With the boating and building seasons in full swing, it seems like a good time to mention that the Association has a couple of important sets of ruling documents. One is the “Deed of Restrictions” that were attached to the properties when the subdivision was platted in 1927. It is renewed by a vote of the membership every 20 years. Last renewed in 2007, the next renewal occurs in 2027. These “covenants” are the basis for the relationship between the members and the Development Company (originally) and the Association by virtue of the “Court Order of 1988.” It spells out the privileges and responsibilities of property owners in the subdivision. The “Bylaws” are the rules of the corporation and can be changed by a vote of the members at any full membership meeting. And the “Rules and Regulations” are intended to promote the safety and enjoyment of the Lake itself and the “common areas.” These rules are developed by the Rules and Regulations Committee and voted on by the Board of Directors at any of their monthly meetings. Any additions or changes are posted in the newspaper for two “readings” before they become official so that the members (who read the paper) can comment to their District Directors before they are finalized. It is important to point out that the “staff” although charged with enforcement of the above documents, are not given the authority to create, ignore or modify any of them.
Speaking of building projects as they pertain to the rules, there have been quite a few concerns expressed to the staff regarding the effect of these projects on the life of our roads. Building at the Lake has always been challenging. This has been a particularly difficult year due to the bad weather and the unusual number of projects that are underway. Building usually requires digging which results in piles of dirt that, mixed with rain, becomes mud. Mud that ends up on the roads, in the drainage ditches and culverts and eventually ends up in the Lake. Dirt and gravel can destroy the pavement and when the ditches start filling in it causes flooding. It is the member’s responsibility to require their contractor to keep their debris off of the road and install silt fencing where it’s needed. Failure to do so will result in citation points or a bill from the Association for cleanup costs. Parking is also a problem. There are so few places for the workers to park they often end up in the ditches which creates another set of problems.
Submitted by: Jan T. Olson – Executive Director
If you need to reach me for anything, please email me at janolson@lakelotawana.net or call the office at 578-4272.