Author: Kim Byrne

 

SPRING NEWSLETTER, 2021

 

GREETINGS! With spring right around the corner, we would like to take this opportunity to give a quick recap of the 2020 season with the accomplishments of your Lake Diane Community Association, and a projection of what you can expect for 2021. The mission of the all volunteer Lake Diane Community Association (a non-profit, private association) is to continue to protect the value of all lake properties by:

 

Maintaining Lake Weeds

Conducting Water Quality Testing

Controlling Goose Population

Maintaining and Improving Parks

Maintaining Lake Level 

 

With the unforeseen circumstances of 2020, we believe that we can all agree that the lake season was anything but “normal”! That being said, there were still many accomplishments that we, as a lake community, should be proud of. LDCA membership increased to 196 members. The dredging project behind the lake plaza was completed. Goose eggs were collected in accordance with the Canada Goose Egg/Nest Destruction program. The shoreline restoration project continued with improvements at the shelter house park including a new play structure for the kids. The fireworks committee was able to collect $25,000 for a spectacular July 4th display. Lake weeds were treated both in the spring, and lily pads were treated in the fall. Surveys were completed on two of the six Lake Diane parks. Residents of Lake Diane and Amboy Township have diligently worked together to secure funding for paving of Woodbridge Road from the public access to Cellars Road, then east on Cellars to Hillsdale Road, East Diane Drive, Hilltop Dive, View Drive, Dale Drive, as well as Florida Lane.   

 

Unfortunately, most social events were cancelled as we maneuvered around the social distancing mandates imposed by the governor. Fortunately, that did not prevent us from holding the annual meeting, lakewide garage sales, fireworks, and the wine crawl. We fully expect the return of the boaters safety class, the golf outing and the annual picnic for 2021.    

 

If you have not joined Lake Diane Community Association, and would like to, please contact a member of the board. To become a member, you must submit a notarized Grant of Authority. (Provided to you for execution.) The Grant of Authority is valid for the current property owner only. Once a member property transfers ownership a new Grant of Authority is required for membership.  

The annual dues are as follows:

$150/yr. for one waterfront lot. Additional lots owned by the same property owner may join at a 50% reduction. For example, if you own two lots on the water and both lots join, your dues would be $225.

$200 if you wish to be a non-member, but want the lake weeds treated at your shoreline

$75 for non-waterfront lots.

 

All lake residents are invited to participate in each of the following events:

Boaters Safety tbd

LDCA Annual Meeting June 12, 2021 @ 10am

Lakewide Garage Sales June 19, 2021

*Fireworks July 2, 2021 (rain date July 4)

Golf Outing July 24, 2021

Family Picnic August 7, 2021

*Wine Crawl September 4, 2021

Toys For Tots Event tbd

*Non LDCA Event

**Please plan to attend the LDCA Annual Meeting June 12 @ 10am at the shelter house. There will be an election for three trustee positions on the board of directors. We will also vote on the annual budget.

***Monthly board of directors meetings are held the second Saturday of the month @ 10am at the shelter house.

 

As a reminder, camping trailers are prohibited in accordance with your deed restrictions. If you have a question regarding placement or use of a camping trailer, please reach out to a member of the Lake Diane Community Association board of directors or attend a meeting. 

 

Please practice safe boating rules/laws. Your safety is priority one. Wake hours are from 11am-7:30pm each day. Please travel counterclockwise around the perimeter of the lake staying at least 200 feet away from the shoreline, docks, swim rafts, and other structures. Keep your music at reasonable levels. Sound travels over water. If it’s loud enough to be heard 80 feet back, it is likely loud enough for homeowners to hear, too. Minimize repetitive passes on any one portion of shoreline. Once you’ve run the same line for a while, move on to another area. For the safety and enjoyment of your neighbors, please inform your guests of the lake rules and laws.

 

In closing, we would encourage you to enjoy all that Lake Diane has to offer. Many volunteers work diligently to make our community a great place to live and play. We are all looking forward to a fun and safe 2021!! 

 

Lake Diane Community Association

Monthly Board Meeting

August 7, 2020

 

Members In Attendance:

Roger Giallorati, President

Jim Watt, Treasurer

Kim Byrne, Secretary

Kevin Mack

Scott Hercula

Absent:

Scott Coakley

Jerry Agrusa

The Pledge Of Allegiance was recited.

The meeting was called to order by President, Roger Giallorati at 10AM.

The meeting minutes from the July 11, 2020 monthly board meeting were read. The minutes were approved as written.

Treasurers Report:

Jim Watt presented the treasurers report. The report was approved as written.

New Member Activity:

To date there are 196 members.

Aquatic Life:

Clarke Aquatic is scheduled for lily pad treatment.

The “No Swimming No Fishing Park Closes At Dusk” signs have arrived.

Parks:

The surveys of Park A, Lake Diane-Riviera and Park, Lake Diane #2 have been completed. The neighbors of those parks are dissatisfied with the surveys. There are potential liability issues as these neighbors have encroached on the parks with their landscaping.

Dave Hintz is cutting the grass at these parks and his pay will need to be increased accordingly. Roger made a motion to increase Dave Hintz’s pay to $3000 per year. Kim seconded the motion. A vote was taken, and the motion passed unanimously.

Hillsdale County Road Commission has not responded to Terry’s multiple attempts to have limestone added for the ongoing maintenance to the end of East Diane Drive.

Calendar of Events:

Nothing new to report.

Old Business:

Nothing new to report.

New Business:

Doug Wittler is in attendance to promote the paving of East Diane Drive and its adjoining roads. Property owners with frontage on any of the proposed roads will pay per linear foot for the paving and improvements. Cellars Road is also included in the petition with the township and county being responsible for the cost. The goal is to have the project completed by July 4, 2021. The purpose of Mr. Wittler’s presentation today is to ask for support of the project from the board. Jim Watt made a motion that Lake Diane Community Association support the paving and improvements of East Diane Drive and adjoining roads. Scott Hercula seconded the motion. A vote was taken, and the motion passed unanimously.  

Kevin has collected documentation regarding implementation of a dock ordinance. More discussion is needed with township officials to promote an ordinance to prevent keyholing.

Roger has received a complaint from a resident on Easy Street regarding a camper/trailer on Sue Lynn Circle. Roger informed the resident that it is a burden of the property owners to enforce deed restrictions. The resident neighbor plans to pursue action for removal of the camper/trailer.

Jim Watt proposed a special mailing regarding boater’s safety. There have been multiple complaints regarding unsafe use of watercraft on Lake Diane.

 

At 11:39 Kim made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Jim seconded the motion. A vote was taken, and the meeting adjourned.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted:

 

Kim Byrne

Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lake Diane Community Association

Monthly Board Meeting

March 20, 2021

 

MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:

Roger Giallorati, President

Jim Watt, Treasurer

Kim Byrne, Secretary

Kevin Mack

Jerry Agrusa

Scott Hercula

 

The Pledge Of Allegiance was recited.

The meeting was called to order by President, Roger Giallorati @ 10:00am.

The minutes from the December 12, 2020 meeting were read.  The minutes were approved as written.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Jim presented the treasurer’s report. The report was approved.

 

NEW MEMBER ACTIVITY:

To date there are 196 members.

 

AQUATIC LIFE:

Roger has been in contact with Clarke Aquatic regarding lake weed treatment.  They will apply for the necessary permit, then proceed with scheduling.

The application for the Goose Egg and Nest Destruction permit has been submitted.  Upon approval of the application, we will be notified of the dates for collection.

Water samples will continue to be taken.  Arda Boucher has agreed to collect the sample if the state will be accepting them.  Last year there were no state funds available for testing due to the state not passing the necessary budget.  Clarke Aquatic does do water testing if it becomes necessary for us to outsource.  Roger will request pricing estimates from them.

One of the buoys is still in the water.  One is out for repair.

 

PARKS:  

A load of limestone has been delivered on the north side of the shelter house to prevent erosion.

 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

**Boaters Safety            tbd

Annual Meeting            June 12, 2021

Garage Sales            June 19, 2021

*Fireworks            July 2, 2021 with a rain date of July 4, 2021

Golf Outing            July 24, 2021

Family Picnic            August 7, 2021

*Wine Crawl              September 4, 2021

Kim proposed bringing back a Toys For Tots event; possibly a musical event. 

*LDCA non-sponsored events

**It is unknown if the social distancing mandates will be lifted by the governor in order to hold the class at Lakeview Church.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

The paving projects for Cellars (up to Woodbridge) and Woodbridge (from the public access to Cellars) Rds., and Florida Lane in the spring/early summer are on track.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

The board has accepted the resignation of Scott Coakley from the board of directors.

At 10:46 Jerry made a motion that the meeting adjourn.  Roger seconded the motion.  A vote was taken, and the meeting adjourned.

 

Respectfully Submitted:

 

Kim Byrne

Secretary

 

Lake Diane Community Association

Monthly Board Meeting

September 12, 2020

 

MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:

Roger Giallorati, President

Kim Byrne, Secretary

Kevin Mack

Jerry Agrusa

Scott Hercula

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Jim Watt

Scott Coakley

 

The Pledge Of Allegiance was recited.

The meeting was called to order by President, Roger Giallorati @ 10:07am.

The minutes from the August 7, 2020 meeting were read.  The minutes were approved as written.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Roger presented the treasurer’s report. The report was approved.

NEW MEMBER ACTIVITY:

To date there are 196 members.

AQUATIC LIFE:

Lily pads were treated.  The product used is safe as approved by the EPA.  There were twenty-one 40’X40’ areas treated.  Michigan Lake & Stream has notified it’s members that there is a new INVASIVE lily pad called “European Frog Bit”.

PARKS:  Dave Hintz has reduced his charge for 2020 as he did not begin cutting the parks as early this year as years passed.

The volleyball net is in disrepair.

Terry Rupp presented opposition to LDCA owning all parks with the exception of Lake Diane Number One Park Private Part of Outlot A (the shelter house park) and Chickadee Park.  Roger made the case that as the parks are improved they will be of use by Lake Diane property owners.  The issue will be discussed further at the 2021 annual meeting.  

Terry contributed $220 to the shoreline fund.  The funds were received as winnings from the 50/50 drawing at the annual wine crawl.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

Nothing new to report.

OLD BUSINESS:

The process of verifying signatures for the improvement of East Diane and its adjoining roads has begun.  Florida Lane will be included in the project.  Eighty-six percent of the residents have signed, approving of the project.

The trailer remains on the vacant lot on Sue Lynn Circle.  Roger has been in communication with the complainant and the property owner.  He plans to send a friendly reminder that camping trailers are prohibited.

NEW BUSINESS:

Nothing new to report.

 

At 11:07 Roger made a motion that the meeting adjourn.  Jerry seconded the motion.  A vote was taken, and the meeting adjourned.

 

Respectfully Submitted:

 

Kim Byrne

Secretary

 

Lake Diane Community Association

Monthly Board Meeting

July 11, 2020

 

BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:

Roger Giallorati, President

Scott Coakley, Vice President

Jim Watt, Treasurer

Kim Byrne, Secretary

Kevin Mack 

Jerry Agrusa

Scott Hercula

The Pledge Of Allegiance was recited.

The meeting was called to order by President, Roger Giallorati at 10:04am.

The minutes from the June 13, 2020 Annual Meeting and Board Of Directors meetings were read.  The minutes were approved as written.

TREASURERS REPORT:

Jim Watt presented the Treasurers report.  The report was approved as written.

NEW MEMBER ACTIVITY:

To date there are 196 members.

AQUATIC LIFE:

The dredger has hired a sub-contractor to perform final excavation.  All work is complete, and the dredgers equipment has been removed.

There is currently no water spilling over the dam.

Roger has been in contact with Clarke Aquatic to schedule lily pad treatment.

Roger shared a report he received from Arda Boucher titled “Michigan Hybrid Watermilfoil Project”.  It is a report which maps out locations of milfoil located in Lake Diane.

 

PARKS:

A dock has been installed on the shore of the park located on Woodbridge Rd..  Kevin and Terry Rupp will speak to the responsible party regarding removal.  It is not only a liability issue for LDCA, but also an exclusivity issue.

The DNR now mandates that use of the public access will require a State Park Pass to launch watercraft.

Terry Rupp reported that he has not heard back from HCRC regarding the installation of limestone at the launch located at the shelter house.

The cost to survey each park will be $600.  This is above the budgeted cost.  Roger made a motion that the board approve an additional $600 to perform surveys.  Jim seconded the motion.  A vote was taken, and the motion passed unanimously.

The “No Swimming Or Fishing/Parks Close At Dusk” signs have been ordered.

The Delta Drive park needs to be cleaned up.  Terry Rupp has volunteered to coordinate.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

After a lengthy discussion, it was decided that the remaining LDCA sponsored events be cancelled to the the fluidity of the Covid-19 situation.  It is with regret that these steps are necessary.

NEW BUSINESS:

Kevin discussed the importance of attendance at upcoming Amboy Township Meetings to promotion of a dock ordinance.  With the current plans of development at French Quarter there is a concern that “key holing” could become an issue.  Amboy Township meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month.  Members of the board will plan to attend to encourage effort to prevent any possible adverse impact.

At 11:18 Roger made a motion to adjourn.  Jerry seconded the motion.  A vote was taken and the meeting adjourned.

 

Respectfully Submitted:

Kim Byrne, Secretary

Lake Diane Community Association
Monthly Board Meeting
May 9, 2020

BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:
Roger Giallorati, President
Scott Coakley, Vice President
Jim Watt, Treasurer
Kim Byrne, Secretary
Kevin Mack
Jerry Agrusa
Rod Anderson

The Pledge Of Allegiance was recited.
The meeting was called to order by President, Roger Giallorati at 10:10am.
The minutes from the March 14, 2020 meeting were presented by Kim Byrne. The minutes were approved as written.
The treasurers report was presented by Treasurer, Jim Watt. The report was approved as written. Jim reported that the Quickbooks software updates are unavailable. New software will need to be purchased.
New Member Activity: To date there are 190 members.
Aquatic Life:
There were 17 eggs collected for the goose egg collection and nest destruction program. Collection was down due to restrictions placed by the governor due to covid. Lake weeds will be treated the week of June 9, 2020.
Parks:
The sign at the corner of Easy St. and Territorial Rd. was destroyed due to weather. Scott and Kevin will check it out.
Terry Rupp mowed the park on Monte Carlo Dr. Rick Willard claims that the mulch from the dredging project near Jody Yoder is drifting into the water. Jody Yoder has previously requested that the spoils from said dredging project be spread on the nearest Lake Diane park. Permission has previously been granted by the LDCA board of director’s.
Two loads of limestone need to be delivered at the boat launch near the shelter house. Terry Rupp is checking with the county see if they will deliver them.
Calendar Of Events:
Boater’s Safety – cancelled due to covid
Annual Meeting – June 13th (meeting to be held outside of the shelter house due to covid restrictions)
Garage Sales – June 20th
Golf Outing – July 25th
Annual Picnic – scheduled for August 8th
Dredging: Scott Coakley is applying pressure to the dredger to finalize the project and remove their equipment.
Old Business:
Three trustee positions are available; Scott Coakley, Rod Anderson, Kim Byrne
New Business:
Amboy township has received a complaint from a resident on Harmon Rd. concerning the use of fireworks on the weekends at Lake Diane. Brad Smith has contacted Roger, and asked him to please relay the information to the board for discussion.
There is a need to discuss a dock ordinance with Amboy township.
At 11:14 Kim made a motion to adjourn. Jim seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted:
Kim Byrne, Secretary

Lake Diane Community Association
Annual Meeting
June 13, 2020

BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:
Roger Giallorati, President
Scott Coakley, Vice President
Jim Watt, Treasurer
Kim Byrne, Secretary
Kevin Mack
Jerry Agrusa
Rod Anderson

The Pledge Of Allegiance was recited.
The meeting was called to order by President, Roger Giallorati at 10:11am.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
The floor was opened for nominees for LDCA Board of Directors Trustees with three positions available.
Nominees were: Kim Byrne, Paul Dance, Scott Hercula, and Scott Coakley. Jim Watt made a motion that nominations be closed. Rod Anderson seconded the motion. A vote was taken, and the motion passed unanimously. Upon closing of nominations, Paul Dance withdrew. Elected by unanimous consent were nominees Kim Byrne, Scott Hercula and Scott Coakley.
TREASURERS REPORT:
Jim Watt presented the Treasurers report. The report was approved as written.
The Proposed Budget for 2020-2021 Fiscal Year was presented. Kim Byrne made a motion that the (attached) proposed budget be approved. Jerry Agrusa seconded the motion. A vote was taken, and the motion passed unanimously.
The minutes from the May 9, 2020 meeting were presented by Kim Byrne. The minutes were approved as written.
NEW MEMBER ACTIVITY:
To date there are 196 members.
AQUATIC LIFE:
Jim and Roger collected goose eggs for the goose egg collection and nest destruction program. There were 17 eggs collected. Collection was down due to restrictions placed by the governor due to covid.
Lake weeds were treated the week of June 9, 2020. Clarke Aquatic will be returning to address some areas.
Al Vitous requested that the “NO WAKE” buoy be placed further out from the channel leading into Chickadee Cove. Kevin responded that the placement of the buoy must be approved by the HCSD.
Arda Boucher presented information regarding the wakes for watercraft users.
Water testing has not been done this year due to the state budget. Roger reported that the budget was recently passed, and is approved for five years.
The dredging is complete in the cove behind Shoreside Plaza. The spoils need final excavation. Scott reported that his estimate to dredge all “trouble areas” is $350,000. Areas will need to be prioritized by need. It was also noted that all areas which touch the dredging area are required to have a signature of permission by the property owner. Raising the dam level by three inches has been discussed. HCDC attorney indicates that this is a “significant” increase. New plans must be drafted for submission and approval.
PARKS:
There is a need to survey Riviera Park and Outlot A Park. Terry Rupp volunteered to contact Lodzinski & Associates for the job
Two loads of limestone need to be delivered at the boat launch near the shelter house. Terry Rupp is checking with the county see if they will deliver them.
There continues to be a problem with “John Q Public” using the parks for picnics, swimming and even camping. The parks are specifically for the use of Lake Diane property owners. Additional signs will need to be ordered for placement.
JoEllen Wright was thanked for her donation to the parks with the proceeds from the wine crawl held each Labor Day weekend.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
Garage Sales – June 20th
Golf Outing – July 25th
Annual Picnic – scheduled for August 8 with more details to follow
NEW BUSINESS:
Kevin discussed the importance of attendance at upcoming Amboy Township Meetings to discuss developing a dock ordinance. With the current plans of development at French Quarter there is a concern that “key holing” could become an issue.
At 11:20 Roger made a motion to adjourn. Jim seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the meeting adjourned.


Respectfully Submitted:
Kim Byrne, Secretary

LAKE DIANE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
JUNE 13, 2020

The meeting was called to order at 11:32. The purpose of the meeting was to elect officers for the Lake Diane Community Associates Board of Directors.
President:
Roger Giallorati was nominated by Jim Watt. Roger accepted the nomination. Scott Coakley seconded the nomination. A vote was taken, and Roger was elected unanimously.
Vice President:
Scott Coakley was nominated by Jerry Agrusa. Scott accepted the nomination. Jim Watt seconded the nomination. A vote was taken, and Scott was elected unanimously.
Treasurer:
Jim Watt was nominated by Kim Byrne. Jim accepted the nomination. Jerry Agrusa seconded the nomination. A vote was taken, and Jim was elected unanimously.
Secretary:
Kim Byrne was nominated by Jerry Agrusa. Kim accepted the nomination. Scott Coakley seconded the nomination. A vote was taken, and Kim was elected unanimously.
At 11:35 Kim Byrne made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Roger Giallorati seconded the motion. A vote was taken, and the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted:
Kim Byrne
Secretary