In an unexpected announcement during the Monday, December 6 Work Session of the Seven Lakes Landowners Association Board, President Randy Zielsdorf announced his intention to resurrect the Lakes & Dams Committee, a group he disbanded in April 2009.
In previous meetings, Zielsdorf explained that decision was based on his desire to shift responsibility for the monitoring, care and maintenance of the dams from volunteer to management’s supervision – in effect, swinging back the pendulum after the committee was created and provided exceptional proactive service following many years of deferred maintenance and what many characterized as minimal oversight by former manager Dalton Fulcher. Zielsdorf acknowledged that failure, but cited concerns that at least one committee member had been working with contractors on behalf of the Association in an inappropriate manner and that while substantial funding had been channeled into dam maintenance, he was not convinced that every expense was warranted.
Responding to criticism this Summer from former committee members, Zielsdorf agreed to a meeting in October between himself, Treasurer Denny Galford, Community Manager Alina Cochran, and several representatives from the former group. Discussions included a comprehensive five-year review of dam expenditures and joint approval of an eight item action list of regularly scheduled dam maintenance projects.
During Monday’s Work Session, Cochran noted that new information would require an adjustment to one of those items.
“There is some concern that mowing the grass when it has grown too long smothers the grass underneath,” Cochran explained.
Once mowed on a regular basis for aesthetics, over the last few years the grass on the dam faces has only been cut twice or thrice each year to prevent soil erosion. Cochran recommended that instead of limiting cuttings to a predetermined number, that the action item should be amended so that grass is mowed when it reaches a specified maximum height.
Following her report, Zielsdorf announced his decision to reconstitute the Lakes & Dams Committee and said he is seeking four interested individuals to serve. Specifically, he noted the committee would be useful in providing guidance for special requests related to the lakes that do not fall under already established committee interests of security, recreation or infrastructure. He anticipated an initial meeting in January and at least one more meeting prior to the new Board members being seated following the Annual Meeting in March.
Echo Dam closed for repairs
Echo Dam was closed and work on a heavily eroded section of Firetree Lane commenced Monday, November 29. One of four high priority areas identified as needing substantial repairs prior to community-wide repaving, the $31,124 project was awarded to Civil Group in September.
Community Manager Alina Cochran said there was concern about whether the underlying soil was fit for the necessary work. Once the surface soil was removed, a visual inspection of the base was completed with both the contractor and Mike Cummins agreeing that the soil was in fact adequate. Cummins is a Southside resident and retired civil engineer who is assisting with overseeing the project as a member of the SLLA Infrastructure Committee under Director Bud Shaver.
With good progress, the project was ahead of schedule and paving work was anticipated to begin early this week; however, cold temperatures and some minor vandalism last weekend may delay completion.
Zielsdorf reported that road barricades protecting the work site were removed from the dam on Friday night, December 3, resulting in at least one vehicle driving over the unfinished roadbed. In addition, the construction site’s porta-potty was tipped over and a storm grate was also tampered with.
“It didn’t look like any real damage, but I’m not an expert, “said Zielsdorf, who replaced the barricades early Saturday morning with assistance from Treasurer Denny Galford. “The worse case is they may have to reroll.”
State enforcement on Lake Sequoia considered
There needs to be an educational discussion between the community and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
That is the primary message that emerged from a meeting with Sgt. Mark Dutton, reported Directors Bruce Keyser, Jr. and Melinda Scott.
“The agency poses a good opportunity for our community,” said Keyser, noting that there are many misconceptions about what will happen if state enforcement is permitted in Seven Lakes.
In particular, the Board is looking to resolve a ongoing problem of excessive alcohol use and impaired boat operators.
“People look at Fish and Wildlife as enforcement, but he [Dutton] is not looking at that per se, but looking at this as an educational opportunity, of working with youth on water safety, of working with adults in the community. He was very reasonable,” Scott said.
Scott said there is an incorrect perception that if NC Wildlife is enforcing on the lakes, that the Army Corps is automatically brought in as well.
“That is not accurate,” she stated.
In addition, Dutton told Scott that he will only come on the lakes when he invited unless there are overt occurrences of illegal activity.
“What we’re seeing have been instances of problems on Sequoia and other lakes that we haven’t seen in a while,” said Scott.
“The Board has no legal authority to rectify the problems. If we see these problems increase, then steps must be taken. If next Summer residents are more compliant, then we will look at Fish and Wildlife as an educational resource and less for enforcement.”
Galford questioned whether the presence of Wildlife officers would require the need for boat registration with North Carolina; however, after going around the table, it was clear that more information was needed from Dutton to correctly answer this concern.
Scott recommended that Zielsdorf, as chair of the newly reformed Lakes & Dams Committee, invite Dutton to make an informational presentation at an upcoming Open Meeting.
Swimming pool setbacks
Members of the Architectural Review Board [ARB] met with representatives from the Moore County Planning office regarding proposed ordinances on setback regulations for swimming pools in private communities. In discussions, it was determined that it would be more expedient to amend the county ordinances to allow each community to set its own guidelines rather than attempt to reach a consensus ruling.
Director Melinda Scott reported that ARB recommended a 25’ minimum setback for swimming pools from both rear and side property lines. A Board vote on the proposed change will be scheduled.
Proposed revisions to membership form
In a similar discussion, Galford reported that changes to the membership form as recommended by the Finance Committee would require a few minor changes to the rules and necessitate a Board vote of approval.
Specifically, Galford recommended a change to Rule 5.2.3 which states that dogs must be registered, in favor of amending the rule to allow registering dogs as an option.
“There have been some recent concerns with dogs, but registered dogs aren’t the problem dogs. We’re collecting $3 and keeping a partial record [of resident animals] but for three bucks it isn’t worth it,” said Galford.
Changing the word from ‘must’ to ‘may’ register a dog in the rule would provide an option to register and receive the accompanying identification tag for any in the community who wanted the additional security in case their pet was lost or found roaming.
Galford also recommended amending the rules to eliminate a requirement to register non-power boats, including canoes, rowboats, and paddle boats.
“There is no need for enforcement with these types of boats or water damage concerns,” he explained.
In addition, the new membership form will also include a space for residents to register their golf carts, which is required by community rules but has not been enforced.
“The changes we anticipate we hope will allow for a more efficient registration. The form will be mailed with the election ballot. Billing for the yearly assessment with account balance and a statement of dues will go out with a return address of a lockbox. Payment of dues can be handled through the mail and, at a later time, the office will mail out stickers and membership cards,” explained Galford.
A vote on the proposed changes will be called at the December 15 Open Meeting.
Other business
In other business on Monday, December 6, the SLLA Board:
• Considered three bids for annual termite inspection services. Cochran recommended accepting a bid submitted by Aberdeen Exterminating.
• Heard from Cochran that the uniform contract agreement, valid through September 2011, had been renegotiated and new terms offered the potential to save $1,900 per year. In addition, the contract includes winter jackets, the option of long or short sleeve shirts year round, no charges for adding new employees, and a consistent standard uniform for all maintenance staff.
• Heard from Cochran that lake water testing was conducted with no concerns reported. The next regular testing is scheduled for April.
Following the Work Session, the Board went into a special Closed Meeting to discuss legal and personnel issues.
