The Lake Improvement board met on September 20 at the Douglass Township hall in an effort to make the meetings more convenient to attend for lake residents. You may remember getting the notice in the mail as we sent out notices to everyone to attend. Unfortunately only about 25 residents attended the meeting. During the meeting there was some discussion about the treatment that was done as well as what should be continued next year. 2008 was the last year of our Flouridone® treatment restriction. There have been a few spots of natural vegetation that have started growing to problem levels and needed attention. While basically in a maintenance program we can spot treat certain areas that are in need, and avoid the places that are still acceptable. Eurasian Milfiol has been spotted in a few areas just starting to grow back. It is still far, far from the problem we had a few years ago and we will be watching the progression of those hotspots closely to make sure that we treat the areas before problems occur. We set up a maintenance program budget for next year to accomplish the same goals as we had this season.             At the meeting there were many comments on the financial burden of our assessment. It has always been a concern of the board to keep costs down. After all, that was the entire reason for our formation.  We are very proud to announce that we are able to lower the entire assessment roll almost in half. That means real savings for everyone! The plan is for these savings to continue as the new normal. While saving money, the board is still able to save up some funds every year for a future Flouridone® treatment when needed. Another Item discussed at the meeting was a new form that we have created to help the Lake Board make corrections and decisions on the assessment roll for our upcoming treatment cycle. After this season we will need to put together a new 5 year treatment plan and assessment district just like we did a few years ago with a public hearing. The new form should be filled out by everyone and mailed back to the drain commissioner’s office.  The form will be used to decipher property owners with more than one assessment factor, meaning more than 199 ft of contiguous lake frontage, more than one structure on their parcel, or more than one parcel around the lake. Lake Board members will be reviewing the information and possibly scheduling meetings with residents who feel that they have incorrect benefit factors. The Lake Board has no jurisdiction on property taxes or your property assessment, only the benefit factors (.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 etc) and the improvement special assessment. The Lake Board would also like to find residents who would like join our Treatment Plan Taskforce to assist in putting together thoughts on what the next treatment plan for our lake should be. This is your chance to get involved and shape the plan for our lake and our future. So far we have few volunteers that are interested. Positions are endless so let your representative know that you would like to be involved. Come to the next board meeting, or contact any board member:Chairman, Abutting Property Owner Representative: Mike Dunn (989) 365-4254                       Douglass Township Representative: Anne Hiscock (989) 365-3373                        Belvidere Township Representative: Jason Hiscock (517) 881-9532