In a quick up and down motion on Wednesday, September 29, the Seven Lakes Landowners Association [SLLA] Board of Directors took a major step forward in the long awaited road repaving project, awarding Civil Group a $31,124 contract to repair and repave a heavily eroded section of Firetree Lane at Echo Dam.
One of four priority areas identified as needing substantial repairs prior to community-wide repaving work, this section of roadway was particularly worrisome because of its proximity to Echo Dam.
Earlier this year, the project was classified as non-jurisdictional by the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources and was subsequently put out for bid. Of three requests, only one eligible proposal was returned; however, the price was right, and Civil Group is a highly respected firm.
“We’ve been after that area for some time," said Director Bud Shaver. "We made a thorough engineering study and had our plan approved by three engineers. We expect this work will resolve the ongoing erosion problem.”
Agreement with SLCC
Looking for a progress report on activity related to the agreement between the Association and Seven Lakes Country Club [SLCC] over future development of the old driving range, Southsider and former director Donna Stephan asked for an update.
SLLA President Randy Zielsdorf said the Club had just recently undertaken a significant decision and that he wanted to give them some time to collect their thoughts.
“There is no new news, but I am following up with them,” said Zielsdorf. “I will come back and report on it next month.”
Stephan asked Zielsdorf whether he was pursuing all five bulleted points of the agreement, to which he responded that his current priorities were approving the Club's covenants and the ten-foot easement the club is supposed to grant the Association between the old driving range and Seven Lakes Drive.
“Two of the points, we can’t do anything about until building starts,” he said.
Rules change tabled
A cryptic action item on the meeting agenda drew ire from Northsider George Temple.
As posted, the agenda stated a vote would be conducted on a rule change; however, no draft language was included for member review or even any indication of what rule was under consideration.
“Two rules were discussed at the last Work Session: one was great and one, I thought, was terrible,” said Temple. “It would be nice when you’re making rule changes to let people know, so they could come speak for or against.”
Director Bud Shaver said there had been some confusion at the office as to the rule and proposed language.
Both changes under consideration are basically housekeeping issues related to propane tank storage; however, the Board agreed to table the vote and wait for a more concise draft and appropriate notification to the membership.
“We dropped the ball and there will be no vote tonight,” said Zielsdorf. “We will discuss the rule change again at the October Work Session.”
Reserve Study
Reserve Study consultants were on-site this week in Seven Lakes North and South, conducting a thorough inventory of Association assets. A complete report is anticipated in four to six weeks.
Described as a long range planning tool, the Study will include recommendations for updating, and eventually replacing, physical structures — and also the necessary financial reserves to adequately and proactively maintain them.
“When do we need to do things and how much money will we need, is what it’ll tell us,” explained Shaver.
Community Standards
Communication — from the Community Standards Committee up to management and also back out to Association members — dominated discussion at the recent Community Standards Committee meeting, reported Director Kent Droppers.
“With so many issues that have festered for years, there is a backlog of things to resolve," he explained. "The Committee decided that members would prioritize them and report to [Community Manager] Alina [Cochran]. Failing to resolve means they’ll be brought to Judicial Committee.”
Droppers also encouraged volunteers — especially those owning trucks or trailers — are needed to assist with Fall Clean-Up Day on Saturday, October 2. Please bring work gloves and meet at the North Clubhouse parking lot at 9:00 am.
Security
Longtime SLLA Security Officer Mickey Lewis has resigned his position, Community Manager Cochran reported.
Director Chuck Mims is drafting proposed revisions to community boating rules that will place more emphasis on owner responsibility. He anticipated a draft version would be ready for discussion at the October Work Session. In addition, Mims, along with Directors Melinda Scott and Bruce Keyser, Jr., will be meeting with Sgt. Mark Dutton of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission to discuss boating concerns, particularly on Lake Sequoia.
Shaver questioned conflicting reports the Board is receiving on whether Lake Sequoia is overcrowded.
“Some tell us the lake is overused, and others say it’s not,” Shaver said, noting that a survey conducted two years ago showed only one in six residents actively use the lakes for boating.
However, Droppers argued that while one in six is a low percentage, with 1,200 homes, the gross number of users is not unsubstantial.
“I’m thrilled to see people use the lake," Droppers said. "If they all play by the rules, we’re not going to have a problem."
Lakes & Dams
Following up on an erosion concern at Sequoia Dam, Northsider JoAn Moses thanked Shaver and Cochran for their prompt attention and inspection of the area. Of particular issue was a section that will need to be reseeded after it was sprayed with weed killer in error. Some additional rip rap will also be installed on the backside of the dam.
Moses also thanked Cochran for quickly responding to her request for a copy of the report on recent water tests.
Northsider Donna Fentzlaff reported a two-inch deep sinkhole has appeared underneath the railing along Lake Sequoia. She also complained that erosion is becoming a problem.
Shaver said he would walk the dam on Thursday and inspect the areas she mentioned.
Finance
In September during their regular meeting, the Finance Committee reviewed the Echo Dam proposal by Civil Group, balance statements, all accounts and transactions, and other financial reports of the Association, reported Treasurer Denny Galford.
“We were very satisfied with all," he said. "and we are making substantial headway with getting the small transition problems resolved.”
Galford said the committee is reviewing next year’s collection policy, compiling a five-year summary of lakes and dams expenditures, and also working to formalize internal controls in place with Talis Management.
Responding to a salary line item variance question from Northsider Conrad Meyer, Galford explained that an anticipated three pay-period schedule was budgeted in the wrong month.
Recreation
Northside Pool closed for the season on September 19, and Cochran thanked the pool manager and staff for an excellent year. “I have received good feedback from residents about the quality of service,” she said.
She also reported that Doggy Day of Summer, a special day at the pool just for dogs following its regular closing, was successful, with several resident dogs enjoying a pool swim.
The Recreation Committee was thanked for their recent workday to clean out and inventory recreation activity and party supplies. The committee next meets on Wednesday, October 6 at 9:30 am in the SLLA Conference Room. New members are welcome.
Upcoming recreation events include the children’s Halloween Party. This year the Recreation Committee is putting together an extra-special party, scheduled for Saturday, October 30; and volunteers are needed to decorate and assist with refreshments, crafts and games. Please call the SLLA office or Laura Douglass at 673-1817 if you’d like to help out.
A bus trip to visit the North Carolina State Fair is planned for Thursday, October 21. The cost is $32 per person for transportation and admission to the fair is free with a donation of four cans of food. The bus will depart First Bank Seven Lakes parking lot at 8:30 am and reservations are required. If interested, contact Kirk Tours directly at 295-2257 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Management report
Cochran reminded pet owners that allowing animals to run at-large is prohibited in Seven Lakes and that dogs must be under control and on a leash when they are off of your private property. Stray animals picked up by Association staff are turned over to Moore County Animal Control, and it is the sole responsibility of the owner to make arrangements to recover their pet.
The SLLA office is organizing a ‘Meet and Greet’ day for residents to drop-by and meet with Cochran and her team.
“We welcome the opportunity to talk to residents. They can come in to learn more about the community and how we can make this a better place for all,” Cochran said.
Following her report, Droppers said that he is pleased with the transition to Talis Management.
“To get better we must often take a step back," he said. "I am very comfortable with the Board and where we’re going. More and more of the day-to-day operation [of the Association] is being run by professionals, and I’m starting to see the Board take more of a look at long range calendar planning. I feel like we’re getting to that sweet spot of balance.”
Other Business
In other business on Wednesday, September 29, the SLLA Board:
• Appointed Director Melinda Scott by a vote of acclamation to chair the SLLA 2011 Board of Directors Nominating Committee.
• Heard a request from JoAn Moses to close two pedestrian openings along the back fence line, adjacent to Holly Grove School Road.
• Heard a request from Donna Fentzlaff to incorporate speed reduction devices into the new paving anticipated over Lake Sequoia Dam, rather than reinstalling speed bumps. Zielsdorf agreed, saying “I’ve been complaining about those bumps ever since they put them in. If you have to go over the dam in an ambulance — it’s not a good thing.”
Directors Melinda Scott and Bruce Keyser, Jr. were unable to attend the meeting.
