New Law Taking Effect 03/29/24 – double your taxes remove restrictions

The LDCA has been made aware that years ago, the Michigan Legislature passed legislation that will do two things that affect you as a lake resident.

  1. Your property taxes could increase by several times depending on how long you have lived in your home since 1995; an “uncapping of real estate property taxes”.
  2. The restrictions in place in your development could be wiped away, removing any prohibition to rentals, commercial, multi-family, junk storage, or any other restriction that you may have.

To find out more see the article that Cliff Bloom, representation for Michigan Lakes and Streams, says about how it will affect you and all waterfront property owners below. If you are concerned about this, please contact your Michigan legislature officials.

Two Ticking Time Bombs, Article by Cliff Bloom

 

references:

  • http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-565-103
  • http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-565-105
  • http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-565-101
  • https://mymlsa.org/will-your-property-interests-disappear-on-3-29-2024/

 


December 2023 Board Minutes

 MONTHLY BOARD MEETING

December 9, 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 – via phone

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:

None

The meeting was called to order at 9:00 by President, Jerry Agrusa at TTT. The Pledge of

Allegiance was recited. The next meeting will be held on 1-13-24. No meeting will be

scheduled in February.

The minutes from the November 11th monthly board meeting were read by Nancy Bell. The

minutes were approved by Jerry Agrusa – seconded by Jim Watt. The minutes were approved

by all as written.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Jim Watt read the Treasury Report. There wasn’t any income that came in since the last

meeting but interest from the CD will start soon. The treasury report was accepted by Jerry

Agrusa and seconded by Chris Sellers. All in favor.

Several LDCA members are past due paying Association dues. These members signed the

GOA, Grant of Authority, voluntarily joining the association. A letter will be sent to them with a

copy of their GOA asking them to pay. The late payment fee will be rescinded if paid by

February deadline date. The annual association invoices will be mailed in March, due in May.

NEW MEMBER ACTIVITY:

There wasn’t any change in Membership.

OLD BUSINESS

LEGAL:

Jerry Agrusa received a box from the prior attorney, Kim Burger. He went through the box but

could not find what he was looking for.

Chris Sellers will add a pdf blank copy of theGOA to the lakediane.org website.AQUATIC LIFE:

Most geese are gone but stayed longer due to climate change. A board member heard that

Merry Lake has more geese than Lake Diane. Jerry contacted DNR to get people trained for

goose round up in 2024. There is a video on the website for people to look at. The permit is

only valid for a short time in April so will ask for volunteers on the 2024 Newsletter mailing. We

only need one qualified trained person per team. In the past, geese were herded instead of

eggs being collected. It was costly and not sure if this process is still available. Swans are still

here but one is missing.

PARKS:

Dirt is needed for the pickle ball court. Chris volunteer to get stone to stop the water flow on

one side of the court. Park budget has little funds that might cover cost. Kevin will look into a

net and fence for the court. The shelter house will be closed shortly after this meeting.

WELCOME PACKAGES:

There were 10 Welcome Packages delivered to new home owners in 2023. Four homes are for

sale on the lake.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

No activities left in 2023

TRAILERS:

A copy of a judge ruling was obtained to forbid trailers on lake lots.

MARCH ANNUAL MAILING:

A final draft was approved for the 2024 priorities survey and request for volunteers to be sent

with LDCA annual invoice. Chris also drafted the 2024 Spring Newsletter to be finalized by

March.

NEW BUSINESS:

Discussed was a road trip to meet Cliff Bloom, attorney, in January to discuss 5 issues and

create face-to-face relationship.

When purchasing property on the lake, new owners are not always getting deed restrictions.

Jerry had gotten several inquiries asking about docks, fences etc. Chris will put copies of deed

restrictions to match up with lake map on LakeDiane.org

A resident on Tyson Trail/Easy Street is trying to get a bond from the township for street repair.

Must have at least 70% of home owners to agree.

No word on the approval of building a Verizon tower. They can’t use the same gate or road that

DMCI uses.

At 10:55, Jerry made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Scott Coakley seconded the motion. All

agreed and the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted:

Nancy Bell

 

 



September 2023 Board Minutes

 

 MONTHLY BOARD MEETING

September 9th, 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 9:02 by President, Jerry Agrusa at the shelter house.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  The next meeting will be held on Saturday, October 21st.

The minutes from the August 12 monthly board meeting were read by Nancy Bell.  The minutes were approved by Chris Sellers – seconded by Al Vitous.  They were approved by all as written.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Jim Watt recited the Treasury Report.    Several bills for the signs and picnic were paid.  Jim will move some funds to a CD for higher interest rates that was approved by the board.  The Treasury Report was approved by Jerry Agrusa, seconded by Chris Sellers.  All approved.

NEW MEMBER ACTIVITY: 

Membership stands at 203.

OLD BUSINESS 

LEGAL:

Jerry left a couple of voice messages to Cliff Bloom.  He is waiting  for options of trailer removal and other items.  Jerry is hoping to get response by October meeting.  Nothing has been paid for legal fees at this time.

AQUATIC LIFE:

The lily pad spray was done. There was a comment saying the spray didn’t hit the pads directly. They sprayed 40% which was over 20 homes and 1 boat lane.  A board member is not allowed to go on boat like we did in the past. Jim Watt will see if he can get map of the sprayed areas.

North Bay algae tested negative for toxins.  The algae is caused by shady, still, hot, shallow water with no wind or oxygen.  Aerator/Bubbler might help but a high cost.   Kevin might be able to provide one for testing to see if it would help. This algae will not spread by boat to other areas of the lake according to health department.  Only 2 paying association members are in that area.  Perhaps options could be presented to them.

Average adult Swan weighs 44 lbs and excrete 6 lbs a day.  The 2 adults and 7 babies (cygnets) with the geese that migrated should be leaving Lake Diane soon.  Might have to hunt twice for goose eggs next year.

A stump in the south side of lake is 2 feet down.  Several people have hit it creating damage to their watercrafts.

Several signs have been installed at the park, gas station and down a channel.

AQUABOUNTY: 

There is a court date set in late September to sue Williams County Commissioners. This project is at a stop at this time.

 

ROADS:

Territorial will be closed for construction of the 2 bridges at Carpenter Road. Project will not be completed till June, 2024.   Drain on West Diane by Woodbridge got washed out again.   

PARKS:

Kevin Mack got rid of the old, rotten tower that was at Chickadee Park. Signs keep getting fixed due to heavy winds this year.  

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

There were approx 70-80 people at the Family Picnic and 7 kids.  Maybe move it up one week since kids start school activities or get banners to advertise could bring in more people.  

*Trunk or Treat – October 27th

*LDCA non-sponsored events

TRAILERS:

Some trailers have been removed due to end of season.   Steps are needed to eliminate trailers for next year.  

NEW BUSINESS:

Kevin and Chris are getting a quote for a 30×60 cement pad for pickleball court to replace the  volleyball court at the shelter house park.

DMCI is getting a grant to bring fiber lines to LD which is faster than WIFI. To show interest, residents can sign up at DMCI. The cell tower has not been installed yet.

Chris Sellers brought up a new idea of having a casino night   Preliminary talk was to have an entry fee with poker tables and roulette wheel. Not sure if a permit is needed since it would be fake cash. Chris Sellers will try to get information and talk about it at the spring meeting.

In the Spring newsletter or in the annual association mailing sent out to everyone in March 2024, attach a survey listing items of what people want the association to focus on.  For example, trailers, parks, rentals etc.  In the past, trailers have been a priority.

At 10:40 Jerry made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Scott Coakley/Kevin Mack seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted:

Nancy Bell9-9-23 meeting minutes


August 2023 Board Minutes

Blue Heron w/ Lake Diane and Cattails

Logo

 MONTHLY BOARD MEETING

August 12, 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 9:05 by President, Jerry Agrusa at the shelter house.

The minutes from the July 8th monthly board meeting were read by Nancy Bell.  The minutes were approved by Chris Sellers – seconded by Al Vitous.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Jim Watt recited the Treasury Report.    Several bills were paid.  Jim motioned to move some funds to a CD for higher interest rates. Jerry seconded motion. The Treasury Report was approved as written and transfer of funds was approved by all.

NEW MEMBER ACTIVITY: 

Membership is now at 203.

OLD BUSINESS 

LEGAL:

Jerry sent additional requested information to new attorney.  Cliff Bloom will provide options of trailer removal and other items.  Should know more by September or October meeting 

AQUATIC LIFE:

The second spraying of the weeds was done on July 11. The lake looks good and no complaints since that spray.

ROADS:

Jim Watt was contacted about a turnaround by View Drive. When paving the roads, contractors did not blacktop this area.   The road is a much larger area and encroachment could be a possibility in that area.

PARKS:

Kevin Mack did a lot of work at the shelter house and game area for the annual picnic that happened right after the meeting. He stated that the old tower at Chickadee Park is rotten. He suggested to remove and possibly burn.  

We have park surveys and some show encroachment of personal items on park property.  A copy of the survey with letters to adjoining owners will be sent telling them to remove their personal property from park property.  This could be done as early as September 30th.  Then a possible fence or barrier would be placed on the property line.  This is to shown lake owners where the park is they can go on and also to guard and protect both parties.  Chris Sellers made a motion to show park area versus private owners lot. Jim Watt seconded.  A vote was taken and all are in favor.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

*Wine Crawl – September 2nd

*Trunk or Treat – October 27th

*LDCA non-sponsored events

TRAILERS:

Some trailers have been removed. 

  

NEW BUSINESS:

Kevin put up No Wake and Speed Limit signs that Chris ordered. One might be moved to an area with more boat traffic, maybe the entrance of Hidden Lake channel.  Kevin was contacted several times by DNR about liking these signs.

If any board members visit a business, ask them if they want to provide a coupon to be put in Welcome Package

Chris Sellers suggested we buy toys to rent out. Great idea but this would be an Association liability. The Halloween Hayride and Winterfest were stopped due to insurance and liability reasons.

Washout of the road on West Diane by Woodbridge was fixed by Hillsdale Road Commission the day after they were contacted.

At 10:11, Jerry made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Jim Watt seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted:

Nancy Bell8-12-23 meeting minutes


July 2023 Board Minutes

 

 MONTHLY BOARD MEETING

July 8, 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 9:05 by President, Jerry Agrusa at the shelter house.

The minutes from the May 13, monthly board meeting were read by Nancy Bell.  Under activities, an asterisk was added to the Golf Cart Parade to indicate it was not a LDCA event at this time.  The revised minutes were approved by Jim Watt – seconded by Scott Coakley and Al Vitous.  

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Jim Watt recited the Treasury Report.    Several bills were paid.  The Treasury Report was approved as written by Scott Coakley, seconded by Jerry Agrusa.  This was approved by all.

NEW MEMBER ACTIVITY: 

Membership is now at 201 with possibility of increasing soon.

OLD BUSINESS 

LEGAL:

Paperwork was sent to a new attorney regarding several issues but he didn’t return any calls yet.

AQUATIC LIFE:

Al and Phyllis Vitous went around the lake to check for weeds. There are several that need to be re-sprayed and 4 new people who just paid to get sprayed. Date of second spray is July 11th. The weed company did good with no complaints. It was noted that we should add to the Newsletter in 2024 about raking the weeds in front of their place. This spreads the seeds and weeds could double.  When you pull weeds, the root has to be taken out or it will grow again. Then place pulled weeds on the land to dry out.  The color of the weed spray notice posted on the properties had no reflection of who got sprayed.  It was just random colors they used.

PARKS:

Kevin cut down the arborvitaes at the shelter house park that was damaged.  He also plugged holes from boring bees at Chickadee park and reinstalled the No Fishing sign.  There are some weevils he is trying to preserve by not cutting the grass at the shoreline. 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

*Golf Outing – July 22nd

*Reverse Raffle – August 5th

Family Picnic – August 12th

*Wine Crawl – September 2nd

*Trunk or Treat – October 27th

*LDCA non-sponsored events

Jerry will buy food and staples for the picnic on 8-12 with a rain date of 8-13.  A signup sheet was passed around asking volunteers to help.  The activities will be kids games, volleyball and corn hole toss.  This will be put on website plus asking people to bring a dish to pass.

The Boaters Safety Class had 32 people, highest amount in years.   Ages ranged from 11 to 56 years old.  

The Fireworks was a total success.  A date in 2024 has been determined – July 6th.

The Golf Cart Decorating Contest had 23 carts. It was determined by volunteers to do it again on July 6th, 2024.  In the future, the event will happen the day of the fireworks.

TRAILERS:

There are 26 trailers on the lake – a huge increase since May.  

  

NEW BUSINESS:

There are several obstacles in the lake –  tree stumps, concrete, post, boulders, fence etc.  DNR can remove buoys that marks them.   A map could be done noting the obstacles to put on LDCA website 

There were several incidents on the lake during the July 4th holiday. Chris drafted up a No Wake and Speed Limit signs. It was suggested they are put up at store gas station, public access, launch by Point Drive and launch by shelter house.  They are 24×18 and/or 24×30 with a cost of approximately $450.   Jerry made a motion to approve cost of signs.  Jim seconded motion.  All approved.   

The board will take a look at the survey of the park for encroachment.

Even though there were 36 goose eggs collected, there were a couple nests missed or the geese re-laid their eggs.

People liked the flyers with activity information on it that the fireworks collectors passed out.

At 10:47, Jerry made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Jim Watt/Scott Coakley seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted:

Nancy Bell7-8-23 meeting minutes


(updated 08/24)Notice: NO Harmful Algal Bloom in Lake Diane

From the Michigan Department of Health, Branch/St.Joseph/Hillsdale County

The Lake Diane Community Association has been notified by the Director of Environmental Health of Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph CHA that tests of Lake Diane final results have come back as non-detect for harmful toxins.

Thank you to the community for reporting this to community health agency and for all those in the community that helped communicate the information.


Annual Family Community Picnic – Aug 12

All residents of Lake Diane welcome to participate in the Annual Picnic and potluck August 12th at the Shelter House.  This is a community wide event and is open to anyone in the community.   (1pm ~ 6pm)

Vollyball Tourney (teams needed)

Cornhole Tourney (teams needed)

Kids Games (at 2pm)

Corn and Hotdogs will be served courtesy of our Lake Diane Community Association from 1pm until they run out

The Shelter House is located at the end of East Diane Drive.

Rain Date is Sunday at 1pm


Weed Respray : July 11th – Tuesday

For the handful of areas that need additional weed treatment (as well as those who paid up later) there will be spot respraying on Tuesday, July 11th.  Location specific signage will be posted.


Community Golf Cart Parade Winners

The winners of the inaugural Golf Cart Parade have been published

Uncle Sam on Ski's

Uncle Sam on Ski’s

First Place : Uncle Sam on Ski’s


red truck golf cart 2nd place

2ND Place

Second Place: Red Truck


 

Third Place:


Congratulations to all the participants.  Thank you to the volunteer coordinators and judges for making this years parade fun for all!

See the rest of the parade photos here: https://www.lakediane.org/portfolio/1947/