Meeting Minutes

Mud Lake Board Meeting Notes: May 10, 2025

Lake Weed Management

Curly-leaf pondweed is still present in certain areas—particularly along the north shore—but it seems more limited compared to previous years.
Eurasian watermilfoil appears to be under control at this time, which is encouraging given how aggressive this invasive species can be.
Starry stonewort, however, remains a concern. It continues to spread and is currently the most pervasive of the invasive species in the lake.
It’s essential that lakefront property owners are kept informed about the effectiveness of these treatments. Clear communication helps reinforce that their contributions are being used wisely to protect the beauty and ecological health of the lake, as well as to help maintain or even increase property values.
It might be helpful to include visual comparisons—such as photos of lakes that have been severely impacted by invasive species. This could provide a powerful illustration of what could happen without proactive treatment and reinforce the importance of ongoing efforts.
We also discussed adding maps to the website to show which areas of the lake are being treated.
We had discussed PLM sending a notice to Mud Lake residents, asking them to respond if they’re interested in having their frontage treated individually.

Poker Committee Meeting

Determine percentage to go to the Association. Last year 25% went to Mud Lake Association. Committee agreed to increase Assn portion to 40%. Approved by board.
Consider upping the # of sheets allowed to be purchased, I am thinking maximum of 5 sheets per person. Approved to a maximum of 4 sheets per person @ $5. each
I have secured a live band at no cost to the Association, though I ask that we allow a donation jar for them. They are from the downriver area, so I hope they will at least cover the gas to drive out here.
Menu for the end party is approved at hot dogs and hamburgers. Also agreed to add baked beans. Mac and cheese and a salad of some kind. Ann to touch base with Belynda to ask for a contribution of a salad.
Looking for volunteers to assist with cooking, set up, clean up, trash removal, monitoring and overseeing raffle table, and any other issues that may arise
Invitations-like last year, we will mail by the end of May,
Signs will be placed to advertise the event by the end of May. Signs and “Take One” boxes with invitations will be placed at both campgrounds at the same time.
The Penland’s have offered their home/yard for the end party! GREAT ADDITION!
This year’s theme is AMERICANA. Patriotic dress.
Invite Norvelle Township Supervisor Bill Sutherland to the event. Dan Soda to reach out to Bill.
ALAN: FYI, my friend Jovita who is making the etched wine glasses for the raffle gift baskets has agreed to make additional on an ORDER basis. I plan to display a set along with an order form. Jo will do them for $20 per set and we will sell them for$25.00 per set…proceeds to the Assn.? I have also tapped her to do beer mugs. She is researching how much the mugs will cost and will give me a price…depending on price we could offer those for sale too I have one confirmed vendor willing to donate in exchange for an ad in our program. Still a work in progress. Updates to follow.

Meet the Senator Open House – Bob Martiny

A couple of weeks ago, I attended the Norvell Township “Meet the Senator” open house. As the Exponent reported, it was packed.

I had a chance to ask Senator Shink about the issue of gravel pits—specifically whether the state intends to take control, as it has with solar and wind projects. Her answer was somewhat vague. She mentioned that she had previously voted in favor of state control but now supports local control, and assured us that no one should be concerned about the state taking over regulation of gravel pits or shifting control to Lansing. She didn’t say so directly, but this may be because the legislature is currently divided and she understands that voters strongly prefer local decision-making.

Another attendee asked about solar and wind developments. The Senator responded that the legislature is working on a form of reimbursement for farmers who lose land to these projects, but they are not working to return control to local governments. Unfortunately, there isn’t much more to report. There wasn’t enough time to ask many questions or follow up, as Bill was trying to cover as many topics as possible during the limited time available.

If you look closely at the photo, you’ll spot a very studious individual standing against the wall—holding some literature—just to the right of the exit door and slightly to the right of the window.

Next Meeting

June 14th at 11 am. We will be meeting at Dan and Sue Soda’s place – 12200 Beech Road. We have moved the Members at Large elections to our July meeting. Please let us know if you would like to run for a Members at Large position.
Currently the following people are Members at Large: John Gajar, Kim Roberts, Andy Buschaum, Jerry Bradish, Teresa Seaman, Ronnie Neumann.
The Board Members are Alan Bilinski – President, Dan Soda – Vice President, Nancy Turnquist – Treasurer and Cathy Bilinski – Secretary

Wamplers Lake Update:

Mud Lakers last summer were concerned about low water levels. While much of our lake is replenished by underground springs, some comes through a channel from Wampler’s Lake. During the spring and summer, a decades-old Michigan permit allows Wamplers to insert a weir into the channel to slow or stop the flow to Mud Lake, which protects Wampler’s water levels but lowers ours. We have begun discussions about this process with the Wampler’s Lake Board and hope to reach an equitable solution.