BOARD MEETING
NOTES... August 15, 2017
Open Forum consisted of mainly concerns about the condition of the lake and methods being used to remedy it. Closer spraying, upstream improvements including purchasing land above the dip stream to curb the inflow with plantings and other measures. Some good suggestions were aired. Discussion was also held about paving the golf path in sections and doing some drainage work for some of the path areas. In general allocating more funds for the course.
The AQUA update indicated the work had begun Tuesday paving the road cuts they have made and the seeding and landscaping should be finished the first week of September on James and Galahad.
Finance Commission reports our standing at the end of July is Operating Cash $1,969,513.65, Operating Investments $400,145.85, Reserve Investments $3,679,201.57. Total Investments $4,079,347.42 and Total Cash $6,048,861.07.
We are currently under budgeted expense by $64,465.98 and over revenue budget $38,205.44, meaning we came out “to the good” by $102,671.42 this fiscal year through the end of July.
Accounting adjustments for July equal $600.00 due to two homes that were rentals now being owner occupied. Write-offs for the month total $452.75 due to banks only being required to pay 6 months of common expenses and charged citation after assessment paid.
Lake Management indicates the grant application was submitted for cooperative funding of modification of the area above the "dip", remediating some of the run off sedimentation as well as nutrient feed into the lake that promotes algae blooms and weed propogation. Will we get the grant? Doubtful since this is a non-priority year for our geographical location.
Lake conditions are improving but many residents are unhappy with the lake condition (as am I) as well as the chemical treatment of the lake. It is still not as it should be but all reasonable measures are being taken. We must live with a less than perfect lake until this milfoil problem is under control. Remember, this is a self inflicted wound by one or more of our residents that brought this scourge into our lake from elsewhere. It is ugly and expensive.
The fish stocking request for next year will be $10,000. The early fish shocking survey was discussed. This report is where the information is obtained leading to the stocking necessary to retain a good fishery. The next fish shocking is planned for September or October. Some additional monies may be requested for more bioswale plantings at Whiting Park.
Leaf collection dates will be November 4th and 18th this year. Volunteers always welcomed.
The Golf Commission recommends John Stern be an alternate member. The top budget request for next year will once again be paving of the cart paths. The youth league tournament had ten participants in each age group. No tournaments in August.
The Rec. Commission says yoga will run from August 30 to October 4th. Summer camp is having 6 to 13 kids per day. Lap swimming is producing very low numbers and will be re-evaluated for next year. Bunko is August 18th. The last Bunko had 16 participants. The next meeting will be August 24th at 6:30 p.m. for anyone interested.
Communications discussed how to get and retain members. My comment, the time of day for the meetings is a problem for many. Candlewick promotional ads will continue to run twice per month. Lake and Links discussed.
Public Safety tells us Dan Calhoun is now a member of the Public Safety Commission. The commission feels "CAUTION CHILDREN PLAYING" signs should be placed in some areas. Recommendation to follow.
The Roads Commission had no meeting but the 4 tubes by Savannah Oaks have been replaced because the area was sinking. It was a good job finished ahead of schedule. The tube that failed on Candlewick Drive after the heavy rain was also replaced and we will be replacing three more due to deterioration. This is very expensive work but if not repaired it can be not only a danger but also a liability to your association. The two inch overlay will also be starting soon so there will be some traffic disruption but as usual it will be handled with as little inconvenience as possible.
The Golf Course report from Tom Schneider indicates the course is in great shape. Keeping up with mowing and spraying. Also doing some maintenance work on sand bunkers and cart paths.
The Outpost remodel was again discussed. We should.... underline should ... have a couple prices by our next meeting but this is like pulling teeth getting specs and bids on this.
New East Gate signage is in the manufacturing process so we are waiting for completion.
Savannah Oaks Clubhouse reports Pub Trivia pulled in 56 participants. The driving nets are set to go and working well. Lots of use. Lake and Links will be August 27th with a ping pong ball drop and a putting tournament.
The AQUA proposal for a rate increase was discussed. The judge has sided with the ICC and AQUA, ruling against the requested public hearing. Not much more can be done at this point besides comment online to the ICC and hope for some reduction from the requested rate increase, which I expect will be mitigated to some extent.
A resolution was passed to replace three more culverts in danger of failure prior to the overlay project to avoid tearing up the road after paving. Payment will come from replacement reserves. Culvert replacements this year will surpass $100,000.00. This is why we must have solid reserves.
A resolution was passed to replace windows that rotting out in the pool bath house. Again, from replacement reserves.