Lake Doster Homeowner’s Association Newsletter
June 2004

Fourth of July Party

Join your neighbors in celebration of our nation on Sunday,
 July 4th at the beach on Midlakes Blvd.

Children’s Parade:  Meet at 11:45 at the corner of Horseshoe Court and S. Lake Doster.  Parade leaves at Noon, ending at the beach.  Decorate your bikes, wagons, scooters and golf carts or just walk along.  Fun games to follow!

Food:  Served at 1pm at the beach.  Hot dogs, smoked sausage, chips and drinks available.

Boat Parade:  2pm. The coveted Commodore’s Cup will be awarded to the most original decorations in the theme of “Fairy Tales”.  Remember - if it floats, it’s a boat!

Volunteers still needed!  
Call Tom or Beth at 685-0696 

LAKE DOSTER 2004 RESIDENT FISHING CONTEST – July 3rd
All residents and family members are invited to participate.  Sign-in will be at 7:00am. Fishing starts at 7:30am.  Weigh-in will be at Noon. 
Call Larry Kunkle at 664-5310 for information.

Calendar of Events:
•	LDHA Board Meeting: July 12, 2004, 7:30pm, Lake Doster Clubhouse.
•	Organizational Committee: Fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:30pm, Lake Doster Clubhouse
•	Next Social Event: July 4th Party, Sunday July 4th, 2004, Noon to 4pm.
•	Annual Fishing Contest; July 3, 2004, 7 am.
•	Annual membership dues are now due.
•	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

** ANNUAL MEETING **

The Annual Meeting was held on June 14, 2004 at 7:30pm at the Lake Doster Clubhouse.   Many came early to join neighbors and friends for dinner.  Despite a rain-delayed golf event making things a little cozy, we all enjoyed reviewing an eventful year.  Many important upcoming community issues were discussed.  Thanks to all the residents who participated! 

LDHA ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES FROM: June 14, 2004

The Annual Meeting was opened at 7:40 pm by Brian Mullally at the Lake Doster Clubhouse. Present: Brian Mullally, Marlin Kleckner, Mike Hills, Jana Edwards, Everett Harpole, Ray Dertz, Jerry Wittwer, Diane Burrows, Tom Raich, Marilyn Brainerd, Dave Hurwitz, Nancy Watson, Kevin Koch, and Casey Jones.   Several members of the community attended; also special guests: George Corsiglia, Chief Judge of the 48th Circuit Court, and Becky Rinninger, Deputy Drain Commissioner for Allegan County.
Welcome:  Brian Mullally:  Brian welcomed all to the 34th Annual Meeting.  He was pleased to see so much participation as the board is hoping for a more collaborative effort and assistance on community issues. The crime prevention talk will be tabled until another meeting, as the Allegan County Sheriff’s Department representative was unable to attend.  
Correction to the minutes of May 10, 2004:  Beth Raich had called to clarify that beach sand replacement is solely the responsibility of the homeowners in each subdivision with lake access parks (the minutes implied that Lake Doster Sand and Gravel would be willing to provide materials at no cost).  Brian said the minutes should have noted one dissenting vote on the sand replenishment issue.  He also stated that the LDHA budget does not contain provisions at this time to assist with sand replenishment.  The minutes of the previous meeting of May 10, 2004 were approved, as corrected (Diane moved, Marilyn seconded, all in favor, none opposed).
Treasurers Report, Everett Harpole: The annual summary (6/01/2003 thru 5/31/2004) of the Property Management Fund indicates a starting balance of $0 with $22,650.00 deposited (resident contributions), $3,981.10 expenses (legal fees and other expenses), $102.65 in adjustments, with an ending balance of $18,566.25.   The feasibility study indicates that if all residents had contributed, we would have collected $48,200.00, leaving us $25,550 short of our goal.
The annual summary (6/01/2003 thru 5/31/04) of the LDHA account shows a total of all cash accounts of $11,424.80, with details shown below.  The budget was approved (Diane moved, Marilyn seconded, all in favor, none opposed). 
Checking Account Beginning Balance	$   8,086.09	Savings Account Beginning Balance	$ 2,321.92	
Deposits	$  11,019.95	Deposits	$        3.68	
Total Expenses	$    9,926.29	Total Expenses	$        0.00	
Adjustments	$       (80.55)	Adjustments	$        0.00	
Checking Account Ending Balance	$   9,099.20 	Savings Account Ending Balance	$ 2,325.60	
Membership/Newcomer’s: Nancy Watson: The new LDHA directory is now available to members who have paid their dues.  Those who are distributing copies to neighbor’s – please leave them on the door, not in mailboxes.
Maintenance:  Ray Dertz: The swimming rafts and buoys are all installed; both have been re-carpeted, one has had the ladder replaced.  Heavier chains will be installed on the rafts – some have rusted and lost their weights.  Not much fertilizer was sold - many would rather have fertilizer with weed control.  The tent has had lots of booking dates.  The LDHA now has six tables.  There have been requests for the tables alone, but the board decided it is best to keep them together.  The leaf pick-up program is working but needs some improvement.  The dumpster was full last fall, but we have not received feedback on the value of the curbside pick-up. Leaves placed in garbage cans were mistaken for trash and not picked up – this will be corrected.  The Christmas trees were disposed of in spring.  The trash container at the beach is being monitored and emptied – the wheels have been replaced.   Ray would like to thank the walkers who are picking up trash.  He extends special thanks to these individuals who are always available to help: Kenny Watson, Joe Cunningham, Tom Vogeler, Howard Brainerd, and Bob Green.
Discussion:  Why not place a deposit on the tables to make sure they come back?  The board agreed to review the tent/table policy at the next meeting.  Brusselman’s Park is currently flooded – what can we do about it?  Brian noted that Brusselman’s Park will be a dedicated park in the Markus Glen subdivision.  Jerry said some of the problem is erosion from the new development but the real issue is the unusual amounts of rain we have had recently.
Water Quality: Kevin Koch: The water quality equipment has been re-calibrated and will be used soon.  The spraying of the lake took place last week.  Question:  Was milfoil targeted?  Kevin is not sure – the most effective date (April) was missed – and we don’t know if systemic or contact spray was used.  Marilyn has heard that coves were not sprayed.
Safety: Jerry Wittwer: Jerry urged all to be careful in the boating season – the lake is getting more crowded. Please be patient and be aware that fisherman and skiers often use the lake in the morning.  Although tubers like to create waves for fun (by lapping back and forth), excessive turbulence can be dangerous.
Discussion: Residents noted that at times there have been as many as three speed boats on the lake at a time. Teenage drivers are at times reckless.  Future development may add more boats. We will assume liability when we have ownership of the lake – the increased risk is a serious issue. Is there a limit on the size of the boats allowed on the lake?  (There is no size limit in the current rules) Jerry noted that a limit would eliminate skiers who need at least 180 hp motors and go about 30 to 35 mph (35 is the speed limit).   It was suggested that skiers use flags when they are down in the water. Speeding is a concern on the roads as well as the lake.  Does the township have ordinances for speeding- who enforces the rules?  The LDDC can call the Sheriff for boating safety violations.  Marilyn has observed jet boats pulling kids on tubes during thunder and lightening – please talk to your kids about safety.  People have also been skiing without observers.  Even pontoon boats have been speeding, and going too close to docks – we need a method to address these safety issues.  Jana noted that one or two boats have very loud motors – actually rattling windows on houses far from the lake – what are the township ordinances for noise? – Ray will look into it
Social:  Diane Burrows and Tom Raich.  The next event is the Fourth of July Party on the 4th at the beach.  Volunteers are really needed – please spare an hour to help at this important event – usually 200 people participate. Call Diane or Tom if you can help.  Sandy Kern wanted to thank the Meitz’s who have graciously provided an annual spectacular display of fireworks each 4th of July at their own cost.
Gun Plain Township: Casey Jones: The Allegan County administration has produced the first ever Annual Report –a great resource - it has lots of information in all departments and activities.  You can access the report at www.allegancounty.org.  Allegan County now has nine 911 towers (seven major and two auxiliary) for transmitting and receiving messages from emergency personnel.  Previously ambulance drivers responding to emergencies in Lake Doster could not use their equipment inside a house.  Our recently constructed auxiliary tower will solve this problem.  The tornado sirens are being fixed and will be installed within the year.  Comment: One resident noted that it took 45 minutes for an ambulance to reach their home and it had to be flagged down in the street.  Service should improve with the new equipment.  Each emergency vehicle carries maps.
Lake Acquisition from LDDC: Brian Mullally: In 2003 a committee was formed to conduct the due diligence necessary for the LDHA to assume ownership of the lake and common areas.  The committee has prepared a fact sheet for residents.  The committee meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:30 pm at the Clubhouse – all are welcome to attend.  An entity is being formed to function as the property owner and management group with the working name of Friends of Lake Doster, LLC.  All residents who have ingress/egress rights will continue to have those rights. The objective is to form strong homeowner groups for each sub-division, which would be in charge of maintenance on that subdivision’s parks and private roads.  Assuming control of the lake will be beneficial to all in the community - we will be able to better address safety and maintenance issues collectively.  The current LDHA membership fees ($30 per year per household) are inadequate to cover ongoing maintenance costs, so we can expect costs to increase.  The Acquisition fund (current balance $22,650 with 51% of residents contributing) is for survey and engineering (dam evaluation) costs, and legal fees.  Pat Lennon is now acting as the attorney for residents in this matter.  The purchase and sale option is close to being finalized, and should be signed shortly.  A land survey is being arranged - will take about two weeks.  Due diligence to proceed to closing will take up to two years (hopefully shorter).  Representatives from each subdivision are needed to provide leadership (sign-up sheets were provided at the meeting).  Ray has prepared a map of the community and an updated list of residents in each sub-division.
Discussion:   Tom Bennick expressed thanks to all who have provided time on the organization committee.  He also thanked Bob Lennon for his efforts, and extended our hopes that his health will improve. Tom is President of Shangri-La #4 which is required by condominium rules to have a homeowner’s association.  He encourages the other subdivisions to form associations and for individuals to take leadership roles.  He feels that Joe Langkamp wants to transfer ownership for the benefit of all on the lake.  Another resident asked if we can continue to limit access to the lake?  Yes – access will be limited to those properties currently having shoreline or deeded lake access.  What is the impact of future development?  Brian said that the LDDC intends to develop more homes on Midlakes Blvd, but not on the beach.  Will the LDHA be incorporated with the new entity?  Brian- no, but we intend to have strong linkages between them and cross-representation, which will strengthen both organizations.  Would shoreline residents own their own 12-foot deep frontage?  The intent at this time is to have it owned by the new entity.  It was suggested that a representative of the golf course homeowners be included in the entity to keep the community ties. 
Board Vacancies: Brian Mullally: Brian 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
Many thanks are due to members leaving the board this year: Marlin Kleckner, Jerry Wittwer, Paige Meddock and Tom Raich.  
Thank you for all for your enthusiasm, dedication and long hours of work! 
Welcome to new board members Dave Hurwitz, Suzanne Runyon and Dave Fortune who will officially join the board at the July meeting.   

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	

Notices from the LDHA Board:

New Board Member needed:  There is one vacancy remaining on the LDHA board.  If you would like to have an active part in planning Lake Doster’s future and organizing our fun social events, please volunteer to be on the board.  Call Brian Mullally at 685-1913. 

Lake Acquisition Organizational Committee: The Organizational Committee will meet on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:30 pm at the Clubhouse. Leadership is needed! If you are interested in participating please call Brian Mullally at 685-1913.

Membership dues were due on May!  
If you have not paid, please take a moment to send your dues ($30) to Nancy Watson at 350 Lakeview Lane.   If you have not paid your dues, this may well be your last newsletter.  The 2004-2005 Phone Directory will only be provided to residents who have paid their dues.  Remember your dues provide you with community information, social events, and annual maintenance and improvements.

GUNPLAIN TOWNSHIP WORKSHOPS – Road Millage

Gunplain Township needs your input!  The township is considering whether to place a road millage vote on the November ballot.  Two public workshops will be held at the Gunplain Township Hall, 381 8th St. on:  June 30, 2004 at 7:00pm and July 14 at 7:00pm.

Participating early in the decision-making process is more effective than just showing up to vote in November – it will better serve your interests!

Correction to the 2004-2005 Directory (Phone Number was not correct – please make the change in your copy)
AWE, Alan & Marilee
386 Midlakes Boulevard
664-5619
Other Notices:

Every Friday Night is “Hit and Giggles” Couples Golf You don’t have to be a member of Lake Doster Golf Club to play. Times start at 5pm.  Call the Pro Shop at 685-5308 by Thursday night and tell them you want to play.  Then join us for dinner and awards.  Hit and Giggle Friday Night will continue till the end of August.  Call Jack Kellogg at 664-6420 for information.  
Tennis:  Women’s groups meet on Tuesday and Thursday Mornings (call Karen Urban at 685-6291 for Thursday play, call Carol Coverly for Tuesday play); Men’s groups meet on Monday nights (call Roger Krahn at 685-6342).  Couples nights are on Fridays at about 6pm (no reservations needed).  This is a family activity – you don’t have to be a pro to play.  Call Karen Urban at 685-6291 for information.

For Sale/Wanted
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
Tutor:  Experienced teacher (specializing in reading and math) will tutor your child in my home in Lake Doster – all grade levels.  References available.  Call Phyllis Burns at 664-5390.
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.
For Sale: 16-foot rowboat, about three years old, used three times.  Call Ben Schmidt at 664-4883 for details.
For Sale: 1979 23-foot O-Day Sailboat.  Shoal draft keel, head, inboard engine, auto pilot, $4,900 with trailer.  Call Dave Koestner at 381-2030 or 664-4064.
For Sale: 1987 Bayliner Speedboat, 16-foot with front cutty and 85-horse outboard, with trailer – great runner - $2500 or best offer.  Call 685-5188.
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

Neighborhood Services
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

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.
The newsletter editor will be out of town from July 10th to 28th.  Therefore ads for the July newsletter must be submitted by July 8th.  Thank You. 
What can you do to help maintain Lake water quality?

We all want to see Lake Doster maintain good water quality so that we can continue to enjoy swimming, fishing and boating.  The sewer system and annual pond-weed spraying are important to maintaining water quality.  But there is more that each of us can do to contribute to the overall health of lake.  The way we maintain our landscaping can have a direct effect on the lake.  Excessive amounts of sediment and nutrients accelerate the lake aging process (“eutrophication”).  Gradually a lake becomes filled with sediment and organic matter.  As it becomes shallower, aquatic plants increase; then the plants die and decay on the lake bottom.  Eventually terrestrial plants take over and the lake becomes marshland.  How can you help slow this process and maintain the health of the lake?  

We can all help slow the lake-aging process by controlling erosion, reducing nutrient (especially phosphorus) flow to the lake and preventing organic matter from entering the lake.  Generally, most soils contain enough phosphorus for grass cover and the excess just washes into the lake where it stimulates plant and algal growth.  Here are some simple landscaping techniques that you can use to help reduce nutrient flow: (from the “Lake Doster Management Plan Report”, Progressive AE, Dec. 2002)

 	When establishing a lawn, plant fescue rather than bluegrass - fescue requires much less fertilizer.
  	Use “lake-friendly’ fertilizer: Use a mix containing potash and slow-release nitrogen.  Usually non-phosphorus fertilizer, such as 25-0-4 or 16-0-8 will have enough nutrients to maintain a lawn.
    	Use the smallest amount of fertilizer necessary to maintain good grass cover. Fertilize in early spring or early summer when the lawn is actively growing and can utilize the fertilizer. 
    	Water sparingly to avoid washing or leaching nutrients into the lake.  
    	Thatching will probably not be necessary on lightly fertilized lawns
    	In the fall, rake and dispose of leaves away from the lake (compost if possible).
  Do not burn leaves near the shore.  Nutrients concentrate in the ash and are easily washed into the lake.
  	Do not cut the lawn too close.  Cutting height should be 2 to 2-1/2 inches so that adequate green area remains on the turf.  Do not allow grass clippings to enter the lake. 
  	Do not feed geese or ducks near the lake.  Bird droppings are high in phosphorus and bacteria.
    	Plant or maintain a zone of natural vegetation at the lake’s edge.  The vegetation will act as a buffer, trapping runoff and absorbing nutrients before they can enter the lake.  Lawns alone do not make good greenbelts.  Plants should be attractive, easily maintained and effective buffers. 
  	Deciduous trees should be planted as far from the edge of the lake as practical to avoid leaves falling in the water.  Ideally, a deciduous tree should be set back from the lake a distance of twice the mature height of the tree.  
Evergreens can be established closer to the shoreline.

Here are some native plants that make great greenbelt vegetation:

Ground Covers					Deciduous Trees
Coronilla varia (Crown Vetch)			Cercis canadensis (Redbud)
Vinca minor (Periwinkle)			Malus spp. (crabapple)
Pachysandra terminalis (Pachysandra)		Amelanchier spp. (Serviceberry)
Ajuga reptans (Ajuga orBugleweed)		Quercus rubra (Red Oak)
					Quercus alba (White Oak)
Deciduous Shrubs				Betula spp.  (Birch)
Lonicera ssp. (Honeysuckle)			Fagus spp.  (Beech)
Elaeagnus umbellata (Autumn-Olive)		Populus tremuloides (Quaking Aspen)
Philadelphus coronarius (Mockorange)		Tilia americana (Basswood)
Viburnum spp. (Viburnum)			Acer rubrum (Red Maple)
Forsythia spp. (Forsythia)			Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple)
Syringa spp. (Lilac, shrub form)			Acer saccharinum (Silver Maple)
Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon)		Fraxinus spp. (Ash)
Physocarpus opulifolius (Ninebark)		Populus balsamifera (Balsam Poplar)
Ligustrom spp. (Privet)			Robinia pseudoacacia (Black Locust)
Cornus spp. (Dogwood, shrub form)
Cotoneaster spp. (Cotoneaster)			Evergreen Trees
Tamarix spp. (Tamarix)
Cedrus spp. (Cedar
Evergreen Shrubs				Pinus resinosa (Red Pine)
Juniperus spp. (Juniper)			Pinus strobes (White Pine)
Kalmia angustifolia (Sheep Laurel)		Taxodium spp. (Bald cypress)
Tsuga canadensis (Canadian Hemlock)
						Juniperius virginiana (Eastern Red Cedar)