New Year Start
Welcome to 2026! As we start the new year, I outlined the 2026 Association Objectives that combine infrastructure projects with a long list of other projects beyond day to day annual tasks. The list looks daunting, but should be doable with all the planning that went into 2025 for this coming year. As the year flies by, I’ll do my best to provide updates on each objective as it comes to completion or major milestones. As noted last year, I’ll be providing financial updates as well so not everything waits for the membership meetings. Fingers crossed; we have another banner year of accomplishments like 2025.
Objectives
- Infrastructure Improvement
- Complete low-water project punch list
- Resurface roads between Gate 3 to 4
- Fix | Replace north shore culverts (4 identified)
- 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 budgeting
- 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
- Implement a Firewall and VPN appliance for IT infrastructure
- Training
- Director risk and liability training
- Investigate Software training for office staff
- Develop a regular Field safety training program
- 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
- 4th Annual Lot-a-Smoke BBQ Contest
- Concert Series
- Lotawana Days
- And so much more!!!!
O and V Block Culverts
Favorable weather conditions enabled us to complete the replacement of the large culvert in O Block, located on the west shore hill leading to Goat Hill. Work on the V Block culvert, just north of the gate 7 entrance, is scheduled to begin in the third week of January. Upon completion of these two projects, the Roads Committee will proceed with planning the roadbed repair and resurfacing of the final section of the east shore road. The goal by early summer the east shore roads are 100% complete!
Lotawana Property Development, LLC (Marina 27) Signs New Lease
After 5 years of operations, the Marina 27 tenant has signed a new lease agreement with Lotawana Properties, LLC. The new lease is for 10 years with a 5 year renewal option. We are excited to partner with the tenant to continue the success of the Marina 27 restaurant as a valuable feature to our community.
Lotawana Properties, LLC Committee (Doug Martin – Chair, Chris Ridler, Hank Roth, Alan Switzer, Chad Fletcher along with Roger Accurso and Lance McFarland Marina 27 Restaurant owners and Jeff Clemow, LLA President were there for the lease signing with a Champagne toast to the partnership.
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