September 22nd, 2020 Update - Jim Gadde

Jim Gadde and Gary Knoll organized another demonstration of the Lake James Dam on September 12th and a small group of residents attended. It was well received and everyone appreciated them taking the time to explain the dam. We took a few short videos to allow those that couldn't make it in person to learn about the dam and its operations.

The first video is of Jim Gadde using the model to explain the components of the dam, the 2nd is Jim on the dam explaining the operation, the 3rd is the outlet pipe and the 4th is at the Denton Township Flooding.

Here is the playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLx4TOTSVyyLtxWcusElwvHHeJy9bLIdVk

2020 Actions

Educational Sessions

Holding dam educational sessions for concerned individuals and explain the dam’s function. Education sessions clearly demonstrate the management of the dam cannot impact low lake levels. The dam designed to allow for a certain amount of water to flow through the system to protect the dam from pressure that could cause it to fail. This means the dam is always releasing water out of the system.

Dam Fund

The board approved recommended budget amount to ensure the dam components are repaired. $10,000 a year while be set aside in a separate bank account.

DAM SAFETY INSPECTION REPORT

Lake James Dam - DAM ID 347

Inspection Date: 9/21/2019

Report Date: 12/15/2019

Prepared and Inspected by James T. Pawloski, Licensed Professional Engineer, LLC - License No 34034

Click Here to View the Dam Inspection Report in Adobe PDF Format

July 26th, 2017 Update

The dam outlet tube and grounds repair are complete. We have a small problem at the discharge side and it is being addressed. It has been noticed that the playscape at Linwood Park has some problems that need to be addressed. Both ‘Dons’ ask to remind the community that we are a 501c organization and are asking for donations for additional upgrades for our parks, because safety and fun is most important for our families and our guests.

October 15th Update

Don reported the shape of the pipe was not straight as shown on the blueprint drawings once Porath's crew unearthed the dam. The cut was ‘egg-shaped’. He brought pictures of the stages of the construction. (See pics below) Jim Porath added a large concrete collar 14ft from the original structure, where old pipe meets the new pipe. Construction also encountered trouble getting around communication/fiber optic cables and the necessity to add clay back from 3rd pipe. Status as of Saturday they had cleared wires. This project started the Oct4th and today is the 15th. Much of the old pipe is coming out in shreds. We again ask homeowners to not go on the construction site. This is trespassing, dangerous and against the law. The workers have been nice enough to walk homeowners onto the site when asked. The Denton Twp police were asked to check the site in the evenings after the crew had reported they had found empty cans in the bottom of the pipe. He added that Jim said the fence, vegetation cover and sidewalk will be done in spring 2017.

Pictures of Dam Repair

October 2016 Update

Pictures of Dam

May 26th 2016 Update

Don reported that all the boards are in. We are good for the summer level. He spoke with Doug of All About Welding and was given an estimate for expanded metal on the iron to make it more secure and to also add a handrail. There are not many companies that do this type of work and we have used All About Welding before. Motion from Marty Baumgartner and seconded by Jim Fauser to go ahead with this safety improvement. As of this time Don has talked to Jim Porath, and if his schedule permits, Don plans to pull the boards after Labor Day and by the 15th of September he will open the gates. Jim Porath expects construction to take 10 days to complete. The homeowners will be notified by email, website and info boards. Don reported that we have a tick problem. It was discussed if we should address it as an association. We have sent out an email letting homeowners know of this problem. It was discussed to ask Better Yards to weed-wack the foliage by the dam and Don Tottingham volunteered to spread the anti-tick granules inside the dam fencing. Larry made motion for this to be done and Marty seconded the motion.

April 27th 2016 Update

Don was not aware, that some people have water in their crawl spaces. Don has no boards in yet, both gates are closed. The water is going down, people have noticed it on their seawalls. Don asked if anyone has a copy of the dam maintenance responsibility, so he can update it. As far as the dam repair resuming, Don Tottingham will wait until after Labor Day before all upper boards will be pulled. In mid Sept. one gate will be opened. Jim Porath hopes to get in by October and get outlet repair work done within 4 weeks.

March 16th 2016 Update

At the March 16, 2016 Board meeting, Don Tottingham reported that the day before Thanksgiving, the water was 6 inches below the top of the structure. When he returned on Friday afternoon it was 4 inches above structure. Around Christmas, he got the water down 6 inches…then it melted and it ‘monsoon’ rained, water went back up over structure. No pump in the state of Michigan can pump that volume of water. On March 8th first gate was shut, March 9th second gate shut. March 15 water was at top of steel structure. If the water on the lower side of the lake gets much deeper on the southwest side, we may have to open one gate for a short time. As far as repair resuming, depending on Porath availability, on Sept 1st all upper boards will be pulled, in mid Sept. one gate will be opened. Jim Porath hopes to get in by October and get outlet repair work done within 4 weeks. If we get a drought in August we will ask Porath to begin the work earlier. Homeowners, once again we ask, if you have any questions about the repair please contact Don Tottingham at 989-366-7568 / 989-302-7409 or e-mail at donaldtottingham@gmail.com

January 7th 2016 Update

Hello Neighbors!

I know all of us are wondering the status of our project, and as you already know, Lake James has had torrential rains, up to 2 inches per day, until the snow and freezing weather arrived on the 29th of December. The dam gates have been opened, however, until our contractor, Jim Porath, gets the water level down to one that he can safely begin excavation, it has to wait. At this point the machinery is on site. The sidewalk and fencing are down. The new outlet tube sections were delivered just before the holidays. Because of the water level issues, and Christmas/New Year timing, the project had been pushed back until after the new year. Don Tottingham has spoken with Jim Porath at least 2-3 times per week, and he is wanting to start on this project as soon as he can also. If you have any questions about the status of the repair, rather than being misled by ‘talk on the street’, please call or email Don Tottingham at 366-7568, 989-302-7409, donaldtottingham@gmail.com.

September 27, 2015 Update

Larry received a call from Scott Bell on Thursday before our Sept board meeting. He had not received any new bids. Larry asked him to go outside of town and send bids to northern Michigan contractors. We are all very disappointed with the lack of response, because we have all been prepared to get the work done this year. Scott said the concrete work can still be done before the weather gets real cold. The grass, fencing, and sidewalk can always be replaced in the spring.

As soon as we hear any news we will send an update to our homeowners.

September 9, 2015 Update

Wednesday, Sept 9th, board members went to Scott Bell's office in West Branch to review bids received for our project. Unfortunately, not enough bids were submitted to make and informed, responsible decision. Scott is going to expand his search for more contractors. So homeowners, let's enjoy the fall colors on Lake James this season. When we receive any further information we will most definitely contact everyone

The water level will be monitored and recorded by Don Tottingham. The Lake James Property Owners board would like to keep you updated as we go along. Please send an email to maryjolake49@gmail.com. In the subject line please type Lake James and include in the body, your email address, so I can send a mass mailing of these updates. You will also find updates on our website LAKEJAMESMI.ORG

Emergency Action Plan PDF (2014-2015)