Volume 2, Issue 4 (Special Double Issue)

Lake Improvement Board Chair Axed
Public reacts to Pleasanton Township decision

A public demand for answers, allegations of financial misconduct and flashes of anger dominated the better part of an hour at the May 11 meeting of the Pleasanton Township Board. In their first test since the new year, Supervisor Tony Merrill and the Pleasanton Township Board faced sharp criticism for their removal and replacement of Jack Sawka from the Lake Improvement Board (LIB), an organization formed in order to check the spread of Eurasian milfoil in Bear Lake.

In April, Merrill and the board voted 4 to 1 to remove Sawka and appoint Brian Harris in his place. Treasurer Judy Girven voted against the motion. In addition to being Pleasanton Township’s representative of the LIB, Sawka had served as chair since the LIB’s formation in August 2007. Sawka was not at the April meeting and was notified of his removal by email. The email was sent to Sawka and four other people at the same time.

Visitors to Pleasanton’s May 11 meeting voiced their opinions for about 45 minutes, sometimes asking questions, at other times simply registering their disapproval. "It was an unprofessional move, a waste of talent and not good for the board," said Bill Axce. Merrill apologized for the method of the board action. "In hindsight, that was very poor judgment on my part," he said. "I should have had Jack come in face-to-face. I made a mistake doing it that way and I won’t be doing that again."

Public criticism continued, however. "I have not seen any reasons given for [the decision]," said Paul Hammer. "Without any indication of why, I think it’s malevolent innuendo. All we have are our own assumptions." Merrill responded by saying, "I’m not getting into details on how I voted, but I personally witnessed a lack of respect to the township, to board members and to township constituents." Merrill did not elaborate on what he witnessed.

Merrill offered other statements concerning Sawka’s removal. Two of them were first mentioned during the April meeting: a desire for more frequent reports from the LIB and a charge that LIB funds were not being handled properly. "People don’t realize how much money is involved down there," said Merrill. "They’re down there cutting checks. It was illegal." Merrill did not elaborate on the allegation. Merrill also voiced concern that Sawka might try to revive the failed sewer project. "Is [the sewer project] done? As soon as I’m in office, Jack sends me an email saying ‘keep an open mind,’ because he’s going to send me material on it. So I have to wonder if he’s working on the milfoil or what." Sawka was part of the citizens group that proposed the most recent sewer project. Merrill did not specify how differences over the sewer issue affected Sawka’s position on the LIB.

When asked if he’d confronted Sawka about his concerns, Merrill replied, "No. I had my mind made up. I think Jack has proven where he stands a long time ago." Merrill did not cite specifics while airing his concerns and would not comment after the meeting. Sawka was not at the May meeting but has said he will comment at a future time.

Other board members responded to the public’s questions but seemed to grow more vague as the comment period continued. "I voted to remove Jack," said Trustee Bob Babcock. "I’m tired of Jack saying we [the LIB] can do as we damn well please. I have letters about this. If he’s the leader of the crew then we can start there and keep going down the line if we need to. I’m tired of the things he has to say." It was unclear what LIB actions Babcock was concerned about or what further action Babcock intended. A moment later, Babcock said, "I’m not going into detail about the LIB."

Later, Clerk Connie Ledford expressed displeasure with Sawka. "Jack sat at that table. I asked him questions at the board meeting. I got a call a few days later and he chewed me out for 45 minutes." It was unclear which meeting Ledford referred to and she did not explain how the encounter was related to Sawka’s LIB duties.

Mike Ennis criticized the method of Sawka’s removal. "You guys have every right to make changes but what concerns me is how it was done. We do have a problem [in the township] getting volunteers. Have the decency to do things correctly. Keep everything above board."

Brian Harris, the replacement for Sawka, has lived in Bear Lake for 14 years and works as a telecommunications engineer. He says he was offered the LIB appointment after expressed general interest in volunteering earlier this year. A motion was passed requesting him to give monthly reports on, or the minutes from LIB meetings.

The vote to remove Sawka happened during Pleasanton’s regular meeting on Thursday, April 16, which was rescheduled from Monday, April 13. Notice of the change, dated Sunday, was posted. Clerk Ledford said the meeting was rescheduled because of serious computer problems.

At the April meeting, Merrill introduced a motion for the removal and replacement of Sawka while the board considered board appointments during new business. After unanimously appointing Bob Stafford to the Zoning Board of Appeals, with Bob Gauthier chosen as the alternate, Supervisor Merrill asked the board what procedure to use to remove Sawka and replace him with Brian Harris.

After being advised that the process would be the same for other appointments, Merrill said that Sawka’s removal and replacement "would be better for our township. [Sawka] is associated with the sewer project. I don’t see why we couldn’t approve someone else and start the healing process." Treasurer Judy Girven expressed reservations, saying "I’d hate to see you do that. It would be a slap in the face, and maybe it does look political."

Merrill offered several statements concerning Sawka’s removal during the April meeting. "He doesn’t represent what I believe in," said Merrill at one point. "There’s a lot of turmoil that travels with him," he said later. At one point, Trustee Dave Ertel alleged that LIB milfoil data were being used for other purposes. "I don’t like that we’re paying good money for people to pull water samples, to prove that we need a sewer," said Ertel, who did not elaborate. Merrill also suggested that the LIB members directed its funds inappropriately. "Why does that group have control of more money than Bear Lake [Township] and Pleasanton combined? It was illegal. They were cutting their own checks." When contacted in April for clarification on his remarks, Merrill declined to comment.

DUMP TALK DURING APRIL BUSINESS

In other business at its April 16 meeting, the Pleasanton Township Board paid bills for the month. Dissolution of the sewer board continued, with a unanimous vote to remove Tony Merrill and Dave Ertel as Pleasanton’s representatives to the sewer board, effectively ending Pleasanton’s participation in the project.

Discussion then began about Pleasanton’s garbage collection point and ways to automate it. Supervisor Merrill proposed moving the location from the transfer station behind the township hall to a location within the 80 acres owned by the township. The proposed site is near the Arcadia School Forest. A driveway would be created and covered with gravel. "I’m getting a bid on work to allow two cars to pass," said Merrill, who estimated the project to cost $5,000. Merrill offered to donate a 14 by 10 foot insulated steel building, to serve as a check-in point. He also proposed setting up a computerized card-swipe system, which would replace the current paper pass and keep track of residents’ use of the garbage site. Merrill also proposed setting up a camera there, to serve as a deterrent against abuse.

The township board also discussed the creation of a donation board, which would honor individuals’ donations of goods and services to the township. Letters of appreciation were also suggested.

Funding for the Bear Lake Fire Department was discussed. Merrill reported that the yearly fee for services was increasing from $14,000 to $17,500. The board voted to accept the fee, with the stipulation that the fire department would submit an estimate for next year’s fee.

In other business, it was reported that the township’s Memorial Day ceremony would take place, and that Fred Alkire would be asked to continue his participation.

Bob Babcock reported that the Parks Commission was checking prices for potential projects. Dave Ertel reported that the Planning Commission elected its officers, with Bob Stafford serving as chair, Brian Kidd as vice-chair and Dave Ertel as secretary.

OTHER MAY BUSINESS

In other business at its May 11 meeting, the board paid its bills for the month. Bob Babcock reported that the Parks Commission is considering different grants to apply for. He also reported that a special meeting was held in order to discuss public access to the lake, work on the baseball diamond and work on the tennis court. Dave Ertel reported that the Planning Commission has worked out a new fee schedule for building and land-use permits. The new fees were adopted unanimously. There was discussion of setting width restrictions on new construction or mobile homes, and setting a minimum square footage for dwellings. Ertel reported that the next Planning Commission meeting would include a review of current ordinances, including Articles 82, 84 and 86, time permitting.

There was also discussion about the Joint Planning Commission. Merrill reported that Bear Lake Township hasn’t withdrawn from the JPC, and said that zoning within Bear Lake Village could be a possibility in the future. If money was an issue, he said that he would personally help with fundraising.

Discussion continued on a reorganization of Pleasanton Township’s garbage collection method. Merrill reported that Maple Grove Township has had success with its method for 15 years. Babcock asked for a written proposal on the project. Merrill said that he’d call a special meeting on the topic in a couple of weeks.

It was reported that the May 25 Memorial Day service, at 11am, would be handled again by Fred Alkire, but that Alkire would train Merrill on the service’s details, including placement of 144 flags for veterans.

Merrill reported that he plans to approach neighboring townships with the idea of combining funds and working together on road projects. He said that the Manistee Road Commission is considering dividing funds between townships.

It was reported that Pleasanton Township Hall is now a WiFi hot spot, meaning that those with wireless laptops can access the internet for free from inside the hall or in the parking lot. It was reported that a website for the township would also be updated in a couple of weeks. In public comments, Dave Adams asked residents to use the Bear Lake Library on Saturdays. He said that he’d like to see the library expand its Saturday hours from 8 weeks to 12 weeks and said that a decision on expansion would be based on current use of existing services.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Pleasanton Twp. Board
2nd Monday at 7pm
(June 8)

Bear Lake Twp. Board
3rd Tuesday at 7:30pm
(June 16)

Village of Bear Lake Council
3rd Wednesday at 7:30pm
(June 17)

Dump Dates
(May 30, June 13 & 27)

NORTH SHORE
by Jeanne Crampton

It's time to leave! It was 95 degrees in the trailer yesterday (only 90 today). My daughter Gayle has had some serious dental surgery here, and recovery is taking a few days. However, the financial savings make it mostly worthwhile--we paid about one-quarter of what they would be in the States, and the work is very good. (On the other hand, Gayle said the 24 hours afterward were pretty grim, since narcotic pain killers, though legal here, aren't readily available.) But she's recovering, and we are just about to tidy up here and head for Bear Lake.

The cats are in agreement. They are taking turns sleeping in the bathtub, poor dears. Gayle and I can at least retreat to the pool and cool off. There are many more lizards than I recall--but maybe that is just because we are here later in the spring. I saw a lizard about 7 inches long under my water tank the other day. The flies and other creatures are out, moths, etc. and some very large black beetles, who march in battalions. At dusk a small owl arrives to sit in the Ocotillo cactus and hoot gently to himself. The hummingbirds are out and about until full dark. The coyotes sing in the evening, when they aren't pursuing Gracie and Dexter, two black and white look-alike dogs. We cannot understand why their owner isn't concerned, but who really understands either the human or canine mind?

I assume the snakes are also out, although I haven't seen any. Residents are urged not to kill them (a crew will come and remove the dangerous ones) but I'm afraid the instinct is to kill them, and I must admit I would be uneasy about a sidewinder under the trailer.

I did discover this week that Burro-weed and Chicuro (both common here), are related to the Ambrosieae family, which is the same as ragweed, which I am very allergic to. That explains the sneezing and dripping nose!

LIONS CLUB TO HOST PASTA NIGHT

The Bear Lake Lions Club will offer a fundraising Pasta Night on Saturday, May 23, from 5-8pm at the Lions clubhouse building. These Lions are denned up on Highway 31 in downtown Bear Lake. Residents and visitors to Bear Lake are encouraged to stop by and enjoy a variety of pasta dishes. Dine-in or take-out options are available. Donations will be accepted for the meals. "This will help the Lions Club pay for the completed work on our clubhouse roof," said Lion Bob Peterson.

Peterson also reported that that the Bear Lake Days annual fireworks display will take place. Manistee officials recently announced that cutbacks will prevent its fireworks display this year.

RECEPTION FOR TIM & CLAUDIA RICHARD

Photo by Tonia Zanger

The Bear Lake Lions clubhouse served as reception hall, as friends and relatives congratulated Tim & Claudia Richard on their marriage. The reception, on May 16, followed the Richards’ May 3 wedding in Columbus, Ohio. The couple first met 50 years ago at the University of Michigan’s Young Republican Club.

Tim recounted two college-day memories of Claudia. "She always had a big, glowing smile when she met me at the door for a date," he said. "She was also insistent that I meet her family and friends, ever her dentist and chiropractor." Claudia, who hails from Jefferson, Ohio, taught for several years, worked for the Ohio Department of Transportation and worked in real estate before retiring. She said that she’s looking forward to helping within the community. The couple will reside in Bear Lake.

PROPERTY TAX OPTIONS

Recent actions of the Pleasanton Township Board may result in reduced or delayed property taxes for some Pleasanton Township residents. In March, the board passed new property tax guidelines designed to make property taxes more affordable for low-income residents. Ten different factors, including income level, property ownership and other assets, will be used by the Board of Review to determine how much taxes might be reduced. "Just submit a written request and fill out the form," says township Assessor Carol Merrill. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis and the amount of the reduction can vary, says Merrill. Summer tax applications must be received by the July Board of Review. For more information, including how to obtain the application form, contact her at 864-2587 in the evenings.

An option for delaying taxes remains available, as well. Treasurer Judy Girven can assist qualifying farmers, seniors, veterans and disabled people who wish to delay payments. Summer taxes can be postponed until September 15 and winter taxes until April 30. Applications are available from Girven by calling her at 864-3470.

HEARTY MEALS AT ROCKS RETREAT

Restaurant Review

Since wagons rolled westward, roadside eating has been a hallmark of country living. Small diners have especially thrived in our region, and the Rocks Retreat in Bear Lake is one of the newest. "We’ve survived our second winter," said chef Val Stone in a recent interview. Val and her husband, Rocky, co-own and manage the restaurant and make their home in Honor. Year-round service has been a goal since opening in December 2007, but difficult for anyone dependent on the tourist trade. Their location may help. It’s right off Highway 31 and Norconk Road, on the north side of the lake, within a shingle-shack decorated with wagon relics.

The building, originally built by carver Dave Kober as a gallery, recently housed stacks of equine and pet food while serving a different business. Now, stepping into the restaurant, one notices creature comforts of a human sort. A casual atmosphere is provided by cooking paraphernalia arranged atop high shelves. Coloring books, crayons and even board games are just a reach away for the kids. Seating is limited, but open and conducive to finishing the conversation you began with a neighbor the day before. The restaurant is a dream come true for Val, who says she’s always loved to bake and cook.

The Gander visited on several recent weeknights, and encountered a bustling scene, with a five-person family filling one table, a smaller family at a booth and old buddies debating which kind of pie to take away. We tried the All You Can Eat buffet, priced at $11.99 (one-trip option costs $9.99). The buffet changes from night to night. Tuesday is Italian night, Wednesday is Chef’s Choice, and Thursday features ribs. Our visit fell on a Friday, when the buffet features fish, plus other hot items. On our visit, hot buffet choices featured fried fish, meatloaf, tamale pie, baked beans and lasagna. Three soups were offered: chicken noodle, barley and cream of mushroom. Bread and a respectable salad bar were part of the buffet. Among the hot items, the lasagna stood out, with spinach as a key ingredient. Dessert items included bread pudding, a homey, welcoming sight after too many meals in chain restaurants.

On another occasion we tried the 16-ounce ribeye steak, $11.99 with a side of four coconut battered shrimp for $3 more. This meal came with one trip to the soup and salad bar. On this night, we tried the hearty bean and ham soup, and we wanted to order more. Rational thought prevailed, however, in anticipation of the ribeye. When it arrived, it covered most of the plate, with barely enough room for the large baked potato and summer squash. The ribeye was a perfect medium, as ordered—seared on the outside, juicy and flavorful inside. It’s easy to imagine a grizzled camp cook just out the back door, tending the steaks over a roaring wood fire. In reality, the steaks are a point of pride for Rocky Stone, the other half of the team, who personally checks customers’ satisfaction with the steaks. Another product of his will be available shortly. "He likes to do smoked jerky," says Val. "He’s made it for the family for years." Smoked beef, salmon and whitefish will be offered, once the health code paperwork is completed.

There were hints that the coconut shrimp were dipped in freshly-made batter. Coconut pie was available the same evening, as was lemon meringue. "We just got done with it and it’s in the cooler," said Val to one couple who ordered the latter. "We’ll wrap it up just as you’re about to walk out the door," she promised. From time to time, Val appeared, in order to refill the buffet stations, quick to greet customers before dashing back into the kitchen. With her cheery, personable demeanor, one wishes that she could be out on the floor, too—which would demand a physical impossibility. Yet she promises the next best thing. "We’d like to add another person or two, to help with drinks or just be out in front," she adds. For now, the Rocks Retreat puts its attention on the food, and customers are largely content. "I have yet to go home hungry" said one patron while paying his bill. Be sure to check their breakfasts, too—the cheese and mushroom omelet is a Gander favorite.

Details: Open Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 11am-8pm, Friday & Saturday 8am-8pm, Sunday 8am-3pm. Breakfast, lunch and dinner served. Catering services available. Phone: (231) 864-5500.

DIGITAL TV SWITCH

In recent months, the Gander has seen a general improvement in HDTV reception, using a converter box. Channel 9 & 10 shows up as a single channel, "9-1" and Fox 33 shows up as "9-2."

A scan of HDTV channels in the last week has also turned up three PBS channels. WCMU, Channel 21, turned off its analog signal on March 31. Its three digital channels include 21-1, which didn’t seem to be broadcasting when checked, 21-2, which appears to carry the same program lineup as the analog signal, and 21-3, which carries "Create," a crafts, do-it-yourself and cooking channel.

All three channels, however, only came in when the test was conducted at the eastern end of the property, and the signal often broke into a mess of choppy pixels. So far, Channel 7 & 4 won’t come in at all. Are you ready for the June 12 switchover? Let us know if you have tips for better reception.