Cheboygan Long Lake Area Association – CLLAA
April 3oth, 2026 (7:00 – 8:00 pm)
Board Meeting Minutes

Attendees:

Jeff Sherman
Dave Brodstein
Joe Steinman
Ed Delana
Chuck Maziasz
Jeff Ehlers
Matt Boik via Zoom
Brian Bates via Zoom
Dave Critzer via Zoom

Agenda & Minutes

Financial & Membership Update

Joe Steinman (Treasurer) presented the financial highlights and count of new membership as of 3/31/2026. His report will be posted to the website.

Revenues $2,882.51
Expenses $1,974.55
Total Cash Assets $17,533.46

Joe also gave an update on the membership status. There are currently 96 members which is an increase of 49 renewed previous members and the addition of 10 new members

Joe Summarized the Loon Project Expenses: Expenses of $921.94 of the previously approved budget of $1,500

Venmo Discussion (non-profit status transaction fee of 1.9% )

The use of electronic payments via Venmo was discussed by the board as well as a demonstration of ease of payment between Brian Bates and Dave Brodstein

There was discussion of the transaction fees having a minimal impact of the $30 dues payments. In addition, Joe Steinman indicated that it could be difficult to obtain members’ addresses, emails, phone numbers, lake addresses and home addresses that are used for CLLAA records. Also, concern about security was discussed and if there was any impact to our insurance provider BKC.

Dave Brodstein indicated that our credit union (Straights Area Federal Credit Union) did accept Venmo accounts.

It was pointed out that the burden of implementing and use of “E” payments will be with Joe (Treasurer). Joe will check with the credit union and BKC to determine CLLAA’s use of Venmo before any formal decisions are made.

Loon Platform Status
Jeff Sherman indicated that the two loon platforms were launched shortly after ice out. Both platforms have been revised (lighter decks, removal of roof, eagle guards) per discussion with John Yardo from the Wisconsin Loon Ranger program. The original platform remains in the Nokomis lagoon, and the second platform is along the shore of the far NW shore.

Special Assessment Status

  • Final year of current 5-year period (2022 – 2026)
  • Surplus balance of approximately 1 year of treatment expenses
  • Aloha Twp reviewing legal requirements for surplus balance options

Chuck Maziasz indicated that Aloha Township is having ongoing discussions with legal counsel to discuss the resolution of the complicated interpretations of resolving the surplus balance. He indicated there would be further discussions at the next Aloha Township meeting on the second Monday in May.

Leadership Transition Plan – Status of CLLAA Officers

Jeff Sherman indicated he will be stepping down as President of CLLAA. The effective date will be at the time a replacement is found, and an effective transition can occur without compromising the organization.

Dave Brodstein, who has been vice president with Jeff for the past 5 years, indicated that he will not be running for another term. He indicated that he would remain active with Jeff Ehlers on the invasive milfoil coordination.
Joe Steinman indicated that he would continue as Treasurer and will run for election at the June 2026 CLLAA Annual Meeting
Jeff Sherman indicated that he would contact Fred Schram and discuss his role as Secretary and determine if a backup for CLLAA’s website activities can occur.

Ideally Jeff and Dave’s replacements would come from existing board members. Regardless, Jeff and Dave will work with the replacements and board to ensure a successful transition. Should replacements not be found, the duties of the President and V.P. will be shared by other board members or deferred until candidates are found.

The next CLLAA membership update (May) will include a request for members to participate as board members and to contact any of the current CLLAA members for information. Matt Boik suggested that the message also includes any special interests (web, Facebook, email, other technology strengths) that would be beneficial to the organization.

The CLLAA membership update will include information on the June Annual Meeting, loon activities, CLLAA Board opportunities, and tentative scheduling of the invasive milfoil survey and treatment schedules.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45pm.