Author: Shanna

October 6, 2021
Meeting called to order at 7:01 PM

Board Members Present: Pam Reid, Del Shoopman, Lacy Minard, Cece Stramsak, Pat Betcher, Teresa Rolland, Brian Menard, and Derek Morey. Absent: Alex Nikora

Guests: Jackie & Cory Compau, Doug & Karen Tuttle Burt Bentley, Richard Dickson, Tom & Laurie Petts, Doug Macha, Linda Zukonik, Burns Rolland.
We observed a moment of silence in honor of Paula Bridges and Brian Rumley.

Minutes of Last Meeting:  Del Shoopman made a motion to accept the minutes of the last meeting and was seconded by Cece Stramsak. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Pat filled us in on item A. from Old Business “The Steve Shea Fireworks Donations”. He spoke with the fireworks company about a show with a bigger bang within the same time frame and they said it was feasible. The memorial garnered around $3,655.00 which would be put towards the fireworks in addition to what the club already pays. Brian Menard made a motion to spend $9,655.00 on fireworks for the 2022 show and a roll call vote was taken. Pam Reid-yes, Del Shoopman-yes, Lacy Minard-yes, Cece Stramsak-yes, Pat Betcher-yes, Teresa Rolland-yes, Brian Menard-yes, Derek Morey-yes. Motion carried. Lacy Minard made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report and was seconded by Pat Betcher. Motion passed.

Membership Update:  We have 246 this year.

Bills for Payment: None

Special Events Reports:

• A. Coffee Hour: 6 people attended, and it was rainy and cold.
• B. Concert on the Beach 9/4: The concert was fun and well attended with many new neighbors there.
• C. Halloween Party 10/16: Pam will call around 8 volunteers to help with set up for that day. 12-1 they’ll decorate and people can drop off candy donations. 5:30 is the start time.
• D. Christmas Décor Contest: December 17th will be the day for judging.
• E. Fishing Contest: The last day of the contest is October 31st.
• F. Observer: Most were delivered today so we will give Brian feedback at the next meeting.

Beach/Pavilion Maintenance Report:  Alex was absent but let Pam know he’ll be taking down the buoys after the Halloween party.

Park Lot Maintenance:  The park lot dock committee hopes to get the renewal letters out within the next few weeks. A tree fell down on G Lot and will be taken down this winter when there is some ice. Another tree was struck by lightning at the beach and Alex and Derek will take care of that one.

Scouting Report:  Teresa reported that the boys had a great camp out with the Handicapable Scouts in Swartz Creek. They’ve had 3 meetings so far and are working hard at their rank achievements. Next up is a “Bucket Camp” at the Morey residence.

Barnes Lake Improvement Board: Burns Rolland gave a recap of the money spent so far this year. The people that wanted their lily pads sprayed had that happen recently. The BLIB was able to do an experiment during the spray to see if the purple loosestrife that’s been taking over can be eradicated. The next BLIB meeting will be held on 10/23 at the Deerfield Township Hall. Burns gave a run down on the topics that will be discussed. The BLIB would like permission to put bags from the dredge on G lot while the silt and water separate which would take 2 to 4 weeks depending on conditions. Brian Menard made a motion to let the bags from the dredge be stored on G Lot and was seconded by Derek Morey. Motion carried.

Correspondence: An unsigned letter that was sent to the board expressing recent violence at other Michigan boat launches was discussed. The sender suggested that we make Barnes Lake a gated community but that idea was quickly dismissed as unnecessary and incredibly expensive.

Old Business:

• A. Steve Shea Memorial Fireworks Donation: Discussed during the Treasurer’s Report.
• B. PayPal for BLC dues: It is set up for next year. Derek and Cece will meet and have a trial run and then have Stacey put it on the website.
• C. Park Lot V survey: Someone pulled out the original stakes from the survey, but Davis has agreed to come and restake for us. We will have to put in metal rods which are harder to pull out. The dimensions of the lot were very large-90x250x435 feet, and a neighboring lots fence was over by about 6 feet.
• Lawsuit: When speaking with our attorney he would like to have the authority to negotiate a settlement to the lawsuit. Anything would have to be brought to the board for approval before moving forward. We discussed our parameters and non-negotiables. Cece Stramsak made a motion to allow Mike Nolan to negotiate the settlement and was seconded by Brian Menard. Motion passed.

New Business:

• A. Road Commission Marking and Spraying on Lakeshore Drive: Concerns were brought up as to why the Road Commision was marking on LSD. A call to the Township revealed that the Road Commision and Township are working together to evaluate what they can do about the continuous wash outs. Nothing has been done except a survey and a letter should go out to homeowners sometime soon.

Del Shoopman made a motion to adjourn and was seconded by Cece Stramsak. The motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 7:56 PM.
Respectfully submitted, Lacy Minard

September 1, 2021
​Meeting called to order at 7:02 PM

Board Members Present: Pam Reid, Del Shoopman, Lacy Minard, Cece Stramsak, Pat Betcher, Teresa Rolland, Brian Menard, and Alex Nikora. Absent: Derek Morey

Guests: Oliver VanBuren, Burt Bentley, Ed & Sue St. Pierre, Rich & Laurie Dickson, Debbie Shea, Tom & Laurie Petts, Doug Macha, Linda Zukonik, Burns Rolland.

Minutes of Last Meeting:  Brian Menard made a motion to accept the minutes of the last meeting and was seconded by Del Shoopman. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Brian Menard made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s report and was seconded by Del Shoopman. Motion passed.

Membership Update:  We have 243 members which is the same amount that we had the last time we did the directory.

Bills for Payment: The concert bill from Labor Day for $500.

Special Events Reports:

• A. Annual Members Picnic: Linda Zukonik gave us an update on the money earned from the picnic and the sources. We had a total of 208 people (50 were kids) and we earned a total of $3143!
• B. Flotilla: The flotilla made $870 and at the peak of the day 22 boats were counted in the tie up.
• C. Concert at the Beach 9/4: We are all set for the date with the band and set up.
• D. Halloween Party 10/16: This was tabled until the October meeting.

Beach/Pavilion Maintenance Report:  Alex reported that some people tried to use the beach with an old card that no longer had access and don’t live here. The buoys will come in in mid October.

Park Lot Maintenance: There are 65 registered spots and 13 still open. Alex will work with the Park Lot Committee and get prices for new stickers for next year’s registered boats. Alex Nikora made a motion to get new stickers for park lot boats for the next 3 years with the cost not to exceed $200. A roll call vote was taken and the board unanimously agreed.

Scouting Report:  Teresa reported that the Scouts are excited for a new year to begin. They had their summer camp in July at Ransbury Scout camp in Indiana. 16 Scouts and 4 leaders attended. They were able to earn 65 merit badges. They also had 3 Scouts attend the leadership camp this year.

Barnes Lake Improvement Board: Burns Rolland reported that we’ve had a total of 4 sprays this year and that will be the end of it for 2021. Clark Aquatic Services will be coming out to see the purple loosestrife which is everywhere in parts of the lake. Lily pad sprays will begin soon and Dean Thatcher is coordinating that effort. Dredge contracts have been reviewed and the amount of feet to go out and dredge is being adjusted.
Correspondence: none

Old Business:

• A. BLC PayPal Business Update: Derek has it all set up and ready to go. He will get together with Cece soon for a test run before we roll it out on the website and in the mailings.
• B. Park Lot V survey: The check was received and work should commence before winter.
• Lawsuit: There are no updates but we will know something by September 15th.

New Business: 

• A. Park Lot Concerns: Oliver VanBuren expressed concerns that there are too many boats on the lots and if we could allow less of them. He also wondered if he would be allowed to put a boat lift in his spot. Alex Nikora said that 9 feet is the minimum amount they will put between boats and that he’ll bring the lift up at the next committee meeting.
• B. BLC member stickers: Linda Zukonik said that she and Ed would like to pay for another round of the stickers for the next season.
• C. Email List: Teresa brought up asking if we should have an email list for anyone who’d like to see the agenda and financials before the club meetings.
• D. Fall Observer: Articles are due September 15th.
• E. Steve Shea Memorial Fireworks Donations: Pat Betcher asked if there was anything else that Debbie Shea would like to do with the money that would be a more permanent donation. Since the fireworks were what people donated for, Debbie would like to keep the money for that but maybe throw in some more and unique fireworks then the ones that are usually seen. Pat will talk to the fireworks company and see what they can come up with. Concerns were brought up about how people might react in future years when the money and fireworks show isn’t as spectacular. We figured that if we advertise in the Observer and make people aware of the circumstances that it will take care of the issue. The rest of the discussion was tabled until after Pat talks to the fireworks company.

Del Shoopman made a motion to adjourn and was seconded by Brian Menard. The motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted, Lacy Minard

August 4, 2021
Pre-meeting Discussion: Jamie and Kelly Thompson lawsuit. Pam and Brian traded the responsibilities for the Halloween party (Pam to retain) and the Observer (now Brian’s to produce)
Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm

Board Members Present: Pamela Reid, Delbert Shoopman, Teresa Rolland, Pat Betcher, Cece Stramsak, Derek Morey, Alex Nikola and Brian Menard. Absent: Lacy Minard.

Guests Present: Linda Zukonik, Burns Rolland, Doug Macha, Hank Garner, Debra Shea, Stacy Staples, Carl and Theresa Keeling, Burt Bentley, Tom and Laura Petts, Richard Parker, Stacy Shea, Rich and Laura Dickson.

Pledge of Allegiance: Those present stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance

Minutes from last Board Meeting: President Pamela Reid presented the meeting minutes from the June 29 Board Meeting. Motion was made to accept them into official record by Delbert Shoopman. Motion seconded by Pat Betcher. Motion carried.

Treasury Report: President Pamela Reid presented the Treasury Report provided by Treasurer Cece Stramsak. Motion was made by Teresa Rolland to accept the Treasury Report as provided. Motion seconded by Derek Morey. Motion carried.
Cece Stramsak reported that the Lake Club membership is currently 237 members.
President Pamela Reid inquired as to whether there were any Lake Club amounts incurred for payment. Cece Stramsak indicated Alex Nikora had recently presented a payment request for $323.45 (incurred for beach and club house area maintenance). The amount was supported with receipts and Cece Stramsak provided reimbursement to Alex.

Special Events: President Pamela Reid discussed the upcoming Special Events:
Annual Picnic to be held on August 7, 2021 – Pat Betcher and Linda Zukonik arranging
▪ Kids’ activities will be coordinated by Pat Betcher’s daughter, Samantha
▪ Raffle ticket sales will be coordinated by Rod Mills.
▪ Raffle awards will be coordinated by Stacy Staples and Teresa Keeling.
▪ Food provided by Bryan’s Market (subs, salads, watermelon, cookies & lemonade)
▪ Boy Scouts will be present on Saturday beginning at 10 am
▪ Recyclable cans and bottles collection trailer will be provided by Carl Keeling
▪ Set-up for picnic starts at 3 pm on Friday, August 6, 2021 and will be coordinated by Alex
Nikora.
Linda Zukonik noted that the upcoming Lake Flotilla, Golf Outing and Coffee Hours are not paid for by the Lake Club because the benefit they provide is for the enjoyment of many others, including many who are not members nor necessarily residents.
President Pamela Reid went on to state the upcoming golf outing will be on Patriot’s Day
(September 11, 2021) and will be held at Castle Creek Golf Club.

Moment of Silence: President Pamela Reid paused the meeting for a moment of silence in memory of resident Steve Shea.

Beach & Pavilion Update: President Pamela Reid requested a Beach & Pavilion update from Alex Nikora, who reported the following:
• Maintenance is going well.
• Two men attempted to pry open the locked gate to the boat launch and he successfully asked them to leave. They were attempting to use a gate key card, but when it failed to open the gate, they managed to get it open to approximately two feet, trying to get their jet skis onto the launch. The inference made was that they were attempting to use an expired key card and may not have been residents or guests of residents.
• Park lot boat registrations are now at 65 registered users, with 13 slips still available.

Scouting Report: President Pamela Reid requested the Scouting Report. It was provided by Teresa Rolland, who indicated:
• Troop 214 camped in Bloomington, IN (an 8-hour drive) and enjoyed the experience very
much. The campground was very large and the hiking trails had a triangular shape which 16
scouts and 4 leaders traversed during their stay.
• 58 merit badges were earned during the event, 22 of which were “Eagle Scout required.”
• The merit badges will be awarded during the Court of Honor on August 15, 2021.
• The Troop offered its sincere thanks to the Club for our support

Lake Treatments: Discussion was held regarding the spray treatments of the lake.
• Cece Stramsak inquired as to why it was sprayed again on July 28, 2021.
• Burns Rolland indicated the Lake Management Engineer was observing the effects of the prior treatment and felt another spray was needed. He also indicated this is likely the last treatment of the season.
• Pat Betcher expressed his displeasure regarding the effects of the spraying, stating he prefers the lily pads remain.
• A number of others present expressed dissenting opinions regarding the presence of the lily pads.
• Discussion of the methodology and timing of the herbicide application, as well as the effects, was held.

Lawsuit Against Barnes Lake Club: President Pamela Reid discussed the ongoing lawsuit and countersuit involving Jamie and Kelly Thompson (additional information was offered by Pat Betcher, Doug Macha, Burns Rolland, Delbert Shoopman, and Alex Nikola).
• The Barnes Lake Club’s attorney in this matter, Mike Nolan, opined that it was now an
appropriate time to begin discussing the ongoing suit and countersuit publically.
• In early 2018, Jamie and Kelly Thomson sued the Barnes Lake Club in 2018 seeking an
easement for Park Lot D.
• The Barnes Lake Club filed countersuit, indicating that in May 2018, the Thompsons cut down seven large healthy oak trees in Park Lot D, without permission from the Club, nor notification of their intent to do so.
• The Barnes Lake Club’s intent with the countersuit is only to present the Club’s position
regarding Park Lot authority and maintenance, recoup value for trees that were removed
from Park Lot “D” and to recoup attorney’s fees incurred due to having to retain him because of the suit brought by the Thompsons.
• The Barnes Lake Club contracted an arborist to ascertain the value of the trees removed by the Thompsons.
• Sometime later in 2018 or early 2019, the Thompsons dismissed their attorney, which delayed proceedings, then COVID-19 restrictions further delayed the Court’s capacity for involvement.
• The case did go before an attorney committee for case evaluation, during which it was
determined that the Barnes Lake Club claim was legitimate, but the amount of restitution
requested should be decreased. The Barnes Lake Club accepted that assertion, but the
Thompsons did not.
• In this instance, the attorney fees incurred by the Barnes Lake Club would then become the responsibility of the Thompsons.
• In May 2021, the Thompsons hired a new attorney, who promptly filed an amendment to the original suit.
• When an amendment is filed, the Court must accept the new filing, and this resets the time-line for the case.
• A question was asked regarding the company which hauled away and sold the wood from the trees that the Thompsons cut down. Pat Betcher indicated that the Club was awarded a
default judgment against that company in the amount of $25,000. The Club is however
unlikely to receive any of this amount because the company filed for bankruptcy.
• The lawsuits remain ongoing and there is a tentative hearing on August 5, 2021 to set a court date.
• There was some discussion regarding adding residents to the suit, to further strengthen the Club’s position.
• Discussion was held regarding the methodology to deliver this information to residents. A
letter was proposed and may be sent.
Old Business: Club acceptance of PayPal as a method of paying membership dues.
• A presentation was made verbally by Derek Morey, who indicated that PayPal Business was selected as the potential online option due to its familiarity, sufficient encryption practices, identity protection, and intuitive dashboard.
• After a short discussion, Derek motioned to table the acceptance until a subsequent meeting. This motion was not seconded and more discussion was held.
• Cece Stramsak and Derek indicated those choosing to pay online would be charged $55,
rather than $50, to cover the nominal fee(s) PayPal Business would charge the Club.
• It was confirmed that this payment method would be an additional option, and the Club
would still accept the payment methods taken currently.
• Derek explained that people paying via PayPal would also have an opportunity to select a
Donation option and the area of the Club’s offerings they’d like their donation to be provided
to.
• Citing the intuitive nature and ease of use of PayPal Business, Brian Menard motioned to
accept the proposal to begin taking membership payments and donations via PayPal Business. Motion was seconded by Teresa Rolland. All board members voted “Aye.” Motion carried.

New Business:
Debra Shea’s offer to split the expense of having Park Lot V surveyed 50/50 with the Barnes Lake Club.
• Due to the elimination of the intent to place and use what was to have been Peninsula Court, a new survey would be performed, irons would be identified and stakes placed demarking the lot boundaries
• Davis Land Survey was asked to provide a quote for the above services and quoted $1,450. This would mean the Club would pay $725 and Debra Shea would pay $725.
• Derek Morey motioned to accept this proposal. The motion was seconded by Alex Nikora. All board members voted “Aye.” Motion carried.
• After the vote was taken, Debra Shea asked if it was in the best interest of the Club to seek other quotes. Alex Nikora offered to seek other quotes, given the final accepted quote was not to exceed $1,450.
Sign on well pump at Beach & Pavilion.
• Teresa Rolland explained that a boater’s grandson drank from the well, not realizing the water was not potable and had fallen ill.
• Discussion was had regarding the number of signs to be placed and their effectiveness, along with the liability coverage the signs provide.
• It was determined two signs should be on the well, one in front and one in back.
Reconsideration of earlier carried motion:
Debra Shea requested reconsideration of the offer she proposed, offering 25% of the expense to survey Park Lot V, rather than her initial offer of 50%, citing her portion of the boundaries would only be on one of the four sides.
Cece Stramsak and Pat Betcher both asserted that the Club has historically paid for park lot surveys and inquired as to why this would be different. It was explained that Debra brought the survey request before the Board.
Motion was made by Teresa Rolland to rescind the earlier motion on the matter. The motion to rescind was seconded by Alex Nikora. All board members voted “Aye.” Motion carried.
Motion was made by Cece Stramsak for the Club to pay 100% of the survey expense. Motion seconded by Pat Betcher. All board members voted “Aye.” Motion carried.
Request to earmark donation from Shea family for fireworks display in 2022.
• Debra Shea indicated her family and friends, in lieu of flowers and such for Steve Shea’s
funeral, would be contributing funds toward the Barnes Lake Fireworks display in 2022.
• Debra requested that however much the Club intends to spend on fireworks in 2022, her
family’s donation be considered additional and the fireworks be improved by that amount.
• Although it appeared all in attendance appreciated the gesture, the details of the request still need some arranging, so Brian Menard motioned to table the specific acceptance until the next Board meeting. Motion seconded by Delbert Shoopman. All board members voted
“Aye.” Motion carried.

Meeting Adjourned:
President Pamela Reid thanked all Board Members and Guests for their attendance and input. Derek Morey motioned the meeting to be adjourned

June 29, 2021 
Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM
Board Members Present: Linda Zukonik, Del Shoopman, Cece Stramsak, Teresa Rolland, 
Derek Morey, Pat Betcher, Alex Nikora, and Pam Reid

Guests: Sam Bonner, Theresa Keeling, Kathy Dotson, Diana Hoskin, Frank & Valerie Ruffio, 
Hank Garner, Doug Macha, Burns Rolland, Tom Petts, Robert & Crystal Keeley, Chris Tluczek, Jim Klauka, Jim Barnhart

Minutes of the Last Meeting: Derek Morey made a motion to accept the minutes of the last 
meeting and was seconded by Cece Stramsak, all said “Aye”, motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: All bills are paid to date including the fireworks and Barnes Lake 
Directory. The Barnes Lake Directory cost was $ 1,130.13. All costs except for $ 198.11 used 
to develop the Directory was covered by advertisement. Cece reported that we currently have 227 members. Linda Zukonik made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s report and was seconded by Alex Nikora, all said “Aye”, Motion carried.

Special Event Reports:
1. Coffee Hour at the Beach: Derek let us know that all went well. At the next coffee 
hour, he planned on having fun things for kids to do. He encouraged everyone to come 
to this event, as it is a fun way to meet neighbors. This event is held the third Saturday of 
each month between the hours of 9:00 and 10:30 AM. Next Coffee Hour is on July 17, 
2021.
2. Barnes Lake Club Annual Picnic: Linda let everyone know that she and Pat have been 
working on the picnic. Linda Bradley cannot do the kids games this year, but Pat’s 
daughter Samantha has volunteered to run the kids’ games. Ron Mills will do the raffle 
tickets. Raffle gifts are needed for this event. 
3. July 4th:
• Dell let everyone know that he is all set for the home Décor Contest. He plans to 
contact the 4 families that volunteered to help judging that week.
• Teresa let everyone know that she was all set for this event. The Garners and Ludwicks 
volunteered for refreshments. She informed everyone that you can join the parade 
from your home and that you don’t have to meet at the club house. The parade start 
time is Noon (arrival time is 11:30AM). Teresa let all of know that she has medals for all 
participants.
• Hank let everyone know the Lapeer County Sherriff Department was all set to assist with 
the parade, fireworks and lake activity.
• Lacy is all set for the boat parade with Derek as the Grand Marshall
• Pat went over the schedule for the fireworks. He also went over the schedule for
setting up for the fireworks and closing the beach parking lot on Friday prior to the 
fireworks. Dell, Hank, Alex and Pat will do all that is necessary for getting ready for this 
event. Pat asked the Board about next year’s date and display for fireworks. It was 
agreed that next year’s fireworks will be held on July 2, 2022, which is a Saturday with a 
similar display to this year’s. Pat informed the group that Ray C donated $250.00 to 
this year’s fireworks display.
4. Linda announced that a request was made by Bud’s family to place a park bench at the beach in honor of Bud Hopkins. Cece Stramsak made the motion to approve the placement of a memorial bench in memory of Bud at the beach and was seconded by Pam Reid, all said “Aye”, motion carried.
5. Linda Zukonik announced that the Goose Buster, Tom and Laura Petts did a great job in 
removing geese this year. The geese where being moved to Gladwin. 
6. Barnes Lake Club Annual Meeting July 10, 2021:
• Set-up for the meeting will take place on Friday at 3:00 PM.
• Linda went through the schedule, sign-in and raffle for the meeting. Linda announced 
that she would retire this year leaving a vacancy on the Board. She also let everyone 
know that Teresa and Pam needed to be re-elected to the board for a new three-year 
term. The election process was reviewed. All board members need to be nominated. 
If there are four nominations with three vacancies, a vote must take place. The votes 
are counted by two guests in the audience. Linda asked all the directors to be there by
8:15 am with the Barnes Lake Club Meeting scheduled to start at 10:00 AM. Burns 
reminded everyone that the Barnes Lake Improvement Board would have their meeting 
at 8:30 AM.

Beach/Pavilion Maintenance Report: Alex reported that Derek Morey donated the new signs at the beach and a LED light at the club house.

Park Lot Maintenance: The trees at G lot will be removed by the new homeowners (Corey & 
Jackie Compau) next to G Lot. The dead pine tree at P Lot was removed. Jim Barnhart and 
Jim Klauka asked that once the trees are removed from G lot, could Romeo & Autumn’s dock be moved because they believe it interferes with maneuvering their boat to get in and out of G lot. Alex responded to this question with the answer of “Yes”.

Scouting Report: Teresa informed everyone that the scouts would be at the annal meeting, so there is no report provided for this meeting.

Barnes Lake Improvement Board: Burns informed everyone that the 3rd lake treatment is 
scheduled for July 1st. This spaying was scheduled at this time because the EGLE rules for 
spraying ended in June, which allows for spraying the entire lake as of July 1, 2021. The only 
restriction with this treatment is that you have to stay out of the water for 24 hours. As a result, this will not interfere with the July 4th activities. No other treatments are scheduled once the July 1st treatment is completed. We will watch the lake to determine if additional treatments are needed.

New Business: 
A. Lapeer County Sherriff: Linda asked if the Sherriff would be available for our annal 
meeting? Hank, said “yes” they would be attending. That is if nothing took place that 
required their services. Cece responded that this would be a good time to discuss golf
carts and the laws/rules that apply. He could also provide information that could be put 
on our website.
B. Gypsy Moths: Kathy Dotson asked if there is anything that could be done about the 
gypsy months. She said the south side of the lake had large amounts on the oak trees. 
Discussion took place on this topic and it was suggested that twe look at information on 
the web. There are a lot of articles that provide good information on dealing with gypsy 
moths. 

Respectfully submitted, Pam Reid