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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
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