Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Tim at approximately 9:02 a.m.

Pledge of Allegiance

The Board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call / Quorum

Board members present included Tim, Ashley, Sue, Sandy, Jay, Jeff and Laura.
Attending virtually were William Weatherhead and Kevin Self

A quorum was established.

 

Approval of Agenda

No modifications to the agenda were proposed.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda as presented.
Motion carried unanimously.

 

Oakleaf Club Report

Louisa Self provided an update on Oakleaf Club activities and upcoming events.

Upcoming Events

• Summer brunch scheduled for June 20.

• Fourth of July activities to include:

  • Canoe/kayak races

  • Bike parade

  • Golf cart parade

  • Pontoon parade

• Additional summer gatherings and luncheon events were announced and are posted on the ESLA website.

Corn Roast

• Corn Roast moved to the second Saturday in August.

• Volunteers are needed for setup and operations.

• Additional folding picnic tables were purchased to support ESLA and Oakleaf events.

• Laura and Sue agreed to store the tables on-site for easier access.

Signage

Discussion was held regarding aging event signs and possible updates or repairs prior to upcoming events.

 

Bridge Celebration Committee Report

Louisa Self presented an extensive update regarding planning for the Bridge Celebration event.

Event Layout & Planning

• A site map has been created showing:

  • Band location

  • Catering area

  • Dessert area

  • Picnic table placement

  • Porta-potty locations

• The committee requested Board review and feedback on layout planning.

Golf Cart Parking & Traffic

• Additional golf cart parking areas are being explored near the bridge area.

• Traffic control and road closure planning are underway.

• Temporary road closures are expected beginning around 3:00–4:00 p.m. on the day of the event.

• Kate Flagge will coordinate road closure logistics and volunteer assistance.

Food & Catering

• Catering arranged for approximately 450 attendees.

• Menu includes:

  • Hot dogs

  • Brats

  • Homemade potato salad

  • Macaroni salad

  • Fruit salad

• Food service planned from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

• Cookie trays and cake will be coordinated and donated by Ashley.

• Tent coverage will be used for food and dessert areas if necessary.

Event Funding

• Estimated catering cost: approximately $3,500 plus optional gratuity.

• Donations:

  • Self family: $2,000

  • Gasper family: $1,000

• ESLA previously allocated $500 toward the celebration.

Additional Event Features

• Ribbon cutting ceremony planned.

• Recognition speeches to honor bridge contributors and contractors.

• Historical bridge photos and displays may be presented.

• Bridge celebration T-shirts and ESLA spirit wear are being explored.

Volunteers

Board members agreed to assist with:

• Event setup

• Cleanup

• Trash removal coordination

 

Secretary’s Report

Ashley advised prior meeting minutes had been distributed and reviewed.

Discussion was held regarding reimbursement for Zoom Premium services used for ESLA meetings.

The Board agreed the expense should be reimbursed and included within the administrative budget for office supplies.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the prior meeting minutes.
Motion carried unanimously.

 

Treasurer’s Report

Sue presented the Treasurer’s Report.

Dues Collection

• 134 of 208 properties had paid dues to date (approximately 64%).

• Payment methods included:

  • Check

  • Cash

  • Credit card

  • Debit card

  • Zelle

Budget Discussion

Discussion included:

• Administrative expenses

• Credit card processing fees

• Proposed annual budget categories

• Annual meeting budget approval requirements

 

Roads Committee Report

Road maintenance updates were discussed.

Topics included:

• Additional grading work still needed

• Asphalt repair concerns

• Drainage and washout issues

• Entrance deterioration near Sylvan access

• Removal of the entrance island on Outing off M37 due to repeated vehicle damage

Additional asphalt patching and repair estimates will be pursued.

 

Bridge Project Financial Update

Tim provided a financial update regarding the bridge project.

Financial Summary

• Donations received exceeded $118,000.

• Original project budget: approximately $108,000.

• Revised budget: approximately $115,000.

• Costs paid to date: approximately $111,000.

• Remaining bridge account balance: approximately $7,236.

Remaining anticipated costs include:

• Signage

• Landscaping

• No-wake buoy consideration

• Bridge celebration expenses

Discussion was held regarding maintaining a long-term bridge reserve fund for future replacement or repairs.

Remaining Bridge Work

Additional remaining work includes:

• Landscaping touch-up

• Sign installation

• Guardrail cleanup

• Tree removal

• Final paint touch-ups

Donated lake entrance signs recognizing Emerald and Sylvan Lakes will also be installed.

 

Lakes & Water Quality Committee Report

William Weatherhead presented the Water Quality Committee update.

Water Quality Committee

• Initial committee Zoom meeting was held successfully.

• Another meeting scheduled for June 3.

• Committee developing recommendations regarding:

  • Sediment control

  • Water quality improvements

  • Resident best practices

PLM & Lake Treatments

• PLM spring report has been conducted and the report will be distributed once received. 

• PLM advised treatment chemicals will not harm native aquatic vegetation or wildlife.

Annual Meeting Speaker

Melissa Desimone from the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association will speak at the annual meeting regarding:

• Water quality

• Wake boat legislation

• Senate Bill 812

Buoy Requests

A resident requested consideration of additional no-wake buoy placement near the Pennoyer Creek area.

 

Wake Boat Discussion

Discussion was held regarding:

• Wake boat activity on the lakes

• DNR recommendations

• Lake depth considerations

• Suggested wake boating areas

• Existing ESLA bylaws regarding distance from docks and rafts

The Water Quality Committee will continue reviewing wake boat recommendations and mapping prior to publication.

 

Lakes - Fish & Wildlife Report

Laura Pacifici presented

Penoyer Creek Carp Project Update – 2026

The Penoyer Creek Carp Project was completed on April 25, 2026. High water levels and heavy brush created difficult working conditions, but the project provided valuable information for improving future carp control efforts.

Key Results

• A seine net successfully stopped carp from moving upstream.

• A second net helped move and capture additional carp near the weir.

• Backpack electrofishing was ineffective due to deep water and limited access.

• No other fish species were observed during operations.

Plans for 2027

The group plans to clear trees and brush before next spring to allow the use of an electrofishing boat, which can safely stun and remove carp more effectively.

Additional Efforts Being Considered

• Carp fishing competition

• Bow fishing tournament

• Community participation events

Project Cost

The total cost of the 2026 project was approximately $962, including $600 for assistance provided by Doug Workman of Advanced Ecological Management and $362 for the Seine net.
 

Legal / Easement Discussion- DTE

Discussion occurred regarding easement forms, utility hookups, and resident concerns related to ongoing legal and infrastructure matters for DTE coming to install natural gas for all residents to hook up. Need 100% opt-in. 

Additional clarification from legal counsel and utility representatives is pending.

 

Adjournment

A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting.

Motion carried unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at approximately 11:03 a.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,
Ashley Mathers
Secretary, Emerald Sylvan Lake Association