A possible reduction in the number of community-owned horses at the stables drew a slew of criticism from a few dedicated riders during the Wednesday, April 25 meeting of the Seven Lakes Landowners Association [SLLA] Board of Directors.
Citing the need for better information on usage of the facility, Director Bob Racine, whose Recreation Committee had recommended the cutbacks to the herd recommended the Board delay taking action.
“When I’m wrong I will admit it," Racine explained. "In this case, we were wrong. We made a decision based on insufficient information. At this point, I recommend that no further action will be taken to reduce the number of animals or personnel until there has been a thorough review . . . I ask that you not make any assumptions. My mind is not made up to do anything.”
In early April, the Recreation Committee unanimously approved a recommendation to reduce by approximately half the number of horses at the stables. Fewer Association-owned horses would allow the vacant stalls to be rented to private owners, allowing the stables to produce additional revenue. The combination of rental fees and reduced expenses were expected to save the Association more than $30,000 annually.
Once the Recreation Committee's recommendation became public, closer scrutiny of the data on which that recommendation was based suggested the number of riders had been seriously underestimated.
Voicing strong opposition during the public comment period of Wednesday's meeting, Debra Kester said she had corresponded with four members of the Board and found that the information they have at their disposal is inconsistent and inaccurate. Kester also said her request for a trail ride count had been denied.
“It shouldn’t take three months to count the number of trail rides taken over the year," she said. "I believe there is a motive for what they are doing, and I am here tonight because I would like some answers.”
SLLA President Bob Darr responded that the counts would be made available after they were reviewed at the committee level for accuracy. Racine invited Kester and other interested residents to participate in and share their concerns at the upcoming Recreation Committee, to be held on Wednesday, May 2 at 9:30 am.
“On the stables, there has been a lot of discussion, with some saying we need to get rid of it and some saying otherwise,” Darr said. “One of the issues this new Board is talking about is expenditures and funds and dues increases. The issue of stables came up as part of that discussion, but one of the things that we did not have was data. We decided to gather all the data assembled by Karen [Reeder, the stables manager], and look at it to decide what we should do or should not do.”
Darr continued, “Like every other issue we discuss, we need to take that data, and all the input we get, and analyze it in a Work Session. One of the issues we will discuss at our next meeting will be the stables. At that point, we will share all those numbers and try to make some kind of decision about what we’re going to do.”
Forced to referee a controversy that may have been based on the premature release of questionable data, Darr warned that financial or supporting information for future decisions would, likewise, not be distributed until the Board felt confident that data was accurate.
“There are a whole number of items coming up as it relates to dollars and cents,” said Darr. “As we develop the data surrounding those kinds of things, we will not be giving those numbers out until I am sure we can have an open and factual discussion with you.”
During public comment, Linda Christy also expressed concern about the stables and recommended an independent cost study to determine the full costs of running the stables and -- once that information was compiled -- a vote of the community to determine the outcome of the stables.
Kathy Lishawa also spoke against reducing the number of horses.
“The stables can be used by everyone. If they don’t use it, that is a choice,” she said. “When you move into this community, you pay your $900 [annual dues] and know the money is used for the stables, the pool, the roads. I really hope you will look at this again.”
Contract awarded for Sequoia Island bulkhead project
Another contentious issue was finally resolved after a months-long negotiation when the Board approved a $36,400 contract with Tanner Construction for bulkhead work at Sequoia Island.
Director Don Fentzlaff explained that the bulkhead was a safety hazard and that, without immediate repairs, it would have to be closed off and begin to wash away.
“There is a perception that the island is not used, and that those who do use it are few and select,” said Fentzlaff. “As with all of our amenities, the island is available to all of our residents.”
“We have to maintain our amenities. If we let them deteriorate because only some of us use them, then we will have a pretty shabby-looking community before long,” he said. “I would be hard-pressed to find any resident who uses all of our amenities.”
Noting that the decision was in keeping with recommendations in the Reserve Study, Fentzlaff said the replacement bulkhead should last as long as the existing one, which dates back to 1973 and has needed only occasional repairs.
“This is not something we have to do every year," he explained. "You may not use the lakes, but, if you have company come down, they will be able to sit on the island. Don’t look at this as an expenditure that is wasted: it is not.”
SLLA President Darr also spoke in support of the contracted work: “This has been a discussion at a number of Board meetings, and we had to decide either to fix it or not. If we don’t, give it ten years and the island would be gone. From my perspective, the island is a protector of my property values. This is a community we call 'Seven Lakes.' If we let the island disintegrate, my property values go down and yours go down.”
He continued: “You can look at any amenity this way. The building were in [North Clubhouse] is used sparingly. If we would decide not to fix it because it is not used by everyone, it would hurt our property values. I have an investment in my house, and I want to protect that.”
Darr noted that the bulkhead replacement project was unanimously supported by the Lakes & Dams Committee and also reviewed and recommended by the Long Range Planning Committee.
When the contract was called for a motion of approval, Treasurer Conrad Meyer expressed support, but abstained from voting, since Sequoia Island is located in very close proximity to his lakefront home.
Lifeguards, but no lifts, at pool
Community Manager Alina Cochran reported that the pool will be staffed with lifeguards this Summer and is scheduled to open on Saturday, May 26. Barbara Keating will return to coach the Seven Lakes Stingrays swim team and will also offer swim lessons and serve as pool manager.
Former director Andy Lowe asked whether Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant pool lifts must be installed, but both Racine and Darr responded that no action will be taken on installation of the expensive devices until federal regulations are hammered out.
“The important part is they [federal rulemakers] are still fooling around with it," Darr said. "We may have to do something down the road; but, until we have to, we will not be doing it.”
Summer Camp Eliminated
Northsider Marty Kane asked why the Summer Day Camp program had been discontinued -- and argued that such a decision would affect the quality of life of residents.
“When my grandchildren came to visit, they went to camp and enjoyed it,” he said, arguing that it should not be eliminated based on cost. “You are chasing mice, when there are elephants running around!”
The camp has drawn a decreasing number of children over the past few years. Racine did not elaborate on that rationale, but simply said the data and figures that were used to make the decision would be available at the upcoming Recreation Committee meeting.
Long Range Planning
Reporting for the Long Range Planning Committee, Darr said he recently met with two paving companies to discuss a bid for repaving work and anticipated talking to at least one more firm. Initial estimates are expected within the month.
“I have said a number of times that we will be paving this Summer; and, God willing, we will be paving this Summer,” he said.
Specifications for the work were developed in a paving study, which also offered recommendations on which roads or areas should be prioritized. In addition, Darr said, color-coded maps have been created that detail those findings.
Finance
As the Association transitions this year to a new auditing firm, Treasurer Meyer said this is a perfect time to conduct an inventory of capital items. He anticipated the project commencing in the next week.
At his request, the Board also approved a transfer of unused operating funds from Fiscal Year 2011 to the unrestricted reserve account.
Community Manager Cochran reported that expenditures have been on target with the exception of an understated bill for the Yard Debris Site. She explained the April financial statement will carry a two month billing for removal services.
“As you know, we have been keeping a close eye on the Debris site expenditures and looking at ways to curb this,” she said. “For this year, we will be at essentially $40,000.”
In addition, Cochran noted there were some unanticipated overages in printing and postage costs due to the annual election and mailings.
A recent auction of several surplus items was successful, with the Association selling off an abandoned paddle boat, two boat trailers, and an inoperable Ford F150 truck.
Lakes & Dams
Lake water testing will commence in May for total water quality, and monitoring for E.coli contamination will be conducted by volunteer members of the Lakes & Dams Committee, reported Fentzlaff.
“Testing for E.coli is not a mandatory requirement," he explained. "The testing will be done in-house with equipment donated by Ron Erskine, who has been doing it privately for a number of years. The standards we use are set by the EPA.”
If there is ever a high reading, signs will be posted and the area retested.
“Usually by the time of the retest, the water is cleared," Fentzlaff said. "We have had maybe four bad readings in testing all of our lakes over the past few years. It does not happen often.”
Lakefront property owners may request testing to be done at their dock for a $10 fee, to cover the cost of supplies. Fentzlaff said the committee would also be conducting quality testing for Seven Lakes West and McLendon Hills.
The Lakes & Dams Committee has developed a pumping plan to keep the water level equitable in the various community lakes.
“The pumping plan will help keep all our lakes as full as they can be under a number of conditions,” Fentzlaff said, noting that drought conditions would impact all levels and that the committee would also monitor the water level above the intake hydrants used by the fire department.
Ski buoys will be placed on Lake Sequoia, and GPS readings of those exact locations will help volunteers to ensure they remain where they are supposed to be.
On Saturday, May 26 [Memorial Day weekend], members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary will be stationed at the boat ramp to provide courtesy inspections.
“There will be no tickets or fines," said Fentzlaff. "They will just be looking to see if you have all the proper equipment. We want to make sure everyone has a good, safe boating year.”
Limit boats by horsepower, not just length?
During public comment, Greg Lishawa recommended restrictions on the horsepower of boats, in addition to their length, to prevent excessive damage to the bulkheads of lakefront property owners.
“It’s not the speed of the boats that is causing damage, but the type of boat," he explained. "They throw out huge wakes when they are going at slow speeds, because of the way they sit in the water.”
Lishawa suggested a rule limiting boat motors to 125 horsepower.
“I want people to enjoy their sport, but a boat with 125 horsepower is enough," he said. "This is also putting stress on our dams."
Fentzlaff responded that he did not see restricting horsepower as the answer, instead arguing that it was the hull configuration of these vessels that causes the giant wakes -- and thus, the damage.
“I agree this has been an ongoing problem," Fentzlaff said. "Horsepower is hard to limit, because anybody on any kind of boat can get in trouble if they want to. There is a 35 mph speed limit on the lake, and I know there are boats out there that can go considerably faster, but Boat Patrol will be out again this year. We will do whatever we can to enforce the regulations and discourage reckless operation.”
Community Standards
Noting that the Association has evolved from quiet vacation homes to a mixed and vibrant community of both retirees and families, Director Racine said, similarly, the Community Standards rules must keep pace with the times.
"We must seek to accommodate the changing demographic while not adversely affecting our standards,” he said. “We [the Community Standards Committee] are working, and we may stumble along the way. But we will do our best to give you a community where your property values will be held.”
If any resident receives notification of an alleged violation that they feel is not justified, Racine said they should contact him or the SLLA office.
Architectural Review
The Architectural Review Board [ARB] has seen a flurry of new project requests with the warmer weather, Director Fentzlaff reported. A request for a dog pen was denied, and the committee reviewed and approved two new roofs, new siding, new dock, and a sun roof and deck addition.
“If you are planning an outdoor project that will alter the appearance of your home, remember, you have to go through ARB for approval," he cautioned. "If a project is not approved and you build it, you may have to take it down. Please go through the proper channels to get it done right.”
The Board unanimously amended Bylaws 13.5 and 13.6, which spell out detailed instructions and restrictions on pumping effluent to septic lots.
“This is a matter of putting it [rules] in the right place and also stiffening those rules, Fentzlaff explained. "There have been a few problems in the past. We put the rules in a place where they would be convenient and easy to find.”
As a standing committee of the Association, members of the ARB must be appointed by the Board. On Fentzlaff’s recommendation, the Board unanimously appointed JoAn Moses, Donna Stephan, Dennis Mueller, and Edie Starkey.
Security
Newly seated Security Director Steve Ritter reported that he is putting together a committee and is still seeking one more member, preferably a Northside resident with some experience as it relates to security needs.
He said the committee will begin by tackling two hot topics: the Yard Debris Site and gate access.
Security cameras may not be the answer to correcting the problem of inappropriate materials being left at the Debris Site, Ritter said. Instead he recommended volunteer staffing of the facility -- and said anyone interested should contact him directly.
“My intent is to develop a crew of volunteers that will assist us with standing post and see what comes in there,” he said. "I think it is important to have that personal touch down there. But what I am not trying to create is the Debris Site Police.”
On gate access, Ritter said that Darr had brought up several interesting perspectives that need further discussion.
During public comment, Frank Hayes complained that he has seen Roving Security overlook vehicles illegally parked in the handicapped spaces reserved at Sequoia Point. Ritter indicated that he investigate.
Communications
Tasked with revamping the community website, Director Dave Buckingham said the current page is nothing more than an “electronic brochure.”
Buckingham said his goal is to make the website more interactive and that he has identified a hosting service that would be able to provide more options and the functionality that he is seeking. He anticipated more information would be available for discussion at the next meeting of the Board.
Judicial Committee
The Board took no action on appointing Judicial Committee members, based on a recommendation by Director Bob Racine.
“Judicial has done a fantastic job," Racine said. "These are very committed and very fair people, but the members seem to be there for life. For this reason, before I present nominations for appointment, I would like to ask if anyone new would be interested in serving on the Judicial Committee.”
For the time being, the current members of the committee will continue to serve. Racine noted their appointments do not have a set termination date.
Other Business
In other business on Wednesday, April 25, the SLLA Board:
• Moved the date and time of future Board Work Sessions to the second Monday of the month, starting at 9:00 am.
• Approved five requests for lot combinations and postponed approval on a sixth, pending more documentation related to the updated deed.
• Asked for prayers for Director Chuck Leach, who was not in attendance because several of his family members are facing major health issues.
• Immediately following the meeting, the Board met in Closed Session for a discussion that Darr characterized as a discussion of “Board functioning and how we are doing things together."
