Dredging – by the time you read this article the dredge will be up and running. A big step forward in our efforts to ramp up our dredging operations! Thank you to everyone for your patience and understanding. Silt Basin #5 at the Keller Property is going to be complete in a few more weeks leaving us with Silt Basin #6 as the next focus. We are really getting positioned for dredging longer in the year and more in 2027.
Association Operations Building Entrance – the final pour for the new concrete entrance and work area on the south side of the building is complete. Bonus – we replaced the failing sidewalk and patio off the back of the building. Frank’s Concrete was the contractor who gave us free work on the sidewalk and a deal on the patio. The before and after pictures truly tell the story. Proper drainage and work area for our top-notch operations team!!!
New Dam Gate: we installed a new gate at the south end of the dam just past the entrance to the storage lot. This will be used when the dam road needs to be closed, especially for the July 4th Fireworks.
Spire Project – the gas main replacement project is well under way on the south end of the lake. If you drive that part of the road be aware of contractors, iron plates and moving equipment.
Naiad Grass and Duck Weed – warm weather brings a lot of fun to the lake, but it also brings back our native aquatic vegetation. The Board has established a special committee, chaired by VP Mike Miller and joined by directors from heavily impacted neighborhoods, to look at how we manage this growth moving forward.
Historically, the Association has taken on tasks to keep everyone happy, which creates an expectation that is simply not sustainable without raising assessment fees. The reality is that the more services the LLA provides, the higher our collective costs become. As we work to tackle documenting policy, this topic is an example of why we need to establish guidelines to allow for proper planning, budgeting and expectation setting. In the future we want owners to know exactly what they are paying for and what is not included unless we up the dues.
Because managing costs versus services is always a tough conversation, the committee’s primary focus will be developing a fair proposal that clearly defines where the Association’s role ends and private owner responsibility begins. Our lake is a complex, beautifully natural ecosystem with no simple shortcuts, and we appreciate your partnership and patience as we work to find a sustainable balance together. Please let your District Director know your thoughts on what you are willing to pay for in the way of services.
FYI, the Fishery Committee has planned for this year’s stocking, with grass carp and redear at the top of the list. To set expectations, stocking takes place in the fall after temperatures move into the 50’s. Even with adding grass carp we will always have aquatic vegetation every year and some years the blooms will be impactful. Mother nature has a way of throwing curve balls at the effort to balance the eco-system. Please remember the grass is a critical providing habitat and nutrient sync to help lower Phosphate and Nitrate levels. There will be times when the eco-system is out of balance so having an established policy will help with expectations and operational planning.
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