Barron Lake Association July 14, 2018 Meeting Minutes
Officers Present: President Bruno Eidietis, Vice President Rick Marneris, Treasurer Pat Kelley, Secretary Deb Floor – 38 Members were present
Guest: Undersheriff Clint Roach of Cass County Sheriff Dept. Cass County has $17,000 annual budget for all of Cass County. Revenue comes from boat registrations. If a boat is in the water for more than 60 days, it should be registered in MI. Barron Lake has 80 extra patrol hours in addition to the allotted hours due to an anonymous donor.
The Association will sponsor a Boaters Safety Class in 2019. It was suggested that students take the class in person vs the online version. It is felt that you learn more by personally attending the class. Those at least 16 years of age and those born after December 31,1978, may operate a PWC legally only if they have obtained a boating safety certificate. Those born on or before December 31, 1978, may operate a PWC legally without restrictions.
The 911 Millage is up for renewal in the 8/7, primary election, this will not increase taxes, it is a renewal. It was suggested that everyone complete an Enhanced 911 form by going to www.Smart911.com.
Secretary’s Report – June 2018 minutes were read by Deb Floor. Minutes were approved. Going forward, minutes will be posted on the BLA website.
Cass County Fair – Schedule is being circulated – we are paid $1,000 per gate that we cover.
Treasurer’s Report – Beginning Balance $44,034.20 + 6.79 Interest + 560.00 Dues – 54.99 Expenses Balance: $44,546.00
Boat Parade – 10 boats are registered. Prizes will be awarded at Wegner’s Lakeside Bar & Grill. Skippers Meeting will be at 9:00 am at Jones Park Pavilion.
Lake Treatment – Aquatic Weed Control is being used now – once a year treatment, $16,000 cost/year. 2019 will be the last year of a five-year petition. The current treatment is not actually attacking the roots of the weed, it kills the top three to four feet of the plant.
A different chemical is available to kill the roots and the plant. But, the location of wells of lake residents may be an issue. What do we want to do in the next five years? The Lake Savers system would turn the lake water around twice each day. Fish like it – oxygen is needed to decompose the muck. Current nitrogen in the lake & phosphorus gets used up. Nitrogen will change to a different form which milfoil does not like. Green algae to Blue algae – Blue algae is bad for drinking water. Bioblast – Microbe – only used in 13 lakes – Dry form – $20,000+/year for microbes only. Aeration – Microbes – Aeration has been done for 10 years. We need more information before we commit to something. This will take years before we see results. (New Biotech) Penn State, Florida – U of FL – Is it possible to research the location of the wells near the lake? Or use the correct bio-organism to target areas that are full of milfoil. Find the specific organism that would work in this lake. Anaerobic and aerobic organisms. Microbes need to be added weekly.
Distribution of muck – Dredging was discussed again – Turn lake upside down – Army Corps of Engineers – small bandage, Late Fall, early Spring – Pontoon with 6’ wide snow blower – Who is going to do the dredging? Dredge ourselves? Need DEQ permit – Need more time to research all options – Do we want to keep doing what we have been doing? Aerate or aerate with microbes or dredge Bruno would like to have a public hearing to discuss the Five year renewal of weed program with township w/ annual opt out (escape) clause. Not to have to do a petition drive. Barron Lake is not the same as Indian Lake – will need more info. Burning leaves on beach and lake shore is VERY BAD for the lake DO NOT BURN.
Association fees are $20/year. Need members to volunteer for the fair – If people have a problem with noise, etc. they need to discuss with proper authorities. The Barron Lake Association does not have any authority.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:23 a.m. Next meeting is Saturday, 8/11, at 10:00 a.m. at Jones Park.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Floor, Secretary
