Owen Carter
P.O.Box 11494
Zephyr Cove, NV 89448
775-588-4682
President’s Letter - Lake Village Homeowners Association
September 14, 2011
Lake Village Homeowners
The Lake Village Homeowners Association Board of Directors held its third of six regularly scheduled Board of Directors meetings on Saturday September 10. This is an informal update of some of the happenings at the meeting and in our community. You will receive official minutes of the meeting within the next thirty days.
Our Treasurer reported that as of the end of the first five months of the budget year, our net operating income is slightly better than $38K favorable when compared to our budget, and that we are down to only three liens outstanding, totaling approximately $11,000. At this point in the year, our financial position is very good, but winter can sometimes cause excessive expenditures, and there are several unplanned projects (to be discussed shortly) which the Board feels must be initiated this year which will result in some amount of unbudgeted expenditures. Still, even with those items considered, we should maintain our good financial position.
Our General Manager, Art Warrell, provided an update on a number of items. KGID, our water district, has largely completed installing the planned water meters throughout the complex. We have noted, however, that in some few cases piping insulation or heat tapes removed to complete the installations have not been properly reinstalled. Since the absence of these items can make it more likely that pipes will freeze in cold winter conditions, homeowners are encouraged to check their own pipes to be sure that the desired protections are in place. If you find any missing items related to the meter installation, you should contact KGID directly. Douglas County has nearly completed their storm water drainage project on Echo Court and lower Lake Village Drive, and anticipates repaving those road surfaces in the next several weeks. Two new employees have been added to staff. Our new Receptionist / Administrative Assistant is Debbie DeVenzio, and Scott Tanzi has been hired to fill the maintenance position which has been vacant for most of the summer. Following Douglas County’s recent approval of our request to prohibit skateboarding, sledding, skating, etc. on Lake Village streets, we have now posted signs to communicate that to owners and guests. Finally, following Board authorization in May, we obtained an electric utility vehicle to support maintenance activities in Lake Village. So far, the vehicle seems to be working well, and we are certain we are saving money on fuel previously used for our large trucks to do many of the same tasks.
We received word this past week that U.S. District Court Judge Robert Jones found in favor of TRPA and Sierra Colina, and rejected the lawsuit brought by the League to Save Lake Tahoe, that TRPA and Sierra Colina had improperly characterized land transfers for trails in order to gain approval of the Sierra Colina project. Barring further appeals or different legal challenges, this should permit Sierra Colina to proceed with their project next year. The project envisions the construction of 21 duplexes (4 of which would be designated as moderate income housing) and eight single family homes on the 18 acre parcel. Actual construction would be based on market conditions, and could take a number of years to complete.
The Architectural Committee reported on requests by eight Homeowners to make improvements, recommending approval of seven requests and requesting more information from the Homeowner on the eighth.
At the July Board meeting there was discussion that the heavy winter snows and accompanying snowmelt had shown there were problems with our water conveyance systems in Lake Village. At least two areas were identified where water pooled, and simply did not recede for extended periods of time. The Board authorized the execution of an agreement with TelestoNevada, Inc. to redesign and enhance the existing water conveyance channels within our complex. Telesto has completed a design, and has now proposed a construction management agreement to obtain required permits and oversee the actual construction of the proposed design. Much of the actual work can and will be done by Lake Village staff. The Board authorized the execution of Telesto’s proposal on a “not to exceed” basis. Staff will attempt to complete the necessary work prior to the October 15 moratorium on dirt-moving in the Tahoe Basin.
Also at the July meeting a discussion was held regarding the deteriorating condition of the deck and spa area between the pool and the clubhouse. It was decided that staff should solicit proposals from qualified and experienced design firms for review by the Board. Three firms were contacted, and two firms submitted quotes on the development of a design for the Association. After review, the Board authorized execution of a limited design contract with Design Workshop of Stateline, NV. This firm has completed numerous resort design projects in the Tahoe Basin and elsewhere, and seems to be most capable of meeting our needs.
We have had a good summer and much has been accomplished. I have had numerous Homeowners comment to me that the complex looks better than it has in many years. We all owe an expression of appreciation to our hard-working and conscientious staff. For the most part, they are the ones who make it all happen. Say “Hello” and “Thanks” when you see them!
Saturday evening our Social Committee hosted an “End of Summer Potluck” dinner at the Clubhouse. Over 40 people attended and all had a good time eating and socializing with their neighbors. Try and plan your visits next summer so you can participate - I guarantee you’ll have a good time!
One final note - last year we had our first snow flurries on September 28th, and there are a few forecasters who are predicting we could have another snow year like last winter. Get your Units ready for winter. Clean your gutters, check your heat tapes, and complete the Unit Winterization Checklist. Let’s try and avoid those winter water insurance claims, and all work to keep our insurance premiums low.
As always I would remind you that you are both welcome and encouraged to attend Board Meetings. Our next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, November 19th. Hope to see you there!
Owen Carter
P.S. To stay current on weather, road conditions, and happenings in and around Lake Village, check the website often. www.LakeVillage.com