Category: Minutes

 MONTHLY BOARD MEETING

December 13th, 2025

BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:

Jerry Agrusa, President

Al Vitous, Vice President – via phone

Jim Watt, Treasurer

Nancy Bell, Secretary

Scott Coakley, Trustee

Kevin Mack, Trustee

Chris Sellers, Trustee

ABSENT:

None

The meeting was called to order at by President, Jerry Agrusa at TTT at 9:03. The Pledge of

Allegiance was recited.

Jason, the Fire Chief from Woodbridge Township joined the meeting. He informed the board of an

ice-training session on January 17 in the afternoon. They will be in and out of the water to get

certified or re-certified for ice training rescues. This might happen in the channel leading to the

north side of the lake. Kevin will post on Facebook to inform residents.

There are new tower and radio systems in process in Hillsdale. This is for better radio

communication for fire and medical departments. Currently they are on the VHF system where they

get an alert. This could result in static or bad verbiage which is dangerous for personnel since they

need an accurate situation what they are walking into. This project would get them on the state

radio system. The large 800 megahertz radio project will have 3 towers that are 310 ft high in the

County – N Adams area, Litchfield and Camden and Grass Lake areas. Two are erected. The last

one will be done in June or July.

There are several lake taps around the lake. Some are functional – some have been sealed shut.

The shallow water around the edge of the lake is one of the problems. The fire department does

come twice a year to back flush the hydrants still in service. If there is a fire here, multiple depts

might show up. Inbound depts. might not know the locations where to pump the water and could

use boat launch area. Woodbridge Township has two tankers, one that holds 2000 and the other

3000 gallons of water. Trucks pump 1400 gallons of water in minutes. An average fire requires

30-40 thousand gallons of water so the water in the tank does not last long. As a couple of tanks

are filling up with water from the lake, others are using the water that they pumped already. The

Woodbridge pump station is not usable since it is too shallow and probably under a lot of organic

material since it is DNR owned and never gets treated for weeds. New stations could cost up to$5k. Jason stated new calf, hog and chicken farms with humongous barns are being built north

west of LD plus other areas around us. These would require a lot of water in the case of a fire.

The minutes from the November meeting were read. One change was made. Then a short

discussion about the 950 water level was discussed. The board talked about the 1964 medallion

on the dam showing the 950 lake level. An expensive, independent study could be done to prove

we need additional water. The minutes were approved by Jim Watt – seconded by Al Vitous. All

agreed and the November minutes were approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

The Treasury report was read by Jim Watt. Money was transferred to the CD with a fixed interest

rate of 4.05%. Several payments were made including the copying and postage for the signed

customer Treatment Authorization forms to Mike Kroll at Solitude. Jim has not received

confirmation that Mike received even though it was mailed over 2 weeks ago . Jerry asked for a

motion to accept the Treasurer’s report as written. Al made a motion. Nancy second. All in favor in

the report was approved as written.

OLD BUSINESS

After researching garbage pick up prices, it was agreed they were all close in price. ARS will

eventually pick up their totes. ARS and Stevens switched customers, ARS did not go out of

business. Washler is another company in this area. Size of bins are different.

AQUATIC LIFE:

Affidavits were mailed to Solitude.

There are pictures on Facebook showing the low water level. We have not seen it this low in 5-6

years. The springs are our only supply of water in the lake for the past couple of months. Ice

prevents some evaporation.

Nutrients from the large barns being built NW of LD could eventually reach the lake which is a

cause of the algae blooms.

PARKS:

Kevin has the opportunity of getting a used, nice-looking teeter totter. The cost would be $100,

which would be a bargain. He would look into putting it at the shelter house park. The board

agreed this would be a good addition to the park.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

There aren’t any activities left during the 2025 season. Nancy will ask Friends of their 2026

activities and dates to put on the Spring Newsletter.

NEW BUSINESS:

The Newsletter will be started and discussed at the next meeting on January 10th, 2026.

There won’t be a meeting in February-no quorum.

At 10:05, Jerry made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Al Vitous agreed Scott Coakley seconded.

All agreed and the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Nancy Bell12-13-25 meeting minutes

 

ANNUAL BOARD MEETING

June 8, 2024

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 10:02 by President, Jerry Agrusa at the shelter house.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  The minutes from of the June, 2023 annual board meeting were read by Nancy Bell. The minutes were approved by Jerry Agrusa as written-seconded Al Vitous.  All approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Jim Watt presented the Treasury Report.  A little surplus is being saved for future projects (dredging).   Last dredging was in 2016 by the gas station/restaurant that cost $35,000. 12 more areas in the lake need to be dredged.  Jim presented the proposed 2024/2025 budget. Some items were decreased and some were increased with explanations. The motion to accept the budget & Treasury Report without changes was made by Al Vitous, second by Rod Anderson.  A vote was taken and the budget was approved by all.   

ELECTIONS OF OFFICERS:

Kevin Mack, Al Vitous and Nancy Bell’s  3 year terms ended.  The floor was open for nomination for the  LDCA board.  No one volunteered to be on the board.  The motion to close nominations approved by Jim Watt second by Scott Coakley.  Nomination was closed with Kevin, Al and Nancy agreeing to stay on the board for another term of 3 years.  All approved and applauded.

Board members are 

Jerry Agrusa – term ends 2026

Scott Coakley – term ends 2025

Jim Watt – term ends 2026

Nancy Bell – term ends 2027

Kevin Mack – term ends 2027

Chris Sellers – term ends 2025

Al Vitous – term ends 2027

OLD BUSINESS:

LEGAL / RENTALS: 

A resident talked about the many rentals around the lake.   This is against the deed restrictions and homeowners or businesses should not be renting less than six months.  Realtors are not notifying buyers that are purchasing for this reason.  Residence of Lake Diane do not want to take this on themselves, but with possible Park standing, encourage the association to do it.  He explained the steps to stop them – starting by contacting owners all the way to taking them to court.  This does not pertain to remote employees working out of their home.  Legal actions have been started on some rentals already.

PARKS:

The Pickleball court was added to the park, but not complete yet. Dirt, grass, tape, net and fence are still needed.  Friends of Lake Diane have volunteered to help with costs.  

AQUATIC LIFE:

Solitude was contracted to spray the weeds. This will be done on June 18. (New date after the meeting was June 17th). Since it has been delayed, now late payers can be included in the spray.  It would be more beneficial to the lake if the whole shoreline was sprayed compared to only spraying paid residence.  There are several critical areas on the lake that have excessive weeds.. The DNR, State or DEQ won’t get involved till it is too late or the fish are dying. Best solution would be to have the spray included in taxes and it could be at a lower cost.  By raise of hands at this meeting, the people present would approve this idea.  We have 15 species of lily pads, 11 are invasive which means people thought they were pretty and planted them in the lake.  Only 40% of Lily pads can be sprayed later in the summer.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

Lake Diane garage sale – June 15th

Golf cart parade – July 6 noon *

Fireworks are July 6th rain date July 7th *

Poker Run – July 7th & Sept 1st

Golf Outing – Looking for someone to take it over *

Reverse Raffle – August 3rd *

Family Picnic – August 10th. All invited

Trunk or Treat – October 25th *

*LDCA non-sponsored events

NEW BUSINESS:

Jerry Agrusa and Jim Watt talked about the MI Marketable Deed Restriction Act and how it could affect Lake Diane and all lakes in Michigan.  He explained what the board members did to try to stop it by filling out form, getting it notarized and filed it at the Hillsdale County Deeds office. Bill 721 deadline has been extended to Sept. 25, 2025

A Wake boat law is in the house, but not approved yet to limit where they can go. At Lake Diane, they would be limited only to two sections of the lake.

Chris Sellers explained the results of the Survey sent out to residents. 46 came back showing water quality, trailers and promoting social activities were the top 3 respectfully.

A date of June 22 has been put aside by Terry Rupp asking for volunteers to help clean up the shoreline by the shelter house. He proposed it would take only an hour of your time.

At 11:40, Jerry made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Jim Watt agreed.  Kevin Mack seconded the motion.  A vote was taken and the annual meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted:

Nancy Bell

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