Seven Lakes West Landowners Association

West Side Park Community Center

General Meeting

July 25, 2006

 

Call to Order

            President Jim Meikle called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.  Present:  Mary Anne Fewkes, Ray MacKay, Jim Meikle, Betty Milligan, Jo Nicholas, Virgil Reid.  Also present:  Tony Robertson, Community Manager.   Absent:  Hugh Beckwith, Blaine Rowland.  President Meikle asked for recognition of any new residents to the community.

 

 

 

President’s Comments

            President Meikle shared several items of interest for the community.  He asked the audience to notice the new acoustical application to the Great Room.  The proof of its effectiveness will be with large group gatherings.  Another special event of the community was the completion of the Lakeway Drive paving and curbing, which was completed four weeks ahead of schedule.  Jim then shared information that was published in The Pilot regarding the water situation of West End/Seven Lakes.  Currently our capacity is 800,000 gallons daily, with the community averaging 787,000 gallons daily.  On July 4th, the community consumed 804,000 gallons.  He stated that the community is continuing to grow thus making our capacity consumption over the limit.  He mentioned that a new pipeline from Pinehurst with a pump station near Pinewild will hopefully increase our area’s capacity to 1.2 million gallons per day.  Right now, President Meikle is encouraging everyone to conserve water in whatever ways they can—noting these are voluntary restrictions.  He cited several examples such as short showers instead of baths, limit car washing, watering lawns only when necessary as well as the ideas in the Pilot were suggested.  BE CONSERVATIVE!  On a positive note, the Lake is ½ inches above normal due to heavy rains in June, however, there has been minimal rain in July.  Another item he shared was that the Board had suggested that General Meetings during the winter months (October-April) be held at 7:00 p.m.  After taking a poll from the audience, the meetings will remain the same time—7:30 p.m.  At the last General Meeting a question was raised on lot clearings.  Therefore, the Board has taken a stance in changing the ARC section referring to lot clearing.  A copy of this section will be sent to all owners of lots that have not begun to build.  Now the standards state that an owner must seek permits for any lot clearings.  One last item to share was that the Board has received a communication from the NCWRC which they are reviewing and will report information to the community when every Board member has had an opportunity to discuss the outcomes of the communication.

 

 

Community Manager

            Manager Tony Robertson shared two items of interest for the community:

  1. There is a dire need for two volunteers to work the yard waste sight this Saturday, July 29th from either 1-3 p.m. or 3-5 p.m.  Please notify Tony if interested.
  2. The community center is in the process of establishing a small lending library at the center.  If any community members have books they would like to donate, please bring to the office.  Also, community members may borrow books at any time.

 

Treasurer’s Report

            Treasurer Virgil Reid shared the Profit and Loss Budget Performance for June.  He explained in detail that this is a new way to display the financial status of the Association.  He shared several items of interest to the audience such as Item 4008 regarding interest income was budgeted for $17,000 for the year but is actual $10,052 received already which is a positive and projects well for the year.  He explained that the Board is continuing to discuss the possibility of paying down the mortgage, but has not reached a decision yet.  A question from the audience was asked regarding the 0 for boat slip revenues, which Virgil shared that those dues are not collected until February.  Another question was in regards to Bank Fees, which Virgil will seek further information about this line item—maybe a coding mistake.  One community member asked about the legal fees regarding the NCWRC and the contribution of the North/South side.  Jim explained that at the beginning stages, the North/South side shared in the minimal cost but now the West is handling all expenses because the North/South is not involved.  The North/South side were not involved after Sgt. Dutton entered the community.  One community member wanted clarification of the initials PSL—Pinnacle Seven Lakes—a separate line item for that community section.  A final comment from the audience was to applaud Virgil in displaying a more appropriate design for the budget.

 

Infrastructure Status Report

            Ray MacKay shared several items of interest for the community:

  1. In response to a number of safety concerns we have converted the intersection where James Drive crosses Morris Drive to a “4-WAY STOP”.  Please drive carefully and be alert.
  2. The combination lock on the Longleaf Drive Boat & Trailer yard will be changed back to the Key Lock system next Tuesday, August 1st.  Please help spread this word to your friends and neighbors.
  3. IF YOU HAVE STILL NOT PUT YOUR NEW STICKERS ON YOUR TRAILERS, PLEASE DO SO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

Ray answered several questions on the recently completed Lakeway Drive projects and he pointed out that the scope of this project was presented in full detail in the three workshops on all the pending Lakeway Drive projects he held in May of 2005.  He noted that few members showed any interest at that time!  Topics reviewed were, why concrete curb, the project limits and project cost (approximately $100 per foot, $94,000). The next planned phase is the entrance side from The Pinnacle to Longleaf Drive.  This phase is more complex because of the need to detour the entrance traffic and the existing homes on this roadway.  A concern from an audience member regarding the erosion mess at White Drive/Wertz Drive was mentioned.  According to the member, things have not been completed since June 26 information was given to him.  He then stated several items from the covenants which Jim Meikle clarified that the covenants are for the membership, not developers.  Jim stated that he and Tony are pursuing the problem with the developer.  Another community member asked Ray about the cost of the roadway two years ago, which Ray stated was estimated at $55,000, however, now the cost have increased due to petroleum increases.  Will it be a priority for next year’s budget—the Board will review status.

 

Lake and Dam Environment

            Mary Anne Fewkes shared several items of interest for the community:

  1. Buoys have been found floating in several areas of the lake.  Over the next two to three weeks people will be working on placing the buoys as well as repairing and numbering.  If anyone is interested in assisting, please contact Mary Anne.
  2. Regarding Johnson’s Point, there is a permanent Security officer on duty on Saturday/Sundays.  Her schedule varies, however, she is checking boats coming into the lake making sure they have proper stickers.  Mary Anne noted that several people have canoes, therefore she will examine the feasibility of a canoe rack at Johnson’s Point.
  3. For the next two week, there will be surveying on the dam.  Please maintain the speed on the dam—25 mph.
  4. A concern from a resident regarding kite tubes was shared.  The community has no rules regarding this type of boating apparatus, however the Army Corps of Engineers has outlawed against these items at several NC lakes.  People need to exercise EXTREME caution in regards to boat “toys”. 
  5. Another concern regarding noise on the lake was shared—we do have a ruling regarding any extreme loud noise which is an annoyance in common areas.  Loud boats with open exhausts are extremely noisy. 

A question from the audience was in regards to why the gates at Johnson’s Point are no longer locked.  Since the changeover in security systems/company, there has not been anyone accessible to maintain this concern, however, we are looking at examining that possibility again.  A question was in regards to the speed limit after dusk—it’s 10 mph!  One community member asked about the ownership of the dock on one of the smaller ponds on Longleaf, which Mary Anne explained that GS communities had built the dock with usage for owners near that area.  Another question from the audience was in regards to new picnic tables at Johnson’s Point.  Mary Anne explained that a new handicapped accessible picnic table is being purchased with the hope of adding new tables this year and next year as the budget allows.  One audience member asked about the revenue generated from usage of Johnson’s Point.  Tony explained that landowners do not generated any monies, however, when large groups use the area, it’s $5.00 per person.  One audience member was concerned about the crowding at Johnson’s Point beach.  It was explained that no growth could be done because the lot next to the beach is owned by a builder.

 

Recreation

            Betty Milligan shared several items of interest for the community:

  1. On Saturday, August 19th, beginning at 3:00 p.m. there will be a Back-to-School Swimming and Ice Cream Social.  This event will be held at the West Side Park Community Pool.  Parents, mark your calendars and come to the pool at 3:00 p.m. on that date.
  2. The “Stamp in’ Up” workshop will be held on Wednesday, September 13th and September 20th.  The time is from 9-12 n.  This event will be held at the West Side Park Community Center’s Craft Room.

PLEASE CHECK THE SEVEN LAKES WEST WEBSITE, CLICK ON RECREATION.

 

 

President Meikle then took questions/concerns from the audience.  One member shared information regarding “personal” fireworks being a danger to the community.  She shared a sample of a firework that landed on her property.  She encouraged the Board that next year information be stressed to not use fireworks for personal use. Jim stated that  according to our Rules and Regulations, firecrackers and fireworks are not permitted. A brief discussion was held that people need to notify the sheriff’s office since large fireworks are against the law.   Charlie Flinchum asked community members if they cancel their reservation for Johnson’s Point to notify him so he can remove their name from the display case.  We are having many people to use the gazebos if no one is using them.  One question was in regards to the position of the Compliance Officer and who is her supervisor. Jim explained the position was full time and she reports to the Community Manager.

 

Adjournment

            There being no more questions or comments from the audience, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

 

 

Jo Nicholas,  Secretary