Lotawana Association, Inc. – Did you know that Lake Lotawana Association, Inc., is a C Corporation. This means we pay taxes like any corporation. As an HOA we do get to reduce our income by the monies we use to fund our Reserves as well as lower County property taxes. In this budget cycle, Ways and Means will be looking at our long-term capital plan and reserve account strategy to make sure we continue to use tax reduction options that come with being an HOA.
Lotawana Days – Mother Nature gave us a break in temperatures and almost spared the days’ events from rain showers. However, it was impressive to see such a large crowd hang in and support the Ski Club – another great event for the lake and many thanks to all the volunteers that made the event so special. The Ski Show again was a huge part of the day and hats off to all the volunteers that run the Ski Club program, as well as all the participants. The club is such a great asset to the lake and its youth. Did you know that Lotawana Days is run by a Division of Parks and Recreation with no formal committee, but rather an annual volunteer. Julie Ungashick ran it this year, so a shout out to her and Noel Runkle who helps as Treasurer. I’m looking forward to the theme for 2025! Question: for the long-time residents, if you know the origin story for Lotawana Days please give me a call. I’d love to provide the history to the members.
Understanding our Board of Directors and Meeting Schedule / Process – Did you know that our Lake Lotawana Association is guided by a team of 37 volunteer directors who collectively form our Board of Directors (BoD). Each director represents a specific section of the lake’s properties, and their responsibility extends beyond mere representation—they actively shape our community’s strategy and priorities.
Board Structure: Directors: these volunteers serve as your voice, advocating for your interests. They focus on setting strategic goals and managing community priorities. Officers and Committee Chairpersons: constitute the Executive Board (EB), who sets the agenda for our monthly meetings and ensures effective communication with our membership, committees and staff.
Meeting Schedule: the BoD meeting takes place on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM in the United Methodist Church basement. The Executive Board convenes on the first Tuesday of the month to set the agenda for each BoD meeting, which is a collection of topics brought by members, staff or directors along with regular tactical topics the EB leads on behalf of the BoD. Meeting Minutes: the meeting minutes are after approval by the BoD posted on our website. These minutes are a month in arrears due to the approval requirement. However, they provide valuable insights into our community’s decision-making process and topics not always covered in other forums. Your Role: we encourage all members to attend our monthly meetings. It’s an opportunity to stay informed and engaged. Present to the Board: as a member you can request to present to the BoD. Whether a Lake Improvement Board (LIB) or Water Enforcement Board (WEB) decision appealing or simply requesting to discuss a topic with the BoD, the EB will review each and approve prior to adding the topic to the agenda.
Why the Process? The goal is to maintain efficient meetings while ensuring all presenters can effectively share their agenda items. A lot goes into meeting preparation that includes the meeting packet. This packet provides the BoD with all relevant materials (facts, images, documents, illustrations, etc.) in advance of the meeting. This preparation ensures informed decision-making during our meetings.
Stafford Field Zoning Update
The LLA application to rezone the east parcel of land was heard July 10th by the City of Lake Lotawana Planning and Zoning committee. As a refresh this is the parcel of land that includes the runway and land east to the K & L block 2nd tier housing rear property lines. There were several members who spoke to the committee with their concerns, some of which are more about how the LLA will manage the land and activities.
The application will remain open with the decision vote postponed until the October meeting. The push is to allow for the City of Lake Lotawana to create a new Zone definition that does not include the word, Parks. The proposed new name is Preserve with which the LLA has provided a draft definition for the City’s consideration. While the word Park does not by definition create a public park, there was concern the label would invite nonresidents to think it was public land.
As stated, the goal is to keep this and the other two parcels on the west side of the area in the current state of natural environment protecting our watershed, while supporting wildlife and walking trails. In addition, the Board of Directors believes there are events like Lota Smoke that benefit the community and should be allowed through a permitting process. The LLA has a draft permitting process from last year’s Lot-A-Smoke that will be the framework for any member applying for use. We will communicate more on the permitting process when we have locked in the land management plan.
In coordination with all this effort, MO Department of Conservation is working on a Land Management plan that will help us have the right types of plantings to support all our goals (watershed, limited events, walking paths, nature preserve) for the property. Their program has a matching funds program that can save the LLA money. Also, we have confirmed that by accepting state funds, there is no obligation to change the property’s private status that the LLA manages.
Courtesy Reminders
Jet Ski and Wave Runner owners please, make sure your family members know that the water patrol can pull them over for doing donuts and jumping wakes of other boats. While donuts are not spelled out as a violation, they can be considered an unsafe use. This is especially the case during heavy lake use periods and will earn you a citation.
For example, I recently watched two wave runners at full speed playing dodge me and jumping each other’s donut wakes along with wakes created by boats in the area. While fun, a great way to have a collision and hurt themselves, which they probably don’t realize almost happened a couple of times.
Last, jumping wakes is a specific rule and can earn you a citation regardless of whether driving recklessly. Bottom line we want to support these toys on the lake, but consistently they come up in chatter about safety and after this year’s accident an area in the spotlight.
Sincerely,
Jeff Clemow
President