Barnes Lake Club Board Meeting July 2, 2025
Meeting called to order at 7:01 PM
Board Members Present: Pam Reid, Pat Betcher, Brian Menard, Teresa Marciniec, Alex Nikora, Tom Petts, Cece Stramsak, and Derek Morey. Absent: Lacy Minard
Guests: Sue Mizgalski, Darren Collins, Linda Zukonik, Wally Dotson, John and Karen Codrea, Sandy Herweyer, Theresa Herrick, Autumn Gillispi and Kelli Lovasz
After the meeting was called to order, Brian Menard lead the Board and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance. The guests and the Board introduced themselves. There were no additions to the agenda presented at the beginning of proceedings.
Minutes of the last meeting : Derek Morey made a motion to accept the minutes of the last meeting and was seconded by Alex Nikora. Motion carried.
Treasurers Report: Brian Menard made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report and was seconded by Derek Morey. Motion carried.
Board President Pam Reid called for a motion to approve the payment of fees invoiced by the attorney for his review of the updated by-laws in an amount of $337.50. Motion made by Derek Morey. Seconded by Cece Stramsak. Motion carried
Membership Update: We currently have 212 members (and Cece was given three more applications ahead of this meeting to be included in the tally next month).
Coffee Hour: Tom Petts reported that the June 21st coffee hour was a success, as usual, with a good turnout and sufficient donations to pay for the event. Next coffee hour will be on July 19th.
Fireworks: Pat Betcher lead the discussion regarding the after-display clean-up (9 am on Sunday, July 6th), the time of the beach area, boat launch and pavilion parking lot closure (Friday, July 4th at 7 pm), and the planned rain date, if needed (Sunday, July 6th).
Garage Sale: Brian Menard reported that this year’s turnout (both for Garage Sale participants and for shoppers) was disappointing. There were 16 active garage sales in the community on Thursday, 26 on Friday and 22 on Saturday. The peak participation in 2024 was 32 active sales. Brian cited the possibility that the Observer being sent out after the sale, announcing the sale dates, may have been a factor. Although the Board agreed, there was no discussion regarding sending it out earlier. Pam Reid stated that the Garage Sale is mentioned in the March mailing, however.
Annual Meeting: This Pam Reid led the discussion regarding the donuts and coffee (Tom Petts agreed to bring), the agenda she’d sent out, there will be no guest speakers (the attendees at this board meeting agreed it was unnecessary), Pat Betcher will be communicating the need for raffle prizes, the new Meeting Procedure will be followed, there will be private ballots for the Director positions and the
approval of the updated By-Laws, along with a paddle, to each member-household. Three seats are up for a vote, Alex Nikora and Derek Morey both intend to run for the vacant seats again this year. Lacy Minard declared her intent is not to run for her Board position.
Concerts At The Beach: Derek Morey stated the karaoke night on June 14th was a success. It was kid-centric, but the kids had a lot of fun with it. The next scheduled event will feature the band “The Split Shifters” in July. There will be a nacho bar provided.
Annual Flotilla: Ron and Shanna Mills organize this event each year. Derek Morey suggested to all present that each boat should have a supply of water on hand.
Annual Members’ Picnic: Will be held on August 2nd, 12:00-3:00 pm at the Beach. Tom Petts led the discussion regarding the boat launch and parking lot closure (Friday at 7 pm) and a discussion about the setting up and taking down the tents. Since the Boy Scout Troop is disbanded, Karen Codrea suggested contacting North Branch High School to see if a small group of the football players would be amenable to helping.
Beach pavilion maintenance update: A continued discussion from last month’s meeting was led by Alex Nikora regarding moving the U.S. Flag to shore as well, for ease of maintenance and repair of the pole. He indicated the amount researched for this endeavor would be approximately $199. A motion was made to approve this expenditure by Derek Morey. Seconded by Brian Menard. Motion carried.
Alex also led the discussion regarding the cost of the clubhouse renovations. He indicated that he received a third quote at $11,400 (which is 33% less than earlier quotes received). Alex motioned to accept that quote and approve the payment for clubhouse renovations not to exceed $12,000. Seconded by Tom Petts. Motion carried.
Alex indicated he’d like to purchase a set of two new swings for the beach area swingset. He stated they would be $44 each. Brian Menard motioned to approve this expenditure. Seconded by Derek Morey. Motion carried.
Park Lot Dock Registration: Alex Nikora reported that 56 dock registrations were properly completed, 3 residents who previously had a spot have moved and another 6 registrations were not returned, so he intends to contact people on the waiting list.
Park Lot Maintenance: Alex Nikora reported that Park Lot P now has been filled in with gravel and looks much better, ahead of the holiday weekend.
Barnes lake Improvement Board: Karen Codrea represented the BLIB and indicated another spray of the lake was performed since the last Board meeting. Attendees agreed the lake is looking very good.
Old Business:
By-Laws Subcommittee: Board President Pam Reid called for a motion to dissolve the By-Laws Subcommittee. Motion was made by Alex Nikora. Seconded by Derek Morey. Motion carried.
Zoom Meetings: Board President Pam Reid requested an update regarding a procedure sheet for Zoom meetings for the Board meeting. Derke Morey motioned to table this item until August. Seconded by Brian Menard. Motion carried.
New business:
● Board President Pam Reid indicated the revised Barnes Lake Club Mailing and Observer Schedule will include information regarding the Annual Meeting Mailing.
● Board President Pam Reid also led a discussion kicked off a discussion about the new Meeting Procedures.
New and Outstanding Issues (which will remain on the agenda until completed):
There is a survey of Park Lot P required, and repairs are needed to the beach area retaining wall.
● Observer: Brian Menard led a discussion about the poor results of the printing of the last issue of the Observer. He requested black and white pictures be provided, but Derek Morey indicated the printer ought to be able to use editing software to correct for the washout we received last time.
The date and times of the Annual Barnes Lake Improvement Board meeting (8:30 am on Saturday, July 12th at the Deerfield Township Hall, Second Floor) and the Annual Barnes Lake Club Meeting (10:00 am on Saturday, July 12th at the Deerfield Township Hall, Second Floor) were announced.
Next monthly Board meeting will be on August 6th, at 7PM
Brian Menard made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:01 PM. Seconded by Alex Nikora. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted, Brian Menard
BARNES LAKE CLUB 