[Director Bruce Keyser provided some clarifications on Lake Committee recommendations after this article was published online. Changes to the article reflecting Keyser's input are highlighted below]
Three candidates have been nominated to stand for election as Directors of the Seven Lakes West Landowners Association [SLWLA] in March. The expected departure of President Mick Herdrich, Secretary Jane Sessler, and Treasurer Don Freiert will create three openings on the Board.
Brian Benjamin, Dale Erickson, and Chuck Watkins were recommended to the Board by the Nominating Committee, Secretary Sessler announced during the Board's Tuesday, December 11 meeting. Board members voted unanimously to accept those nominations.
According to a profile prepared by the Nominating Committee, Benjamin, a native of New York State, moved to Seven Lakes West in 2008. Often traveling for his sales job, Benjamin enjoys golfing, boating, and his backyard pool. When asked why he decided to run for the Board, Benjamin said Seven Lakes West is such a good place to live, and "everyone has a responsibility for making it work."
Erickson, who frequently attends SLWLA Board Work Sessions, has lived in the community since 2003, but is originally from North Dakota. He told the Nominating Committee that he would, if elected, like to participate in the creation of a cohesive community vision that can serve as the basis for strategic planning. Erickson said he was motivated to stand for election because of the difficulty the Nominating Committee had in attracting candidates. "It’s my turn to show how much I value this community,” he said.
Watkins, a native North Carolinian, moved to Seven Lakes West in 2011. Having served on other home owners association’s boards, he noted that it is important to ensure that the community's infrastructure can meet the needs of a growing population. Watkins describes himself as open-minded, a team leader, and a good listener.
The SLWLA Bylaws provide for additional candidates to have their names placed on the Annual Meeting ballot by submitting a petition signed by at least three percent of the members entitled to vote at least sixty days prior to the Annual Meeting, which falls on the third Sunday of March.
Safety and Security Director Ed Cockman was appointed as the new chair of the Nominating Committee during Tuesday's meeting.
Board Drops Morning Work Session
During Tuesday's meeting, the Board unanimously approved dropping its morning Work Session, traditionally held on the second Tuesday of the month. As a result, beginning in February, the Board will meet only once each month, on the second Tuesday evening.
Sessler, who proposed the change, said there often isn't enough business in a given month to fill up the agenda for a single Board meeting, making two full Board meetings a month unnecessary.
Freiert pointed out that the current meetings are often only thirty-five minutes long. He added that the Board could always go back to holding two meetings a month if necessary.
The Board will continue to host Town Halls or additional meetings when deemed necessary, said Sessler.
Herdrich said he had received mixed feedback from former SLWLA Presidents on the proposed reduction in the number of meetings. He suggested trying one meeting per month for six months, after which the Board could vote whether or not to make the change permanent.
Herdrich noted that the Board is also considering a reduction in the number of Directors from nine to seven. The Board did not discuss what positions would be eliminated, but will bring that topic up at a future meeting.
Board Supports Registration of All Boats, On or Off the Lake
The Board approved, on first reading, a list of changes to the Lake Auman rules and regulations presented by Lake and Dam Director Bruce Keyser at the recommendation of the Lake Committee. Many of the recommended changes were aimed at bringing Lake Auman rules in line with state rules, Keyser told The Times.
Among the changes was a rule that all boats must be registered prior to being docked or used on Lake Auman.
Initially, Keyser’s rule change would have required registration of any boat used or docked on Lake Auman, but would have exempted boats owned by residents but not actually used on the lake -- for example, a saltwater fishing boat stored in the member's garage.
Trying to find language to accomplish that, Keyser suggested exempting boats from registration as long as they do not come closer than fifty feet from the lakeshore. However, that language and the proposed exemption sparked an hour-long debate among Board members.
Safety and Security Director Ed Cockman said, “If you have a boat in this community, it should be registered.”
Infrastructure Director Jim Pierman asked that two different stickers be distributed for boat owners: One for those who are going to use Lake Auman and one for those who are only storing their boat in the community.
Keyser said the gray area is when people say they do not intend to use their boat on the lake in the coming year, and question why it has to be registered.
“Having been lake director for several years, I know what you're dealing with," said President Herdrich. "But you can’t measure intent. I had people tell me they weren’t going to use their boat, and I would see them on the lake.”
“If it’s [boat] here, and it’s permanent, I don’t care what your intent is,” said ARC Director Dan Blue, adding that all boats should be registered.
Community Manager Jeanette Mendence said a boat is no different than a car. “Whether you drive it once a year, never, or every day, it has to be registered,” she said
Keyser amended his motion to require the registration of all boats owned by Seven Lakes West residents.
Also a matter of considerable discussion was how to ensure that those using Lake Auman have read the boating rules and regulations. Every year, when a registration sticker for a boat is picked up, the owner has to sign off that they have read the Lake Auman Rules and Regulations.
Events Director Rosemary Weber suggested holding a mandatory meeting to go over this information with boat owners.
“A lot of people are not aware of these rules, and we are going to give them a sticker?” asked Weber.
Pierman disagreed, saying “It is their responsibility” to read the rules and regulations “not the Board's.”
“The key to me is safety,” said Keyser. “I want this lake to be safe for anybody that’s out there.”
New state regulations require that boat operators under the age of 26 must have an NC Boating Safety Certification. Keyser and Weber will be putting together classes aimed at helping younger boaters (or any interested resident) achieve that certification. Residents will continue to be asked to certify that they have read the lake rules when they pick up their sticker.
The Lake Committee recommended dropping "no wake" from the current rule that sets a 5 MPH no wake zone within 150 feet of shore. Keyser explained that the US Coast Guard definition of "no wake" is somewhat confusing, and the Committee noted that different types of boats create varying sizes of wake. However, the Board declined to change that language.
Most of the rules changes requested by Keyser were corrections of grammar or clarifications of previous rules and regulations.
The second vote on the amended Lake Auman rules and regulations will take place at the Board’s next meeting on January 8; a third and final vote would be expected on January 22. If approved, the changes will go into effect after that third vote.
The proposed amendments can be viewed on the community website.
Town Hall Scheduled on FY 2013-2014 Budget
A community Town Hall meeting for discussion of the proposed Fiscal Year 2013-2014 budget will be held on December 18 at 7:00 pm at the Community Center, reported Treasurer Don Freiert.
The proposed budget will be posted on the community website by December 12, he added.
Members can offer feedback on the budget at the Town Hall, through the website, or via email. The Association membership votes on final approval of budget during the Annual Meeting, scheduled for March 17.
November was a busy month financially for the community, reported Freiert.
Unusual cash disbursements for the month went to Sheffield Surveys for $2,000; Coastal Products Unlimited for new mail boxes, $24,000; Bill Reeves Construction Company for work on the mailhouse, $93,500; Atkins Infrastructure for completion of work at the lower pond dam, $205,000; Busby and Company for accounting work, $7,300; and additional dance floor work for the Community Center Great room, $2100. The balance of expenses for the month was in the normal operating range at $76,000.
Based on the extra funding required in November and the prospect of additional mailhouse work, a Wells Fargo CD for $85,000 was sold on December 5, and the proceeds will be placed in the Association’s checking account, Freiert said.
As construction progresses on the mailhouse, Freiert explained, additional CDs will be sold as required.
ARC Simplifies Removal of Dead Trees
The Board unanimously approved a change to rule 3.03 of the Architectural Standards as requested by Architectural Review Committee Director Dan Blue.
The new language will make it easier to keep manageable records on a project underway in the community. Currently, builders are required to submit 24 x 36 inch plans for project review. The change will require smaller 8.5 x 11 inch copies of the plan for reference as well.
ARC has also implemented an easier application process for requesting the removal of a dead tree from a resident’s lot, Blue reported. A removal request will require only a picture of the tree and a plat map indicating where the tree is located.
The process will be “less burdensome” said Blue, adding it can be immediately approved if the requirements are met.
In other ARC news Blue explained that new projects in the community “remain flat,” with forty-one underway for the month of November.
Christmas Events are a Hit
The SLWLA Christmas Party on December 7 was attended by over two hundred residents, reported Events Director Rosemary Weber.
Events for the day included a tree lighting by Fran Fellingham in honor of her late husband Joe Fellingham. Westsider Sandi Carl led the group in a moment of silence for those lost at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Food for the event was provided by Midland Bistro and music by Chad Sine. Those in attendance helped to donate four large boxes of gifts for the Toys for Tots program, Weber said.
On Sunday, December 9, Santa arrived in Seven Lakes West on the West End Fire Truck, with fifty children in attendance. The event included gingerbread cookie decorating and refreshments.
Already looking forward to next year, the Events Committee is planning an “American Band Stand Revival” for February 9.
Communications Report
Given that the community’s rules and regulation handbook is changed throughout the year, Secretary Jane Sessler asked, “What is the future of the printed document?”
Up–to-date rules and regulations are posted on the community’s website, she noted, urging residents to refer to the website when looking for the most current information.
In another effort aimed at enhancing the flow of community information, the new mailhouse will be outfitted with an electronic marquee that can be updated at any time through a wifi connection Sessler said.
She added that the use of an electronic marquee will make things “more streamlined” and will “take care of some of the glitches we have had in the past.”
Whether or not the current manually-updated marquee will remain part of the entranceway has not been determined.
In other communication news, Sessler thanked Westsider Debbie Giovanni for spearheading the collection of twenty-three bicycles for "Project Santa," which delivers the bikes to underprivileged children.
“It was a worthy cause,” said Sessler. “I would like to incorporate it yearly in our holiday events.”
The Newcomers Committee will host a Welcoming Party for new residents to the community.
Infrastructure Report
Infrastructure Director Jim Pierman said guard rails at the Carriage Park Dam are taking longer then expected to finish due to wiring and water pipe issues.
“It’s gone a little slower than what we thought,” said Pierman, adding that it will look nice and be much safer when complete.
Road paving and patching are on the schedule for this week, Pierman reported, aimed at remedying erosion and storm water control problems throughout the community. The work is expected to take no more than three days, he added, noting that the repairs are contingent on suitable weather.
Work is planned for a number of locations, including the entrance of Beacon Ridge Country Club and near the following intersections: James Drive and Morris Drive; Blackstone Court, Winston Drive, and Otter Drive; and McCracken Drive and Otter Drive.
A fire hydrant will be installed at Wertz Drive and James Drive.
All roads will remain open during the repairs.
Other Business
Other business conducted during the SLWLA Board’s Tuesday, December 11 meeting included:
• During member comments, Westsider Dale Erickson praised the Board for all they do for the community.
• Westsider John Hoffmann asked during member comments that an update on the Safety and Security’s roving patrol and speed control be given at the Board’s next meeting.
• Hoffmann also asked that the Board consider a four way stop at the entrance to West Side Park and Longleaf Drive, especially given the likely increase in traffic resulting from the location of the new mailhouse in the West Side Park area.
• Community Manager Jeanette Mendence said West Side Park playground equipment is being repaired.
• The yard waste will be closed on December 22, 26 and 29 due to the holidays.
• A new speaker system with a an iPod docking station will be installed in the Community Center Great Room, Mendence said. In addition, new “user friendly” cordless microphones have been ordered.
• The Board approved the appointment of Don Smith to the Safety and Security Committee.
• President Herdrich extended his condolences to the family of Ron Mertz, a former SLWLA Director who died on December 7. Mertz served as President of the Lake Auman Sports Club, and was very active overall in the Seven Lakes West community, Herdrich said.
• Legal Director Jack Stevens was absent from Tuesday’s meeting.
