Category: General Lake Info

 BARNES LAKE CLUB 

ANNUAL REPORT 

July 10, 2021, thru July 9, 2022

This report is a brief overview of Barnes Lake Club activities, projects and progress made over the past year: 

➢ August 2021: 

1. Annual Members Picnic held August 7,2021. This event was a total success. We had a large turnout, and the weather was perfect. In total we had 208 members attend. We had a different kind of picnic menu for this event which went over well. Bryans Market did an outstanding job, as always! This event not only provided a good time for all that attended, but also raised $ 3,143.00 for community events. This event could not be possible without all the volunteer’s and the donations to the raffle. What is even more amazing is the number of volunteers who help with this event: 

Linda Zukonik, Pat Betcher, Pats Daughter, Samantha, Alex Nikora, Wally Dotson, Stacy Stables, Theresa Keeling, Kim McClain, Carrie Angus, Pat Rickford, Kathy Shabel, Carrie Costello, and the Scout troop. Thanks to all that make this event a good experience for all!!!! 

2. Flotilla held on August 14, 2021. This event is not sponsored by the Barnes Lake Club. Each year Ron Mills donates his time in putting on this event. A portion of the money raised during this event is donated to Barnes Lake Club, which is appreciated and is put to good use around the community. 22 boats attended this event for an all-around good time. 

3. Two men were found attempting to pry open the boat launch gate in an effort to put their jet ski in the lake. Minimal damage was done. Repairs were made immediately after the event. They were asked to leave, in which they did without the Sheriffs assistance. 

4. Boat dock registration within the Park Lots included 65 registered users, with 13 locations still available. 

5. Scouting reported that the troop camped in Bloomington, Indiana. 58 merit badges were earned during this event. The troop offered its sincere thanks to the Barnes Lake Club for their support. 

6. No updates regarding the ongoing lawsuit. 

7. Derek Morey present to the club the use of PayPal for membership and donations. Barnes Lake Club approved the using PayPal for donations, membership enrollment and renewal. 

8. Barnes Lake Club acquired new Park Lot located on Peninsula Drive South. This Park Lot was part of Peninsula Court that was being eliminated by the Lapeer County Road Commission. Burns Rolland and Alex Nikora represented Barnes Lake Club in acquiring this, Park Lot. These two put in many hours in getting this acquisition completed. Barnes 

Lake Club received a survey cost from Davis Land Survey to services needed to survey of said lot. It was approved for Davis Land Survey to perform the survey. 

9. Debra Shea requested that the Barnes Lake Board consider adding contributions made for Steve be additional to the Fireworks amount paid by Barnes Lake Club. Debra Shea whose husband passed in July as friends and family in lie of flowers for Steve Shea funeral to contribute funds towards Barnes Lake Firework display in 2022. The club and attendance appreciated the gesture, details of the request needed to check on prior to approving. 

10. The last weed treatment to the lake was completed in August. 

11. Meet with property owner on an encroachment at Park Lot L. Barnes Lake Club worked with the property representative, which resulted in the issue being resolved in November of 2021. 

12. Create and approve a Barnes Lake activity calendar for 2022, 2023, and 2024 

➢ SEPTEMBER 2021: 

1. Concert on the Beach was held September 4, 2022. This event was well attended with good feedback in having a great time. Last concert of the season. 

2. The purchase of new Boat Stickers for Park Lot registration was approved for purchase. New registration period is scheduled to begin in December 2021. 

3. Barnes Lake Improvement Board reported that four (4) weed treatments were completed in 2021. 

4. PayPal activation for membership and donations was close to being completed. The only item remaining was test run and training on the system. It was decided that PayPal would not be installed on our current website. Due to a new website that will need to be created due to Stacy Staples retiring as the webmaster and the license expiring. 

5. Linda and Ed Zukonik donated funds to purchase Barnes Lake Club Stickers for all members. 

6. A new practice was started in that when attending the Barnes Lake Club monthly meeting participants can sign up to have the agenda emailed to them prior to the scheduled meeting. 

7. Park Lot V was surveyed, and corner stakes installed. However, within 24 hours of installing corner stakes they were pulled by an unknown person. Davis Land Survey agree to come back to install new corner stakes at no additional cost. The Club took several precautions to prevent the stakes from being pulled a second time. As a result, the stakes remain in place. 

8. The Club gave authority to their attorney to negotiate a settlement in the pending lawsuit. 

➢ OCTOBER 2021: 

1. The Steve Shea Firework Donation totaled $ 3,655.00. The Barnes Lake Board voted to approve as a memorial to Steve Shea the donation amount of $ 3,655.00 would be added to the Firework cost above what the Barnes Lake Club already pays. Debra Shea requested that the firework show in 2022 would be for the normal length of time (which is around 20 minutes), but with more fireworks for a tremendous show. The board agreed with Debra’s request. 

2. Beach buoys were removed from the water. 

3. A tree fell on Park Lot G. Due to its location, this was scheduled to be cleaned up once ice is on the lake. This project was completed over the winter. 

4. A tree was damaged at the beach by lighting. This tree will be monitored for safety in determining if it can stay or will need to be removed. After a year and in being checked out by an arborist. It was determined that the tree is healthy. It will be monitored to ensure it remains safe and healthy. 

5. Barnes Lake Improvement Board requested the use of Park Lot G for a dredging operation. Dredging at the lake in-let to remove a buildup of sediment is scheduled for spring of 2022. The Board approved the use of Park Lot G for dredging. 

6. Fishing contest winners were notified for 2021. Please visit our website to see the winners in all categories, Https://barneslakeclub.com. 

7. Halloween Party was held on October 16th. It was attended by 46 children vs. 60 the previous year. The weather was not that good, and Zonta Forest Halloween in Lapeer took place on the same day which may be the reason the attendance was lower. Normally this event has a lot of volunteers, but this year there were only four volunteers. A big thanks to the volunteers, Cece Stramsak, Del Shoopman Katie Incarnati and Quinn Minard. We received good feedback on this event with everyone having fun. Parents played cornhole and the children had fun completing crafts. 

➢ NOVEMBER 2021: 

1. Boat dock registration within Park Lots started for 2022-2025. The first boat dock registration took place in 2019 and ran through 2022. During the first registration we scheduled several days that residence could register for a boat dock within a Park Lot in person. This year for the second registration process we tried a different procedure. Everyone that had been registered was sent a new registration form with a letter explaining what was needed and that date it was due. The first letter was sent in November followed by a second reminder letter in December. We received back around 2/3rds of the registration dock information. Alex Nikora worked through the winter contacting registered dock owner. He also received many calls from new people requesting a dock assignment. 

2. A few boats did not get removed from the Park Lots, as required by the Park Lot Rules. Each person who had a boat in the water at a Park Lot was contacted. Within a couple of days after receiving the notification boats were removed. 

3. Scout troop held a Bucket Camp, in which campers where only allowed to bring what they could fit in a Bucket. Ten (10) scouts and three (3) leaders participated in this camping event. One (1) of the scouts received a cooking rank and two (2) more received achievement ranks. 

4. Barnes Lake Improvement Board notified the Club that the dredging project was moving forward with everything in order to start the project in the spring of 2022. 

5. Park Lot V survey was completed. Barnes Lake Club received all the required documentation and Davis Survey was paid in-full. 

6. Lake fish stocking took place with 1,400, 3”-5” perch being placed in the lake. 

7. Swings were removed from the beach swing set and the pump was removed for the winter. 

8. Power to the boat launch and beach access gate was turned off for the winter months. 

➢ December 2021, January 2022, February 2022, and March 2022: 

1. Park Lot boat dock registration continued through winter months. 

2. 2021 Winter Holiday Décor Contest had a lot of participation. However, several cool decorated homes could not win the prizes offered because they were not Barns Lake Club Members. Join the club, become part of the support team. We had eight (8) winners all will great decorations and holiday spirt. Please see winners on our website, Https://barneslakeclub.com. 

3. A new website was created. Stacy Staples notified us in the fall that after many many years in being the webmaster for Barnes Lake Club website she was retiring. We thank Stacy for the years she supported the club and maintained an outstanding website. Do to licensing issues a new website needed to be created. 

Brian Menard stepped up to the plate working to create a new website. Brian did an outstanding job, but we had concerns with our webpage name. After many discussions Shanna Mills became our new webmaster. Shanna recreated the Barnes Lake Club website. Shanna worked most of the winter in creating our new site. She has done an outstanding job! The new site is full of information and in an easy format. Please check out our new website: Https://barneslakeclub.com. 

4. In creating the new website PayPal was implemented. This took a great deal of work from Lacy Minard, Cece Stramsak and Derek Morey. The PayPal option works great in becoming a member and/or donating. This is another good reason to visit our website. 

5. Communication over a legal issue with the Barnes Lake Club attorney continued over the winter months. Negotiations for a settlement in regard to the legal matter collapsed in February. 

6. In January Barnes Lake Fishing Rules were created and adopted by the Barnes Lake Board. Barnes Lake Fishing Rules and Park Lot rules can be found on our website. 

7. Alex Nikora and Brian Reeser were helpful in removing 40 people from the ice this year on Barnes Lake. The people removed did not live in Deerfield Parks, nor where they related to anyone in the Deerfield Parks. They came onto the lake from Park Lot S. Lapeer County Sherriff Department was called on several occasions to assist. Alex and Brian did an outstanding job monitoring and controlling persons on the ice, in maintaining Barnes Lake a private lake. 

8. Scout Troop went out ice fishing on Barnes Lakes with the support of Alex Nikora. They had a great time and caught some nice fish. 

➢ APRIL 2022: 

1. At this time, we had 53 boats registered on docks at Park Lots. Registration was not complete but was close. 

2. Goose Round-up permits are normally issued at this time. However, due to the Bird Flu EGLE did not issue permits this year. Goose Round-up did not take place in May. We did receive a permit to remove eggs in June. Tom and Laurie Petts run this program each year. These two do an outstanding job in getting volunteers, working with EGLE on obtaining the needed permits, and supervising the entire process. 

3. Discussion took place on how to prevent pet owners from allowing their dog to use the Park Lots as bathrooms without cleaning up after them. Barnes Lake Club has done additional monitoring and spoke with pet owner, in stopping this problem. 

4. Electric was turned on at the boat launch and at the beach for the summer. 

5. In Receiving all the required documentation from Deerfield Township Park Lot V was recorded at the Register of Deeds. 

➢ MAY 2022 

1. In preparing for the annual Barnes Lake Community Garage Sale. A discussion about whether to purchase banners to advertise the sale. The cost estimate was at $264.00, which was a rough estimate. The Board approved the purchase of 8 banners not to exceed $ 300.00. Banners were ordered and received in time for this year’s garage sale. 

2. A problem developed with PayPal, which shut down the system for a short time. Derek Morey and Lacy Minard worked with PayPal to get the issues resolved and to get our system running again. 

3. Buoys were put in at the beach and the pump was put back outside. 

4. Tom and Laurie reported that 48 goose eggs where pick-up and 9 nest were destroyed. 

5. A problem was reported at Park Lot G. Lapeer County put in a new inlet pipe and in doing this they place large piece of limestone around the pipe. It has been witnessed that kids and adults are throwing these large pieces of stone around and in the water. In a discussion it was decided fencing is needed over the stones to prevent removal. This work is scheduled to be completed prior to the end of summer. 

6. Discussion took place on the need for building maintenance for the club house at the beach. Water is leaking into the building, wood is rotting, and building improvements are needed to be completed before it is too late. As a result of the discussion a building maintenance line item was created in the budget. Alex Nikora is working on getting a cost estimate for building improvements. Additionally, a discussion took place on how to raise money for this much needed project. Once we have an idea on cost the goal is to raise enough money to support the repairs. 

7. Boat dock registration at Park Lots was near completion with a handful of registration forms needed. All completed registration forms where reviewed and put in order per Park Lot. The final count for persons who registered to have a dock in a Park Lot is at 60 completed registrations and 16 dock sites remain available. 

8. Scout Troop had 15 scouts and 12 leaders rechartered this year. The troop is looking forward to a summer of normal activities without restrictions. 

9. Barnes Lake Improvement Board informed the club that the scheduled dredging at Park Lot G was put on hold due to fish spawning. Work would begin again July 1 once the spawning restrictions are removed. Testing water quality in the lake will continue this summer in working with Michigan Clean Water Corps. This year the succi disk data will be collected for a second year, along with new sampling for phosphorous and chlorophyl levels in the lake. 

10. Brian Menard installed the new garage sale signs at 8 locations around the lake and on M-24. He also placed an ad in the County Press and LA View. Only 7 garage sales were seen this year. Mark in your calendar for next year Garage Sale weekend is June 1,2 and 3rd, 2023. Let’s get additional homes participating next year! 

➢ July 2022 

1. Welcome packets for new residents were discussed. Deanna Hartwell and Teresa Rolland volunteer to get this program running. It is anticipated that by August this program will be in place. 

2. A beach concert is scheduled for July 16th. The band that had been scheduled to play at this event cancelled July 5. Derek Morey is looking for a new band to fill the void. 

3. The 2022 July 4th fireworks were outstanding. Michigan Family Fireworks has put on the firework show for three years. This year was amazing and in memory of Steve Shea. Debra Shea collected money as memorial for Steve Shea who passed in July 2021. 

Debra wanted to do something special in memory of Steve, as a result Debra donated $3,365.00 towards fireworks. She requested that the length of time for the fireworks remain the same but use the additional funds to make the firework show grander in memory of Steve. Debra Shea’s request was approved by the board. 

4. It was approved to use Michigan Family Fireworks for the July 4th firework show in 2023. 

5. Home Décor Contest had 8 winners this year. 10 homes had beautiful decoration. However, 2 homes were not Barnes Lake Club Members. In order to win a home/person must be a Barnes Lake Club Member. Please visit our website to see this year’s winners. 

6. Bike and Golf Cart Parade had a good turnout with approximately 40 golf carts, 13 kids and 7 adults on Bikes. 13 kids were judged for the best decorations. 

7. Two dead trees were identified on Park Lot E. These trees are a hazard that need to be removed. The Barnes Lake Club is currently working to get a cost estimate for removal. 

8. A wash out by the retaining wall at Park Lot P has been identified. Caution tape has been put up at this location to prevent foot traffic in this area. Barnes Lake Club is currently working on a solution to the problem. 

9. Barnes Lake Improvement Board, Burns Rolland reported that dredging at the lake inlet has started. This project should be completed within 10 days. 

➢ ITEMS COMPLETED BY THE BARNES LAKE CLUB DAILY, MONTHLY AND ANNUALY, INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING: 

1. Surveillance system at the beach and boat launch is monitored daily. 

2. Park Lots are monitored for damage, garbage, and trespassing. 

3. Boat launch gate and surrounding gate maintained and repaired if damaged. 

4. Maintain Port-a-John and ensure that it is clean. 

5. Beach area grass cut, building maintenance completed, garbage picked up, area cleaned and monitored. 

6. Beach and Park Lot expenses are paid to cover the following cost, but not limited to: Electrical, interned service, gate controls, Port-a-John dumping, fees from the State of Michigan, Insurance costs, and maintenance materials costs. 

7. Other costs incurred include, but not limited to: Printing, materials and supplies needed for events, firework, and entertainment. 

8. No Parking notifications placed on vehicles parked on Park Lots, parking on a Park Lot with a vehicle is prohibited. 

9. Monthly Barnes Lake Club meetings 

10. Barnes Lake Club Finance, Cece Stramsak 

11. Barnes Lake Club website maintenance and updates, Shanna Mills 

12. Boat dock registrations 

13. Respond to emails and telephone calls 

Barnes Lake Club Membership YEAR	TOTAL MEMBERS
2023-2022	As of 6/30/2022: 210
2022-2021	246
2021-2020	224
2020-2019	210
2019-2018	243
2018-2017	231
2017-2016	226