Lake Doster Homeowner’s Association Newsletter

July 2004

Calendar of Events:
•	LDHA Board Meeting: August 9, 2004, 7:30pm, Lake Doster Clubhouse.
•	Organizational Committee: Fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:30pm, Lake Doster Clubhouse
•	Next Social Event: End of Summer Picnic on Labor Day Weekend
•	Annual membership dues were due in May. 
•	Recycling: 2nd Wednesday of each month.
•	Large Trash Pick-up: 2nd Tuesday of each month;  April thru October, except July
•	Boat Numbers: Call Dave Hurwitz at 664-5364or e-mail at davehurwitz@earthlink.net
•	E-mail comments to:  ldha2003@charter.net
•	LDHA Website: ldha.homestead.com
•	Webmaster e-mail:  dfortune@chartermi.net
•	Newsletter: Jana Edwards at lemmingsrus@aol.com

Fourth of July Weekend
Not even the frequent showers could wash out the enthusiasm for the Fourth of July Party.  The Children’s Parade brought a bright spark of red, white and blue to the dreary sky.  Volunteers set-up the tent and games in the rain; others served hot-dogs, bratwurst, sodas and beer to about 200 people.  Between the showers, we ventured out to swim, play games and volleyball.  The Boat Parade included 
some very clever designs and dramatic presentations of the “Fairy Tales” theme. Spectacular evening fireworks capped off a wonderful day.  

The Howe family’s  “The 3 Lil’ Pigs” 
Won the Commodore’s Cup for 2004

2004-2005 LDHA Board of Directors	E-mail		Phone
President:     Brian Mullally (2005)           bmullally@charter.net   	685-1913 
Vice-Pres.:   (to be filled)
Co-Secretaries:  Michael Hills  (2005)      mhills@ameritech.net 	664-3482
	        Jana Edwards  (2006)      lemmingsrus@aol.com	664-3122
Treasurer:     Everett Harpole (2006)        everett.harpole@jda.com 664-3059
Maintenance:  Ray Dertz (2006) 	             RED@kalnet.net 	685-2776
Safety:     (to be filled)
Social:     Diane Burrows (2005)	             msbeth63Aaol.com    	664-3593
Newcomers:   Marilyn Brainerd (2007)    lovebirdz@charter.net	664-3388
Membership:  Nancy Watson (2006)         njordanme2@cs.com 	685-5768
Water Quality:   Kevin Koch (2006)         cbkoch@hotmail.com	664-6096
Gun Plain Township:  Casey Jones           jcjones@accn.org 	664-5362
New members: 
Dave Hurwitz  (2007)	        davehurwitz@earthlink.net   664-5364
Suzanne Runyon (2007)			 685-8829
Dave Fortune (2007)	        dfortune@chartermi.net	 685-1066	

This year’s Lake Doster Resident Fishing Contest was another grand success.  Over forty fisher persons of all ages showed up to try their luck and skill in catching “THE BIG ONE”.  Everyone had a good time with most bringing in their five fish limit.  Thanks to all the participants and to the special helpers at the weigh-in.  Looking forward to 2005.  Larry and Bea Kunkle.

The Winners of the Fishing Contest by age Category were:

	Youth			   Juniors		 Adults
	To 7 yrs.		   8 to 15 yrs.		 16 yrs. and up

1st	Nikki Allen		   Killian Lancaster	 Swen Erickson
2nd	Luke Van Slambrouck	   Jake Hansen		 Mike Wright
3rd 	Ben Weber 		   Taylor Moberly	 Casey Allen
	Jill Solomon

Neighborhood Services

For Sale/Wanted

Special thanks are due to some exceptional participants in the July 4th celebrations:  Tom and Beth Raich and Diane Burrows for planning and managing the event.  Don Meitz for providing the wonderful fireworks.  Bud Warnement for leading the parade with his fire engine – it was one of the best parades in years! 
All of the employees at Hardings Market in Otsego who helped us find the best prices on the best products!  And last but not least - all of the residents, who volunteered to set up, cook, serve food and organize games!  Great Job!

Note from the editor.  
Advertisements and personal notices should be submitted by the second Wednesday of the month.  Anyone submitting an ad or notice must be a member of LDHA.  Include your name, address, phone number and birthday (children only).  Please be brief—two or three lines.  Unless you specify otherwise, ads or notices will run for two months. 
Contact Jana Edwards by phone (664-3122) or e-mail (lemmingsrus@aol.com) to submit an ad or notice.

Lost:  Two blue folding “bag chairs” left at the Fourth of July Party by forgetful couple! Call Patty or Everett at 664-3059.
Free:  6-person hot tub.  Needs some repair.  You haul. 664-6414
For Sale:  24-foot Playbuoy pontoon boat.  Call 685-8287
For Sale:  Silk arrangements for all occasions: oriental, nautical, etc. as well as centerpieces and gift items.  Call Mary Jane at 685-8287.
Piano and Voice Lessons:  Janet Richards KAMTA, Summer Lessons beginning June 9th, 275A Fairway Ct, 664-5380
For Sale:  5-piece patio set - $25.  Call 664-3045
Moving Sale:  Older baby grand piano – great shape!  Floral couch and love seat.  Informal dining set with four chairs.  Chest freezer.  Call 664-4989 to see.
Home Interiors and Gifts. If you would like to host a party or see a catalog, please call Amie at 664-6868.  I can talk to you about earning free items. 
House Plants for Sale:  $10 to $25.  Several 6’ to 10’ dieffenbachia, mother-in-law’s tongue, peace lily’s, 2’ to 6’ cactus, X-mas cactus, goosefoot, snake plant and many more.  We have about 20 healthy plants to sell.  Please call 664-3277.
Neighborhood Handyman available: - Call Chuck Gregory on Horseshoe Court at 685-5032 or cell phone #501-7706.  Landscaping tiles, tile work, shelving...if you are thinking of it...just ask if to see if he can do it.
Work Wanted—Yard work, odd jobs, animal sitting and walking, etc.  Please call Tom Richmond at 664-3277

Baby Sitters:
Katy Whited (5/10/90           	664-5500
Abby Murray (3/14/88) 		664-6643
Sarah Myles 			664-3059
Branden Stewart(10/11/88)	664-3613
Erin Cool (1/2/88) 		664-3613
Sarah Skocelas (5/25/89)* 	664-4181
Ariel Gray (10/27/89)* 		664-5195
Emily Burley (4/2/90)* 		664-6969
    *Red Cross Certified

Pet Sitting:
Jenna Sheets (5/10/90) 		664-5810
Sarah Skocelas (5/15/89)		664-4181
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

Odd Jobs/Yard Work
See ads to left

Neighborhood Services

For Sale/Wanted

Special thanks are due to some exceptional participants in the July 4th celebrations:  Tom and Beth Raich and Diane Burrows for planning and managing the event.  Don Meitz for providing the wonderful fireworks.  Bud Warnement for leading the parade with his fire engine – it was one of the best parades in years! 
All of the employees at Hardings Market in Otsego who helped us find the best prices on the best products!  And last but not least - all of the residents, who volunteered to set up, cook, serve food and organize games!  Great Job!

Note from the editor.  
Advertisements and personal notices should be submitted by the second Wednesday of the month.  Anyone submitting an ad or notice must be a member of LDHA.  Include your name, address, phone number and birthday (children only).  Please be brief—two or three lines.  Unless you specify otherwise, ads or notices will run for two months. 
Contact Jana Edwards by phone (664-3122) or e-mail (lemmingsrus@aol.com) to submit an ad or notice.

Lost:  Two blue folding “bag chairs” left at the Fourth of July Party by forgetful couple! Call Patty or Everett at 664-3059.
Free:  6-person hot tub.  Needs some repair.  You haul. 664-6414
For Sale:  24-foot Playbuoy pontoon boat.  Call 685-8287
For Sale:  Silk arrangements for all occasions: oriental, nautical, etc. as well as centerpieces and gift items.  Call Mary Jane at 685-8287.
Piano and Voice Lessons:  Janet Richards KAMTA, Summer Lessons beginning June 9th, 275A Fairway Ct, 664-5380
For Sale:  5-piece patio set - $25.  Call 664-3045
Moving Sale:  Older baby grand piano – great shape!  Floral couch and love seat.  Informal dining set with four chairs.  Chest freezer.  Call 664-4989 to see.
Home Interiors and Gifts. If you would like to host a party or see a catalog, please call Amie at 664-6868.  I can talk to you about earning free items. 
House Plants for Sale:  $10 to $25.  Several 6’ to 10’ dieffenbachia, mother-in-law’s tongue, peace lily’s, 2’ to 6’ cactus, X-mas cactus, goosefoot, snake plant and many more.  We have about 20 healthy plants to sell.  Please call 664-3277.
Neighborhood Handyman available: - Call Chuck Gregory on Horseshoe Court at 685-5032 or cell phone #501-7706.  Landscaping tiles, tile work, shelving...if you are thinking of it...just ask if to see if he can do it.
Work Wanted—Yard work, odd jobs, animal sitting and walking, etc.  Please call Tom Richmond at 664-3277

Baby Sitters:
Katy Whited (5/10/90           	664-5500
Abby Murray (3/14/88) 		664-6643
Sarah Myles 			664-3059
Branden Stewart(10/11/88)	664-3613
Erin Cool (1/2/88) 		664-3613
Sarah Skocelas (5/25/89)* 	664-4181
Ariel Gray (10/27/89)* 		664-5195
Emily Burley (4/2/90)* 		664-6969
    *Red Cross Certified

Pet Sitting:
Jenna Sheets (5/10/90) 		664-5810
Sarah Skocelas (5/15/89)		664-4181
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

Odd Jobs/Yard Work
See ads to left

Neighborhood Services

For Sale/Wanted

Special thanks are due to some exceptional participants in the July 4th celebrations:  Tom and Beth Raich and Diane Burrows for planning and managing the event.  Don Meitz for providing the wonderful fireworks.  Bud Warnement for leading the parade with his fire engine – it was one of the best parades in years! 
All of the employees at Hardings Market in Otsego who helped us find the best prices on the best products!  And last but not least - all of the residents, who volunteered to set up, cook, serve food and organize games!  Great Job!

Note from the editor.  
Advertisements and personal notices should be submitted by the second Wednesday of the month.  Anyone submitting an ad or notice must be a member of LDHA.  Include your name, address, phone number and birthday (children only).  Please be brief—two or three lines.  Unless you specify otherwise, ads or notices will run for two months. 
Contact Jana Edwards by phone (664-3122) or e-mail (lemmingsrus@aol.com) to submit an ad or notice.

Lost:  Two blue folding “bag chairs” left at the Fourth of July Party by forgetful couple! Call Patty or Everett at 664-3059.
Free:  6-person hot tub.  Needs some repair.  You haul. 664-6414
For Sale:  24-foot Playbuoy pontoon boat.  Call 685-8287
For Sale:  Silk arrangements for all occasions: oriental, nautical, etc. as well as centerpieces and gift items.  Call Mary Jane at 685-8287.
Piano and Voice Lessons:  Janet Richards KAMTA, Summer Lessons beginning June 9th, 275A Fairway Ct, 664-5380
For Sale:  5-piece patio set - $25.  Call 664-3045
Moving Sale:  Older baby grand piano – great shape!  Floral couch and love seat.  Informal dining set with four chairs.  Chest freezer.  Call 664-4989 to see.
Home Interiors and Gifts. If you would like to host a party or see a catalog, please call Amie at 664-6868.  I can talk to you about earning free items. 
House Plants for Sale:  $10 to $25.  Several 6’ to 10’ dieffenbachia, mother-in-law’s tongue, peace lily’s, 2’ to 6’ cactus, X-mas cactus, goosefoot, snake plant and many more.  We have about 20 healthy plants to sell.  Please call 664-3277.
Neighborhood Handyman available: - Call Chuck Gregory on Horseshoe Court at 685-5032 or cell phone #501-7706.  Landscaping tiles, tile work, shelving...if you are thinking of it...just ask if to see if he can do it.
Work Wanted—Yard work, odd jobs, animal sitting and walking, etc.  Please call Tom Richmond at 664-3277

Baby Sitters:
Katy Whited (5/10/90           	664-5500
Abby Murray (3/14/88) 		664-6643
Sarah Myles 			664-3059
Branden Stewart(10/11/88)	664-3613
Erin Cool (1/2/88) 		664-3613
Sarah Skocelas (5/25/89)* 	664-4181
Ariel Gray (10/27/89)* 		664-5195
Emily Burley (4/2/90)* 		664-6969
    *Red Cross Certified

Pet Sitting:
Jenna Sheets (5/10/90) 		664-5810
Sarah Skocelas (5/15/89)		664-4181
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

Odd Jobs/Yard Work
See ads to left

LDHA MEETING MINUTES FROM: July 12, 2004

The July LDHA Meeting was opened at 7:35 pm by Brian Mullally at the Lake Doster Clubhouse. Present: Brian Mullally, Everett Harpole, Ray Dertz, Tom Raich, Marilyn Brainerd, Kevin Koch, David Fortune, Suzanne Runyon, and Casey Jones.  Also in attendance from the community; Howard Brainerd, Nancy Kabiltz, David and Agathe Barr, Jack Kellogg, and Roy Melling.
Review of the minutes from the June 14th Annual Meeting:  Minutes were reviewed with the following correction:  Ray Dertz is not assigned to follow up on township noise abatement regulations, but this will be addressed as a separate ongoing issue by the board.  The minutes of the previous meeting of June 14, 2004 were approved, as corrected (Marilyn moved, seconded, all in favor, none opposed).
Treasurers Report, Everett Harpole:  The monthly summary (6/01/2004 thru 6/30/2004) of the Property Management Fund indicates a starting balance of $18,566.25 with $0.00 deposited (resident contributions), $282.90 expenses, $0.00 in adjustments, with an ending balance of $18,283.35.   
The monthly summary (6/01/2004 thru 6/30/04) of the LDHA account shows a total of all cash accounts of $11,914.18, with details shown below.  The budget was approved (David moved, seconded, all in favor, none opposed). 
Checking Account Beginning Balance	$   9,099.20	Savings Account Beginning Balance	$ 2,325.60	
Deposits	$  2,010.00	Deposits	$        0.00	
Total Expenses	$    1,530.62	Total Expenses	$        0.00	
Adjustments	$      10.00	Adjustments	$        0.00	
Checking Account Ending Balance	$   9,9588.58 	Savings Account Ending Balance	$ 2,325.60	
Membership/Newcomer’s:  Nancy Watson: In Nancy’s absence, Brian commented there are still about 100 residents who have not paid annual dues.
Maintenance:  Ray Dertz: There have been concerns noted from some Sheltered Bay residents regarding boats cutting between the raft and the shoreline creating a safety hazard for swimmers in that area.  A suggestion was made to purchase buoys and ropes to prevent this.  Ray looked into the cost, and provided an estimate of between $160.00 and $200.00.  General discussion followed relative to whether this should be a cost incurred by the deeded access users of the beach area, or LDHA.   The safety issue versus a property improvement issue was debated.  The proposal was put forward to purchase buoys and ropes, and approved.  (Ray moved, Kevin seconded, four in favor, one opposed, one abstained). The survey of the Lake has been recorded, with the exception of the extreme end of Hestia Court.  The cost of proposals will be copied to both Brian, and Ray.  This cost is associated with the conveyance of the lake property.   
Social:  Tom Raich:  The 4th of July Picnic was a success after a tentative start, approximately 200 people attended.  This event was very close to being break-even with a total cost of about $65.00 being incurred.
Water Quality:  Kevin Koch:  The first evaluation has been performed, with the billing to follow soon.  Monitoring will continue on a regular basis.  The effect of extending lawns to the water’s edge is significant.  Homeowners need to be encouraged to plant a buffer of native vegetation.  
Safety: Brian voiced concern over the levels of vandalism being reported.  There have been several occurrences of vandalism including tipping over the rental toilet, turfing lawns, and dumping trash cans.  In addition there has been significant activity at the beach late at night.  Tom reported the rental toilet would be removed because of this vandalism.  Don Roberts with the Sheriff’s office will be contacted to come speak at the LDHA meeting.   In the interim there will be a request for increased patrolling of the area including the beach as well as faster response times.  Speeding in the area continues to be an issue, and will be enforced.  Casey mentioned in a five-day period of enforcement last year, 48 tickets were issued for speeding on Golfview Drive. Suzanne will look into the current township noise ordinance. 
Gun Plain Township:  Casey Jones:  The City Council has approved a number of actions including:   -Approval of the road command agreement, with a three year contract.  This was a very successful negotiation for both parties.  –Approval to fill the 911 Coordinator position, replacing Harriett Brown as she moves on to a new position with the State of Michigan.  –Adoption of Ordinance 1012 for Farmland Preservation. Due to jail overcrowding, it is planned to build a new adult and juvenile detention center in Allegan.  Location, funding and ballot timing are yet to be determined.  

Shelly Edgerton is trying to determine the level of interest for implementation of a road millage.  There is a need to determine the level required (from .5 to 1.5).  The level of public interest at the last meeting was very low (4 individuals).  This potentially affects all residents.  Meetings will be held July 14th, and August 21st at 7:00 P.M. in the Township Hall.  Local Bridge construction continues on or ahead of schedule with target opening of the D Avenue Bridge at the end of July, and the M-89 Bridge at the end of December (although it could be earlier).  
The “Proposal To Fund Allegan County 9-1-1” is on the August 3, 2004 Ballot.  This is funded through surcharges on telephone lines only.  Brian:  The Friends of 9-1-1 in Allegan County have approached the LDHA for funds to promote the campaign for approval of the surcharge.  There was debate regarding the use of funds to support this type of contribution, and whether it fairly represented the views of all residents who contribute to the LDHA.  A motion was put forward to not contribute to the fund, although the board does consider the surcharge to be of benefit to the community, and does encourage residents to support its approval.  (David moved, Everett seconded, all approved)
Lake Acquisition from LDDC: Brian Mullally: The purchase and sale option agreement has been in the hands of LDDC since June 21st, and a response was indicated by July 14th.  The next workgroup organizational meeting will be held July 28th at the clubhouse.  Subsequent meetings will be held on the 4th Wednesday of the month.  Block Captains will be used as an organizational tool.  The fact sheets will be mailed by the end of this week to lakefront and lake access residents with return envelopes for contributions from those who have not yet provided financial assistance.
Board Elections:  Brian Mullally:  All positions need to be re-elected at the first meeting of the board following the Annual Meeting.  The question was posed if any change of position is requested, with none indicated.  Election of positions followed.
President - Brian Mullally  (moved, seconded, all approved)
Vice President – Dave Hurwitz (Tom moved, David seconded, all approved)
Co-Secretary - Jana Edwards / Michael Hill (David moved, Kevin seconded, all approved)
Treasurer – Everett Harpole (David moved, seconded, all approved)
Maintenance – Ray Dertz (Kevin moved, David seconded, all approved)
Safety – Suzanne Runyon (Brian moved, seconded, all approved)
Social – Diane Burrows (David moved, Everett seconded, all approved)  
Water Quality – David Fortune (Everett moved, Suzanne seconded, all approved) Kevin Koch proposed David Fortune taking over Water Quality position, with himself moving into co-social role with Diane Burrows.  The election of Kevin to the Social position was tabled until next meeting.
Newcomers – Marilyn Brainerd (Kevin moved, David seconded, all approved)
Membership Coordinator – Nancy Watson (David moved, Everett seconded, all approved)

Open Discussion/New Business:
Gun Plain Township is examining the current sewer capacity rights.  It is strongly recommended LDHA reinforce the position that the development has present and future capacity rights to 150K gallons per day regardless of its current usage of only 54K gallons per day.  It needs to be considered that not all eligible homes are utilizing the system at this point in time.  This is tabled until a future meeting.
Ed Giffels would like to promote a Lake Doster Community Garage Sale in September; this will be added to the next meeting agenda after the board reviews his proposal.
Residents in attendance identified a number of significant areas of concern.  Drainage and erosion issues have been considerable with the heavy rains this year.  While some of the specific issues have been resolved temporarily, the board will be looking for suggestions for identifying, and resolving future problems.  There are additional concerns regarding wetlands management, and deed restrictions relative to outbuildings.  The board is very concerned about wetlands management, and will work closely with the DEQ to insure preservation of the Lake Doster habitat. In addition, the board will be reviewing construction of buildings not approved by the Building Control Committee.
The subject of boats, trailers, and motor homes stored in the subdivision has once again been identified as a recurring problem.  Please be aware that this practice is not allowed under the covenants and restrictions of the neighborhood and will be enforced.  Please cooperate with your deed restrictions. It has been requested to look at replacing the “Lake Doster” at the entryway.  This will be addressed by LDHA. 
The Lake Doster website (www.ldha.homestead.com) will be re-launched in the near future by Dave Fortune.  Please take a look and send suggestions to him.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 P.M.:  Respectfully submitted by Roy Melling for Jana Edwards.

thanked members who are leaving the board: Marlin Kleckner, Jerry Wittwer and Tom Raich, who have all provided countless hours of service to our community.  Tom Raich has resigned from the board effective after the 4th of July Party.  Board elections were held with a vote by LDHA membership.  Marilyn Brainerd and Dave Hurwitz were elected and will continue on the board.  Brian introduced and welcomed our new elected board members for the 2004-2005 year: Suzanne Runyon and Dave Fortune.  One board member vacancy remains to be filled. 
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 pm.  Respectfully submitted, Jana Edwards