Lake Michigamme Property Owners Association annual meeting minutes.
July 27, 2024
Michigamme Community Building
*Estimated 81 in attendance
1. Call to Order- The meeting was called to order by Scott Lyman at 10:02 AM. The 2023 annual meeting minutes were reviewed, and no corrections or additions were needed.
2. Introduction to Board of Directors- President Scott Lyman introduced the current board members: Secretary Kathy Kurzhals, Treasurer Pam Borlace, Susan Alexander, Dan Ostola, Dixon Holmgren, Al Dausman, Ken Farley, Jim Gustitis, and Bob Hill. Absent: Amy Racine and Greg Meyer.
3. Guest Speakers - a. Christine Fitzgerald has been maintaining an LMPO contact list. She wanted to update the list with anyone willing to share their personal contact information.
b. John Gregg and Brad DeLongchamp were representing the Michigamme/Spurr Fire Department. They discussed the new Whaly rescue boat which is now functional and in the water. Donations for it are still being accepted to be used for sonar and other S/R equipment. The department was awarded a brand-new Can-Am Defender side by side from Bombardier Recreational Products which will be delivered this fall. John and Brad also discussed the grant the department won for $10,000 to be applied towards portable radios. John had some smoke alarms and CO2 detectors with him to give away. They were free to any applicant via another grant provided by the state. They were available to anyone in their fire coverage zone until supplies ran out. Lastly, a message was shared from Charlie Gardner reminding people to keep their driveways trimmed and free from obstructions so rescue vehicles can access your property if needed.
4. Michigamme and Republic Township Reports
a. Johnny Hillis is the Deputy Township Supervisor for Michigamme. He reminded everyone August 6 is the Primary election. November 5 is the election. Early voting is July 27 through August 4. Absentee ballots are available at the Township office. Some(one) is needed to take over the 4th of July committee due to Dan and Lisa Swiedals retirement. People are also needed for the Planning Commission.
b. Jim Brennan spoke for Republic Township. Jim defended the increase in tax dollars discussing many road improvement projects. Over a period of years, new asphalting, chipping, sealing, pulverizing, guardrail replacement, and water line replacement will occur. All costs are shared between tax millages, covid money, logging tax money, and State money. 2 mills were for the fire department and a new $600,000 fire truck, which is a 3 year out build. A 1 ton off road truck was bought for $71,000 for brush fires. A cell tower in North Repulic is being replaced with a grant from NMU and helped by Verizon. The State deemed the Republic dam had to be torn out. A new spillway is replacing it along with fish ladders. Shared State money and millage totaling $3,000,000 will create a better fish habitat and fisherie. Jim noted that he was running in November as an Independent for his 2nd and final term. His goal is to keep debts low for the Township. A list of community events includes mountain bike trails, a dirt bike event, a marijuana music 4-day event, a fishing derby, and retro days. 300 more people have registered to vote in the last 6 years.
5. Treasurer's Report: Pam Borlace
a. A record 203 members paid dues in 2023.
b. Up to $10,000 has been set aside for a new LMPO pontoon boat motor.
c. Beginning fund balance on July 1, 2023 was $14,352.41. Ending fund balance on June 30, 2024 was $15,409.88. With the designated $10,000 for the boat motor set aside, this leaves available a funding balance of $5,409.88.
d. The treasurer report was approved by Skip Archibald, seconded by John Gregg, and all approved.
6. Secretary's Report: Kathy Kurzhals a. There was nothing to add or share. Bob DellAngelo approved, and Lisa Gray seconded. All approved.
7. President's Report: Scott Lyman
a. Scott and wife Kathy took samples of the lake water for testing. "R.J." at the Ishpeming Water Treatment plant said basically no fecal coliform are present. No worries about water cleanliness.
b. It was noted that 2 long time community members, Larry Sparks and Neil Hanson, passed away this year.
c. Lake maps are still available for $10.00 each.
d. The raffle drawing for a laser etched map of the lake was drawn. #8230876 belonged to Dave Melnarik.
8. New business
a. Ken Farley, Scott Lyman, Al Dausman, and Pam Borlace have expiring terms. All agreed to stay on.
b. Karen Johnson resigned due to health issues. Todd Saunders is nominated to finish Karen's term. LMPO would like to thank Karen for her many years of dedicated service to our lake.
c. The nominations were closed, and Scott Lyman motioned for acceptance of the election. Skip Archibald approved, and Mary Barry seconded. All approved.
9. Adjourn- Scott Lyman motioned to adjourn at 10:42 AM. All approved and lunch was laid out.
July 27, 2024
Michigamme Community Building
*Estimated 81 in attendance
1. Call to Order- The meeting was called to order by Scott Lyman at 10:02 AM. The 2023 annual meeting minutes were reviewed, and no corrections or additions were needed.
2. Introduction to Board of Directors- President Scott Lyman introduced the current board members: Secretary Kathy Kurzhals, Treasurer Pam Borlace, Susan Alexander, Dan Ostola, Dixon Holmgren, Al Dausman, Ken Farley, Jim Gustitis, and Bob Hill. Absent: Amy Racine and Greg Meyer.
3. Guest Speakers - a. Christine Fitzgerald has been maintaining an LMPO contact list. She wanted to update the list with anyone willing to share their personal contact information.
b. John Gregg and Brad DeLongchamp were representing the Michigamme/Spurr Fire Department. They discussed the new Whaly rescue boat which is now functional and in the water. Donations for it are still being accepted to be used for sonar and other S/R equipment. The department was awarded a brand-new Can-Am Defender side by side from Bombardier Recreational Products which will be delivered this fall. John and Brad also discussed the grant the department won for $10,000 to be applied towards portable radios. John had some smoke alarms and CO2 detectors with him to give away. They were free to any applicant via another grant provided by the state. They were available to anyone in their fire coverage zone until supplies ran out. Lastly, a message was shared from Charlie Gardner reminding people to keep their driveways trimmed and free from obstructions so rescue vehicles can access your property if needed.
4. Michigamme and Republic Township Reports
a. Johnny Hillis is the Deputy Township Supervisor for Michigamme. He reminded everyone August 6 is the Primary election. November 5 is the election. Early voting is July 27 through August 4. Absentee ballots are available at the Township office. Some(one) is needed to take over the 4th of July committee due to Dan and Lisa Swiedals retirement. People are also needed for the Planning Commission.
b. Jim Brennan spoke for Republic Township. Jim defended the increase in tax dollars discussing many road improvement projects. Over a period of years, new asphalting, chipping, sealing, pulverizing, guardrail replacement, and water line replacement will occur. All costs are shared between tax millages, covid money, logging tax money, and State money. 2 mills were for the fire department and a new $600,000 fire truck, which is a 3 year out build. A 1 ton off road truck was bought for $71,000 for brush fires. A cell tower in North Repulic is being replaced with a grant from NMU and helped by Verizon. The State deemed the Republic dam had to be torn out. A new spillway is replacing it along with fish ladders. Shared State money and millage totaling $3,000,000 will create a better fish habitat and fisherie. Jim noted that he was running in November as an Independent for his 2nd and final term. His goal is to keep debts low for the Township. A list of community events includes mountain bike trails, a dirt bike event, a marijuana music 4-day event, a fishing derby, and retro days. 300 more people have registered to vote in the last 6 years.
5. Treasurer's Report: Pam Borlace
a. A record 203 members paid dues in 2023.
b. Up to $10,000 has been set aside for a new LMPO pontoon boat motor.
c. Beginning fund balance on July 1, 2023 was $14,352.41. Ending fund balance on June 30, 2024 was $15,409.88. With the designated $10,000 for the boat motor set aside, this leaves available a funding balance of $5,409.88.
d. The treasurer report was approved by Skip Archibald, seconded by John Gregg, and all approved.
6. Secretary's Report: Kathy Kurzhals a. There was nothing to add or share. Bob DellAngelo approved, and Lisa Gray seconded. All approved.
7. President's Report: Scott Lyman
a. Scott and wife Kathy took samples of the lake water for testing. "R.J." at the Ishpeming Water Treatment plant said basically no fecal coliform are present. No worries about water cleanliness.
b. It was noted that 2 long time community members, Larry Sparks and Neil Hanson, passed away this year.
c. Lake maps are still available for $10.00 each.
d. The raffle drawing for a laser etched map of the lake was drawn. #8230876 belonged to Dave Melnarik.
8. New business
a. Ken Farley, Scott Lyman, Al Dausman, and Pam Borlace have expiring terms. All agreed to stay on.
b. Karen Johnson resigned due to health issues. Todd Saunders is nominated to finish Karen's term. LMPO would like to thank Karen for her many years of dedicated service to our lake.
c. The nominations were closed, and Scott Lyman motioned for acceptance of the election. Skip Archibald approved, and Mary Barry seconded. All approved.
9. Adjourn- Scott Lyman motioned to adjourn at 10:42 AM. All approved and lunch was laid out.