Bird Flu and Canada Goose Update – Spring 2025

The association has been made aware that there are reports of water fowl that have been subject to Avian Flu.  This is a harmful virus that can affect humans.

 

  1. Remain away from odd acting water fowl (or any bird) and their excrements
  2. Report any such behavior or suffering or deceased fowl to LDCA for tracking or as below

 

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If you have or observe a diseased Canadian Goose or Swan, you can call 515-336-5030, or Google , Michigan DNR/ Eyes in the Field. You can report finding diseased birds along with photos and add a location tag on Lake Diane.
It’s possible that you may be contacted to collect the bird carcass
In any event, please exercise caution when moving the carcass of any diseased animals.

Regarding Canada Goose population.  We. have elected to continue to pursue nest destruction this year under permit and by trained officials.  If you notice a nesting pair, do NOT approach or interrupt their nest. If it very important to manage the nesting a specific way otherwise the birds will re-nest in a more hidden location and avoid population control.  Please Notify someone with LDCA with the location of the pair  so we can have a trained official assess the nest and condition of any eggs.

December 2024 Monthly Board Minutes

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

October 2024 Monthly Board Minutes

MONTHLY BOARD MEETING

October 12th, 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 9:02 by President, Jim Watt at TTT.  The pledge of allegiance was recited.  A guest speaker, Mike at Solitude, gave an informative presentation about Water Management Treatment Program for over an hour.   Then the minutes from the September meeting were read.  The minutes were approved as written by Jerry Agrusa, seconded by Scott Coakley.  All in agreement.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Jerry Agrusa read the Treasury.  Scott Coakley approved the report as written, Jim Watt seconded.  The Treasury report was approved by all.

NEW MEMBER:

Membership stands at 203

OLD BUSINESS

WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM:

Mike at Solitide provided a flyer with information about the weeds and Lily pad treatment.  Currently, we have ‘skip lot treatments’ but ‘wide lake’ is more effective in the long run.  Swimming restrictions would be the same no matter what chemical was used. Irrigation restrictions could be different.

For whole lake treatment, a survey in April or May would be done to find invasive plants to determine different treatment for different areas.. The initial treatment would be done a couple weeks after that. Then it is reinspected to make sure it was a success. Another survey will be done after that.  In 2024,  240 lots received treatment. The whole lake management program would cost less in the future years as weeds are controlled. The quality of fishing has increased and fish habitat would be better in the long run as it is maintained by the treatment   Red Algae bloom is due to iron, no circulation, nutrients in water etc.  

Treatment of lily pads is determined by EGLE.  Up to 40×40 zone, 15-20 foot spray in the center of a channel and 10 feet from docks and shoreline can be treated based on development of the land.   Lily pads mostly grow in shallow waters up to 5 feet deep. The root must be removed to eliminate additional growth.  For a whole lake treatment, exceptions can be marked for no spray areas.

Water quality testing is done before treatment to test temperature, PH levels, oxygen, etc,   Each chemical product goes through three levels of approvals before use in lakes.  A hard winter with deep ice covered with snow blankets shade in the water and would help eliminate weeds for next Spring.  Bubblers stop ice formation so Mike will forward information as he gets it pertaining to weeds.  Mike gave many examples and answered questions of what can legally be treated.

PARKS:

A fence for the Pickleball court was ordered and will take 6 weeks to get installed. Posts will be bolted into cement slab and have a 3 foot opening. Chris and Michelle Sellers are donating a bench at the court.  Because of liability, perhaps install a sign saying ‘use at your own risk’ and add ‘for use of LD residents’.  Jim will contact insurance company. 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

Trunk or Treat – October 25th *

*LDCA – non-sponsored

RENTALS:

Three rental properties have agreements in place to quit short term rentals.  Two others have taken off social platform.

TRAILERS:

Jerry received the decrees from the lawyers pertaining to trailers.

NEW BUSINESS:

A FYI – Did you know – sheet was drafted of Michigan Laws/Lake Diane rules to put in the Welcome package and possibly send out with annual assoc invoices.

An official copy of deed restrictions for Lake Diane can be obtained at the Hillsdale County Register of Deeds office.  

Next meeting will be on November 9th at 9:00 at TTT.  At 11:08, Scott Coakley made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Nancy Bell seconded the motion. All agreed and the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Nancy Bell

November 2024 Monthly Board Minutes

MONTHLY BOARD MEETING

November 9th, 2024

BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:

Jim Watt, President

Jerry Agrusa, Treasurer 

Nancy Bell, Secretary 

Kevin Mack, Trustee 

Chris Sellers, Trustee

Al Vitous, Trustee 

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:  

Scott Coakley, Trustee

The meeting was called to order at 9:00 by President, Jim Watt at TTT.  The pledge of Allegiance was recited. Then the minutes from the October meeting were read.  The minutes with two minor adjustments was approved by Jim Watt, seconded by Al Vitous.  All in favor.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Jerry Agrusa read the Treasury report.  The mowing of parks was paid for the 2024 season.  Kevin Mack approved the report as written, Chris Sellers seconded.  All in favor for the Treasury report as written.

NEW MEMBER:

Membership stands at 203

OLD BUSINESS

WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM:

Water quality was the top number one priority with 74% of the surveys received. Whole lake water management is the best solution to control weeds in the lake.  There are over 400 lots on the lake with 240 that were sprayed in 2024.  A flyer will be done to provide lake owners the benefits to hand out plus put on LD website.  Starting in Spring 2025, go door-to-door to get signed petitions to agree on whole Lake management.   A majority of the votes is needed for SAD.   This is extra work but Amboy Township board should agree with positive  information to put on winter taxes for 2026 spray for the 12.6 miles of shoreline.  In front of the dam would have to be excluded.  

Lately beavers have been spotted in the lake. Residence can get rid of them if they are doing damage to the lake.

There is an excessive amount of geese migrating lately.  Goose round-up is not permitted anymore. Jerry will inquire to apply for goose removal in 2025 that the state would do if approved.  

PARKS:

The fence for the Pickleball court was installed. Kevin and Chris will look for signs and work on wording for the court. Might need landscaping but won’t do till next year. Doug Whittler has some pavers that he will donate to the court landscaping.  

Downspouts were fixed on the shelter house by Kevin. He also would like to move the teeter totter more to the north.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

No events for the rest of the year.

RENTALS:

There are a couple of short term rentals still advertising on various websites. Steps will be taken in order to stop this. 

TRAILERS:

No conversation on this subject at this meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

Radar Speed limit signs on East Diane have been suggested like the ones on Woodbridge that were donated.  These were installed by the county.  The safety speed of East Diane is 15 mph.  

Cellers Road near Hillsdale Rd. has a big crack and ask county to maintain.

Underground telephone lines were cut and are exposed on the north side of the lake. Don’t know the reason why ditches are being filled in.  Jim will inquire at Amboy Twsp meeting.  

LDCA and Friends of LD are working on a LD phone directory to be distributed in 2025.

A seminar to learn water testing is being held on April 25th weekend in Muskegon. Instead of paying the state, have 2 volunteers take the class to get water samples.

Jim Watt resigned as President of LDCA.  Chris Sellers made a motion to accept Jim’s resignation as President, Nancy seconded. All in favor.

Chris made a motion to assign Treasurer to Jim Watt, Al seconded.  All in favor.

Chris made a motion to assign Jerry Agrusa as President of LDCA, Jim seconded.  All in favor.  

Positions were accepted and all agreed.

At 10:33, Jim Watt made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Al Vitous seconded the motion. All agreed and the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Nancy Bell

September 2024 Monthly Board Minutes

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

August 2024 Monthly Board Minutes

 

 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

July 2024 Monthly Board Minutes

 

 MONTHLY BOARD MEETING

July 13, 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 9:00 by President, Jerry Agrusa at the shelter house.  The minutes from the May 11th 2024 monthly board meeting was read by Nancy Bell. A motion was made by Jim Watt to approve adjusted minutes, seconded by Chris Sellers. All in favor and the minutes were approved. 

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Jim Watt read the first Treasury Report of this fiscal year. Scott Coakley approved the report as written, Al Vitous seconded. All in favor, and the Treasury report was approved by all.

NEW MEMBER ACTIVITY:

There have been several new members that joined the association.  Final number TBD.

OLD BUSINESS

WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM:

Clarke Waterlife sprayed the lake for weeds on June 17th. The public launch was included in the spray since it was bad. Kill rate was very good – much better than last year.  Six areas need to be resprayed or a new spray after the 2 weeks waiting process. Dead weeds on shoreline will float and should be cleaned up by owners. Proposed budget went from $513-$590 per acre next year.  268 lots were sprayed which is 60% of the lots.  Assoc plans to move forward to look into SAD (Special Assessment District) to get lake sprayed.  Township would collect the funds and write the check with LDCA being the contact person to interact between the owners,  weed spray company and Twsp. Jerry Agrusa made motion to have Solitude do an Aquatic Vegetation Survey and Water Quality Testing on Lake Diane for $3,000. Jim Watt seconded. A vote was taken and all are in favor.

PARKS:

Kevin and others spent four hours striping the pickle ball court. Unfortunately, high winds and rain took it off. Then he spent another three hours grinding the surface.  Friends of Lake Diane voted to pay part of the cost of the net at their previous meeting that Jerry Agrusa attended.  Kevin has a 4 ft snow fence and stakes for the court.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

Golf Outing – July 27th *

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

RENTALS:

Per attorney of a Lake Diane resident, association has clear title of parks and standing to be part of a legal action to enforce deed restrictions to prevent short term rentals.  The following motion was made:

‘Lake Diane Community Association in conjunction with Chris and Michelle Sellers join efforts to pursue potential legal action of short term rentals in deed restrictions of Lake Diane Southern 2 LLC in accordance with Michigan Court of Appeals Ruling 354841 as it pertains to Deed restrictions in Lake Diane which forbid commercial activity.’

Jerry Agrusa made the motion seconded by Jim Watt.  A vote was taken with 6/0/1 with all in favor:

A second motion was made;

‘To utilize the services of Levinger & Thompson in pursuit of short term rentals at Lake Diane 1, Section 2 in reference to Michigan Court of Appeals docket 354841’

All in favor and the motion was passed

NEW BUSINESS:

A change of board members was voted and effective today:

Jim Watt – President   Nominated by Chris Sellers/seconded by Kevin Mack

Jerry Agrusa – Treasurer   Nominated by Jim Watt/seconded by Chris Sellers

Scott Coakley – Trustee  

Al Vitous – VP   Nominated by Jerry Agrusa

Positions were accepted – votes were taken and all agreed.  No change of other board members for Nancy Bell, Kevin Mack and Chris Sellers.

Jerry will talk to Friends to see if they will pick up Toys for Tots since it is a community 

Asking for volunteers to set up for picnic on Friday, August 9th, at 4:00.  Jerry will get corn, porta potty and food for picnic.  We will advertise picnic in several places about games and dish to pass. There won’t be any kids games because of the low turnout.  

Next meeting will be on August 17th at 9:00.  At 11:00, Jerry made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Kevin Mack seconded the motion. All agreed and the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted:

Nancy Bell

2023 LDCA Annual meeting minutes

 

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