July 2024 Newsletter

July 2024 Newsletter

Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of Lakeside Club Condominium Association Co-owners will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 9:00 AM in-person at the Lakeside Clubhouse on the Association property, 3399 Lakeside Dr. S, Petoskey, Michigan 49770. 

Included in this mailing and available on our website (Annual Meeting Webpage):

1. 2024 Notice of the Annual Meeting of Lakeside Co-owners
2. 2024 Lakeside Proxy and Ballot
3. 2024 Current Lakeside Board of Directors Nominations

Please return 2024 Proxy and Ballot by August 24, 2024 if you are unable to attend the meeting.

 July 4^th

Please remind your family, guests, and renters that NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND CAN BE USED ON LAKESIDE CLUB PROPERTY AT ANY TIME.  Fines will be assessed when this rule is violated.

 Treasurer’s Report

LAKESIDE CLUB CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION

TREASURERS REPORT FOR THE ONE MONTH AND ELEVEN MONTHS ENDING MAY, 2024

Merv Sternberg Board Resignation and New Board Member:

It is with great sadness that we share with you that Merv Sternberg has resigned from the Lakeside Club Board of Directors.  Merv has been on the Board of Directors for 36 years, many as President.  The Association has been well served by Merv over the years.  We thank him for the endless amount of time and attention that he has devoted to Lakeside, the Owners, and  the staff.  Please welcome Doug Roosa, Unit 45, to our Board of Directors.  Doug has provided us with a Bio that was sent previously in an email to you.  We are lucky to have Doug represent Lakeside on our Board of Directors.

Insurance Update:

Lakeside property, general liability, Umbrella, and Director and Officers insurance through Pioneer State Mutual was cancelled at renewal with the reason being that we “no longer met their guidelines”.  They provided us with a 30-day notice of this change and when drilling down we found that Pioneer was getting out of the habitational insurance business.  Matt Granzo, Owner Unit #55, and Senior Vice President of HUB International Midland has been working with the Board to ensure that we had the insurance coverage that we need.  Below is a summary Matt provided of the insurance market today and some of the barriers we face:

Insurance rates for habitational risks, such as apartment buildings, condo associations, and rental properties, are at an all-time high right now due to several factors outlined below:

1. **Increased Claims Frequency and Severity**: There has been a rise in both the number and cost of claims. Natural disasters, like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, have become more frequent and severe, leading to higher payouts.
2. **Rising Construction Costs**: The cost of building materials and labor has increased significantly. This means that repairing or rebuilding properties after a claim is more expensive, leading to higher insurance costs.
3. **Aging Infrastructure**: Many residential buildings are aging, and older buildings are more prone to issues like plumbing leaks, electrical fires, and structural problems, which result in higher claims.
4. **Higher Reinsurance Costs**: Insurance companies often purchase reinsurance to protect themselves from large losses. The cost of reinsurance has risen due to the same factors affecting primary insurers, leading to higher premiums for policyholders.
5. **Litigation Trends**: There has been an increase in litigation and higher settlements or judgments in liability cases, particularly in regions with more aggressive legal environments.
These factors combined create a challenging environment for insurers, leading them to increase premiums to cover the heightened risks and costs associated with habitational properties.

In conjunction with rising rates within the habitational market space, it’s even more difficult to secure coverage when facilities offer short term rentals based on a couple reasons below:
1. **Increased Risk of Damage**: Short-term renters may not treat the property with the same care as long-term residents, leading to more frequent and costly damages.
2. **Higher Liability**: Frequent turnover of guests increases the risk of accidents and injuries, leading to higher liability claims.

The Board worked with Harbor Brenn (2023-2024 agency) in Petoskey, HUB Internation in Traverse City (prior agency), Ayers Oak in Kalamazoo, and State Farm in Petoskey to acquire a new insurance carrier.  Our application was submitted to 40 different carriers, and we received one standard market quote and two general or secondary market quotes. 

The number one reason for denial was “not writing habitational”.  The other reasons for denial are:  age of construction, short term rentals, water exposure, less than 100 ft between buildings, wood burning fireplace/chimney, and too much frame.  The two secondary market quotes were for property insurance only and did not include the general liability, Umbrella, and Director and Officers insurance endorsements we had with our previous policies and were four times the amount we had previously paid.  The one standard market quote we received was through Philadelphia Insurance which includes the property, general liability, and D & O.  The Umbrella quotes came through Richmond and Starstone insurance companies. 

The previous year June 6, 2023 – June 6, 2024, these policies had a cost of about $50,000.  The current cost has increased to $145,000.  The agent at HUB in Traverse City, Brady Foster, worked extremely diligently to secure this quote, along with a helpful assist with Matt Granzo, who attended meetings with Brady and Philadelphia.  We will continue to seek to mitigate our risk factors to lower our insurance costs.  We have been analyzing the data, denials, the risks, options to mitigate risk factors, and more. 

We have secured property, general liability, umbrella, and D&O insurance for the Association at the same levels as we have maintained, with increased deductible per unit.  The Board thanks Layne VerVeer, Unit 72, for her expertise in the insurance industry and Matt Granzo for his assistance.

Loon Report from Bud Siudara

Ron Pool, a year-round lake resident, has assumed responsibility as chief loon ranger for the past few years.  He revamped the loon nest in early May, making it really nice.  We have no idea if the loons will nest, let alone have chicks.  The incubation period is 30 days.  If the adult loons are in a nesting mode, they should be on the nest right now.  Typically, the chicks hatch in the last week of June or first week in July.  Fingers crossed.

 Friends and Family

If you give permission for family and/or friends to stay in your unit, without your presence, please

provide your guests with copies of the LSC General Rules and Rules for the Amenities.  Both can be found on the LSC website.

Reminders

• Common Elements of the Association may be used by Owners and their guests. This includes lawns, paths, gazebo, beaches, waterfront, mooring areas, etc.
• General Rules– 3.9 states: “Any gathering or event that effectively monopolizes a Lakeside amenity or otherwise prevents the fair use of that amenity by other Co-Owners is prohibited without the express prior written approval by the Board of Directors.”  Please email Shelly Germain (Board President) with requests before planning get-togethers of more than 6 people.
• Owner gathering approved by the Board are:
  • July 1^st Gazebo 4p-6p
  • July 4^th Unit 42 during the day adjacent to unit
  • July 5^th Unit 45 during the day adjacent to unit
  • July 6^th Gazebo 10:30a-12:30p
• Dogs must be leashed at all times. This keeps everyone safe, including our furry friends.  Poop bags are available at the North entrance and Gazebo area for use.  You must pick up your pets’ droppings and dispose of them properly, do not leave at entrance of unit or in front of buildings.

 Maintenance Update

• Exterior windows are being washed.
• Hedge trimming is on-going.
• Road edging is complete.
• Stepping stones were laid by the gazebo and pool entrance.
• Wood chips were laid on all pathways.
• Beaches are regularly cleaned.
• Geese repellant is applied regularly.

Deck Maintenance

• Co-Owners are responsible for pressure washing and re-staining their deck or balcony on a regular basis.
• The stain will be provided by the association to ensure the same color and type is used throughout the complex. Cans of stain are available in the clubhouse.
• It is recommended that re-staining be done at least once every three years.
• Kevin can provide Co-owners with a list of persons or firms that will provide this service.
• Any deck not in compliance must comply with this provision the next time staining is necessary.

 Welcome

Another Lakeside unit (#17) was listed and sold.  We say good-bye to Rob and Sinde Wickersham and welcome Tim and Jill Michalik who live in the Petoskey area and plan to rent out their Lakeside unit.

John Lehman shares information from the LSC website and info about Local Events and Activities in July.

           Web page of the month:         petoskeylsc.com        (password) LSC76Owners

Web page of the month: Lakeside Club Staff (OWNERS Menu)

By now you’re probably acquainted with Kevin Kissinger, who keeps things going at Lakeside Club, but you may not know much about his background or responsibilities. This page also describes the best ways for communicating with Kevin.

Local Events and Activities in July

Notice that many of the following events are offered online, so they are available for members who are not currently at Lakeside Club. To copy the web address of an event easily, use the LSC website’s version of this Newsletter.

During the summer through early August, enjoy some of the Bay View Association’s many musical and educational events. (https://www.onthestage.tickets/bay-view-association/season)

Beginning at 10 am from now to July 27, view CTAC’s exhibition “Auras of Travel: Paintings by Dorothy McGrath Grossman.” (https://www.crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/auras-travel-paintings-dorothy-mcgrath-grossman)

 Pond Hill Farms offers many musical events throughout July, from 5 pm to 8 pm evenings. (https://www.pondhill.com/farm-happenings)

Every Wednesday at 12 noon and Friday at 1 pm through August 16, you can enjoy a concert by local talent in Pennsylvania Park, Petoskey. (https://crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/charlotte-ross-lee-concerts-park-2024)

At 10 am Mondays from July 1 to Jul 29, participate in “Gentle Yoga on Monday Mornings” (https://www.ncmclifelonglearning.com/event-5733424), or at 6:30 pm from July 11 through August 1, join “Gentle Yoga on Thursday Evenings” (https://www.ncmclifelonglearning.com/event-5766679), led by Jennifer Lovely.

At 7 pm on July 2, hear the Grammy award-winning ensemble “The King’s Singers” perform at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts. (https://www.greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/the-kings-singers)

Participate in some of the July 4 in Harbor Springs Events, including “Art in the Park at Zorn Park” at 9 am and ending with fireworks over the harbor at dusk. (https://northernmichiganguides.com/july-4th-harbor-springs)

At 8 pm on July 6, enjoy “Revisiting Creedence,” featuring members of Creedence Clearwater Revisited, in Bay View’s Hall Auditorium. (https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/bay-view-association/65e0edc656011f0e48df1b5e)

At 8 pm on July 6, hear Grammy award-winning singer Jo Dee Messina perform at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts. (https://www.greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/jo-dee-messina)

At 10 am or 4 pm on either July 8 or 9, hear author and featured speaker Ada Ferrer tell about the 500 years of relations between Cuba and the United States. (https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQVxHcqzPMVsBjZQJDSwPJhmRxG)

At 5:30 pm Wednesdays from July 10 through August 7, join NCMC’s in-person class “Line Dancing with Suzie Cartwright.” (https://www.ncmclifelonglearning.com/event-5759362)

At 1 pm on July 10, enjoy a walking tour of “Gardens Galore” at Castle Farms in Charlevoix. (https://www.ncmclifelonglearning.com/event-5723765)

Beginning at 6 pm on July 10 through 11 pm on July 11, participate in the Crooked Tree Arts Center’s summer fundraiser, “Dart for Art,” with featured artist Neil W. Ahrens. (https://www.crookedtree.org/dart2024)

At 7 pm on July 11 hear #1 New York Times bestselling author Erik Larson either online or in-person at the City Opera House in Traverse City. (https://nationalwritersseries.org/erik-larson/)

From 10 am July 12 through 3 pm on July 13, enjoy some Shay Days 2024 events in Harbor Springs. (https://www.harborspringshistory.org/events/calendar/shay-days/shay-days-event.html)

At 8 pm on July 12 or 13, enjoy a presentation by the Bay View Association of “Fiddler on the Roof.” (https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/bay-view-association/65d4bdd3d9ed050e4eb7aa51)

At 8::30 pm on July 13, enjoy “Sounds of Motor City” featuring two legendary Motown groups, The Temptations and The Four Tops. (https://www.greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/2024-gala)

At 1 pm on July 15, take a “Cross Village Walking Tour” with Eric Hemenway. (https://www.ncmclifelonglearning.com/event-5754470)

At 10am on July 17, take a walking tour of Earl A. Young’s unique “mushroom” homes in Charlevoix. (https://www.ncmclifelonglearning.com/event-5723045)

At 9 am on July 18, registration begins for the Harbor Springs Festival of the Book on September 27-29. (https://www.hsfotb.org/2024-schedule)

At 7 pm on July 18, enjoy the concert “Gypsy Violin with Robert Lakatoš” by the Great Lakes Chamber orchestra. (https://glcorchestra.org/concert/gypsy-violin/)

At noon on July 20, participate in a “Tree Identification Walk” at the Hailand-Helstrom Family Nature Preserve with Brad von Blon. (https://www.ncmclifelonglearning.com/event-5679927)

At 8 pm on July 20 and 7 pm on July 21, The Great Lakes Center for the Arts will feature Grammy-award winning trumpeter Chris Botti. (https://www.greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/chris-botti)

At 2 pm on July 23, join Megan Mainland’s in-person class “Family and Friends CPR.” (https://www.ncmclifelonglearning.com/event-5715103)

At 7:30 pm on July 23, Dan Levenson, who plays the clawhammer banjo and Appalachian style fiddle, will perform at the Rhubarbery. (https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGxTFWDpnNMvVrSPzmKJdxtfdvW)

At 10 am on July 24, take an in-person tour of the NCMC Harris Garden, featuring 26 sculptures. (https://www.ncmclifelonglearning.com/event-5670159)

At 2 pm on July 24, take an Eastbound Lighthouse Tour in Lake Huron on a Shepler’s ferry. (https://www.ncmclifelonglearning.com/event-5723452).

At 8 pm on July 24, the popular Traverse City band “The Accidentals” will be performing at the Speaker’s Stand in Bay View. (https://www.bayviewassociation.org/the-accidentals-2024/)

At 10 am on July 25, join a Coffee@10 presentation by painter Robert Perrish in the Gilbert Gallery at CTAC. (https://www.crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/coffee-10-horizons-landscapes-and-portraits-robert-perrish)

At 11:30 am on July 25, join an NCMC luncheon lecture “Cleared for Takeoff” by Ron Bazman, manager of airport operations at Detroit Metro Airport. (https://www.ncmclifelonglearning.com/event-5652499)

At 5 pm on July 25, NCMC’s Steve Mindel will offer a hands-on class “Fun with Fossils.” (https://www.ncmclifelonglearning.com/event-5767673)

At 8 pm on July 25 and 26, the Bay View Association will present Rossini’s opera “Cinderella” in the Hall Auditorium. (https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/bay-view-association/65dcf9ebf760e018078698da)

At 8 pm on July 26 (https://www.greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/leann-rimes-acoustic) or July 27 (https://www.greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/leann-rimes), hear multi-platinum selling singer and songwriter LeAnn Rimes at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts.

On Wednesdays from 10 am July 31 to 11 am August 28, participate in “Outdoor Tai Chi in the Morning” with Gretchen Stelter. (https://www.ncmclifelonglearning.com/event-5739144)

At 11 am on July 31, take a tour of the Oden State Fish Hatchery with the “Little Fishies.” (https://www.ncmclifelonglearning.com/event-5759091)

At 7:30 pm on July 31 and August 1, the Bay View Music Festival will present Rossini’s opera “Cinderella” at the  Great Lakes Center for the Arts. (https://www.greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/bay-view-cinderella)

Thank you to Shelly Germain, Greg Waller, Kevin Kissinger, and John Lehman for their contributions to this newsletter.

Carol Woodhurst