Rules Committee Update – Section 5 of the By-laws outline the Rules and Regulations Committee’s basic responsibilities as (a) Oversee all matters pertaining to the enforcement of the rules and regulations of the Association; (b) Supervise the issuance of all licenses, permits and privileges; (c) Submit to the Board of Directors for approval such rules and regulations deemed necessary for the guidance of the officers and employees; (d) Support the Water Use Board and Lake Improvement Board Activities; (e) Provide appropriate representation at court proceedings involving rules and regulation violations.
The Rules Committee is chaired by Dave Cooley who is also the Water Patrol Committee Chair, along with Craig Davis – Legal Committee Chair and a variety of members from around the lake. This committee has more members than the By-Laws require. This helps to make sure we have input from a variety of owners at the lake. Anytime a new rule is proposed, the draft has two (2) readings with the BoD and is published in the Lotawana News for members’ comments. Typically, the BoD will fine tune the language at the first reading with a motion to amend before it is published for comments.
Currently the committee is revising the Holiday Weekend Rules to make them easier to understand and put all holiday references in one section. The holiday rules apply to Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends.
Memorial Day Weekend – will be the first holiday under the new rules if approved at the May Board meeting, so look for a communication from the LLA Office.
Successful Spring Cleanup Event! – our annual Spring Cleanup was another resounding success! Thank you to our dedicated volunteers and the extended family of Dave Williams for their invaluable hours of support. The event resulted in nearly five full dumpsters, along with a filled metal dumpster and an excess debris pile. We recorded over 110 vehicles utilizing the cleanup services. Additionally, several trailer loads of donated items were collected, which Dave Williams will deliver to Red Racks. The Martin Property continued to be a popular destination for yard waste disposal, highlighting the immense value of this resource in maintaining our community’s cleanliness
Successful Spring Cleanup Event! – our annual Spring Cleanup was another resounding success! Thank you to our dedicated volunteers and the extended family of Dave Williams for their invaluable hours of support. The event resulted in nearly five full dumpsters, along with a filled metal dumpster and an excess debris pile. We recorded over 110 vehicles utilizing the cleanup services. Additionally, several trailer loads of donated items were collected, which Dave Williams will deliver to Red Racks. The Martin Property continued to be a popular destination for yard waste disposal, highlighting the immense value of this resource in maintaining our community’s cleanliness.
Major Project Updates – my articles can be long; however, with so many projects this year it is hard to work the details into something shorter. This article is full of updates, so buckle up for the read. Last year there was a lot of planning and reserve fund building, so this year is kicking off with several projects to keep our community safe and protect everyone’s private property investments. Please reach out to your Director if you have questions or concerns about any of the projects. Also, remember no matter how hard we plan, there will be times of inconvenience, so please look at the results and long term benefits versus the short term frustration.
Update on the Gate 1 Building Project: Investing in Our Future – we are pleased to report on the rapid progress on the new Gate 1 building, with the completion of the framing, concrete flooring, roof, and siding. The final stages of the project involve interior work, connection to the city sewer, ground shaping, and the installation of the perimeter fence and garage doors.
We understand that capital projects funded by annual dues may prompt questions. This building is a vital investment in protecting the Association’s substantial equipment assets, valued at millions of dollars accumulated over the years. Providing our crews with a safe and well-maintained workspace is paramount for their well-being and the efficient upkeep of our equipment. The previous building was in disrepair and lacked the capacity to shelter all necessary machinery. This new, modern structure will lead to long-term cost savings for the LLA through reduced equipment wear and tear and a safer working environment for our team.
Road Projects – the Roads Committee has outlined an aggressive plan for 2025, so in future articles I will highlight each phase of our road, culvert, and ditch improvement efforts. To start, Operations has completed the ditch clearing project on the west shore and will follow up with driveway culvert cleanouts. If you have the ability, please help us out and clean out your driveway culvert and or maintain going forward. Keeping the drainage flowing helps protect our roads and reduces flooding.
Allstate Consultants are designing two culvert projects (V and O blocks) and a drainage ditch. Contracts were issued for two major culvert projects to start soon (M and R blocks). We are working on a design to improve the intersection of East Thompson Road and Lakeshore Drive where the roadside is being undermined. Last, a bid package for road resurfacing was sent out to a variety of contractors for this year’s work.
New Excavator – did you know that the LLA recently purchased a new Caterpillar 336 Excavator for our dirt removal projects at the silt basins. An extended warranty for the major components was purchased as part of the capital loan. Foley Caterpillar delivered on April 14th, with the first dirt removal at Basin #3. The first 2-3 bucket loads confirmed our productivity to triple. Using a proper excavator will extend the life of our older longarm needed for so many operations. In the coming weeks, the operations crew will clear land east of the basin to create a dirt staging area. Dirt removed will be staged allowing any residual water to drain. Third parties will be able to load from this new area and this approach avoids future impact on the basin structure. While we will have a loan to pay down, this approach saves at least a million dollars for each basin clean out and ensures more efficient future cleanouts.
Silt Basin Access – ensuring good access to silt basins is crucial for maintenance and dredge operations and without we simply cannot dredge. Development around the lake in the past few decades created an issue where the LLA does not have guaranteed access to the basins from the lake. The Dredge Committee has been evaluating diverse options to lock in forever our ability to have and maintain access. We have a plan for Silt Basin #4 designed and will execute in the future. Basins #5 & #6 are the current priority with a solution coming together for Basin #6. The LLA is acquiring a property near our basin over the next month that will allow us to effectively manage basin clean outs and create a staging area of drying and future dirt removal. More details to come when the effort is complete.
Low Water Crossing Update – Spire has provided a June 2nd start date for the relocation of their pipelines on the east and west side of the crossing. ICON, our contractor, is gearing up plans to jump on the project when Spire is done. Once completed, we will be able to do the resurfacing of the road between Gates 3 & 4 and check the box on another road project!
Personal Note: I want to address recent social media posts from residents and nonresidents. I was surprised by the numerous assumptions insinuating poor Association decision-making regarding the low water crossing project. Several posts lacked accuracy and contained incorrect assumptions. In my opinion, the LLA has been transparent about the decisions and factors impacting the project timeline.
When you make accusations against the Association, you are addressing the members who volunteer their time to support the community. If you disagree with the decisions made by the Association, consider volunteering on committees or running for a Board of Director position. It is important to remember that BoD members volunteer their time to serving the Association to the best of their abilities. We are fortunate to have residents who bring a diverse range of expertise, including professionals in fields such as road construction, guiding our decisions. Your opinions will be more influential and impactful when they are based on facts and presented positively. My ask is that before engaging in assumptions on social media, please get the facts and understand the decision process.
Courtesy Reminders – get your sticker(s) on all registered watercraft and storage lot property!! Read up on the Memorial Day Rules when communicated by the LLA Office and prepare yourself for the kickoff concert with a Jimmy Buffet cover band. Look for communication on the Herbicide treatment at Stafford Preserve as we start preparations for seeding later this year. Check your boat gas, battery, and other annual maintenance and avoid that need for a tow this season.
Sincerely,
Jeff Clemow
President