President’s Quarterly Newsletter
In this letter we will be discussing:
- 2015 Budget
- Liens
- Unauthorized use of canoes and kayaks
- Revisions to the architectural control regulations
- Planned paving
- Update on repairs to Indian Lake Dam
- Nominees to serve on the Board of Directors
- Audit of Club books
- New Treasurer
- Rainbow Lak
- Annual Members’ Meeting – September 6. 2014
2015 Budget
At the August Board of Director’s Meeting the 2015 Budget submitted by the Finance Committee was approved.
The total budget is $115,000. This budget is approximately $14,000 less than expected spending for 2014.
Infrastructure spending is anticipated to be $68,000.
The Finance Committee and the Board wrestled with the Club’s assessment policy. The question, is it fair to have a single assessment amount or should there be a two tier assessment policy. After much discussion the Board approved a two tier assessment policy. Tier 1 for lots without structures or water hookups. Tier 2 for lots with structures and/or water hookup.
For 2015 the assessments will be:
- Tier 1 property $840.00
- Tier 2 property $984.00 (same as 2014)
For full details of the budget, please attend the Annual Membership Meeting, September 6 at the Firehouse.
Liens
To clarify criteria for the Club filling a lien on a property the Board is establishing the following guidelines. If assessment fees are in arrears for over twelve months and the owner has not agreed upon a monthly payment plan, the Association will send a notice to the owner requesting payment in full within thirty (30) days. If full payment is not made within thirty (30) days or a monthly payment plan agreed upon by the Association, actions will be taken to file a lien against the property.
Canoes and Kayaks
Over the last few weeks there have been several incidents where canoes and kayaks were taken from private property, used on Indian Lake, and abandoned. There are reports that residents have seen young people in these crafts. There is evidence that craft in the racks at the community park have been tampered with during this time period. Be aware that all craft on Indian Lake are privately owned. They should not be used or moved without the owners’ permission. If you have any information about the unauthorized use of craft, please contact a Board member to convey that information.
Architectural Control Regulations Revisions
With the renewal of new construction activity and modifications to existing homes, the Architectural Control Committee has had an opportunity to review and revise the Regulations.
Harmony with the environment and consistency with the current homes are the guidelines established in the Regulations. The Committee must balance homeowner property rights with the community objectives of protecting the beauty of our natural surroundings. These can best be achieved by clear Regulations, consistently and reasonably applied.
The revisions that were proposed by the Committee and adopted by the Board are as follows:
- Plans for any changes to a lot or modifications to a home must be submitted to the Committee for approval prior to beginning work. This does not mean that a homeowner cannot plant a garden or cut down a tree. However, if there is any material change, it is the best practice to contact the Committee. We can advise if plans are needed. Certainly there will be grey areas, but it does no harm to ask in advance.
- The ACC has considerable discretion in applying the Regulations. We have added language to clarify that such discretion must be exercised in a reasonable manner. Consistency and fairness are the guidelines for reasonable judgment.
- Metal roofs are now expressly permitted, but limited to non-reflective or non-shiny material. The colors must be harmonious with the surroundings.
- The Regulations prohibit burning for the purpose of lot clearing. The risk of fire and dangers to homes in the community outweigh the additional costs to clear the lot. This does not prohibit burning yard trimmings as long as a Burn Permit is obtained.
- The Regulations clarified the prohibition of mobile homes as permanent or temporary dwellings. On Frame modular homes or manufactured homes are considered mobile homes and not allowed in the community.
- Impact fees have been clarified. The lot clearing fee is separate from the home construction fee, and due prior to the lot clearing, regardless when the home is built. These fees are independent and cumulative.
- It is important to note that there are no impact fees other than what is specified in the Regulations. However, if construction will have an impact upon the community infrastructure, it is reasonable to expect some fee. We hope that these changes clarify the Regulations and help residents, lot owners and prospective homeowners understand what is expected. Again, we stress that communication with the Committee can help clarify the meaning of the Regulations if a situation is not explicitly covered or ambiguous.
(Authored by Michael Gould)
Paving
A contract has been signed for paving of three sections of roads. The paving should start near the end of August (weather permitting). Regretfully not all sections of road that need attention can be paved considering our limited budget. Plans are to do additional paving in 2015.
Sections to be paved:
- Upper Hiwassee Road (above Five Points)
- Rainbow’s End
- Indian Lake Road below Mohawk Lane for 250ft.
Dam Repair
Planning is progressing for the repairs to Indian Lake Dam. The engineer is meeting this week with Uretek, a polymer foundation repair company. Bids have been received for the rebuild of the access road down to the dam. Unfortunately a firm date is still not available for the start of the project. That cannot be determined until after the project is approved by NCDENR.
Nominations
The nominating committee has submitted three candidates for the Board of Directors. You will have the chance to vote on them during the next few weeks. Biographic material for each will be sent to you along with the Annual Meeting Notice.
The nominees are:
- John Pappas
- Dick Hennig
- Jeannette Lee
Audit
As part of his community involvement, Don Hair conducted an audit of the Club’s books. From his audit report “I have completed a review of the 2013 financial records and conclude receipts and expenditures recorded in the books are in good order. The books are well organized and maintained in appropriate order.”
Our Treasurer, Susan Sciullo, is resigning her position for personal reasons. The resignation will be effective in September. Susan has made the job of president much easier because of her command of the Club’s finances. She has been a reliable and insightful member of the Board of Directors, and she will be missed.
New Treasurer
At the August Board of Director’s Meeting Jeannette Lee was confirmed as the Club’s new Treasurer. She has been working with Susan Sciullo for the last few months and she will be ready to take the reins in September. Jeannette has a very strong accounting background and will be an asset to the community.
Rainbow Lake
Last year there was an algae bloom in the lake. One of the possible causes was poultry being house near the shore. Since then the poultry has been removed however we are experiencing the bloom again this summer. Investigation will continue to determine the cause and cure.
Annual Meeting
The Annual Membership Meeting will be held at the firehouse on September 6, 2014 @ 10am.
Everett Bedenbaugh
President, Indian Lake Club, Inc.
(M) 864-980-3349
(H) 864-543-3757
(ILE) 828-862-6432