Patrolling the Pond, February 16, 2025
By Mike Miller, Member Lake Lotawana Board of Directors, Sergeant at Arms
Back in the Deep Freeze
There’s nothing like returning from the warmth of a tropical location then feel the sting of a Super Bowl loss followed by snow, cold, and all of the winter elements of February. I am certainly grateful for the blessing of heading south for a week or so to escape the elements. Some are not so fortunate. Once upon a time I lived in Florida and was probably, “that guy,” showcasing the weather and warmth, when friends or relatives from colder climates called during the daylight challenged days of February. And of course, like we can all do on occasion, I took it a bit for granted. I have since learned that being joyful in the moment is more important. So for now, I appreciate the warmth of where I was because of the frigid and snowy conditions of where I am right now.
You only have to attend one HOA Board meeting in the early months of the year to know that spring is right around the corner. It’s not uncommon for Board meetings to go dark for a couple of months around the Holidays and into January. Fewer issues or topics present in the late fall and some of the District Reps spend the winter in warmer places. February is typically the time when things start to stir, if not in temps, for sure in the number of topics coming to the Board. This month’s meeting was no different. As you have been reading from the pen of the President, Jeff Clemow, and our staff, lots of new changes to registrations, paying your HOA fees, and other processes have occurred since last year. I believe all of the changes are great strides forward in streamlining the work the office staff has to do each year and what everyone who pays dues and registrations has to do to get everything in place for summer. One stop fee payment is the best! Also, if you happen to attend the March HOA Annual meeting you will likely be able to pick up your new, forever decals. Another great step forward!
One important note you will want to make on your fridge for 2025: No need to register your lake toys! That’s right. No kayaks, SUPs, or floating islands require registration this year. You still need to register sailboats. It’s important to remember that while you don’t have to register these items you should still place your Lot and Block number on ALL items that find a home near your dock. Life jackets, rafts, saddles, kayaks, etc. should all have your identification located on them somewhere. You may recall the flood of 2024? Or any of the recent windy days? There are always a lot of stray items floating around the lake. Placing your Lot and Block number on everything near your dock is the best and most effective way to rehome your floating toys. This is even more important for those items that previously needed to be registered that, under the new rules, no longer need to be registered.
While, at the time I am writing this, we are about to experience the coldest days of the winter, the Annual Association meeting is coming up in March. That can only mean that spring temps and an ice-free lake is coming soon! I encourage everyone to attend the Annual Meeting. You will learn a lot about what’s going on this year at the lake, the many different projects that the Association is taking on, and the hard work that is being done to ensure we have the best lake community anywhere in the KC Metro area. Being informed is one way to prevent feeling isolated or acquiring the, “us vs. them,” complex. That’s when you think things like, “look what the Association is doing now,” or say things to others like, “Can you believe what THEY just did to us?” We are them. They are us! Remember, with the exception of the staff, everyone that does anything for the Association is VOLUNTEERING their time and are lake residents with the same interest and intention as anyone who owns property here. You may disagree with some decisions that are made but know that you have a voice. You have a role. Attending the Annual Meeting (March 11th, 7pm, Church of Jesus Christ inside Gate 2) gives you a voice. Also, if you are in EVEN NUMBERED districts, this year is an election year for your District HOA Rep. Vote!
Finally, when it comes to getting involved and participating in the process, it doesn’t matter if you are a part-time resident or full-time resident. As someone once told me, even part-time residents are still, “Full time owners!” Enough said. I look forward to seeing you at the March meeting! Hopefully by then the sting of the Super Bowl loss and the cold weather will both be starting to fade.
SAFER SEVEN QUIZ: This week’s quiz…Who you Going to Call?
Many questions you have about making changes on your property, modifying your dock space, or doing any work on the Parkway can be answered by a simple call to the Association Office. The critical step is making the call before you make decisions that involve your property, additions to your docks, or adding a new watercraft to your fleet. A simple phone call can save you time, money, and the headache of having to make changes. See how much you know about who to call for what by taking this week’s Safer Seven Quiz.
- Your dock has been shedding foam for a few years. You decide to install new rubber floats. You can call the HOA office to determine next steps. TRUE or FALSE? TRUE. Whenever you are making changes to your dock, it’s a good idea to see if you need approval for those changes.
- You decide to plant some new trees near the lakeside. You want to know what kind of trees are allowable. You can call the HOA office to determine next steps. TRUE or FALSE? TRUE.
- Your second-tier lot is perfect for a garage addition. You’ve found a contractor and are ready to start building. Your construction could be stopped if you don’t first call the HOA office and get the appropriate permits. TRUE or FALSE? TRUE.
- You and your neighbor have decide to install a new sidewalk that serves both houses. You both agree to the addition. You should call the HOA office to determine what approvals are needed. TRUE or FALSE? TRUE. There are specific requirements for any modification that involves the Parkway. You made need to take your case to the Lake Improvement Board. Better to check with the office first.
- You decide to paint one of the bedrooms inside your house. You should contact the HOA Office before buying the paint. TRUE or FALSE? FALSE. You do not need changes to paint your interior walls or many other interior changes that would not require a building permit.
- You are about to make a deal on a new tow boat. You should contact the HOA Office to find out the latest size and weight requirements AND schedule an inspection. TRUE or FALSE? TRUE. All new to the lake watercraft (could be new, could be used but new to the lake) need to be inspected first before being registered on the lake. You may also want to make sure the boat meets all of the current weights, lengths, and horsepower requirements.
- You need to store a trailer in the trailer lot. You got the combination for the lock from one of the people who holds the combo. You should contact the HOA Office BEFORE you place your trailer in storage. TRUE or FALSE? TRUE. You need to register any trailer stored in the trailer lot.