I. Welcome and Opening Remarks V. Rakowski called the meeting to order at 9:43 AM
Establish Quorum / Roll Call by Secretary Present: Victoria Rakowski, President; William Bennett, Vice President; Daniel Blanton, Treasurer; David Weber, Secretary; Robert Delecki, Cameron Geralds, Lindsay Miller, Nicholas Schulz, Ross Trim Sr., Brian Rogers, General Manager, Nina Brinker, Assistant General Manager, and Julie Olds, Board Coordinator.
II. Executive Session
• Member Items
• Fire Department
III. Approval of Meeting Agenda
Motion by L. Miller, supported by W. Bennett to approve May 17, 2025, Meeting Agenda as presented. Motion Approved 9-0.
IV. Approval of Consent Agenda
Motion by D. Weber, supported by L. Miller to approve May 17, 2025, Meeting Consent Agenda as presented. Motion Approved 9-0.
V. OPERATIONS / GENERAL MANAGER’ S REPORTS
Most, if not all, of this report has already been published through the Membership Minute blog.
A. MUSEUM PROJECT UPDATE – This update is from May 6, 2025: As you all know, we faced a significant delay due to the ice storm that hit at the beginning of April. Despite the setback, progress is being made.
I’ m pleased to report that the mini-splits have been roughed in, along with all the electrical work. This past week, both the electrical and mechanical rough inspections were approved, which is a huge step forward.
The contractor is planning on starting the insulation and drywall very soon. With these approvals in place, we’ re optimistic that the project will move along smoothly from here on out.
If you have any questions, please don’ t hesitate to contact Rick Krucker, the Property and Maintenance Manager, or me.
B. MEMBERSHIP LOT CLEANUP- As spring unfolds across Canada Creek Ranch, the beauty of our property reminds us of how fortunate we are to be stewards of this incredible place. With that privilege also comes responsibility— not
Board of Directors Meeting Unapproved May 17, 2025
4 just to ourselves, but to each other, and to the land we all love.
Today, I am writing to you with an important request: We need every member’ s help to reduce wildfire risk by cleaning up your lots— not just those with dwellings, but especially undeveloped lots.
Over the past few years, natural debris from storms and seasons has increased the fuel load across the Ranch’ s cabin area. However, the recent devastating ice storms have dramatically worsened the situation, leaving behind broken trees, fallen limbs, and brush piles across many properties. This accumulation of dead vegetation presents a serious and immediate wildfire hazard for our beloved CCR.
While it’ s easy to focus on lots with cabins, it is equally— if not more— important for members who own undeveloped lots to take action. Unattended brush and debris on vacant lots not only heighten fire risks but also impact the aesthetics of the entire cabin area. A wellmaintained lot helps protect your fellow members, preserves property values, and maintains the natural beauty that we all cherish.
Please do your part. Whether you own a home, a cabin, or an untouched piece of land, your efforts matter. Together, we can significantly reduce wildfire risk and maintain the aesthetics and safety of the Ranch for generations to come.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter, your pride in ownership, and your commitment to our shared future.
C. SALVAGE HARVEST ON SOUTH ENTRANCE ROAD- I want to inform you that Canada Creek Ranch will be initiating a salvage harvest along South Entrance Road beginning today, as approved by the Board of Directors during last night’ s special meeting.
This area of aging jack pine has been a concern for several years. Unfortunately, the recent ice storm has severely worsened conditions, making a clear-cut harvest necessary to prevent further degradation. This proactive treatment is essential not only for forest health but also for safety and future reforestation efforts.
Our consulting forester, Terry Manty, has emphasized that the acreages involved are estimate. With time being a critical factor, Terry has already taken steps to secure a qualified contractor. This quick action is necessary to protect the Ranch from increased risk of pest infestations, including the bark beetle, which is expected to aggressively target storm-damaged trees across Michigan. For additional context, we encourage you to read a
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