Did you know – the LLA bylaws define the structure of the Home Association and provide a guide to meetings, elections and primary roles. You can find a copy of the bylaws on the LLA website, and I encourage everyone to read them to understand how the Association is structured.
High level the Association is broken into 37 districts, each represented by a director that makes up the Board of Directors. Our bylaws also define the officer positions elected annually by the Board that makes up the Executive Board. The bylaws also provide for standing boards and committees supporting the Association’s ongoing operation. Each year half of the board is up for election as Director terms are 2-years. In 2025 all even number districts will be electing their director. Many directors serve on committees and provide extra volunteer time to lead projects. The large magnitude of volunteer hours is unknown to most, so my thanks to all directors and their willingness to put in the time to represent and help lead their community.
The board meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday of each month and is open to members to attend as guests. The Executive Board meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month to review topics and establish the upcoming board meetings agenda. If you want to speak to the board, a formal request is required in advance as each request is reviewed and approved by the Executive Board in establishing the Board meeting agenda.
Standing Committee and Boards:
• Lake Improvement Board (LIB)
• Water Enforcement Board (WEB)
• Ways & Means Committee
• Road Committee
• Rules Committee
• Legal, Accounting, Environment, etc. support committees
We also have added Dredge and Lotawana Properties, LLC committees with the start of an Infrastructure Strategy committee in 2025. While outside the bylaws, these committees are supporting key areas of focus for formulating strategy and oversight on core functions of the LLA.
Power Outage – on January 11th, around 7:15 a.m. we unfortunately had a power pole collapse just inside Gate 4 (T block) after an apparent vehicle strike sometime overnight. Evergy initial response along with the Fire Department was swift. The service technician restored power to most of the lake’s west side through a bypass. I was onsite and spoke with Evergy and the Fire Department regarding timing and the road closure and was assured a pole crew was being dispatched and should there be an emergency the Fire Department could respond. Like all accidents, this situation was a major inconvenience for the homeowners between the closed low water crossing and the downed pole.
While many asked if we could temporarily open the low water crossing, it remained closed. The crossing is structurally compromised, and we do not know when it will completely give way. The risk and liability to LLA does not allow us to open the gates. I know we allowed the LLA snowplows to cross during the recent storm, as the LLA assumed the risk with a controlled situation.
As I noted in my last article, this is a top priority project that the Road Committee has been diligently working with Engineers, Utilities and Contractors, since July 4th. We have a replacement plan in place with our contractor selected and under contract. The open issue is Spire’s plan for relocation of their pipelines which must be finalized before we can start the project. The completion of the project will be dependent on Spires relocation project.
Courtesy Reminders – 2025 invoices are all due by February 28, 2025, and become delinquent after March 1st where interest charges start accruing. If you would like to set up a payment plan, please contact Marilee at the office to discuss it.
Next month we will start communicating the process for permit stickers distribution, so keep an eye out for future articles and communications from the office.
If you have questions or topics, you would like discussed regarding the Association, please feel free to drop me a note at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Jeff Clemow
President