[Update (2/14/11) — The Seven Lakes West Landowners Association has posted a map and further details about the recommended changes to the Lake Auman ski area on the community's website. Click here to download a copy.]
[This article has been corrected to reflect the fact that the proposed distance between shoreline and ski area is 125 yards, not 125 feet, as we originally reported. The correction is highlighted in the story below. The Times regrets the error.]
The ski area at Lake Auman may be expanded by as much as fifteen percent -- mainly at the north end of the lake and along the dam -- if a recommendation from the Proposed Buoy and Boating Rules Revisions Committee is approved by the Seven Lakes West Landowners Association [SLWLA] Board of Directors.
The twelve-member volunteer committee is recommending five changes to the current buoy and boating regulations; Paul Kirst presented the panel's report during the Board's Tuesday, February 8 work session.
The first recommendation is to enlarge the ski area by fifteen percent, placing buoys a minimum of 125 feet yards from all residential shoreline properties.
The second change would widen the no-wake zone to include the entire area from the shore to the ski area. Kirst explained that this would create a larger area that would be safe for swimmers. The committee defined the no-wake zone as "producing no appreciable wake, with a maximum speed of five miles per hour."
The third proposed change would move the buoys guarding Johnson Point closer to the docks -- from the current 239 yards to 150 yards -- which would decrease the time it takes for boaters to get out to the large cove. The committee predicts that the increase in boat speed closer to the docks will not increase the size of wakes in this area.
The area between Johnson Point and the new ski area will be known as a “transitional speed area” in which boats that are within 125 feet of the shoreline would be limited to no wake and a speed of 5 mph max. Since the new buoy location is narrower, it could be marked with two buoys rather than the three that are currently in place. The committee also suggested adding two additional buoys near Johnson Point to protect an area where land juts out into the transitional area.
The final recommendation is for novice skiers to be allowed to start their runs at the bulkhead of the northeast side of the island before merging with traffic in the ski area. A sign on the bulkhead would mark the start location.
Responding to Kirst's presentation, Board members asked for clarification about whether the boat or the skier needs to remain within the designated buoys. Infrastructure Director John Goodman said he feared that placing buoys so close to the shore may not allow enough room for boats to safely make some turns. Kirst said he would take those concerns back to the committee to be reviewed.
Vice President John Hoffman, who presided at the meeting in the absence of President Ron Shepard, asked that the committee finalize its report and present it at the Board's February 22 meeting, with a possible Board vote on the recommendations at the March 8 Work Session. Information about the proposal and a map showing changes to the ski area will be posted for review on the Seven Lakes West website.
Geothermal HVAC Units Up for Discussion
Directory Adam Wimberly told the Board that the Architectural Review Committee [ARC] expects to present information to the Board about geothermal heating and cooling [HVAC] units, which may be an option for residents who live on Lake Auman.
Geothermal units are an alternative to the more traditional heat pump or gas pack units in most homes. At least two current Lake Auman residents have older geothermal systems, and ARC has received a request for another. Suspecting that the units may become more popular, the ARC Committee asked to present the pros and cons of geothermal units to the Board.
Legal Director Ed Silberhorn suggested that requirements for the use of geothermal systems might include the purchase of a bond that would protect the lake and environment in case of damages. Wimberly said geothermal systems would have little to no visual impact on the Lake and would pose no harm to the environment aside from putting off a little heat around the coils.
Culvert replacement continues
Director Goodman reported that a third Longleaf Drive culvert -- this one near Callis Circle -- is scheduled for repair beginning next week, with another repair scheduled for the two weeks following. If all goes according to schedule, that will complete the five culvert repairs planned for this Winter. The repaving schedule for the areas repaired will depend up on the weather.
In all, thirteen culverts on Longleaf Drive are scheduled for repair over the next three years, after which attention will turn to culverts on side streets. Repairs on the first five Longleaf culverts were accelerated when the first culvert repair found more deterioration than had been anticipated.
Snow and ice measures under review
Vice President John Hoffmann reported that the Safety and Security Committee is studying various methods to deal with ice deposited on Westside roadways by winter storms -- which can be a serious safety hazard on steep and sometimes shady Westside roads.
The Committee is investigating the use of brine and rock salt-ice melt, and has asked the primary contractor who spreads sand after an ice storm to modify the way in which they distribute the sand so more is deposited onto the roadways.
Joe Fellingham Community Service Award
So far, only one nominee has been submitted for the Joe Fellingham Community Service Award, Community Manager Frost reported. The new award recognizes volunteers who have made a significant and enduring contribution to Seven Lakes West.
Written nominations are being accepted through March 1, and should include biographical information and details about the nominee's accomplishments on behalf of the community. If the Board decides to award the honor to a nominee, the recipient will be announced at the annual meeting.
Boating and Regulation Laws in NC
Director Silberhorn suggested that a copy of new NC boating laws -- including a requirement that operators under the age of 26 complete a certified boating safety course -- be distributed during boat registration this Spring. Director Jane Sessler noted that a packet of boating rules had been distributed during registration last year, and owners were asked to sign an acknowledgement that they head received the regulations when picking up their permits. The details of the new state laws will also be posted on the website and in the newsletter.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Don Freiert reported that unusual expenses for January included $11,932 for Directors and Officers Insurance and $19,000 for the first culvert repair.
$50,000 in funds from an matured CD worth were used to pay down principle on the West Side Park Mortgage; and $125,000 from the unrestricted funds were added to the Road Reserve Account.
The Board approved a twenty-four minute fireworks show for the Fourth of July, at a cost of $11,650, $3,350 less than the budgeted $15,000.
Events in Seven Lakes West
Community Events Director Sessler reported that the next Winter Concert Series will be on February 25 at 7:00 pm in the great room of the Community Center, with an all-request dance night by DJ Glen Davis.
The first CPR course was held on February 8 at the Community Center; a second course is scheduled for Thursday, March 3. So far eighty-five people have signed up for the CPR classes, which will be conducted by Moore County EMS. For more information or to sign up for the class visit sevenlakeswest.org or contact Sessler at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Community Manager's Report
Applying the information she gathered in a class on new state regulations for swimming pools, Community Manager Joan Frost identified several changes that will need to be implemented at the Westside pool, affecting the fence, back fill, erosion and locks. Frost predicted that the modifications "will not be too expensive."
To date, thirteen compliance letters have been sent out. Delinquent accounts total $24,000 of which a number have had liens filed against the property. Prepaid dues total $165,000. A bid for landscaping on Longleaf Drive and Otter across from the Community Center has been accepted.
Other News
In other business during the Tuesday, February 8 SLWLA Work Session:
• Director Wimberly shared the good news that two new homes are currently under construction in the community; last year only five homes were built in Seven Lakes West.
• The Board voted 6-1, with Secretary Karen MIlligan opposed, to continue to contain the resident Canada Geese population on Lake Auman by interfering with nesting birds. The community must obtain a special permit in order to implement the population control measures.
• Director Silberhorn reported that the pending annexation of the Chandler Hills subdivision is awaiting confirmation from the developer of compliance with NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources regulations. Chandler Hills is between Douglas and Stedman on the north and east side of Longleaf.
• Vice President Hoffmann asked Board members to update their volunteer lists for recognition at the Annual Meeting. Hoffman asked that all members use this time before the election to get ready to prepare for the transition of the three new board members who will be elected at the Annual Meeting in March.
• Community Manager Frost reported that President Shepard is currently working on a security fee agreement with Beacon Ridge Country Club.
