MONTHLY BOARD MEETING

December 14th, 2024

BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:

Jerry Agrusa, President

Jim Watt, Treasurer 

Nancy Bell, Secretary 

Kevin Mack, Trustee 

Chris Sellers, Trustee

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:  

Scott Coakley, Trustee

Al Vitous, Trustee 

The meeting was called to order at 9:00 by President, Jerry Agrusa at TTT.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The minutes from the November meeting were read.  The amended minutes were approved by Jim Watt, seconded by Jerry Agrusa.  All in favor.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

The Treasury report was presented by Jim Watt.  There was only a little activity this month. Jerry made a motion to accept the report as written, Kevin seconded.    All in favor and the Treasury report as written.

NEW MEMBER:

Membership stands at 203

OLD BUSINESS

AQUATIC LIFE:

Chris has drafted a trifold flyer for SAD to hand out. This project would be between Amboy Township and Lake Diane.  The County Commissioner would not have to get involved. The assoc dues will be reviewed and may be lowered to some degree.

There could be future issues with water quality since cattle raising farms are getting closer to us. Other nearby lakes have been affected by no-swimrestrictions due to runoff.   Our runoff comes from the north and west. We don’t expect outside assistance to resolve this since there aren’t any township or county guidelines.  

AQUABOUNTY:

The Fish Farm in Pioneer technically is dead, however Aquabounty is evaluating

what to do with the project site.   They ceased all Indiana and Canada locations so no salmon fishing anywhere.  We are unaware what would take its place in that area.  

PARKS:

Kevin patched a hole in the park’s shed that red squirrels were going through. Jerry bought and installed a new lock on the electrical panel at the shelter house.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

No events for the rest of the year.  Tentative dates of 2025 activities were discussed.

RENTALS:

Most rentals on the lake have been addressed.

TRAILERS:

No conversation on this subject at this meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

Hillsdale Road Commission are aware of several areas around the lake that have been modified.  It was mentioned in their minutes about the land being altered.

The Newsletter information is being gathered to send out in Spring 2025 to all lake residents  This will be sent with the annual association invoices and SAD flyer.  We will try to finalize the Newsletter at the January 11, 2025 meeting since February meeting will not have a quorum.

There were 11 Welcome Packages delivered in 2024. This is up from the 10 in 2023.

Lake Diane is in a high Radon area.  Tests can be bought on Amazon.

Volunteers are going around to local businesses asking them if they want to advertise in the LD phone directory   There is a small cost depending on ad size that will offset printing costs.  

At 11:10, Chris Sellers made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Jerry Agrusa seconded the motion. Next meeting will be Jan 11th, 2025.  All agreed and the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Nancy Bell

MONTHLY BOARD MEETING

September 14, 2024

BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:

Jim Watt, President

Jerry Agrusa, Treasurer 

Nancy Bell, Secretary 

Scott Coakley, Trustee 

Chris Sellers, Trustee

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:  

Al Vitous

Kevin Mack

The meeting was called to order at 9:00 by President, Jim Watt at the shelter house.  The minutes from the July and August meeting were read.  With some corrections, both the minutes were approved by Scott Coakley, seconded by Jerry Agrusa.  All agreed.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Jerry Agrusa read the Treasury Report. Payments were made for the annual picnic event and Lily pad spray.  Chris Sellers approved the report as written, Scott Coakley seconded.  The Treasury report was approved by all.

NEW MEMBER:

No new members 

OLD BUSINESS

WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM:

North Bay water has some discoloration.   Several other lakes in Michigan are having issues so we will hold off since it is the end of the summer.  The spray had little to no effect on killing Lily pads in some areas. Michael at Solitude will do a survey and will come to the October meeting to discuss weed management.  A resident might install power by the water for agitator.   Question for Solitude is asking about bubblers affecting lake and also where lily pads can be sprayed.    The water is down about 9 inches so that does not help.   We should notify residents of the October meeting talking about water management.

PARKS:

The pickleball fence has been breaking but currently fixed.  It will be taken down after the season – closer to winter. A couple of fence companies have been contacted for quotes.  

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

Trunk or Treat – October 25th *

Music Jam – 3rd Friday in June-September *

*LDCA – non-sponsored events

RENTALS:

There is a continuous effort to stop rentals.  A letter drafted will say to immediately cease renting to 3rd parties, immediately discontinue offering property for short term rentals including immediately discontinue all listing of properties from short term rentals by removing/discontinuing  internet websites and any other publications for rent.  The Building Dept could approve home but doesn’t have anything to do with the deed restrictions on the lake.  Safety is a concern since renters don’t always know lake rules.

TRAILERS:

Jerry will get the decrees from the lawyers pertaining to trailers.

NEW BUSINESS:

Lake Diane Community Association (LDCA) and Friends of Lake Diane are jointly sponsoring a Lake Diane phone directory. There will be no cost to residents.  In order to get in the directory, scan the QR Code below.

Welcome Package should include correct deed restrictions.  Another option is to send deed restrictions in the next mailing to all owners.  A page is being drafted to list acceptable and non-acceptable rules around the lake.

Next meeting will be on October 12th at 9:00 at TTT  At 10:16, Jerry Agrusa made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Scott Coakley seconded the motion. All agreed and the meeting was adjourned. 

Respectfully Submitted,

Nancy Bell

 MONTHLY BOARD MEETING

August 17, 2024

BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:

Jim Watt, President

Al Vitous, Vice President 

Jerry Agrusa, Treasurer 

Scott Coakley, Trustee 

Kevin Mack, Trustee 

Chris Sellers, Trustee

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:  

Nancy Bell

The meeting was called to order at 9:00 by President, Jim Watt at the shelter house.  The minutes from the July meeting were not read.  It was agreed this will be done at the September 14th meeting.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Jerry Agrusa read the Treasury Report. Al Vitous approved the report as written, Jim Watt seconded. All in favor and the Treasury report was approved by all.

NEW MEMBER:

No new members 

OLD BUSINESS

WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM:

Solitude will spray the week of August 26th for Lilley pads.  New spraying regulations are in effect for Michigan. Treatment can no longer spray 40% of existing weeds.  Mike from Solitude will come to October’s meeting to discuss whole lake management.

PARKS:

The pickleball court now has a fence to prevent balls going outside the court area. 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

Reverse Lake Diane Wine Crawl – August 31st *

Poker Run – September 1st *

Trunk or Treat – October 25th *

Music Jam – 3rd Friday in June-September *

*LDCA – non-sponsored events

RENTALS:

A couple more rentals have received notices that rentals are against deed restrictions.  Three more have agreed to discontinue that business.  No one resisted so no judgement was needed. One short term rental house is up for sale.  Others will be or have been notified to stop renting.  Potentially we will address a couple rentals at a time and should be done by Spring next year.

TRAILERS:

Owners were told to take trailers off the lake by a judge’s decree and are in violation of a court order.  Trailers will be the next issue the board will address.

NEW BUSINESS:

There was discussion about mapping the lake with problem areas.  The spray company said they could do it for an unknown fee.

A copy of the Welcome Package was given to Doug Whittler to spruce up and make it more attractive to new owners.

Next meeting will be on September 14th at 9:00.  At 11:15, Kevin made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Jerry seconded the motion. All agreed and the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Read by Nancy Bell

ANNUAL BOARD MEETING

June 10, 2023

BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:

Jerry Agrusa, President

Scott Coakley, Vice President

Jim Watt, Treasurer 

Nancy Bell, Secretary

Kevin Mack, Trustee

Chris Sellers, Trustee

Al Vitous, Trustee 

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:  

None

The meeting was called to order at 10:00 by President, Jerry Agrusa at the shelter house 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited .  

The minutes from of the June, 2022 annual board meeting were read by Nancy Bell. The minutes were approved by Scott Coakley as written-seconded Jerry Agrusa.  All approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Jim Watt presented the Treasury Report.  The report was approved as written by Rod Anderson.The proposed Budget for 2023-2024 Fiscal Year was presented. A new laptop for $500 was added to replace existing Association laptop that was purchased used years ago and is not working anymore.  There was also an increase in insurance for the fireworks.  The budget was approved by Kathy Christ and seconded by Scott Coakley.  A vote was taken and the budget was approved unanimously.  

ELECTIONS OF OFFICERS:

Jerry Agrusa and Jim Watt’s 3 year terms ended.  The floor was open for nomination for the  LDCA board.  No one volunteered so the nominations were closed.  No election was done  and Jerry and Jim both agreed to stay on the board for another 3 years.  

Board members are:

Jerry Agrusa – term ends 2026

Scott Coakley – term ends 2025

Jim Watt – term ends 2026

Nancy Bell – term ends 2024

Kevin Mack – term ends 2024

Chris Sellers – term ends 2025

Al Vitous – term ends 2024

Jim Watt approved and Scott Coakley seconded.  All approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

TRAILERS:

There are 7 trailers on the lake.  This is down from 33 that was on lake before. Many got letters years ago from attorney, Kim Burger, and could be in contempt of court.  Property owners would have to pursue with attorney.  Association would back them up.  This is hard to enforce if only there on a weekend.  

French Quarters has 72 lots with some trailers and everyone is not obeying deed restrictions. Kevin contacted the Health Dept and was informed porta pottys are legal if maintained and dumped properly by licensed pumping company.

LEGAL:

A new attorney, Cliff Bloom, is replacing Kim Burger.  Besides trailers, he will be contacted about private business, deed restrictions and rentals on lake.  Per legal advice about 1 1/2 years ago, to change deed restrictions, you need 51% of all 7 subdivisions.

PARKS:

Besides general maintenance, there were boring bees at the Chicadee park.  Kevin blocked holes made by them and now they are gone.

NEW BUSINESS

AQUATIC LIFE:

The weeds were sprayed on June 1st.  Existing company prices went up.  Jerry contacted other companies and they will submit bid for next year.  Spray amount is based on amount of acres, which went up $65 in one year per acre plus $1600 permit.  All paid members could be sprayed.  The deadline to pay in 2023 was May 20. People contacted Jim Watt much after this date to see if they could get sprayed. Unfortunately it was too late for the several steps that are required to be put on the list of the spray company.  Spray signs were different colors, no reason why.

The Goose egg hunt collected 36 eggs in 6 nests. This is the largest amount collected for years. We notified members they could volunteer next year. No longer can we do a Roundup, only nest destruction.   

Aquabounty paused operations for now looking for additional funds.   LDCA drafted and mailed a Resolution to oppose fish farm development to DNR.    We are now on record.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

Fireworks are July 1st, rain date July 2nd

Golf Cart Parade will be on July 3rd Noon. 

Golf Outing – At Suburban on July 22nd by Kim Byrne

Family Picnic – August 12th. All invited. A sheet was passed looking for volunteers to help.

At 10:57, Jerry made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Al and Scott seconded the motion.  All agreed and the annual meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted:

Nancy Bell

MONTHLY BOARD MEETING
May 18, 2024

BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:
Jerry Agrusa, President
Scott Coakley, Vice President
Jim Watt, Treasurer
Nancy Bell, Secretary
Kevin Mack
Chris Sellers, Trustee
Al Vitous, Trustee

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
None

The meeting was called to order at 9:10 by President, Jerry Agrusa at TTT. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

The minutes from April 13, 2024 monthly board meeting were read by Nancy Bell. With a couple of minor changes, a motion was made by Jim Watt to approve adjusted minutes, seconded by Scott Coakley. All in favor and the minutes were approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT:
Jim Watt read the Treasury Report. There was a partial payment from a delinquent payer of the association dues. More surveys came in during the past month. Looks like top of the list is water quality and illegal rentals. The results will be shared at the Lake Diane annual meeting in June. The treasury report was accepted by Al Vitous and seconded by Scott Coakley. All in favor.

NEW MEMBER ACTIVITY:
Two new members have joined the Association bringing the total to 205.

LEGAL:.
Eight claims pursuant to Michigan Marketable Deed Restriction Act were filled at the Hillsdale County Deeds office in Hillsdale. Jerry filed an umbrella claim in behalf of the association and will keep the paperwork in his files. Cost per filing is $30.00. Bill 721 deadline has been extended to September 25th, 2025. At the June meeting, we will explain and hand out forms to have owners fill out since more claims help the lake.

ANNUAL MEETING:
The next annual meeting will be held at 10 o’clock on June 8th at the shelter house. Three people are up for election. They are Nancy Bell, Al Vitous, and Kevin Mack. Other officers terms end:
Scott Coakley and Chris Sellers – end 2025
Jerry Agrusa and Jim Watt – end 2026
OLD BUSINESS
AQUATIC LIFE:
Jerry signed the contract for the spraying of the weeds. Target date is the second week of June – asking for it to be done the beginning of the week. Aquabounty is a dead deal but a new business could replace it. Pond draining is done for now. 27 goose eggs were collected. The Assoc is looking for volunteers to take a goose round up class for next year

PARKS:
There wasn’t any responses after 15 calls regarding the dirt at the Pickleball court. There are funds in the park budget to get some dirt. This is needed for safety reasons. Bees have been spotted in park equipment at Chickadee Park. They were sprayed by professionals and paid by a resident. He will be reimbursed from LDCA association funds.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
Boaters Safety Class – June 1st – Register on line – location at LakeView UB Church
LDCA Annual meeting – June 8th
Garage Sale – June 16th
Golf Cart Parade/Rally – July 6th 11:30 registration at Shelter House *
Fireworks – July 6th (Rain Date July 7th) *
Poker Run – July 7th *
Golf Outing – TBD *
Reverse Raffle – August 3rd *
Family Picnic at the Shelter House – August 10th
Lake Diane Wine Crawl – August 31st *
Poker Run – September 1st *
Trunk or Treat – October 25th *
Music Jam – 3rd Friday in June-September *
*LDCA – non-sponsored events

NEW BUSINESS:
Many Airbnb/rentals are around Lake Diane. Some are listed as owned by LLC business. Past renters have shot guns on the lake and don’t follow Lake rules. A concerned resident of Lake Diane stopped two and wants to pursue others. Letters have been sent with no response to come to an agreement. Neighbors can communicate with owner of rentals in their subdivision reminding them rentals are against deed restrictions and telling them to stop. If a lawyer gets involved, they send out letters giving them 10 days to respond. If ignored, it would go to court and they could pay legal fees. They are not following deed restrictions and believe Judge will rule in lakes favor with a Summary of Disposition. This will also be put on the LDCA website that rentals are not allowed.
The wake boat ordinance probably won’t get approved this year being an election year.
The Deed Restrictions Marketable Act will be discussed at the June annual meeting. Blank paperwork will be distributed to owners.
Fireworks collection starts Memorial Day weekend.
A resident has asked about installing a library house in Chickadee Park for all to use. This was approved by the board.
Chris proposed new sign holders to advertise events to go around several high traffic areas of the Lake.

At 10:47, Jerry made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Kevin Mack seconded the motion. All agreed and the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted:
Nancy Bell5-18-24 meeting minutes .pages