Four new directors -- who will constitute a majority of the Board -- were seated during an election finalized at the Sunday, March 27 Annual Meeting of the Seven Lakes Landowners Association [SLLA].
Conrad Meyer drew the highest number of votes [404], followed by Don Fentzlaff [391], Bob Racine [386], and Bob Darr [381].
Voters were clearly in an anti-incumbent mood this year, perhaps influenced by a contentious decision to outsource landscape maintenance or the Board's tacit acceptance of a set of Country Club covenants that failed to deliver promised protections. Incumbent Director Bruce Keyser received only 101 votes; SLLA President Randy Zielsdorf, only 71.
A total of 445 ballots were cast, more than last year's 380, but still fewer than the 539 cast in 2009, when a dues increase was on the ballot. Approximately ten of the ballots cast were proxy votes.
Zielsforf and Keyser were recognized for their service, as were the other two outgoing Board members: Kent Droppers, who did not seek a second term of office, and Denny Galford, who resigned his position as Director and Treasurer earlier this month.
Also recognized for their service were the members of the Election Committee, including Chair Brenda Massimo, Ione Katz, Wayne Burris, Ed Sanchez, and Laurie Werner.
President’s Report
Opening the meeting with a prepared statement drawn from his annual address to the membership, Zielsdorf described the past year as one of transition from old management to new and acknowledged that there is a natural inclination to resist change.
“While some things that have been done in the past can continue as is, there are things which could be done differently,” he said. “It is in the best interest of the Association to modify or change some of our old practices.”
He encouraged the incoming Board to work together cooperatively and to also continue operating in an oversight-only role, allowing professional management to handle day-to-day activities of the Association.
Looking ahead, Zielsdorf noted two challenges in particular: prioritizing and maintaining focus on the numerous infrastructure needs outlined by the recent Reserve Study -- with road repaving as job number one -- and competition with other residential developments on the drawing board in this area.
To effectively compete, Seven Lakes common areas, including the roads, must be attractively maintained, Zielsdorf said.
“The Reserve Study only confirmed what we already knew," he explained. "Our community and infrastructure are aging and will require a great deal of expenditures over the next several years. Two years ago the residents voted for a $100 dues increase for the primary purpose of starting to pave our roads. Now is the time to act.”
Infrastructure
The Reserve Study and its impact on future decision-making also figured prominently in Director Bud Shaver’s report on infrastructure; however, he is clearly disenchanted with the lack of progress on what everyone seems to agree is a vital important long range planning tool.
“The Reserve Study was received in November, and I submitted my analysis to the Board and Community Manager in December,” said Shaver. “To date, I have not received any response from the Board or Manager. End of report!”
Architectural Review
The Architectural Review Board [ARB] reviewed ninety-two projects this year, of which twenty-one are still in progress, reported Director Melinda Scott.
She thanked her committee members -- Don Fentzlaff, Sally Kindsvatter, Mike Cummins, and Edie Starkey -- for their unfailingly consistent approach and fair review of projects.
She noted that several significant improvements were made to ARB rules, including the development of a process through which denied requests can be appealed to the Board of Directors, development of a timeline for anticipated start and end dates for projects, and the decision to double the builder’s compliance fee to $3,000.
Since the increase was approved, Scott said, builders have been noticeably more communicative and prompt in notifying ARB of on-site required inspections.
“Prior to that we had always been the one running after them, but now they are coming to us," she said. "Now the burden has shifted to the builder.”
In the coming year, Scott said, ARB will be looking more closely at what type of projects require approval and what projects could be considered trivial changes that do not require formal approval. In addition, she is pursuing steps to formalize a policy allowing stop work orders on projects that have not been approved and seeking authority to levy fines for non-compliance through the established judicial panel process.
Security
Director Chuck Mims reported a substantial list of accomplishments made this year, including an update of the standard operating procedure manual for security, purchase of a bicycle and establishment of a bike patrol -- a program he anticipates will be utilized more often this summer, especially at Sequoia Point -- and a year-long project of reviewing potential upgrades to the security camera system.
“There have been numerous vandalism issues with graffiti at the pool and mailhouses,” said Mims. “I hope the new cameras will be able to take care of this.”
He said the decision this year to take roving security to a contracted service was made “some out of necessity and some out of need.”
In addition, Mims and Community Manager Alina Cochran have participated in a quarterly roundtable meeting to discuss security concerns with representatives from other area gated communities.
“Believe it or not, we’ve found that they are no different from us and we are no different from them,” said Mims.
Community Standards
This year saw an unprecedented number of letters sent out for violations to community standards regulations, reported Director Kent Droppers.
“I want to thank all of the landowners," he said. "As the letters went out, the vast majority received them with good humor and rectified the shortcomings.”
Droppers said that, while great strides have been made, there are still some areas that need attention, particularly a small number of repeat and chronic offenders and absentee owners: two constituencies that together contribute a disproportionate share of complaints.
He thanked the Community Standards committee members for their tireless efforts on a time-consuming and thankless task. Droppers also thanked his fellow Board members for a job well done.
“This board has tackled important and long term issues," he concluded. "I have enjoyed our spirited discourses, but also our esprit de corps, and keeping the best interest of the community at heart.”
Recreation
Director Bruce Keyser, Jr. reported several capital improvements to recreation amenities this year, including removal of the old climbing apparatus and metal slide at Northside Park due to safety concerns, installation of sections of split rail fencing at the playground area at Sequoia Point and at the uphill side of the bocce ball court at Northside Park, several new saddles for the Stables, twenty umbrellas and a shade sail for the pool, and extension of the beach area at Northside Park.
New liability waivers were developed for use at the Stables and the Summer Day Camp program, and a recreation survey was distributed and compiled to assist with planning.
Special activities and events included the Easter Egg Hunt, Summer Day Camp, Horse Camp, July 4 fireworks, S’mores and Stargazing Family Camp Out at Sequoia Point, Doggy Days of Summer, a bus trip to the NC State Fair, and the annual children’s Halloween and Christmas parties.
Two officers from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission [NCWRC] met with residents in January, and will present a boating safety course on Sunday, April 10. There is no fee to attend but pre-registration is required -- contact the SLLA office for information.
While the pool opened late last year as improvements were made to the drains to bring them into compliance with federal regulations, Keyser noted the facility was able to remain open for an extended period last September. Also of concern were the consistently low enrollment numbers for the Summer Day Camp program; however, those attending complimented the excellent staffing and variety of activities offered. The committee also noted ongoing issues related to litter and alcohol consumption at Sequoia Point.
Recommended improvements for the coming year include new backboards for the basketball courts, replacement or repainting of the tennis court fence, and improvements to the Cardinal Lane playground, possibly to include installation of a new beach area at that location.
Keyser thanked the Recreation Committee members and volunteers: Amanda Keller, Mary Gaetzi, Deirdre Florence, Laura Douglass, Bob Racine, Jackie Wells, and Jana Snowball.
Finance
Notably absent from the Annual Meeting was former SLLA Treasurer Denny Galford, who resigned two weeks ago in order to deliver a rebuke to critics of the Board.
Galford’s annual report of the Finance Committee will be provided on the SLLA website and also for review at the office.
A controversial year
After concluding his Recreation report, Director Keyser addressed the assembled crowd on a more personal level.
“I have learned that there is a lot more to this community than being behind a gate, and having the amenities that we have,' Keyser said. "I learned that you have to keep moving forward, accepting change, and learning in the process. I learned all too well that not everyone thinks about the greater good, but of their individual gain. Most of all, I have learned that no matter how hard you try, you cannot please everyone.”
Addressing the financial impact of Board decisions during his term, Keyser said he works two jobs, as does his wife, so he took a hard look at all decisions before the Board that could potentially cause an increase in dues.
“I am happy and confident to say that, over the last two years, I have honestly made my decisions thinking of how to move this community forward, and keeping everyone in mind.”
Keyser thanked the community for the opportunity to serve and said it has been his pleasure, adding that it is important for landowners to remember that Board members serve as volunteers.
