Did you know?
The Association owns and maintains 14.5 miles of roadway or 29 lane miles with corresponding 29 plus miles of ditch line. There are 124 culverts that have a combined 4,561 linear feet of mostly corrugated steel pipe of varying sizes. These culverts cross under the road and are our primary tool for storm water flow management roadbed protection. Water based erosion is along with snow-ice, road debris and traffic the main contributors to roadbed and surface wear and tear. There are also culverts under most driveways that require regular maintenance and contribute to storm water management.
In the past the Association would work to keep our ditches clear including driveway culverts, however, over the years of more workload than staff it was deprioritized and now we are behind the proverbial 8 ball. We will be looking at catch-up plan options as we want to complete as much work prior to resurfacing the roads.
If you are not aware, the ditches are owned by the Association. They are not part of a member’s individual property. While we respect owners trying to improve their properties, please do not fill in ditches. The Association baseline is to maintain an open ditch with proper slope to allow water shed to flow to the lake through the road culverts. Any modification needs to be approved in advance by the Association.
Association ask: If you would like to discuss a ditch project, reach out to the Association Office and we will schedule a meeting to discuss options and pre-approve any work. For example, to fill a ditch we require a professionally designed drainpipe including any connections to existing culverts or open ditches all at the owner’s expense.
Association ask: all members that have the capability to keep their driveway drainage and ditch line at the front of their property clear take time this spring/summer to complete that effort. Removing dirt, leaves, sticks and other debris that can restrict water flow will help manage flooding, debris, and silt flowing into the lake. A power washer can be a great tool for flushing the drainpipe itself.
As noted during the spring annual meeting, the milling and resurface quote received from one vendor came in at $2.8 million dollars for 2025 project. There is still a significant gap with our current Road Reserve not including the monies yet to be spent on the culvert / ditch topic.
The goal to repair and improve our culvert and ditch line infrastructure prior to resurfacing will increase that gap by at least another $1.5-2 million. Knowing that shortfall the Roads Committee will be looking at how to break up the resurfacing project into phases. Also, how to address where we have roadbed and road edge issues that can be prioritized over other scenarios that would not require street cuts.
Financially we will be looking at alternatives that balance keeping member dues from skyrocketing and/or assessments being implemented, versus time and its impact on the actual cost of the work to be completed. More to come in future articles as we continue to collect data points and develop a long-term road plan.
Culvert Repair Update
The Road Committee is soliciting bids for repair on two culverts in L block and the culvert in M block at the curve above Broken Arrow Cove. A quick correction from prior articles, Silt Basin #5 drains through the M block culvert into Broken Arrow and not Indian Cove.
Enhancing Stafford Field: A 10-Year Commitment to Conservation
The improvement plan for the Stafford Field property includes rezoning the land to Parks and updating the Deed Restrictions put in place when the property was Deeded to the Association and investing in the vegetation with a long-term plan supported by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
The vegetation on the property needs a management plan as we have seen degradation over the years of the prairie grasses planted. This undertaking involves three distinct parcels, with our primary focus on the land east of the runway strip. We did find this parcel had a lien remaining from the transfer to the Association. Thanks to the Parks and Recreation organization who took point to have the lien removed and recorded.
We have also filed an application with the City of Lake Lotawana to rezone the eastern parcel of the Stafford Field area under the new “Park” category. This together with updated Deed Restrictions will cover all the bases for protecting the property from development, etc.
In parallel, we are engaged in constructive discussions with the Missouri Conservation Department. Their expertise will guide the development of a comprehensive, long-term management plan for the property. What’s particularly exciting is that our commitment to a 10-year plan can unlock matching funds from the department. Also, we can look at other property owned by the Association to establish similar plans.
Key Objectives:
Native Species Restoration: Our foremost goal is to enhance specific areas by planting native species. This includes removing invasive grasses, vegetation, weeds, and trees.
Biodiversity: The plan recommends planting 15 varieties of grasses and flowering vegetation, fostering biodiversity and ecological balance.
Stewardship: We recognize that this is a decade-long commitment. Over the next ten years, we will diligently manage the space to ensure we qualify for the matching funds.
The management plan will outline use sections within the three parcels that constitute Stafford Field. From the runway to the walking paths and the areas around the Lake Lotawana Association (LLA) building, we’ll determine the best plantings to align with each section’s unique purpose.
Transition and Communication:
The field’s transformation will unfold gradually over three years starting in spring 2025. During this period, certain limitations on usage will apply. Rest assured, we will communicate these restrictions as we finalize the plan and roll out the timeline.
Our overarching vision is to maintain Stafford Field as a vibrant green belt area—a sanctuary for both nature and our community. With a decade-long commitment, we safeguard its future while ensuring that everyone continues to enjoy this cherished space.
Storage Lot Auction Reminder
The auction will be held June 8th 9-11 a.m. at the Lake Lotawana Association storage lot.
Dredge and Silt Basin Update
Dirt removal from Silt Basin #3 continues in preparation for digging out dirt and repairing the drain system. Also, the clean-up of Silt Basin #5 at the Keller Property continues. With the recent rain both efforts will be slowed, but as soon as we get the next dry spell back at it.
Also, the Dredge Committee received a request to show where our silt basins are located, so here is a map showing all our basins.
Sincerely,
Jeff Clemow
President