Minutes of Hackert Lake Association Annual Meeting
July 19, 2025, 10:00 am
(UnApproved)
At 10:04 am President Sanders called the meeting to order, inviting all in attendance to
introduce themselves.
Due to impending inclement weather, the meeting was held at the Mason County
Library in downtown Ludington instead of at the lake front home of Mike & Angie Kuhn.
Present were President Ed Sanders, Vice president Cathy Iteen, Treasurer Jen
McMellen, Secretary Pam Christensen, Director Rick Mallon, Director Brenda Merrifield,
Director Jeff Christensen, Ed McCarthy, Mike & Angie Kuhn, Gail Kowalski, Beth Mallon,
Alan Osborn, Dan & Nancy Bradshaw, David and Dianne Bernd, Matt McMellen,
KeriSanders, and Linda Hamilton.
Minutes of 2024 Annual Meeting: July 21, 2024, copied minutes were distributed to all in
attendance for review. Rick Mallon moved minutes be accepted. Beth Mallon 2nd.
Motion passed.
Treasurer's report: Jen McMellen reported a July 21, 2024, balance of $11,971.95.
Income of $1,495 has been received over the year. Expenses have included newsletter
costs, yard sale advertisement, donation to Friend of the Hackert Lake Campground
fireworks, and a memorial gift for past president John Och’s. Current balance is
$12,490. Gail Kowalski motioned to accept the treasurer's report. Dan Bradshaw 2nd.
Motion passed.
Lake Improvement Board: Cathy Iteen reported $8,200 remaining in the Lake
Improvement Board fund, which was collected by milage, several years ago, to conduct
lake water quality studies. The fund is currently held by the Mason County Board, which
makes it difficult for the Lake Improvement Board to access in a timely manner. There
was a question about procedures to reimburse individuals for the cost of water studies
undertaken in the past year. Cathy volunteered to speak with Andrew Kmetz, Mason
County Treasurer, to find the shortest path. Angie Kuhn motioned to allow direct
reimbursement from Mason County to the individuals owed, if allowed. Rick Mallon 2nd,
motion passed.
Old Business:
1. Lake Water Quality Studies Update: Matt McMellen reported on the new water study
he and Rick Mallon were trained for and began a year ago. They are testing for clarity
every two weeks and phosphorous in September and April. All sample collections are
driven to Cadillac.
Results are coming soon and will be posted on the website. Other tests, such as oxygen
content and “Score the Shore,” which rates the ecological friendliness of the shoreline,
could be conducted. Rick shared related handouts. Laura Hamilton brought and
donated testing equipment left over from years ago. A question regarding the ability of
the Lake Association to conduct E.coli tests (swimmers’ itch) was asked. It is believed
that E.coli testing is handled by the Mason County Health Department. Thank you to
Matt and Rick, for their willingness to continue training and testing on the lake.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Ed Sanders expressed how grateful Linda Ochs was to receive our $50 memorial gift
at the time of John’s Ochs, previous association president’s, passing. She will continue
to live near family in Pennsylvania.
2. Lake Signage: As some of the Hackert Lake road signs, posting high speed boating
regulations, have become damaged or destroyed, Ed suggested we consider
purchasing new replacements at a cost of $65 each, to include metal ground post. Jeff
Christensen offered to install new signs. Dan Bradshaw motioned to purchase six new
signs with posts. Ed McCarthy 2nd, passed. It was noted that every effort should be
made by property owners to inform temporary guests/renters that there are time and
speed restrictions on Hackert Lake. Violations can be reported to the sheriff’s office.
3. Lake Association Yard Sale Event: Positive comments were made regarding a
lake-wide yard sale. The 2026 date will be Saturday, May 23, Memorial Day weekend.
Ed Sanders will place an advertisement in the newspaper. Angie Kuhn will post one on
Facebook.
4. Fireworks Donations: There was verbal consensus that the association once again
donate $500 this year to Friends of Crystal Lake Campground toward their 4th of July
fireworks display, while encouraging residents to make additional private donations.
5. Watercraft (boat) Parade: This year’s boat parade will be on August 9th at
approximately 7:30pm, after which live music will be performed at the lakefront of the
campground, along with an abbreviated fireworks show. Ed Sanders has secured prizes
from local businesses for best decorated vessels. Lou and Yvonne Wilson have
volunteered to be our judges. Thank you, Ed, Lou, and Yvonne! Ed encouraged
thoughts about new association social activities that residents would like to see and
asked that anyone with ideas please contact him.
6. Election of Officers: There are no open seats for election in 2025, but all officers and
director seats will expire at the July 2026 annual meeting. Ed Sanders announced that
his current term as association president would be his last. All thanked Ed for his
decades long years of service to the lake association. If anyone is willing to serve a
two-year term as association president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, or director,
please let Ed know much in advance of the July 2026 annual meeting.
7. Meeting Date: The date of July 18, 2026, was set for the next Hackert Lake
Association annual meeting. Rick & Beth Mallon graciously volunteered to host at their
home on N Cedar Lane, Scottville, weather permitting. Time is to be determined.
Open comments:
1. Who maintains the Hackert Lake public boat launch? The Michigan DNR
2. Why was the lake name changed from Crystal to Hackert? The official name has
always been Hackert Lake
3. Geese continue to be a problem for many lakefront owners.
4. The DEQ is concerned about the shoreline of Hackert Lake and is coming to take a boat tour soon.
5. Beth Mallon volunteered to store and deliver new resident “welcome signs” distributed by the Hackert Lake Association.
With no further business, Dan Bradshaw motioned we close the meeting. Cathy Iteen 2nd.
All signified with verbal agreement and the meeting was closed.
Respectfully submitted by Pam Christensen,
Secretary