As of this writing, Water Patrol has issued over 100 citations for no stickers on boats or no Lot and Block or registration plates on docks. As the person being responsible for communicating the need for these items, the number of these violations is staggering to me. Not only does it cause the offending homeowner unnecessary grief, the hidden costs in paperwork and postage is paid for by every single homeowner that pays dues. We hear comments that these are not serious violations and therefore we shouldn’t be issuing points. The boat stickers not only tell us that the boat that they’re on belongs on the Lake, but they also indicate to us that we’ve had an opportunity to verify that there is adequate liability insurance on that boat. We do take liability issues very seriously. It protects all the members in case there is an accident. Some folks are also under the impression that as long as they’re not driving the boat, there is no need to have a current sticker on it. Boats on the common area (which includes moored boats on the Lake) need to be stickered before May 1st. If you’re a part-time resident and can’t come out before the deadline to sticker your boat, I might suggest that you remove your boat and store it somewhere else to avoid points. Finally, we’re asked all the time if the staff can forgive the points for one reason or another. The answer is no. Members will have an opportunity to plead their case before the Water Use Enforcement Board.
Finally, with all the dock work going on, it is important to point out that docks cannot be taken and stored at Goat Hill without permission. A permit is required, and it is for temporary storage only. Unpermitted docks and docks left after the permit expires will be removed and destroyed.
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.