Did you Know – in the Rules and Regulations we have a requirement for owners to report water incidents. The following paragraph is under the Enforcement Section on page 38 of the Rules and Regulations. The Rule is in place so the LLA can have a formal record of any incident where an injury or property damage occurs. Having official records can protect all parties and allows the LLA to keep track of safety issues. Please remember to self-report accidents on the lake!
“The driver of any Watercraft involved in an accident involving injury or property damage shall immediately report the details of the accident including names, telephone numbers and any other relevant information concerning the incident to the Lake Lotawana Association Office or to the Lake Lotawana Water Patrol, and to the Police Department of the City of Lake Lotawana. Failure to make this report shall constitute a violation of the rules. (6 pts.)”
Road Update – we have completed the West Shore resurfacing along with Culvert and Ditch work. The office has received a lot of compliments from Members, which are greatly appreciated. After reviewing invoices and bids for remaining work on the East Shore around Gate 7 to Goat Hill, the Roads Committee plans to go ahead with the remaining work this year if timing and weather allow! That leaves the North Shore for next year after we complete the Low Water crossing project. Great job Roads Committee!!
Bonus! the LLA Office Parking lot milled and paved free of charge!
LLA crew (Matt, Trevor and Mike) removing guard rails from Low Water Crossing readying for demolition. The goal is to use the old rails to replace the ones at the parking lot opposite the community club
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New Work Barge – the operations crew previously utilized an aging work barge around the lake, which had become increasingly inadequate for our needs. In August, we acquired a new work barge, which was fitted by John Coufal with the necessary outboard motor and control systems to operate both the engine and the crane. The total cost was $86,000, funded through our Capital Reserve. We have not yet determined what will be done with the old barge.
The old barge, with steel pontoons and an undersized crane, was prone to swamping and could not handle heavy materials like large tree debris. Since the work barge is vital for lake projects, reliability and safety are essential.
The new barge has a closed hull for better buoyancy, a more robust crane for safer operations, and a bow platform to further improve safety. As soon as we can outfit with the outboard engine controls we will launch, so keep an eye out for the new barge in action.
Workers’ Compensation – as a small business with staff, we must pay Workers’ Compensation insurance. Our excellent safety record has earned the LLA the lowest possible premium rating. Thanks to our crew and office staff for prioritizing safety and maintaining equipment at high standards, which helps control costs and keeps operations running smoothly. Preventing injuries is crucial both financially and for our team members. Well done, team!
Permit Requirements – Road Impact Fee – Fines – a topic that comes up every month in discussion and meetings is the LLA permitting process owner violations. Did you know that if you do not get a permit for a construction or major landscaping project on the Parkway or private property you are subject to a fine from the LLA. Not only do you have to get a permit from the City, but also the LLA. We use the permit process for collecting Road Impact fees (Road Reserve), confirming setback compliance, ensuring LLA rules are met along with tracking approved projects for inspection.
We hear many times; my contractor should have handled. The reality is many contractors especially those never having worked at the lake are not aware of the permitting requirement. It is incumbent on LLA owners to ensure their contractors are aware and have a permit.
Another trigger for a fine is the construction not complying with the approved permit. Especially when building on the parkway. Owners need to be aware of the rules and make sure their contractors apply for a change in their plans before building.
Examples of Projects requiring permits:
- Any work on the parkway of any kind
- Building a deck or patio
- Installing or replacing a fence
- Adding or expanding a driveway, steps, pathway, etc.
- Major landscaping changes (e.g., large retaining walls, significant grading, or tree removal)
- Exterior additions or alterations to any structure (e.g., roof replacement, additions or projects where heavy equipment is being used
If ever in doubt on whether you need to get a permit, please contact the LLA office.
Courtesy Reminders – November 11th will be the Annual Budget meeting at 7:00 p.m.. Mark your calendar to learn the latest on the LLA and vote for the 2026 budget. Look for a preview in a future article as the Board of Directors will review and approve the budget for the meeting at the October BoD Meeting. Lot-A-Smoke BBQ Contest is October 10-11 and its ramping up to be the third year in of a fun packed event.
Jeff Clemow
President