Lotawana Properties, LLC – has successfully replaced the docks at the Marina 27 with 4 new and improved docks. FYI, the old docks were pieced together mostly from the old Yacht Club docks when they replaced theirs over 5 years ago. Thank you to Spencer Brachman who did the work for us back then to move and install the donated docks. Why did the Properties LLC have to replace many have asked. The bottom line is they were becoming unsafe and requiring a lot of maintenance. The frame welds were cracking or breaking, and many of the floats no longer were doing their job. The wood decking needed to be replaced, and the wood popsicles were more maintenance than help with docking. The operations crew disconnected the sections, pulled the mud spuds and loaded the sections onto a trailer. They then hauled the sections to the Operations lot across the road for future dismantling.
Williams Construction started installing the new docks on October 13th, which will be all done when you receive this addition. In the next edition I’ll be able to share the final installed photos. There will be four total fingers off the new walk ramp from the facility deck. The new docks as pictured below have metal popsicles with bumpers and mooring cleats. The walk surface is concrete blocks mirroring the gas docks. We now have safer and lower maintenance docks that expand the capacity for the busy months and events like the July 5th Music and Wood Boat Show. It will be fun to see everyone tying up to the new docks for lakeside fun as the great fall weather remaining provides outdoor entertainment opportunities.
Lot-A-Smoke – The third annual Lot-A-Smoke BBQ event was another major success. We extend our thanks to the committee for all their hard work organizing this year’s contest. Twenty-one teams participated, with a Madonna & Lady Gaga cover band entertaining guests during Friday night’s team parties. On Saturday, the new Lotawana Brewing Company Beer Garden and live music added to the lively atmosphere throughout the competition. Several TVs broadcasted the MIZZ game, and we were pleased to welcome even more sponsors this year. The weather was perfect. Special thanks to the Operations Team for their dedication in maintaining the grounds all summer to prepare for our overseed project and this event.
Ownership and Liability – When lending boats or PWCs, safety should be your top priority. Owners are fully responsible for any damage, injury, or accident, including citations and insurance issues. Living on a private lake you may feel safe but always be cautious about whom you allow to use your watercraft and ensure they have proper training and instructions.
Road Update – With the West Shore resurfacing done, work now shifts to the Low Water Crossing and the stretch between Gate 3 & 4, weather permitting. ICON aims to finish the new structure by Thanksgiving. The current photo shows the concrete floor and rebar for the box culvert structure the new road surface will sit on. The culvert boxes should be poured by the time you read this. The balance of the road and bed need to be dug out so the south side culvert can be replaced along with the addition of a permanent dredge pipe crossing and new guard rails. If done by December and temperatures stay near 50 degrees we may still get the Gate 3-4 resurfacing done. Otherwise, work will resume in spring as soon as it’s warm enough.
North Shore Ditches – The LLA Operations crew will be working this fall and next spring on all the ditches along the north shore as the work schedule permits. The goal is to complete prior to the resurfacing of the remaining sections of the north shore. This will include digging out clogged ditches and clearing out the under-driveway culverts. FYI, we are looking at hiring a third party to do the culvert cleaning once we have the ditches cleared.
Courtesy Reminders – the November Budget Meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. in the east conference room at Gate 2 Church south of Colbern. Come hear about the plans for next year and how 2025 projects came together for a banner operations year.
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