September 5, 2026 Minutes

ESLA Board Meeting September 5, 2026

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance at 9:02 am. A roll call was conducted. The majority of board members attended in person, with additional participants joining via Zoom. All current members and members retiring from the board were present.

Present for meeting: Kevin Self, Laura Pacifici, Ashley Mathers, Sue Korzinek, Jeff Parks, Sandra Morse, Luke Sheridan, Michael Wilkinson, William Weatherhead, and Oak Leaf Club representative- Louisa Self.

New board members Mike and Luke were welcomed and provided with a brief overview of board procedures, voting, expenditures, and the importance of reviewing the ESLA bylaws.

A formal goodbye and movement of roles was transferred to new members and existing members- Leaving the board - Jay Graham and Tim Piccard.

Approval of Agenda

A motion was made and seconded to approve the proposed agenda. The motion was carried unanimously.

Approval of Previous Meeting Notes

Highlights from the previous meeting included:

Continued invasive species monitoring and fish population concerns.
Community education regarding vehicle and boating safety.
Distribution of updated safety information.
Continued communication with residents regarding DTE construction activities.

An update was provided regarding the possibility of a DNR fish survey. The Michigan DNR advised that Emerald and Sylvan Lakes are unlikely to receive a state-conducted fisheries survey due to their size and current staffing limitations. Residents who fish the lakes are encouraged to contact the DNR with their observations. With sufficient community input, the DNR may be able to recommend the lakes to MSU for a potential research-based fish survey.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the previous meeting minutes. The motion carried.

Oak Leaf Club Update

A tentative schedule of 2027 Oak Leaf Club events was presented. The schedule will not be formally published until dates and locations are finalized.

The 2027 ESLA Annual Meeting is scheduled for June 26, 2027. The location remains to be determined.

The Oak Leaf Club also discussed transitioning responsibility for welcoming new residents. Historically, new residents received information about the lakes, a directory, and a small welcome gift. The Board agreed that coordination between ESLA and the Oak Leaf Club would be beneficial to ensure both organizations maintain accurate resident and directory information.

Laura requested Sandra Morse be part of the welcoming committee; which will be designated as a sub-committee called Community Development Committee.

Election/Appointment of Officers

The following officers were nominated for the upcoming term:

President: Kevin Self
Vice President: Laura Pacifici
Treasurer: Sue Korzinek
Secretary: Ashley Mathers

A motion was made and seconded to approve the officer appointments. The motion was carried unanimously.

The Board thanked outgoing members for their service and recognized the accomplishments of the previous Board, including completion of the bridge project.

Carp Committee - Laura Pacifici

An update was provided regarding the upcoming carp removal event planned for October 17, beginning at dusk ending at 3am.

The event will be limited to Emerald and Sylvan Lakes in order to better evaluate its impact on the carp population. Participation will be limited to ten boats, with four participants per boat. Registration, safety requirements, liability waivers, prizes, launch/parking arrangements, and event rules were discussed.

The Board emphasized compliance with Michigan boating regulations, required life jackets, and prohibition of alcohol and drugs during the event.

Treasurer's Report - Sue Korzinek

As of the end of August:

Total funds were approximately $70,752.
Available cash on hand was approximately $65,624, after accounting for an outstanding check and funds designated for the CARP program.
Approximately $5,000 remained designated for CARP-related activities.
Year-to-date dues collected totaled $37,270.
180 of 206 properties, approximately 87%, had paid dues.
Year-to-date expenditures remained below the amount budgeted for the year.

The Board discussed which backlot/non-lakefront properties should remain on the dues list. Members agreed that additional information should be gathered regarding individual properties, lake access, easement rights, and lake usage before making further changes.

The Board reiterated that ESLA dues are voluntary and that ESLA will remain neutral regarding private easement/property disputes.

Bridge Reserve

The Board discussed the previously approved annual contribution of $1,000 to the bridge reserve fund. The intent of the reserve is to accumulate funds for major future bridge repairs or eventual replacement, while routine bridge maintenance remains part of the regular annual budget. The separate bridge account will continue to be maintained and reported for transparency.

Electronic Payment Options

The Treasurer reviewed the first year of accepting credit/debit card payments through Clover. Approximately $3,000 in dues were collected through credit/debit cards. After recovered convenience fees, the service cost ESLA approximately $177.55 for the year.

The Board discussed the value of continuing to offer multiple payment methods to encourage dues participation. The Treasurer will continue monitoring payment methods and participation rates so the Board can reevaluate the program next year.

Water Quality Committee - Bill Weatherhead

The Water Quality Committee reviewed its work regarding water clarity and overall lake health. Educational materials were developed and distributed at the annual meeting regarding actions riparian owners can take to protect water quality.

Water clarity testing continues to show concern during portions of the season, although spring readings have generally been better. The Committee will continue monitoring trends and educating residents regarding lake stewardship.

Lake treatment for the current year was completed under budget. Because less herbicide treatment was required this year, the Committee would like to continue monitoring invasive species and water quality next year to determine whether the reduced treatment approach remains effective.

A request was made to approve $12,000 for the 2027 lake treatment budget. A motion was made and seconded. The motion carried.

Wildlife Committee - Laura Pacifici

The Board discussed a large concentration of ducks in an area of Emerald Lake. A resident who had been feeding ducks near the shoreline was contacted and cooperated by stopping the activity. The ducks continue to congregate in the area, however.

Concerns were noted regarding nuisance conditions and the effect excessive wildlife waste can have on water quality. Additional resident education regarding feeding wildlife will be considered for future lake communications.

No-Wake Bouys

The no-wake buoys will be removed after the boating season, cleaned, and stored.

Because the underwater anchors are substantial, the Board discussed leaving the anchors in place over the winter and attaching temporary markers/floats. Options ranging from inexpensive boat fenders to more durable winter-rated markers were discussed. The committee will determine an appropriate solution.

The Board will also evaluate signage near the channel/entrance to better communicate lake and no-wake rules.

Road Committee - Jeff Parks

Road repairs on Outing drive entrance will be completed soon- with the removal of the island on Outing Drive and repair of the potholes.

Jeff uses his own equipment to grade the parts of the lake roads that are still gravel- Tim Piccard was also helping with this using his own equipment. It is extremely hard on their personal items. Tim’s equipment is no longer available for any usage.

Jeff to obtain several quotes for continuing road grading throughout the year to be presented at our next meeting for review and approval as personal equipment will no longer be able to be used moving forward.

Safety Committee

Mike agreed to serve as Safety Committee Chair, with Luke assisting. Laura also offered to help transition the committee and provide background information from the previous committee.

The Safety Committee will review existing priorities and determine recommendations for the coming year. Topics discussed included:

Vehicle speeding and the 10 mph road speed limit.
Existing speed humps and development of consistent specifications.
Placement and condition of speed-limit and safety signage.
Boating and wake-sports education.
Coordination with the Roads and Bylaws Committees where responsibilities overlap.

The Board agreed that an inventory of existing signs around both lakes would be helpful, as some signs are damaged, obscured, or poorly positioned.

ByLaws Committee - Kevin Self

The Bylaws Committee will begin meeting following the election. The bylaws were last substantially updated approximately 16 years ago.

Several residents have expressed interest in participating, and Luke also agreed to join the committee. Topics expected to be reviewed include road ownership/responsibility, committee structure, and other areas requiring clarification or modernization.

Committee Assignments/Community Development

Sandra Morse agreed to assist with welcoming new residents.

After review of the existing bylaws, it was determined that a standalone "Welcome Committee" is not currently identified as an authorized committee. The function will therefore fall under Community Development, with Sandra assisting in that role. Board members and the Oak Leaf Club will help identify new residents so they can receive lake information and be added to appropriate directories and communication lists.

Old Business

Speed Humps

The Board discussed the need to establish consistent specifications and procedures for speed humps. The issue will involve coordination between the Safety, Roads, and Bylaws Committees, particularly regarding road ownership and responsibility for areas adjacent to individual properties.

ESLA Annual Report

Kevin will follow up with the outgoing president regarding filing the ESLA annual report with the State of Michigan and transferring the appropriate organizational information to the new president.

New Business

Lake and Entrance Signage

The Board discussed:

Signage near the channel connecting the lakes.
Lake-rule signage for boaters entering Emerald Lake.
Existing speed-limit and welcome signs.
Possible no-soliciting signs at lake entrances.

The Safety Committee will begin by inventorying existing signs and identifying locations where signs are missing, damaged, obscured, or need replacement.

Road Maintenance

Future road grading was discussed. Equipment previously volunteered by residents may not be available going forward, and the Board will need to determine how grading will be handled and whether an outside contractor should be used.

HIstoric Barge/Bridge

The Board briefly discussed the old sunken barge/bridge on the west end of Emerald Lake and previous efforts to pursue historical preservation or recognition. The possibility of revisiting the project was raised for future consideration.

2027 Meeting Schedule

The Board discussed adjusting meeting dates to better align with preparation for the annual meeting and availability of year-end lake data.

The following schedule was agreed upon:

January 9, 2027 – Board Meeting (Zoom)
May 22, 2027 – Board Meeting
June 26, 2027 – ESLA Annual Meeting- Location TBD
September 25, 2027 – Board Meeting

Zoom access will continue to be provided for meetings when appropriate.

Adjournment

With no further business, a motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously at 11:10 am.

Respectfully submitted,

Ashley Mathers

Secretary

Emerald Sylvan Lake Association