Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Association's Dues?
Dues are required to be paid by all property owners within Scott Shores.
Per Article 3 of the Scott Shores Association Constitution:
ARTICLE 3 – MEMBERSHIP
Any person purchasing land or property in Scott Shores is automatically a member of the Association. Subject to the By-Laws of the association.
Scott Shores Association membership dues are $75, payable annually on May 1.
A bill will be sent to each owner's billing address of record with the Association (which is not necessarily the Scott Lake property address).
Dues are required for each property owner. Examples:
- A house = 1 dues
- A house and a vacant lot = 1 dues
- A house and a pole barn on another lot = 1 dues
- A house on one lot, and a house being rented on another lot = 2 dues
- Vacant lot(s) only = 1 dues
At this time, dues are payable by check and PayPal. We are exploring options to make additional electronic payment options available in the future. Members are responsible for any convenience fees required for electronic payments.
What are the duties of the Association Board?
Board
Comply with governing documents and state laws.
Uniformly enforce the governing documents.
Represent the collective interests of all SSA members.
Fiduciary duty: Operate the association using the care that an ordinarily prudent person would use under the same or similar circumstances.
Maintain SSA common areas.
Manage the SSA budget and assessments (dues).
Keep books and records.
Handle emergencies.
President
Serves as the ExecutiveOfficer of the Board
Set and run meetings
Establishes the agenda
Manages meetings:
- Maintains meeting attendee order and decorum
- Proposes questions
- Calls for votes
- Announces the results
- Recognizes others to speak on the floor
Establishes committees
Executes contracts and other legal documents pertaining to SSA
Daily administration of SSA
Vice President
Shares leadership and procedural duties with the President
Assumes the leadership role when the President is unable
Ensures order is maintained during meetings
Ensures a smooth flow of business
Serves as an informed source about association rules, bylaws, and governing documents
Secretary
Maintains SSA meeting minutes and official records.
Reviews and updates documents, as required.
Ensures records are stored safely and are accessible to members.
Provides proper notice of meetings.
Distributes documents, e.g., official records, agendas, meeting minutes, on a timely basis to members.
Ensures the SSA meets all legal documentation requirements, e.g., annual filing deadlines.
Treasurer
Responsible for SSA funds, securities, and financial records.
Oversees billing, collections, and disbursement of funds.
Coordinates the development of SSA annual operating budget and reserve allocations.
Monitors the budget and reports SSA financial status throughout the year.
Oversees year-end reporting and any required audits.
Executive Committee
Composition:
- Immediately retiring President
- Vice President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Four members appointed by the President
Carries out the policies of the SSA as formulated at any meeting.
Passes on matters referred to it by other officers, committees, and members.
Initiates matters that will advance the interests of the Association.
Why do we have a Scott Shores Association (SSA)?
The main purpose is to promote the community of homeowners.
There are also business reasons:
- To pay for the insurance and upkeep of common properties
- Set and enforce community rules
- Protect property values
- Provide services, amenities, and facilities
Can I fish from all SSA properties? Including the Association Beach?
You can fish from all SSA properties - except the Beach.
Members voted at the 2020 Annual Meeting to prohibit fishing at the Association beach to protect kids and families from the possibility of stepping on lost hooks. At any of the other properties, members should be especially careful with hooks.
You must have a current fishing license and follow applicable laws.
Can I launch or land my boats on SSA property? Including the Association Beach?
You may launch and land non-motorized boats (e.g., kayaks and canoes) from Association property.
Boats are not allowed to be kept on Association property overnight.
Please exercise consideration and respect for other members’ space when using the Association properties for any use.
Can I reserve Association property for gatherings?
Contact us via email or contact information (below) to reserve the Beach, another property or picnic tables. We will return your request promptly to confirm.
Availability is on a first come, first served basis. We are working on a calendar for this website where everyone will be able to see what’s going on with respect to SSA property reservations and upcoming SSA events.
What property is owned by the Association?
The Scott Shores Association owns and maintains multiple properties throughout the Scott Shores subdivision.
The most prominent is the Association's main beach area, which includes a sandy beach, pavilion and playground equipment, but there are others.
Members in good standing (dues paid in full for the year) may use any SSA property.
A map showing SSA properties is here.
We are working on a larger version of the map to be posted at the Beach.
What is the Scott Lake Drain Plan?
In September 2018, a Board of Determination found the need to proceed with a plan to improve drainage in the area around Scott Lake which includes the Scott Shores subdivision.
Currently, drainage for properties is only provided by roadside ditches and culverts "maintained" by the Van Buren County Road Commission.
While a petition was circulated in the Scott Shores subdivision and many residents supported the idea, the Drain Plan is not a project of the Scott Shores Association. The Scott Shores Drain Commission is headed by Joe Parman, Van Buren County Drain Commisssioner. His contact information is found below.
Currently, the Drain Commission is pursuing the easements necessary to undertake the Plan. To date, the Scott Shores Association has granted easements for several of its properties, including an easement on western boundary of the Association Beach.
A copy of the plan as envisioned by the engineering firm engaged by the County is provided here.
Pinecrest Industries Weed Control Q & A
What is included in the price?
Two sprayings: one before Memorial Day and the second approximately 6 weeks later. The price also includes a portion of the required lake permit.
What is the current (2021) pricing?
Lakefront property: $3.15 per linear foot.
Channel property: $1.00 per linear foot.
Channel (DiPompeo package): $0.76 per linear foot, which includes only the cost for the two sprayings. Channel residents cover the permit cost separately.
How will Pinecrest know to spray my lot?
Pinecrest will supply flags for residents to place on their property just prior to treatment. One flag in the middle of each lot is preferred, unless a partial lot is being sprayed. See below.
I only want a part of my frontage treated. Can that be done?
Yes. The area to be treated must be marked with flags to define the area to be treated, giving Pinecrest a visual reference. The area must also be marked on the treatment map.
Can I choose to do only a single treatment?
Pinecrest will do a single treatment if requested. Per Pinecrest, in some cases this is sufficient. However, in most cases the weeds will regrow; by July or August the area may look as if untreated.
How will I know an area has been treated?
Warning signs are placed on trees or fences facing the lake in front of each property being treated and within 100' of the treatment area. Signs include information for water use restrictions.
How do I know what chemicals were used in the treatment?
Posted warning signs include the chemicals used and any water use restrictions. Pinecrest also sends a notice by email 7-10 days prior to treatment with some of this same information.
Is it OK to spray in the channel between the two lakes?
Channels between lakes are typically permitted for submerged vegetation control. EGLE also usually allows emerged vegetation control of 40x40 for boat access. No one requested spraying in this area for 2021.
Are we able to spray near the North Scott Lake outlet control?
The language in the permit would NOT allow Pinecrest to treat near the outlet while there is flow.
If the water flows year round, then Pinecrest could not treat there.
If the water stops flowing in the summer months, EGLE usually allows treatment at that time.
Pinecrest can apply for that area on the permit and make a decision at the time of treatment
State and Local Resources
Van Buren County
Joe Parman
Van Buren County Drain Commissioner
[email protected]
(269) 657-8241
Arlington Township
John O'Connell
Zoning Administrator & Ordinance Enforcement
[email protected]
(269) 207-7746