As noted in my first article of the year we have a very long list of Objectives for 2025 and the focus of my articles will be around updates. My goal is to highlight where the Association is spending your Dues and how we are protecting our community’s infrastructure for the future.
To kick off the updates, I have to start with Dredging Plans – the Dredge Committee outlined the schedule for Dredge work to start in Quantrill Cove this year followed by Waterfall and then Big Rock. In addition, since we now have a Master Plan, the committee discussed the long timeline for all the projects at the current funding pace. There was consensus we need to put together a proposal for the board that shortens the overall timeline that can considered for next year’s budgeting process. I will highlight this a lot throughout the year as critical to so many members’ ability to use the lake.
If you are new to the lake and have not experienced dredging, we have to move docks out of the way to get within 3-4’ from the shoreline. Why only this close is typically driven by the bottom contour as well as if you get too close you can undercut seawalls. Also, the dredge needs about a 150’ wide area to operate due to the dredge pipe movement. Also, for many members in Waterfall north shore our dredge pipe will be laid on the Parkway for the duration of the project.
For members in these coves you’ll be hearing from your district directors soon on the plans and how it impacts your specific area of the lake. A planning meeting is in the works and we will be looking for volunteers. Please let your director know if you have interest in helping out.
The final step before starting the dredge is completing Silt Basin #3. In late 2025, we sent a bid package to four contractors for the new drain project, with ICON chosen as the winning contractor. You may know ICON from their previous work on the low water crossing project. Construction will begin as soon as possible, and you’ll notice equipment just inside Gate #4 while they work from the basin to the lake edge. This includes resetting the dredge pipe crossing once the new drain line is installed. Expect some road closures during this period. The project’s estimated cost is $275,000, funded by our new Dredge Reserve fund.
Last we need the lake to be a full pool in order to get the dredge in the water and through Sunrise Cove. The draft of the dredge will get stuck if too shallow. We are investigating other options for launching in case mother nature doesn’t help us out as plan B.
United States of America 250th Birthday – the United States will mark its 250th anniversary of independence, known as the Semiquincentennial or America250, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This milestone celebration spans the entire year with a mix of national events, regional festivals, historical exhibitions, community service initiatives, and educational programs designed to honor the nation’s past and look toward its future.
Major highlights include July 4th fireworks and parades on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.; tall-ship flotillas and maritime gatherings like Sail4th 250 in New York and New Jersey; citywide programming in historic centers such as Philadelphia and Boston; and civic engagement efforts aimed at uniting Americans in service and reflection. The celebration is being coordinated by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and the nonprofit America250 organization, with additional events and initiatives organized by states and local partners across the country.
Lake Lotawana Association 100th Birthday – following this celebration by our country, the Association has a milestone coming up in 2027. We will be celebrating the lake incorporation that started with the Lake Lotawana Development Company in 1927. Here is a little history for everyone regarding our local heritage.
- December 30, 1927 the Lake Lotawana Development Company was incorporated to oversee the initial creation of the lake and platted surrounding land.
- 1927-1929 construction of the lake began with the initial earthen dam being completed in 1929.
- June 10, 1932 the Association was incorporated to take over the governance of the subdivision and land.
- November 24, 1958 the city was incorporated leaving us with the current structure where the City and Association have some jurisdiction over the lake community we know as Lake Lotawana.
The City annexed additional land in the years 2001 and 2004, expanding its boundaries south beyond U.S. Highway 50 to include the Barber property and the Foxberry and Oak Haven subdivisions. These annexations grew the city’s area from about 2.3 square miles to roughly 11.3 square miles.
Lake Lotawana Community Improvement District (CID) was created by petition and formally authorized by the city in 2005 (City Ordinance No. 765 on September 28, 2005). The CID issued bonds in 2006 and 2007 to finance infrastructure for development within the district, functionally acting as the mechanism akin to a TIF-style project.
Dam and Spillway – as noted in December we did a lot of tree clearing at the base of the dam and the operations team has been working to clear brush and remove trunks. To complete this project we will be clearing the area where we have water seepage. Then Allstate Consulting will come into to evaluate our dam drainage system’s integrity and recommend monitoring options.
New – Used Caterpillar Track Loader – in early January we took possession of a new used Track Loader to replace our over 20 year old unit. This newer equipment has improved power and enclosed cab to support all year round use. The Operations team has already found it to be more productive in the first few weeks of use at Silt Basin #5. Buying a used low hour unit saved the Association about $80,000 over the life of the new unit and for our use case only limits its life expectancy a small amount.
Use the Objectives List for Future Article Content
Objectives
- Infrastructure Improvement
- Complete low-water project punch list
- Resurface roads between Gate 3 to 4
- Fix | Replace north shore culverts
- Resurface from Gate 3 to the dam
- Replace V‑Block culvert
- Resurface V‑Block to Goat Hill
- Complete the Spillway Overhaul plan and budget development
- Complete Stafford Preserve Phase II preparation and planting
- Complete Silt Basin #3 drain structure installation and preparation for dredging
- Complete Silt Basin #5 dirt removal and pumping route from the lake to the basin
- Secure land or easement for the N‑Block dredge pipe
- Start Silt Basin #6 restructuring project
- Dam – Spillway Maintenance Plan development and budgetingzDEFRT56
- Stafford Preserve – complete year 2 land preparation and seeding
- Dredging Operations
- Excavate the back of Big Rock Bay – spring
- Dredge Quantrill Cove and begin Waterfall
- Environmental
- Finalize a rolling 5-year fish stocking plan
- Develop a Water Testing program; implement and communicate
- Develop a Water Vegetation Management plan and policy; implement and communicate
- Safety
- Enhance Water Patrol Boat visibility
- Complete the Gate and Facility camera project
- Information Technology Planning
- Document current hardware and software systems
- Draft IT security and hardware management policies
- New Fee Structure
- Develop a revised fee structure aligned with the new dock rule (under development)
- Review all fees and fines and prepare for member publication
- Lake Access Policy Development
- Create a policy for the Association that enables all lake owners’ access to the lake while improving our pathway management policy for the future.
- Centennial Planning
- Form a committee to lead planning for the Association’s Centennial celebration
- Operational Efficiency
- Review and update policies and processes to further automate functions.
- Update the Employee Handbook.
- Develop a complete set of policy documents for office and operations
- Rules and Regulation Update
- Organizational update to the Rules and Regulations
- Pathway project
- Financial
- Create a detailed Financial Policy and Process document
- Develop a Dam Reserve
- Continuing a strong investment strategy for our cash positions
- Operations Basin Development
- Create a full development plan for the south end of Sunrise Bay
- Replace culverts as part of the project
- Collaborating with the landowner on a Phase II silt mitigation plan
- Fun
- New events being considered – Ski Jump competition; Triathlon
- 4th Annual Lot-a-Smoke BBQ Contest
- Concert Series
- Lotawana Days
- And so much more!!!!
Courtesy Reminders – invoices have been sent out, so if you did not receive at the email we have on record, check you spam or junk folder. If you still don’t see, please contact the office so we can make sure you receive it.
If you have questions or topics, you would like discussed regarding the Association, please feel free to drop me a note at President@lakelotawana.net.
Sincerely,
Jeff Clemow
President