Category: Club Business

 Barnes Lake Club Board Meeting Minutes July 1st, 2026 

 Barnes Lake Club Board Meeting Minutes July 1, 2026 

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 Meeting called to order at 6:59 PM. 

Board Members Present: Pam Reid, Tom Petts, Pat Betcher, Derek Morey, Teresa Marciniec, Brian Menard, Alex Nikora and interim board members Kelli Lovasz and Karen Uetz. 

Guests: Burns Rolland, Jerry Gottschalk, Linda Zukonik, John Rickord, Kim McClain, Jerry Lirette, Doug Macha, Dawn Gottschalk, Marsha Bates, Burt Bentley, Janele Thompson and Holly Greenlaw. 

Pledge of Allegiance: Held, all stood. 

Guest Speaker: N/A 

Agenda: Accepted. Motion to approve: Derek Morey, 2nd: Brian Menard. Vote to approve: All Aye votes, motion carried. 

Minutes of Last Meeting: Karen Uetz published 6/3/26 Minutes as interim secretary. 

• Motion to not read aloud 6/3/26 minutes: Derek Morey, 2nd: Alex Nikora. Vote to approve: All Aye votes, motion carried. 
• Motion to approve 6/3/26 Minutes: Derek Morey, 2nd: Brian Menard. Vote to approve: All Aye votes, motion carried. 

Treasurer’s Report: Brian Menard spent over 26 hours and long nights pulling together treasurer’s reports to bring to current. Brian Menard published the following Treasurer Reports and answered all questions. Big round of applause for Brian Menard’s efforts. 

• Barnes Lake Club CASH FLOW STATEMENT: November 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026. 
• Barnes Lake Club CASH FLOW STATEMENT: May 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. 
• Barnes Lake Club CASH FLOW STATEMENT: June 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026. 
• Motion to approve all three CASH FLOW STATEMENTs: Derek Morey, 2nd: Tom Petts. Vote to approve: All Aye votes, motion carried. 

Membership Update: Pam Reid reported 177 members so far, forty-two members short of 2025 membership. Members can join up to the End of October. Often members join at the Annual Meeting and the Annual Picnic. Prior membership ended 6/30/2026. 

Special Events: 

• Annual Membership Picnic: (August 1) Tom Petts: Tom Petts announced he is all set for the annual picnic, the food order is in, and the donations are actively being worked on. Karen Uetz will be picking up and running the three children’s games.
  • Community Wide Garage Sale (June 4, 5 and 6) Brian Menard: Teresea Marciniec placed adds in the papers. Tom and Laurie Petts put out the signs. Brian Menard picked up the signs at the end. Brian Menard provided the following update on number of houses open for garage sales per day: Thursday June 4th: 20 Houses. 
  • Friday June 5th: 21 Houses. 
  • Saturday June 6th: 11 houses. 
  • World’s Greatest Coffee Hour: Tom Petts: Subs Scott & Teri Herrick ran the June 20th Coffee Hour. It was successful with view of the Statue of Liberty going up on the lake. Some great pictures followed. Next Coffee Hour is July 18th. 
  • Concert on the Beach: Derek Morey: There will be a flyer available at the Annual Meeting. Derek Morey will be getting a suitable sub for the concert, as he will be out of town. 
  • Fourth (4th) of July Fireworks: Pat Betcher: Pat Betcher communicated that the Fireworks total cost is $11,162 from $4,162 donations and $7,000 BLC funded. A $5,000 deposit has been paid. Pat will need a check for the balance of $6,162 for the week after the fireworks. Pat will reserve July 3rd, 2027, for Fireworks. Pat Betcher and Alex Nikora will shut the clubhouse beach at 8PM Friday 7/3/26 and Saturday, for the fireworks set up and safety. Pam Reid will send out email communication. 
  • Fourth July Boat Parade: Pam Reid asked someone to volunteer to run and head up the Boat Parade. Kelli Lovasz volunteered. She has received 6 volunteer judges from around the lake and is set to run. Derek Morey volunteered to be the head boat to lead the boat parade. Pam Reid published and reviewed the Boat Parade documents: Barnes Lake Boat Parade-Score Sheet 
  • Barnes Lake Boat Parade-Procedure 
  • Barnes Lake Boat Parade-Judge Form 
  • Barnes Lake Boat Parade-Participant Registration and Guidelines 
  • Each boat participating gets a Boat Number (paper plate) and a $5.00 Thank you gift, Lotto tickets were agreed on. 

Barnes Lake Club Board Meeting Minutes July 1, 2026 

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• Fourth July Golf Cart Decorations Contest: Pat Betcher: Pat Betcher communicated he will use the same Barnes Lake Judge Form as used for the boat parade for the golf cart contest. Golf cart judging starts at the beach at 11:30 AM where the golf carts will line up. Parade starts at Noon, behind the bikes. Bike Parade: Teresa Marciniec: Teresa Marciniec communicated that we are all set to go. 
• • Annual Meeting: Pam Reid announced: Barnes Lake Club (BLC) Annual Meeting: Saturday July 11, 2026; 10:00AM Start; Location: Deerfield Township Hall; 30 East Burnside Rd., North Branch MI, 48461 
  • Barnes Lake Improvement Board (BLIB) Annual Meeting: Saturday July 11, 2026; 8:30AM to 10:00AM; Location: Deerfield Township Hall; 30 East Burnside Rd., North Branch MI, 48461 
  • BLC Board Positions Voting: Pam Reid responded to questions asked about the voting transparency. Given the four positions up for voting this year, with three positions having a 3-year term and one position having 2-year term, external counsel was sought and 2 recommendations provided that are legal. BLC will be following the easiest procedure, which is the nominees with eth top four highest number of votes will fill the 4 positions, with the fourth lowest votes being issued in the 2-year term. ▪ The number of votes received will be announced and published. 
  • ▪ Each Member household is given one vote. 
  • ▪ A re-count can be asked for by two additional people while the meeting is still in progress. 

Welcome Packet Update: Teresa Marciniec: There are no new additions since last month. Goes to the township about monthly to see if there have been any new purchases. 

• Brian Menard, working on Parcel List, will reach out to Lisa Hake at the township directly. 

Beach Pavilion Maintenance Update: Alex Nikora: The gate is working on the Fire Department’s relay outlet right now. 

• 2 estimates for new controller. $1,400, 2-door; ramp and beach gate 
• $1,800, 4-door; BLC needs 2 doors, although getting the 4-door would allow for backups to switch the relay, when one fails. This would avoid down time. 
• Motion to approve estimate two at $1,800 for 4-door: Brian Menard, 2nd: Derek Morey. Vote to approve: All Aye votes, motion carried. 

Park Lot Maintenance Update: Alex Nikora: 

• There are 65 watercrafts registered with 12 open slots that need work. Alex Nikora and Brian Menard agreed to work on the Park lots during the winter, so they could go out on the ice. 
• Alex Nikora had to tow 2 boats, not registered. One did not belong on the lake, and the other owner, now knows what to do. 
• Park Lot J = Forest Place is different than Out Lot J. Sign is needed. There are 4 signs ready to put up. 2 signs will be placed per post. Park Lot J – Forest Place was originally plated road, that is unusable, so turned into a park lot. 
• Alex Nikora requires two heavy duty poles for Park Lot signs. Two heavy duty poles estimated at $85.00 each. Estimate of $170.00 plus Shipping, Taxes. 
• Motion to approve 2 heavy duty poles purchase not to exceed $200: Derek Morey, 2nd: Brian Menard. Vote to approve: All Aye votes, motion carried. 

Barnes Lake Improvement Board (BLIB) Update: 

• BLIB Update: Burns Rolland: There have been 3 Sprays thus far. Effective 7/5/2026 the copper spray restrictions go away, and cheaper sprays are available to use again, so costs should go down. 2 Spring sprays at total cost of $22,000 
• 3rd Spray in late June at cost of $10,000 
• Multiple people noted how great the lake is and thanked Burns for his excellent leadership and work. 
• Lady Liberty Update: Jerry Gottschalk: Lady Liberty and the 30 feet flagpole is up. Five 4’ x 6’ American Flags have been purchased, and 5 Barnes Lake Flags at 3’ x 5’ have been purchased. The American Flag will be raised Saturday at the ceremony and the Barnes Lake flag under it. Brian Cobb has also set the clips on the flagpole. If anyone sees Brian Cobb be sure to thank him as the engineer and master mind doing the most work to make this a reality. He has done an amazing job. All agreed. 

Barnes Lake Club Board Meeting Minutes July 1, 2026 

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• A Final Budget will be provided at Annual Meeting on costs. 
• A maintenance fund is available, a tool kit, extra flags, etc., to make it easy to care for as we move forward. The Lady Liberty and flagpole maintenance kit will be stored at the BLC club house. 
• The FM Broadcast (88.5FM) was purchased by the SOS committee and will be leveraged for the SOS ceremony from 5PM -5:15PM on 7/4/26, and then again to broadcast music for the fireworks. After this use, the SOS committee will give the FM to BLC to own for further use. 
• Derek Morey will MC the SOS ceremony at 5:PM. The SOS Committee thanked Derek for his partnership. 
• The SOS ceremony information has been communicated in email and will be published to the web site. 

Old Business: 

• All Board Members create Procedure Sheets for their events. Table review of remaining procedures until September meeting. Tom Petts to have his Procedures for the Picnic and coffee hour published before he leaves.
  • Tabled until August Meeting: Internet Service Provider: Spectrum, (current) verses, Frontier, quote not ready. 
  • New sign for Beach area and Club house: Derek Morey, In-progress. 
  • Boy Scouts Assets: Derek Morey is creating an assets inventory. 
  • Capital Improvement list Pam Reid agreed to create a draft for August. 

New Business: None. 

New and Outstanding Issues (remain on the agenda until complete) 

• 18.A: Survey Park Lot: Park Lot P: (Sewer), and E.(Wall): as needed to record encroachment on each. Park Lot M: Due to survey stakes, which no longer exist. Quote 1: Not related to the BLIB: Burns Rolland handed out a quote from Davis Land Surveying & Engineering, Inc. to perform the Park Lot Surveys. It was called out that Burns Rolland works for Davis Land Surveying & Engineering, Inc. Discussion tabled for more quotes 
• 2 Additional Quotes required. 
• 18.B: Club House and Beach Lawn at Retaining Wall: The yard has sunk at the retaining wall creating a hazard. Build up this area the entire length of the retaining wall so that the area is level. 

Close: 

• Next BLC Meeting: Wednesday August 5, 2026; 7:00PM Start; at the BLC Building, at the Beach. 

Adjournment: Pam Reid proposed meeting close. Motion to approve: Derek Morey, 2nd: Brian Menard. Vote to approve: All Aye votes, motion carried. 

 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 

 Board Meeting Minutes the Barnes Lake Club October 1, 2025 

Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM 

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

Guests: Laurie Petts, Linda Zukonik, Lori Campbell, Karen Uetz, Paul Uetz, Mark Darbe, Kim McClain, Mark Middlewood, Jodi DeVuyst, Jerry and Dawn Gottschalk, Burns Rolland and Karen Codrea 

Brian Menard led the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance 

There was one addition to the Agenda: Karen Uetz requested via email that the Board discuss revealing the count of the votes for the seats on the board and the acceptance of the by-laws. Discussion among the Board and audience occurred. Nancy Siedmiorka made a motion to reveal the results of the vote during the Annual Meeting each year, and if requested, a second count conducted by two different individuals. Motion was seconded by Brian Menard. Motion carried. 

Pam Reid then read the results of the voting conducted during the 2025 Annual Meeting. 

To wit: 

For the three open positions on the Barnes Lake Club Board, the following votes were received: Derek Morey received 34 votes, Alex Nikora received 38 votes, Karen Uetz received 20 votes, and Nancy Siedmiorka received 25 votes. 

For the acceptance of the updated By-Laws for the Barnes Lake Club: Accepting the draft as presented at the meeting received 22 “Aye” votes, 17 “Nay” votes, and 3 abstentions. 

Minutes of last meeting: Cece Stramsak made a motion to accept the minutes of the last meeting, presented by Pam Reid, and was seconded by Nancy Siedmiorka. Motion Carried. 

Treasurer’s Report: Cece Stramsak reported that the amount shown on the report for the Golf Scramble donations was only the 50/50 raffle and an additional amount was received from the outing, bringing the total to $4,242.66. Brian Menard made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report, presented by Cece Stramsak, and it was seconded by Teresa Marciniec. Motion Carried. 

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

Special Events: 

World’s Best Coffee Hour: Tom Petts reported that the last coffee hour of the year 

on September 20th was a success. Tom reported that they have sufficient donations 

to pay for the event. 

Annual Members Picnic-Raffle Prize Coordinator needed: Tom Petts reported 

that Theresa Herrick would be stepping down as the coordinator after 3 years. The 

event is still in need of a Donation Coordinator / Picnic Organizer. 

Halloween Party: Pam Reid reminded all present of the upcoming party on 

October 11, 2025, and the event will be run as in prior years. Kim McClain asked 

about the Trunk or Treat event which was discussed in the prior year and it was 

admittedly forgotten for 2025 but will be discussed and arranged for 2026. 

Welcome Packets: Teresa Marciniec handed out four new packets in September. There was discussion about Teresa informing the treasurer, Cece Stramsak, of the new owners’ mailing addresses, but Cece confirmed she gets the new addresses from the Township for the March mailing. 

Beach/Pavillion Maintenance Update: The Board received an update from Alex Nikora, via Pam Reid. There are 61 registered boats on the park lot docks, with 17 vacancies remaining. Alex is reassigned the park lot slips as best he can, per the requests he’s received. In mid-October, he will begin storing the playground and pavilion equipment and secure the fish stock permit. 

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

Barnes Lake Improvement Board Updates: 

Lake Weed Treatments: Burns Rolland reported that there were five monthly weed 

treatments this in 2025, with a total cost of just under $50,000. This is one less weed 

treatment than the prior year, but it was generally successful in keeping the lake in 

good condition. Burns reported that the cost of the weed treatment permit will likely 

increase from $825 to $1,250 in 2026. 

Lady Liberty Update: Jerry Gottschalk reported there are three major components 

of the ongoing Lady Liberty project: 

1) Approval of the project by EGLE: They indicated there will be a permit charge of $500 (there was not a permit acquired when the statue was first put into place). Jerry indicated that Burns Rolland has been instrumental in dealing with EGLE. Burns added that EGLE noted the unique nature of the permit request, but they were not 

opposed to it. He also indicated that they would be polling the residents of the community, as well as other interested parties (for example, the DNR, the Township and perhaps Lapeer County). 

2) Design work: Jerry described several options and features of the supporting structure. 

3) Fundraising: Dawn Gottschalk indicated that one currently anonymous donor has pledged to match the first $1,000 of all funds raised. She described several fundraising initiatives underway or planned for the near future. 

a) Football Squares for the MSU/UofM game, the Lions Thanksgiving Day game and perhaps the Superbowl. 

b) Cornhole competition to be held on October 18, 2025, at/near the Gottschalk residence at 1043 Lakeshore Drive, with three prizes donated by Sue Mizgalski & Daren Collins (a Barnes Lake Cherrywood bench), Dawn Gottschalk (a painting) and Kim McClain (a decorative planter). (Jerry added that there will be a port-a-john on site for contestants and guests). 

c) Returnable Bottle Drive to be collected on November 1, 2025. Donations are requested to be placed in bags at the end of your driveways by 11:00 am. d) Additional fundraising ideas include a Pancake Breakfast, SOS T-Shirts, and a 50/50 raffle. 

Jerry went on to suggest that one way to involve the kids around the lake would be to 

provide them with a do-well-in-school incentive, which would give them the opportunity to be a part of the unveiling of the statue on its new base on the Fourth of July 2026 [which is the country’s semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary. Burns Rolland indicated that despite the length of time the EGLE approval process takes, that is still an achievable date for project completion.] 

2026 Calendar Review: The Board was provided with a copy of the previously approved calendar to see if any changes were needed prior to presenting it to the community. Jodi DeVuyst suggested that the Barnes Lake Community-Wide Garage/Yard Sale be scheduled to coincide with the Michigan M-24 Oxford to Caro Sale (which will be held on July 18, 2026. The Board and attendees discussed the benefits of the change and will take the suggestion under advisement for a vote at the November 5, 2025 meeting. 

New Business: 

Pam Reid indicated that she asked three companies for a bid to replace the Directors’ signs, and to provide Rules signs and Park Lot signs for Park Lot J. One printer did not respond to her request, despite having met with her in person. Blue Water Printing and Village Printing 

both presented bids. Pam indicated that of the two, Village Printing was the more professionally presented bid and was also at a lower cost. A discussion was held regarding the necessity of the Directors’ signs, and it was decided that they were unnecessary. Brian Menard motioned that the Board request Village Printing be selected to produce the Rules signs and Park Lot signs for Park Lot J, and it was seconded by Nancy Siedmiorka. Motion carried. 

A discussion took place regarding the procedure for the Golf Cart Decoration Contest. The chair would be the Vice President of the Barnes Lake Club. A few recommendations were made regarding conducting the voting and Brian Menard agreed to edit the procedure sheet for presentation at the November 5, 2025 meeting. 

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. [No Change from prior month’s meeting minutes]. 

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. [No Change from prior month’s meeting minutes]. 

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). New information: Pam Reid indicated that she’s been informed that the repairs to the Clubhouse will begin in early November. 

Next meeting will be held on November 5th, at 07:00 pm 

Tom Petts made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:22 PM and the motion was seconded by Teresa Marciniec. Motion carried. 

Respectfully submitted, Brian Menard