March 28, 2009

PUBLIC HEARING FOR FORMATION OF THE BIG BASS LAKE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1

Purpose:
Control and partial eradication of aquatic plants and weeds within Big Bass Lake by means of chemical and/or biological means and/or weed harvesting.

Meeting called to order with pledge of allegiance, all Elk Twp Board members present
Supervisor, Linda VanDolsen defined the problem and acknowledged the Big Bass Lake Assn as the entity asking the Board to define a SAD (Special Assessment District)
Mark Harrison of Aquatic Doctors, Lake Management spoke about the Eurasian Milfoil which will be the primary target of the treatment. He explained the three chemicals which will probably be used: Navigate (aka 24D), Renovate, and Renovate OTF (which is a granular form of Renovate)
He stated that Navigate will affect drinking wells less than 30 ft deep and within 75 ft of water, therefore, the Aquatic Doctors will also use Renovate and Renovate OTF in areas where wells are too shallow or within 75 ft of water
He also mentioned that the “chemicals are designed to remain in a particular area”
Upon treatment of Big Bass Lake, there will be signs posted to notify swimming restrictions and the Elk Twp Board will be notified of projected treatment dates
There will be optimally 2 treatments per year, although the second treatment will be significantly less than the first
Aquatic Doctors are hoping for treatment dates in June and late July
All permits will be applied for by Aquatic Doctors and treatment will be overseen by the DEQ

Public Comments:
Various persons spoke for and against a tax on property owners around Big Bass Lake. Elk Twp Board realizes that a SAD can only be created for one township, so the south end of Big Bass Lake, which is Sauble Township’s responsibility will be treated by Aquatic Doctors, but cannot be collected by this SAD. It was pointed out that the special assessment must be “reasonably proportionate” to the special benefit derived from the improvement.
VanDolsen stated, “We are not considering weevils” which is a biological alternative to chemicals.
At this time there was a show of hands for/against implementing this SAD and chemically treating Big Bass Lake, it was 13 in favor and 2 opposed (1 person not on the Lake).

Resolution #2 was offered by Francis Arquette and seconded by John Fairbanks to create a Special Assessment District (SAD) for 6 years to be paid for by each property owner in the SAD at a rate of $140/year. The Elk Twp Board will review the per year assessed amount annually and readjust the assessment amount as necessary according to the terms of the act. (Which means the assessed amount could be increased up to 10% each year). The resolution was adopted unanimously by the Elk Twp Board.

Resolution #3 was offered by VanDolsen, seconded by Arquette, and passed unanimously by the Board to hold hearing #2 on April 25th at 10am.