These minutes are unofficial until approved at the next meeting of the board.

The meeting was called to order by President Quinn Kelly at 6:00 p.m.. There were approximately 57 people in attendance. The agenda was distributed with a chart of KLA expenditures for the last year on the reverse. Also on the reverse was a chart showing how KLA dues are used.

The board members and beach representatives who were present were introduced. Elections were conducted to fill 4 vacancies on the board. Nominated were: Larry Harker, Carol Preble, Ken Rhodes and Bob Spillar. There were no nominations from the floor. These 4 were elected by voice vote.

Ken Rhodes discussed the results of his audit of the KLA books. All bills were paid and the financial records were in excellent condition.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Dam Repair

Dave Hassenger, drain commissioner, stated that the lake high and low levels have been court ordered since 1972. The structural work on the dam has been finished. There is still some painting that needs to be done. They are looking into some kind of landscaping that can be done which requires no monthly maintenance. A lot of trash is caught in the dam and ways to recycle the trash are being explored.

Hassenger further advised the association that he felt Klinger Lake has their weeds under control. The board feels this success is primarily because Art Renner started treating the weeds in 1996 using money from our annual dues. This procedure continues to this day and has alleviated many problems. Hassenger went on to say that other lakes in the area don’t do that and have had some problems. At some lakes, where residents were not pro-active in weed control, they have had to pay up to $58,000 for weed control.

Water Quality and Weed Control

In 1996 Art Renner started treating the Eurasian Water Milfoil. $4,000 was spent last year, $1,600 was spent this year. There were no special assessments. Treatment was paid for by our dues.

Jack Grimm has been checking water clarity and it is about the same as last year. Jack does other bacterial tests for which we do not yet have results.

Data Base

James Kasey has assumed the responsibility for the data base. There are approximately 425 names, addresses etc. in the data base. We use the data base for spring and fall mailings and to show who has and has not paid dues. In the last year there was a change rate of approximately 20% in this information. The data base is not given out to anyone.

Water Safety

It was reported that the buoys at the marina have permits and are legal. Rafts are also legal if not in the navigational path. If there is a problem the DNR will assess the issue. Boats must remain 100 feet from rafts and docks but not from buoys. Jet Ski rules will be changing as of 1-1-09 and it will be legal to drive jet skis until sunset. Other changes are pending.

Jeff Terpening, representing the Sheriff’s office, was at the meeting to answer questions. In 2007 the sheriff’s office spent 174 hours at Klinger Lake, making 473 contacts and issuing 19 tickets. Violations included: after hours jet ski use; going the wrong way on the lake; and, juveniles without proper boating safety certificates. This summer complaints to the Sheriff’s office are down. There have been no drownings in St. Joseph County in the last 3 to 4 years.

OTHER BUSINESS

Edgar Reihl was introduced as the web master. Edgar is always in search of old postcards and pictures to put on the website.

Names were drawn for door prizes. Winners included Edgar Reihl, Tom Creighton, and John Nelson. Door prizes were donated by: The Trading Post; Byler’s Market; and, the Tasty Nut Shop in White Pigeon.

Several questions were asked and discussed, including a Keep Klinger Lake Clean campaign. The association is going to look into putting trash cans at the public fishing site. Low electrical lines were also discussed.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:01 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Preble, Secretary