LAKE DOSTER
HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION (LDHA) JANUARY
 2004 NEWSLETTER

CALENDAR OF EVENTS/WEBSITE

Next LDHA Board Meeting:  February 9, 2004, 7:30 pm, at the Clubhouse.   
Next Social Event:  Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday April 3, 3:00pm, Brusselman Park
Membership Dues:  Membership dues for 2004 will be due on June 1st.  Remember that all association events such as the upcoming Easter Egg Hunt in April are only open to members, so remember to keep your dues current.
Recycling Schedule:  Pick-up the 2nd Wednesday of each month. 
Large Trash Pick-up:  2nd Tuesday of each month, April thru October except July.
Email/Website:  ldha2003@cs.com; www.ldha.homestead.com; webmaster email: dfortune@chartermi.net.

2003-2004 LDHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Brian Mullally, President (2005)	685-1913	
Marlin Kleckner, Vice President (2004)	685-5929	
Michael Hills, Co-Secretary (2005)
Jana Edwards, Co-Secretary (2006)	664-3482
664-3122	
Ray Dertz, Maintenance (2006)	685-2776	
Jerry Wittwer, Safety (2004)	685-6190	
Diane Burrows, Social (2005)	664-3593	
Tom Raich, Social (2005)	685-0696	
Paige Meddock, Newcomers (2004)	664-5296	
Marilyn Brainerd, Newcomers (2004)	664-3388	
Nancy Watson, Membership (2006)	685-5768	
Kevin Koch, Water Quality (2006)	664-6096	
Casey Jones, Gun Plain Township	664-5362	
Everett Harpole, Treasurer (2006)	664-3059	

LDHA MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES FROM:  JANUARY 12, 2004

1.	Meeting called to order by Brian Mullally at 7:30pm (Gunplain Township Hall).  
2.	Minutes were approved from the meeting of November 10, 2003 (There was no LDHA meeting in December 2003, as several board members were away).
3.	Maintenance, Ray Dertz:  Provisions will be made for pick-up and disposal of Christmas trees left at the entrance of Brusselman Park.  Ray is investigating the possibility of obtaining a chipper/shredder for park clean-up.  He also recommended that we purchase our own folding tables for social events, as the clubhouse tables are not always available. He estimates that four tables would meet our need at a cost of approximately $300 and could be stored in the Firehouse.  
4.	Treasurer’s Report, Everett Harpole.   As of December 31, 2003, the Lake Doster Acquisition Fund has a current operating balance of $18,316.63, with 150 residents contributing to-date. The LDHA Account balance as of September 30, 2003 is below.  Should any member wish to see a more detailed accounting, Everett distributes a very detailed accounting sheet at every homeowners meeting.
 		
Beginning Balance:			$5,450.36	
Total Deposits			$21.59	
Total Expenses			($1,209.84)	
Ending Checking Balance			$4,262.11	
Savings Account Balance			$2,321.92	
Total Cash Accounts			$6,543.03	
5.	Social, Tom Raich. The Holiday Party on December 8th was a huge success; approximately 50 children and their parents attended. The next big event will be the Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 3, 2004 at 3:00 pm, so mark your calendars.  There will be further updates at future meetings. If you can help please call either Tom Raich (685-0696) or Diane Burrows (664-3593).
6.	Safety, Jerry Witter: Jerry warned ice fisherman and others using the lake that the ice thickness has been variable this winter.  Please exercise caution before going out on the lake, bring the proper safety gear and don’t go out alone.
7.	Membership/Newcomers, Brian Mullally:  Nancy will not be able to mail the newsletter this month, so we will need to talk with the printer about mailing.  The board asked for clarification of our policy regarding who can submit newsletter advertisements. Jana Edwards will review the policy. Snowbirds should provide winter addresses if they wish to receive the newsletter while away.  Please contact Paige Meddock (664-5296) or Marilyn Brainerd (664-3388) if you notice a new neighbor so that we can welcome them with a basket.
8.	Water Quality, Kevin Koch: Kevin has drafted a letter to the Lake Doster Development Company encouraging their support in efforts for weed control in Lake Doster which meet the recommendations of the Progressive AE Study.  Joe Langkamp has indicated that he is applying for the appropriate permits from the State.  Kevin discovered that Progressive could do a Fish Study if there is interest in investigating the health of the fish population; tabled for discussion at a future time.
9.	Gun Plain Township Update, Casey Jones. (a) Construction on the M-89 Bridge in Plainwell began on the November 17, 2003 and is progressing well. Several more bridge closings will be necessary this year (see the schedule on page 4 of this newsletter), but MDOT is working with the City of Plainwell to minimize inconvenience.  (b) The effort to improve 911 emergency communications within the Lake Doster community to Allegan County is progressing. The township has approved a plan to erect a tower next to the water tower, which will boost the power to the devices used by ambulance and police personnel to communicate with Allegan 911 Dispatch.  Allegan 911 Dispatch is reviewing final plans, and it should be under construction soon.  (c) The siren on the Firehouse will be reconditioned to provide improved service.  The National Weather Bureau should be able to directly trigger the siren for quicker tornado warnings.  The system should be operable by March 1.  Testing may be necessary during this period.  (d) Allegan County Sheriff’s Department reports that suspects in recent cases of gas and motor thefts have been arrested.  Recent thefts at the clubhouse are still under investigation.  (e) The flickering streetlight at one of the bus stops has been reported and will be addressed.  (f) Plans are under development for replacing the dirt berm at the end of Deer Run with a permanent structure.  A metal barrier is the recommended design, to be constructed sometime in the summer.     
10.	Land Acquisition from Development Company, Brian Mullally and Robert Lennon: Brian and Bob are continuing discussions with Joe Langkamp of the Lake Doster Development Company on the Option Agreement.   When the agreement is signed, research and planning for the management of the lake can begin.  Brian will notify board members of the next Land Acquisition Subcommittee meeting. Brian noted that he has heard positive support for the Lake Acquisition Plan from many residents.
11.	Other business:  It was noted that the LDHA website is sometimes difficult to access – Brian will ask the website manager for help with the problem.  

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45pm.  The next board meeting will be on February 9 at 7:30 pm at the clubhouse. (Please direct any corrections to the minutes to Jana Edwards at 664-3122)

PUBLIC SERVICE NOTICES

BABY SITTERS:
Kristen Sternbery (6/14/82) 664-6949 CPR certified
Katie Whited (5/10/90) 664-5500
Margo Kern (10/28/85) 685-6915  Red Cross certified, experienced, references
Kerrie Krahn (11/8/82) 685-6342 Red Cross certified
Tracy Prullage (11/12/84) or Laura Prullage (4/7/83) 685-0327
Jessica Kohler (1/12/85) 685-1725
Brad Bishop (11/10/85) 664-6562
Jimmy Wilson (2/23/85) 685-9243			    	ODD JOBS:  
Katie Houghton (12/29/82) 685-8461			Katie Houghton (12/29/82) 685-8461
Paul Bunce  (10/01/85) 685-4663				Jimmy Wilson (2/23/85) 685-9243
Abby Murray  (3/14/88) 664-6643				Brad Bishop (11/10/85) 664-6562
Sarah Myles 664-3059					Aaron Richmond (10/27/84) 664-3277
Branden Stewart (10/11/88) 664-3613			Paul Bunce (10/01/85) 685-4663
Erin Cool (1/21/88) 664-3613    			
Sarah Skocelas (5/15/89) 664-4181 Red Cross certified
Ariel Gray (10/27/89)  685-5195 Red Cross certified
Emily Burley (4-2-90) 664-6969 Red Cross certified

PET SITTING:						YARD WORK:
Aaron Richmond (10/27/84) 664-3277			Jimmy Wilson (2/23/85) 685-9243
Sarah Skocelas (5/15/89) 664-4181				Brad Bishop (11/10/85) 664-6562
Tracy Prullage (11/12/84) 685-0327			Aaron Richmond (10/27/84) 664-3277
Jenna Sheets (5/10/90) 664-5810				Paul Bunce  (10/01/85) 685-4663		
Paul Bunce  (10/01/85) 685-4663				 
Abby Murray (3/14/88) 664-6643				 
Branden Stewart (10/11/88) 664-3613
Erin Cool (1/21/88) 664-3613
Ariel Gray (10/27/89)  685-5195
NOTES FROM THE EDITORS

Advertisements:   In the spirit of celebrating the New Year, we are starting a clean slate for the advertising section of the newsletter.  If you wish to submit an ad for the upcoming newsletters, please submit your ad by the second Wednesday of the month.  Please remember anyone submitting an ad or notice must be a member of the Lake Doster Homeowner’s Association.  Please include your name, address, phone number, and birthday (children only), and how long you would like the ad to run.   Each ad or notice should be brief - space is limited.  Also please call if you no longer need the ad or notice so that we can keep the newsletter current and useful.  Thank you!  The Editors.

Please contact either Mike Hills by e-mail (mhills@ameritech.net) or phone (664-3482), or Jana Edwards by e-mail (lemmingsrus@aol.com) or phone (664-3122) by the second Wednesday of the month to either add or remove a name from the lists above.  Please include your name, address, phone number, and birthday (children only).
NOTES FROM THE BOARD

The Board will provide updates on the land acquisition project at future meetings and encourages community members to participate. Please note that the land acquisition project is not just about acquiring and maintaining the lake.  It includes acquiring and maintaining all the common areas in our community including the playground, the beaches and the front entrance.   Call or write members of the Board if you have any questions or suggestions.

Brian Mullally has started to put together a listserv (email database) as another form of communication with association members.  If you want your email address on the listserv please send you email address to ldha2003@cs.com.

THANKS TO SANTA AND ALL HIS HELPERS!

The Holiday Party on December 8th was a huge success.  About 50 children and their parents were treated to great food, the antics of a clown and a special visit from Santa Claus! Thanks to parents for bringing food and to all volunteers who helped make this a great party!  The next big event will be the Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 3, 2004 at 3:00 pm.
MDOT’S M-89 CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

The following information was submitted to the City of Plainwell from MDOT on 12/18/03:

What:  The Michigan Department of Transportations has begun a nearly 2.5 million dollar project on M-89 in Plainwell.  Work includes the replacement of the M-89 bridge over the Kalamazoo River, bridge approach pavement replacement, water main and street lighting work.  MDOT will also remove utility lines from the bridge and re-route them under the Kalamazoo River.

When:  Work began on November 17, 2003.  Westbound M-89 was closed to traffic from Hicks Street to Sherwood Avenue.  Total bridge closures will be necessary several times throughout the project to complete works.  The westbound closure of M-89 will be in place until November 2004.  The entire project is scheduled for completion in the spring 2005. 

Environmental restrictions prevent work from being performed from May 1, 2004 to June 30, 2004 for fish spawning.  Therefore, work needed to start as early as possible this year to get in as much work as possible before the restricted spawning season begins.

The bridge will be completely closed on the following dates.  If there are any changes to these dates, they will be posted on the City of Plainwell’s website. 

			December 29,30,31	2003
		 	February 16,17, 18	2004
			February 23, 24, 25	2004
			July 19, 20, 21		2004
			August 4,5,6		2004
			August 10,11, 12	2004

How:  Westbound M-89 is closed between Hicks Street and Sherwood Avenue over the Kalamazoo River Bridge.  The detour to westbound M-89 follows Sherwood Avenue and Main Street.  Eastbound M-89 traffic will remain open over the bridge throughout the project (except for the above total bridge closure dates).

Why:  The M-89 Bridge in Plainwell is considered to be in very poor condition due to damage done to the beams caused by rust and scouring of the piers.

Project Contacts:  MDOT Construction Office (Paw Paw)    (269) 657-8339
		   MDOT Communications Representative  (269) 208-7829
		   Plainwell City Administrator Erik Wilson (269) 685-6821