and Gary already said in this meeƟng. He also reviewed his communicaƟons with Gary and the town aƩorneys and municipal aƩorneys over the last year. He menƟoned the differences between Spring Lake Estates (SLE)’s deeded covenant as having any tracƟon and also if SLMD as a whole can move forward. Mike draŌed 2 quesƟons about each for the town. Can the town of Marion adopt an ordinance for SL separate from the township? The town cauƟons against outright ban. RestricƟons are possible. (see document from Gary W) The town is not interested in moving forward. The county only is involved in the licensing of STRs at this point. Mike menƟoned other lake districts in the county that he had contact with and the issues on the other lakes are like ours. We could accept as a board, a philosophy of not being in favor of STRs. But we can’t enforce anything. He also asked membership to keep the board apprised of any possible STRs being setup on SL. We can move to propose restricƟons rather than a ban – like on parking/cars, stricter sepƟc system requirements, etc. JR Siewert proposed a moƟon to work with township and county on providing guidelines for STR. We put this up to a vote by all in aƩendance. MoƟon did not pass. 10 for, 12 against. MoƟon to have SLMD embrace the philosophy that we are not in favor of STRs on Spring Lake. We put this up to a vote by all in aƩendance. 9 for, 13 against. MoƟon did not pass. STR issues can be revisited at next year’s annual meeƟng. The board will not pursue the issue over the next 12 months. WLCC dues renew in August. Lauren Lewis volunteered to aƩend and represent SLMD at the next meeƟng in August. Next item – Derek Stone stepping down as chair. Joan Lehman volunteered for 1 year as interim. Derek Stone moved to accept, Pam Stephens 2nd. MoƟon passed. There will be a short board meeƟng following the annual meeƟng to swear Joan Lehman in as chair. Josh Daubner moved to adjourn. Pam Stephens 2nd. MeeƟng adjourned at 11:24AM