John, our dredge operator, just made me aware of people coming too close to the dredge operation area when the dredge is operating. They are also entering the area where the dredge pipe is partially submerged under the water. Please be aware that the dredge is unable to quickly move or shut down its operation. Please stay at least 500 feet away from the dredge while it is operating. Also please do not enter the cove past the dredge, unless you live in that area, so that we can minimize the potential damage to your boat and the dredge pipe. Thank you in advance for your cooperation!
The annual budgeting process has finally come to the point of a membership vote. The Ways & Means Committee, Executive Committee and Board of Directors have all voted in favor of the proposed budget. It will be submitted to you, the members, at the Annual Budget meeting scheduled for November 9th, 2021. The meeting is scheduled to be an in-person meeting at this time. Moreover, members will be receiving the budget letter and two ballots in the mail in the coming days. In fact, by the time this article is published you may already have the information in hand.
At a very high level the budget as proposed includes a 6% increase to dues, a request for the road special assessment to be $200 instead of $100 and trash service to be provided to all lake residents. You are strongly encouraged to attend the budget meeting on November 9th to listen to the details of the budget. Alternatively, you may cast your vote before the meeting in accordance with the instructions contained in the letter sent with the ballots. If the proposed budget is not approved, the Association is required to operate under the 2021 budget.
The office will be busy preparing statements based upon the outcome of the membership budget vote. They also will be preparing for the new year, which will involve dock and boat registrations. The operations crew remains busy finishing up mowing for the year and then shifting gears to leaf removal from critical areas around the lake. The dredge is continuing to make progress as we try to finish up Big Rock before freezing weather hits the area.
As many of you know the City of Blue Springs, Missouri has jurisdiction over (it is in its city limits) a small plot of land across from the TempStop on Colbern Road, just east of 7 Highway. The City of Blue Springs also owns that same plot of land. Dollar General has proposed building a store at that location. With the information the Association has at its disposal at this time, it appears the store will be built without city sewer, but instead the store will rely upon a septic tank system. This location is directly above Quantrall cove. With the problems we have already experienced with other sewer issues in that area, it goes without saying that allowing such a store on septic tank to be built at that location is not in the best interests of Lake Lotawana and its residents. There are many other concerns with the proposed use of that land too. A hearing was scheduled for October 18th and representatives of the Association were scheduled to testify at such hearing in opposition to the store.
The amount of traffic on the lake has greatly diminished over the past several weeks. Ron DesCombes came by the office this week and mentioned that people are not following the rules simply because the lake is sparsely being used. Please follow the rules no matter how much traffic is on the lake. Ron will tell you that he receives multiple calls when people see these violations happen.
Thanks to all for who you are and what you do for this wonderful community. We are available at 816.578.4272 if we can be of service to you. Please call me with any concerns or comments at 913.305.7181 or email me at haroldmitts@lakelotawana.net. Be safe! Harold