ANNUAL MEMBERS MEETING THURSDAY MAY 15TH

The annual members meeting will be held this Thursday at Grace Church from 6:30-8:00 PM. Dues must be paid before you can join the meeting or vote. Only deeded MEMBERS can attend - not guests.

There are a few ways to pay your dues.

1. Bring a check or cash to the annual meeting - and pay on the spot

2. Mail your check or cash to HLCA, P.O. Box 7192, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

3. Paypal: cahleboard@gmail.com

4. Venmo: @CAHLE

Beach keys will be distributed at the annual meeting. If you can not attend - we will distribute the keys again at our first board meeting, within 2 weeks of the annual meeting, or at any other regular board meeting. Special arrangements can be made by request.

NOTE: All deeded members should have received a newsletter and dues notice by post. If you did not - please send your name and mailing address to cahleboard@gmail.com so we can verify your details against the member database. The Spring Newsletter is posted below.

Thank you, and we hope to see everybody on Thursday!

SPRING 2025 NEWSLETTER

Our neighborhood continues to be a true Oakland County gem - with friendly neighbors, an active community, and access to a beautiful (and healthy) lake. The CAHLE board would like to extend a big thanks to everybody who makes a contribution. Whether you volunteer at the beach, post content to our facebook group, or simply act as a good neighbor - everybody makes a difference. We are all looking forward to another year of life on Hammond Lake.

HAMMOND LAKE ITSELF IS THRIVING

We continue to pass water quality tests with flying colors. Hammond Lake is at the top of the Rouge River Watershed and replenished by a natural spring. We have been a no-motor lake for 60+ years. As a result - our lake has managed to avoid issues that plague other Oakland County lakes (e.coli contamination, sewage discharge, algae blooms, high nitrate levels). The biggest threat to our lake is septic tank failure and excessive use of non-approved fertilizers.

THE DEED RESTRICTIONS HAVE BEEN RENEWED, WITH NO CHANGES

In March 2024 - all Michigan HOA’s were required to renew their deed restrictions at the state level (Senate Bill 721 (SB 721). CAHLE complied with this deadline and hired real estate attorney Steven Matta to handle the filing. If you happened to notice a “claim” on your lot/parcel this is the reason why, and should not be cause for concern. Your lot remains subject to the exact same deed restrictions that were established for the subdivision in 1955. This includes the No-Motor restriction. The CAHLE board subcommittee did NOT recommend modifying the deed to allow motors - in line with overwhelming neighborhood sentiment. 

SUBDIVISION ROADS & TRAFFIC

No left turn signs have been erected on both ends of South Hammond Lake road. Cut thru traffic creates safety issues for the neighborhood and accelerates damage to the roads. Speaking of roads - the board will continue to put pressure on the road commision & townships to fix potholes and repave sections that need it, but working with the government takes patience and time.

BEACH PROPERTY / INCREASING COSTS

Two major beach repairs were made in 2024. A new trench/drainage system was professionally installed on the NW end. This was needed to prevent excessive standing water that was being caused by a natural spring. We also needed to replace our dock. In 2025 - the blacktop will need resurfacing and we expect the cost of lawn care to increase with inflation. Overall - the beach property is getting more costly to maintain, so we are asking for your help!

THERE IS A VOLUNTARY $25 ASSESSMENT FOR 2025

As a non-profit - the CAHLE board runs a break even budget and puts any surplus into the Lake Reserve Fund. In 2025 - we need additional revenue to cover the blacktop expense in particular. We will not be raising dues, but we ask that you pay an additional $25 if you can. 

COMMUNITY BEACH SPRING CLEANUP

Our Spring Cleanup was rained out - we are looking to reschedule this for late May

SOCIAL EVENTS

The CAHLE board sponsors three social events per year - Fireworks (July 5th), Corn Roast (September 13th) and Trunk or Treat (October 25th) These get bigger and better every year, with 80-100 attendees for each event las year. Join us!

2025 CALENDAR

Spring Cleanup: NEW DATE: Sunday, May 18th 1:00-4PM at the beach

Annual Members Meeting: Thursday May 15th - 6:30 PM-8:00 PM

Fireworks: Saturday July 5th - 9:30 PM

Corn Roast: Saturday September 13th - 4:00-7:00 PM

Trunk or Treat: Saturday October 25th - 6:00-8:00 PM

Here is how to pay your 2025 dues:

Paypal: cahleboard@gmail.com;

Venmo: @CAHLE;

Check or Cash: HLCA, P.O. Box 7192, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

GOOSE POOP CONTROL

Every year Hammond Lake is home to a flock of about 60-80 Canadian Geese. Our goose population seems high this year - especially down at the beach. Below are actions the board is taking to reduce droppings.

1. We are hiring a professional goose poop cleanup service. They will clean the beach on Tuesdays and Fridays.

2. We installed a tool shed at the beach which will contain large pooper scoopers. Our hope is that everybody who frequents the beach can pitch in.

3. We are considering several options for permiter fencing.

4. We will trim back mulberry trees that attract them.

Recently - we lost our teenage goose poop monitor. He’s moving on to greener pastures. If you know somebody who wants to earn about $50 per week for a few hours of work - please let us know.

NEXT BOARD MEETING

Our next board meeting is Tuesday June 25th from 6:00-7:00 PM at the beach.

Below is the schedule for the remaining of the year:

Tuesday June 25th: General Board Meeting - Beach

July: no meeting / fireworks

Tuesday August 13th: General Board Meeting - Beach

September: no meeting / corn roast

Tuesday October 15th: General Board Meeting - Gino's

Tuesday November 12th: Year End Board Meeting - Gino's

Dec-Feb:  Recess - ad hoc meetings as needed over Zoom

2024 DUES, KEY PICKUP & PARKING

If you still need to pay your dues - here is how to pay: Paypal: cahleboard@gmail.com; Venmo: @CAHLE; Check or Cash: HLCA, P.O. Box 7192, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

If you need a gate key - there will two key pickups at the beach this week.

1. Monday, May 20th from 7:00 - 8:00.

2. Tuesday, May 21st from 7:00 - 8:00.

Alternatively - you can contact beach manager Scott DiPietro (248) 727-0115 and he will drop one off for a limited time. Moving forward, keys will only be distributed at board meetings or official CAHLE events.

Please remember - no parking on the street or by the gate. this signals to non members that this is tolerated.

2024 ANNUAL MEETING RECAP

1. We discussed the implications of the Michigan Marketable Record Title Act - a bill that would have VOIDED deed restrictions more than 40 years old. The Hammond Lake deed restrictions were executed in 1955 and were slated to expire in 2024. The CAHLE board is duty bound to uphold the deed restrictions (CAHLE bylaws article II) and acted accordingly. The board hired title attorney Steven Matta who was recommended by the United Homeowners Association. Good news - our deed restrictions have been renewed and filed with Oakland County.

2. We discussed the process for altering the deed restrictions. Deed restrictions automatically renew every 10 years unless they are altered. The next window for alteration is Jan 2025 to Dec 2025, but doing so would be a very significant undertaking.

   • A formally drafted proposal with specific language regarding a proposed amendment or change to deed restriction(s) would need to be presented for any vote

   • A majority (51%) of properties [not association members] in all Hammond Lake Estates subdivisions must approve of any proposal. Owner(s) of each lot is entitled to "one vote"  

   • Each vote/signature would likely need to be legally vetted and verified 

   • A title attorney specialist would need to draft any document(s) incorporating amendment or change to file with Oakland County.

   • Depending on the significance of any amendment or change, opposition or challenges to any changes could lead to legal/court proceedings incurring significant legal fees for a long period of time.

   • The board intends to call a special meeting to discuss ANY proposed alteration to the deed restrictions

   • This is to ensure all factors are considered and prevent households from signing incomplete or misleading alterations

   • Board members may serve on a committee in charge of altering the deed restrictions (as individuals), but the board itself is not responsible for funding or leading the charge.

3. We discussed the possibility of allowing electric motors on Hammond Lake. In 2023 - a sub-committee was formed to assess the idea of allowing electric motors on Hammond Lake. Below is a summary of the report

   • The issue of motorboats on Hammond Lake has already been dealt with in a binding published decision by the Michigan Court of Appeals. 271 Mich App 130 (2006).  New challenges would very likely face legal opposition.

   • According to our title attorney - the legal fees would be extremely expensive

   • Electric motors pose a potential environmental impact to Hammond Lake

   • There is a Slippery slope of advancing electric motor technology & propulsion

   • CAHLE has no ability to enforce motor types or “no wake” rules

   • The police currently will enforce & ticket motors; but there are no laws to prevent abuse of electric motors

   • Getting to the 51% threshold would likely be very challenging & polarizing. The 2006 attempt divided the neighborhood

4. Board Elections - the following board members were re-elected to a new 3-year term

   • Jeremy Olson, Bert Paul, Karen MacDonald-Sampson, Scott Dipietro

5. The membership voted to build an additional kayak rack at the beach. In addition - the membership voted to raise the rental fee from $75 to $100 per season. Please contact Dawn Johnson to reserve your spot: Djoh71770@hotmail.com

6. The membership voted to renew guest beach access. This applies to residents living on East Hammond and Ward in the Kemp Orchads Estates section who are not deeded Hammond Lake Association eligibility. We charge each household $150 for beach access for the season.

2024 ANNUAL MEETING

All residents of Hammond Lake Estates were mailed a packet containing a newsletter and membership application. The annual members’ meeting will be held Thursday, May 9th at 6:30 PM @ Grace Church.

If you prefer to register as a member for the year online, follow these links:

• You can submit your household information HERE.

• You can pay your annual dues HERE.

2023 Fireworks are rescheduled for MONDAY July 3rd due to rain.

TOPSEEDING @ the beach is in full swing. Weather was not on our side this year. We had a frost warning one week and a 95 degree heat wave the next. Now that temps are 75/55 it’s the perfect time to do this. Thank you very much to Don and Chris Smith for letting the association use your irrigation pump.

SPRING 2023 UPDATE

ANNUAL MEMBERS MEETING, THURSDAY MAY 11TH, GRACE CHURCH

6:30-8:00 PM

Our subdivision has a fantastic group of volunteers that extends beyond the CAHLE board, but only 55% of neighbors pay their dues - our goal is to increase that number to 75%. Additional funding would go a long way towards maintaining our public beach, improving our subdivision entrances, and hosting community events.

Dues are very low compared to other HOAs and we intend to keep it that way. Members ($130) Seniors ($120) Guests ($150). We ask that you include a voluntary $25 on top of your dues to help pay for expenses resulting from extensive tree damage at the beach.

Click here to fill out you 2023 Membership Form.

Click here to Pay Dues.

Extensive Storm Damage & DTE Trimming

Like many homes in Hammond Lake Estates, the beach property lost a lot of trees and branches this year after the February ice event. Following the storm - DTE was very assertive (aggressive) in removing limbs near power lines.

Quotes to repair the damage at the beach ranged from $1400-$1800. Instead of wasting association funds on this - we purchased some new tools and organized a group of neighbors to do the necessary tree trimming and cleanup.

The board (including: Scott Bain, Bert Paul, Jeremy Olson, Mike Hejka, Scott DiPietro, Joe Bastianelli) was joined on Sunday, April 23rd to do our annual Spring cleanup. Special thanks goes out to Mike Ellis, Don Smith, Anthony King, Miriam Babbit, Kyra Olson, Tom & Lynette Thompson, Tom Gwilt.

We have a LOT of firewood down at the beach. More than we need. Please help yourself to a few bundles.

Lake Levels are stabilizing

Last summer, the lake level dropped 8 inches below the weir due to prolonged drought conditions. This spring - the lake level was 6 inches above the weir following heavy rain. As of Apr 20th, we are at +1.5 inches which is normal for this time of year. Thank you to Paul Mellerovicz who does a lot of work to keep the Weir flowing and free of debris. During the rainy season this is a daily job.

Neighborhood Social Events

We host 3 big community events annually down at the beach.. Fireworks happen on July 1st this year. The Corn Roast is on September 16th. The Halloween Boo Bash (Trunk or Treat) is happening on October 21st.

Each year we have 2-3 incidents involving motorized watercraft. So it bears repeating that motors are prohibited. This includes both Gas & Electric. For those of you new to the neighborhood - this issue went all the way to the Michigan State Supreme Court in 2006. The court upheld and affirmed our deed restrictions banning the use of motors. Bloomfield township and West Bloomfield township classify Hammond as a non-sports lake. The police can issue tickets and the board will firmly uphold the rules.

4TH ANNUAL TRUNK OR TREAT

Saturday, October 22nd 6:00-8:00 PM

Forecast is 65 and sunny! If you plan to “haunt” your trunk - please arrive by 5:30 to setup and park. The board will provide hot dogs, hot cocoa, ‘s’mores, and some special halloween concoctions. Stick around after the event for a bonfire.

it’s time to get fired up for fireworks

2022-2023 Beach Key Pickup

Residents of that have paid their membership dues are eligible to pick their Beach Key on Saturday, May 21 or Sunday, May 22 from 11am-1pm.

• The Registration Form can be completed HERE.

• Payment of your annual dues can be completed HERE. We can also accept cash or check on site.
  *Please consider adding $25 to help cover the cost of tending to the extensive tree damage at the beach.

2022-2023 Association Membership Now Open

All residents of Hammond Lake Estates were mailed a packet containing a newsletter and membership application. The annual members’ meeting will be held Thursday, May 12th at 6:30 PM @ Grace Church. If you prefer to register online:

• You can submit your information HERE.

• You can pay your annual dues HERE. Please consider adding $25 to help cover the cost of tending to the extensive tree damage at the beach.

UPDATE: Trees & Power Lines @ Beach

UPDATE 9/24: 3:00 PM - Power lines are now off the ground. Board will coordinate cleanup.

Recent storms knocked over the Oak tree at the NW corner, downing power lines in the process. Please consider the beach CLOSED and avoid this area until DTE has it cleared.

2021 Corn Roast

It is time for the CAHLE Corn Roast on September 18th starting at 3:00 pm!! This year will be a little different – all food will be provided and served by your Board. All you need to do is bring your appetite and chairs/blanket to sit on. We are encouraging social distancing by family. Food will be hamburgers, hot dogs, corn (of course!!), salads, desserts, chips, and drinks.

PSA: Police on Hammond Lake

Recent 911 activity on the lake turned out to be a false alarm. A concerned neighbor thought they saw a woman go under as bad weather was approaching. Fortunately, she was a very strong swimmer and got out of the lake before the storm. The emergency response from both townships was swift & overwhelming. Several police boats were in the water as well as over 30 personnel. Impressive, but also very alarming for the neighborhood. Below are two public service announcements following this event:

1. According to the Fire Chief - many people drown on inland lakes in Oakland County every year. He said that it’s very important to tell a friend or family member if you are going for a long swim in the lake. Timely calls to report missing people give the emergency responders a better chance to rescue somebody and also prevent false alarms.

2. According to the Emergency team - the boats that were in Hammond Lake pose a “very minimal” risk of zebra mussels. They said city boats are kept on trailers in a parking lot, not in the water. Boats are regularly cleaned as well.

FIREWORKS

The 3rd Annual Fireworks will be held at the beach on Thursday, July 1st. The party starts at 9 PM - fireworks will go off between 9:30-9:45 or whenever it gets dark enough. We’ll provide refreshments but everybody attending is encouraged to BYOB as well.

Donations needed to pull this off - THANK YOU to everybody that has contributed so far.

• Check or Cash: 2140 South Hammond Lake Road. Make check payable to Jeremy Olson

• PayPal: jtolson210@gmail.com

• Venmo: @jtolson210

ANNUAL MEMBERS MEETING PRESENTATION