Author: Shanna

 Barnes Lake Club Board Meeting Minutes May 6, 2026 

Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM

Board Members Present: Pam Reid, Tom Petts, Pat Betcher, Derek Morey, Teresa Marciniec, and Alex Nikora. Absent: Brian Menard

Guests: Doug Macha, Linda Zukonik, John Rickord, Chris Tluczek, Joe St. Pierre, Laura Petts, Lorie Campbell, Jerry and Dawn Gottschalk, Mark Darbe, Mike Owen, Kelly Lovasz, Jim and Becky Roberts, Karen Cordera, and Kim McClain.

Tom Petts led the gathering the Pledge of allegiance

Moment of silence: Elfriede Palovcik, Kerry “Jake” Jacobs, Samuel Remeo, Ronald Harlow, Jim Lee, Patty Lee, and Cece Stramsak.

Minutes of the last meeting: Board Secretary Brian Menard submitted the minutes for the November 5, 2025, Board Meeting Minutes. Derek Morey made a motion to accept the minutes of the last meeting and was seconded by Teresa Marciniec. Motion Carried.

Treasure Report: A written report was provided to Board Members only, due to the passing of the BLC Treasurer. Pam Reid provided an overview of our current financial statues. Pam made it clear that the verbal report given was not complete due to the process of getting items from Cece Stramsak’s house, organizing documents, paying bills, sending checks to the winners of the 2025 Christmas Décor Contest, recording members, etc. As a result, the information provided had no motion to adopt.

Members update: N/A

Barnes Lake Club Board Member Position Vacancies:  Pam Reid informed the Board Members that Nancy Siedmiorka has stepped down as a BLC board member. Pam Then asked that we table the discussion on how to manage the two board vacancies to the June meeting. Alex Nikora made a motion to delay discussion on board vacancies until our June meeting and was seconded by Derek Morey. Motion Carried.

Off-season board voting: Pam Reid provided an overview of three items that were voted on by the board during the winter months, so that they would be recorded in our meeting minutes.

1. Secretary Brian Menard requested a vote from the Board to approve the expenses of printing the “March mailing,” votes were 8 “Ayes” and one Board Member who did not respond. Approved
2. President Pam Reid requested a vote from the Board to approve payment to Clean Living Construction (Steve and Chip) for improvements to the BLC Club House, which exceeded the approved budget by $245.00 for a total cost of $12,245.00, votes were 6 “Ayes” and 3 did not respond.
3. President Pam Reid requested a vote from the Board to approve the purchase of flowers for Cece Stramsak’s funeral, Barnes Lake Board Treasurer. Votes were 9 “Ayes”.

Special Events:

1. Annual Members Picnic: Tom Petts reported that they have found someone to be the raffle/prize coordinator: Autumn Gillispie. Autumn also organized and ran the children’s games at the annual picnic last year. She did an outstanding job and said she would continue to organize the children’s games this year along with being the raffle/prize coordinator. Tom and Laurie Petts also provided the flier for this year’s annual picnic. 
2. Halloween Party: Pam Reid reported that last year she dropped the ball on organizing truck or treat during the Halloween party. As a result, Pam asked for volunteers to organize this year’s trunk or treat. Derek Morey volunteered his wife to organize and run the BLC’s 1^st Trunk or Treat this year.
3. Community Wide Garage Sale: Due to Brian assisting with the finances this year. Teresa Marciniec was asked if she could run the Community Wide Garage Sale. Teresa agreed.
4. Summer Observer: Pam Reid provided information to the board on what was needed for the Summer Observer. Pam informed the board that all articles need to be sent to Brian Menard by May 20^th. The Summer Observer will be mailed out as soon as possible, given some significant changes needed at the last-minute.
5. Concert in the Park: Derek Morey provided a flyer for June 13^th event. On June 13^th there is Karaoke at the Beach. Derek also discussed future Concerts that will have bands for both events. He is currently working to get the bands scheduled.

Welcome Packets: Teresa Marciniec handed out three packets this year. She is still having problems finding new homeowners at home.

Beach/Pavilion and Park Lot Maintenance Update: Alex Nikora reported that $245.00 that exceeded the approved budged amount for the BLC building improvement was the cost to install a ceiling in the pavilion attached to the clubhouse. He approved this cost as it was necessary for safety purposes. Alex reported that he put the buoys out on the lake; he collaborated with the contractor to fix the boat launch gate; reported that 60 boats are registered for a dock space within Park Lots, 17 spaces remain available.

Barnes Lake Improvement Board Update: 

1. Lady Liberty: Jerry Gottschalk reported that they meet with EGLE all winter long. He stated that EGLE is not the easiest agency to deal with and it was a learning experience for all Involved. Jerry said they had paid $510.00 for the permit, but it was rejected. The group working on Lady Liberty figured out that they could put Lady Liberty on the island as long as it was removable. They have started designing and ordered material for a removable platform. They asked if the existing platform could remain in place until the new one is ready to be moved out to the lake, which was approved. They are planning to reveal Lady Liberty returned to the island in the lake during the July 4^th weekend. Jerry asked for ideas for the grand reveal of Lady Liberty. Alex Nikora asked about liability and insurance, and it was determined this would be the responsibility of Barnes Lake Improvement Board. Pam Reid requested a motion to provide Jerry Gottschalk with a check for $2,001.01. This is the amount in the Lady Liberty fund. Teresa Marciniec made a motion to provide Jerry Gottschalk with a check in the amount of $2001.01 from the Lady Liberty fund and was seconded by Tom Petts. Motion Carried.
2. Dam Report and Weed Spray:  Pam Reid asked Burns Rolland, Chairman of the Barnes Lake Improvement Board, about the Dam Inspection Report that was to be posted on our website per the discussion at the November meeting. Burns confirmed that the Dam Inspection Report had not been placed on the website. Burns stated that he would prefer to have an action report at the annual meeting and then have the Dam Inspection Report and the Action Report available for everyone. 

Burnes also reported that we are having algae blooms, which he thinks started in the fall and laid under the ice. They performed one spray and had a second spray scheduled for May, before Memorial weekend. Between May 1^st and the end of July there is a moratorium in using powder sulfate. That is why we spray in April. He stated that powdered sulfate is the least expensive and is effective.

New Business

1. Procedure Sheets: Pam Reid requested that all board members create procedure sheets for their events.
2. New rules sign for Beach and Club House: Pam Reid introduced the topic of purchasing a new sign for the Beach area and Club house. Verbiage for the new sign was provided on the May 6^th agenda. After a brief discussion in regard to the proposed verbiage. Pam Reid asked for a motion. Derek Morey made a motion to accept the verbiage that has been presented as the minimal acceptable verbiage for proof and was seconded by Alex Nikora. Motion Carried. Derek Morey volunteered to make the new sign.

Correspondence: 

1. Body Mindfulness on the Lake: Pam Reid informed attendees of a Yoga class that is taking place at the beach and referenced a flyer available at the meeting.
2. Barnes Lake Golf Outing: Pam Reid informed attendees about the Barnes Lake Golf Outing scheduled for September and referenced a flyer available at the meeting.
3. Crafters around the Lake: Pam Reid informed the attendees that an email was sent out asking for crafters around the lake to send information to her about the items they have for sale, so that we can get the information out to the community. A flyer was provided for the attendees for a laser cut showing lake depth wood picture of Barnes Lake.

New and Outstanding Issues (Remain on the agenda until completed)

1. Surveys: Park Lot P (sewer), Park Lot M (stakes are lost due to erosion) and E (wall) as needed due to lost stakes and to record encroachments.
2. Clubhouse and beach lawn at retaining wall: The yard has sunk at the retaining wall creating a hazard. Build-up of the entire length of this area’s retaining wall is needed, so that the area is level.

Next Meeting will be held on June 3, 2026, at 7:00 PM

Derek Morey made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:07 PM and the motion was seconded by Alex Nikora. Motion Carried.

Respectfully submitted, Pam Reid

 Barnes Lake Club Board Meeting Minutes November 5, 2025 

Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM 

Board Members Present: Pam Reid, Teresa Marciniec, Tom Petts, Pat Betcher, Nancy Siedmiorka and Derek Morey, and Brian Menard. Absent: Cece Stramsak and Alex Nikora 

Guests: Karen Uetz, Karen Codrea, Jerry Gottschalk, Dawn Gottschalk, Mike Owen, Daren Collins, Sue Mizgalsky and Bert Bentley. 

Brian Menard led the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance 

Minutes of last meeting: Board Secretary Brian Menard submitted the minutes for the October 1, 2025 Board Meeting. Nancy Siedmiorka made a motion to accept the minutes of the last meeting and was seconded by Tom Petts. Motion Carried. 

Treasurer’s Report: Board Treasurer Cece Stramsak submitted the Treasurer’s Report for October 2025, via Board President Pam Reid. Derek Morey made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report and was seconded by Brian Menard. Motion Carried. 

The Board held a moment of silence for the loss of community member Patty Lee. 

Membership update: We currently have 236 members (up from 2024’s total of 230) 

Special Events: 

• Annual Members Picnic-Raffle Prize Coordinator needed: Tom Petts reported that because Theresa Herrick would be stepping down as the coordinator, the Board still needs a new person to take the coordinator position. 
• Halloween Party Update: Pam Reid indicated that the turnout for the party was only 20 kids, which was disappointing. She said there may have even been more adults at the party than kids. Several ideas will be submitted to the Board for next year’s gathering. Karen Uetz took a few moments to commend Pam on how well this year’s party was decorated and organized. 
• Christmas Home Decoration Contest: Will be conducted by Derek Morey and “a car full of women” between the hours of 7:00 and 10:00 pm on December 20. 

Welcome Packets: Teresa Marciniec tried to hand out several new packets in October, but the new homeowners were not there. 

Beach/Pavillion Maintenance Update: Alex Nikora was not in attendance, but communicated to the Board via President Pam Reid that we’re waiting for the approval for the Fish Stocking and he intends to leave the picnic tables out in the ‘yard’ because there will soon be work done to repair the clubhouse and they would be in the way, if they were put away. 

Park Lot Maintenance Update: The Board received no update this month, as Alex Nikora was not in attendance. 

Barnes Lake Improvement Board Update: 

• Tax Roll and Assessment Paperwork: Daren Collins reported that the tax roll has been turned in and the assessment paperwork has been completed. 
• Lady Liberty Update: Jerry Gottschalk reported on the progress made with Lady Liberty. The Barnes Lake Improvement Board and Brian Cobb have developed plans for the base. There will be a $500 fee for the required permit, notably because when the statue was first installed, no permit was obtained. The permit is expected to be approved by January 2026 and a letter of approval is forthcoming from EGLE. The budget for the base (including a new flag pole) will be between $5,000 and $9,000, depending on the materials ultimately used in its construction. Jerry requested that any funds raised in excess of what is initially needed be maintained as a line item by the Barnes Lake Club Board, to be accessed for later base and statue maintenance. The Board agreed to do so. Jerry asked the Board for permission to use the Club House for a fundraising pancake breakfast in 2026, which was granted. 

Old Business: 

• Pam Reid indicated the Park Lot J signs have been ordered and should be received within the next week. 
• The Procedure Sheet for the Bike and Golf Cart Parade Decoration Contest was presented by Pam Reid in draft form and discussed by the Board. Some further edits will be made and presented at the first Board meeting in 2026. 
• The Procedure Sheet for the Barnes Lake Club Board Annual Meeting, Special Meetings and Monthly Meeting was edited as per the discussion during the October 1, 2025 meeting and presented by Pam Reid. Brian Menard motioned to accept the document as presented and Nancy Siedmiorka seconded. Motion carried. 

New and Outstanding Issues (these remain on the agenda until completed): 

• Survey of Park Lot P (sewer) & Park Lot E (wall) needed to record encroachments on each. 
• Beach lawn at retaining wall: The yard has sunk at the retaining wall, creating a hazard. This area (the entire length of the retaining wall) needs to be built up so the area is level. 
• Club House Repairs: repairs are needed, including the siding, door, roof, etc.. A contract for repairs has been approved, not to exceed $12,000 (approved at July 2, 2025, meeting). Bid was 33% less than two other bids received. Work on this project is to begin in early November. 

Next meeting will be held on May 2, 2026, at 07:00 pm 

Brian Menard made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:46 PM and the motion was seconded by Derek Morey. Motion carried. 

Respectfully submitted, Brian Menard