Home  Minutes September 2008 Minutes
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CALL TO ORDER: September 24, 2008 at 7:00 PM by Jack Leonard
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
President – Jack Leonard – Present
Secretary – Dawn Oliver – Absent
Treasurer – Rex Roseberry – Present
Director of Administration – Charles Bush - Present
Director of Security – Mel Carver - Present
Director of Roads/Maintenance – Paul Lemmon - Absent
Director of Lake & Conservation – Scott Moushey – Present
Motion for approval of August Minutes (as published in the September 2008 Newsletter) Motion to approve by Scott Moushey, Seconded by Mel Carver, Vote Count: 6 Board Members in favor, 0 Board Members opposed, 1 Board Member Absent, Motion Carried.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Jack Leonard –
I would like to thank all the volunteers that helped at the October fest last Sunday.
A special thanks to the office staff and the board members that put in so much time on this project.
We are having a “Meet The Candidates” night on Oct. 16th at 6PM, so mark your calendar.
Last month we had a property owner comment regarding the Board’s plan to incorporate as a village. I feel response is in order:
Several months ago, The Carroll County Auditor met with the Board and proposed the idea of incorporation and the financial benefits it would bring to the community. As a Board we decided that we must at least evaluate any proposition that could better the community and as any Board should do. After extensive research into the process, as well as determining how this could occur and still remain a gated community, this was not cost effective. The amount of funding available originally reported by the county auditor had dropped by greater than 50% and the cost to complete the process was too great. However, I want to reiterate that it is the responsibility of each and every Board to pursue any means that can generate much needed revenue or will benefit the community. We will continue to evaluate and consider any ideas proposed.
SECRETARY’S REPORT: Dawn Oliver
• 2 Orientations were conducted during the past month.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Rex Roseberry
Motion for approval of August Treasurer’s Report: Motion to Approve by Chuck Bush, Seconded by Dawn Oliver, Vote Count: 6 Board Members in favor, 0 Board Members opposed, 1 Board Member Absent, Motion Carried.
DIRECTOR OF ADMIN: Chuck Bush
• The office computer hardware upgrade is complete. The proposed Access based system, which may replace the DOS Membership Pro program, will be installed for testing purposes only. We will keep the community informed don’t he progress.
• The Board has agreed to change the date to renew the Lace Road and Keno Road gate controllers after this year. As recommended by a property owner, we will be renewing controllers at a reduced rate in May. This will prevent any member who is delinquent paying annual dues from having access though these gates. However, renewal for this year will still be held in October.
• September is the month to renew your lease for boat storage spaces. Failure to renew your storage space on time can result in the ease agreement being void and loss of use of the space.
DIRECTOR OF SECURITY: Mel Carver
• While our gate guards were enjoying candle lit dinners during our recent black out they managed to answer the numerous phone calls with the obvious question “When is the power coming back on?” Thank you for your dedication and hard work. Thanks to the maintenance crew and everyone who had a hand in getting our roads clear, the fallen trees cleaned up, and the power back on.
• Unfortunately during the power outage someone saw fit to steal a generator from a residence while it was in use. Thank goodness it wasn’t being used because someone was on oxygen. I would like to thank the community for your support and generous donations in helping the Grubbs family after their devastating fire at their residence. Not only have your donated items, you made the Fish Club pancake breakfast on of the best ever and they were able to donate a substantial amount of money to the family.
• Some of you will be closing up your homes and heading south for where ever you avoid the winter weather. Please make sure that your contact information is updated with current – addresses, phone numbers, emergency contact etc. If you are having any work done while you are away, let your neighbors, the Deputies and the office know who is doing the work and what is being done. We have had some homes broken into and copper plumbing is one of the things that thieves are looking for.
• We will be having a community meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008 at 7pm in the clubhouse to discuss plans for next year’s Independence Day celebration. At this time we are only planning on having one meeting, so if you have any imput or suggestions please plan on attending.
Deputy Report:
Our Lake Mohawk Deputies provided 7 community service calls this month. For the month our Deputies patrolled 2862 miles, consumed 238 gallons of fuel in the cruisers, 49.5 gallons of fuel and one pint of oil in the patrol boats. For the month our Deputies logged 701 hours. Citations can be found elsewhere in the newsletter.
The following incidents were reported to the Carroll County Sheriffs/Mohawk Post:
1 – Theft
1 – Breaking & Entering/Theft (Manito Trail area)
1 – Credit Card Fraud
2 – Assaults
1 – Criminal Trespass (Apache Area)
1 – Theft (Ontario Trail area)
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for pulling together and helping the house fire victims. Lake Mohawk residents have shown, on more than one occasion, their commitment to their neighbors. From individual contractors volunteering their time, to pancake breakfast’s and ticket sales, to those who donated funding and/or items needed. THANK YOU!
Speaking of a great community; during the severe storm that Ike caused, many property owners (with damage to their own property) came out and assisted where needed. I would like to thank Mike Reinhart for cutting downed trees, Dan McNeil for following me around the lake for debris removed from the roadways, and all the property owners who helped during “Ike’s”
visit. Additionally, I would like to thank Scott Noble and the board for providing Port-A-Jons to numerous areas of the lake. I don’t know of to many communities that would go above and beyond to help make things a little easier during our power outage. Once again the people of this lake show their care and concern for all who live here!
Fall is right around the corner; and with that will come a tremendous amount of leaves on the roadway. Once leaves start falling, and get wet from rain, they become a serious driving hazard (as dangerous as ice in winter). Wet leaves are slippery and reduce your traction on the roadway. Make sure prior to getting into your vehicle you have no leaves under your wiper blades. This can impede wiper performance and visibility. When parking your vehicle be careful not to park where leaves collect. Dry leaves beneath your car can ignite by heat from your exhaust system. When driving on leaf covered roadways avoid hard or panic breaking. When following other vehicles increase your following distance. Be safe on the roadway, slow down and be aware of road conditions.
Law Explorers: If you are interested in a career as a law enforcement officer, CSI, SWAT, FBI, K-9, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, etc., come join our team. Law Explorers is for young men and women who have completed the eight grade and are 14 years of age, or are 15 years of age but have not reached their 21st birthday. Law Explorers offers scholarships as well as hands on activities. If you are interested in learning more about the Law Explorers you can contact our office at 330-863-1053.
Submitted by Captain Dick Moyer
DIRECTOR OF ROADS AND MAINTENANCE: Paul Lemmon
• Completed ditching along Oneida and Manito
• Serviced Keno Road and Lace Road Gates
• Completed routine mowing of all common areas
• Completed storm damage clean-up – 40+ truckloads
• Set up and removal of all items for Octoberfest
• Completed berm work on Oneida
• Repaired roof on Sewer Building and Guardhouse
• Hauled in 120 tons of grit for winter
• Received 160 tons of road salt, prepared road mix
• Maintenance used 196 gallons of Diesel Fuel and 105 gallons of gasoline
DIRECTOR OF LAKE AND CONSERVATION MGMT: Scott Moushey
During the past month, since the last Board Meeting, I have been busy researching two subjects. Initially, with the help of our Lake Manager, our Association President, and particularly Association member Joe Jacko, we have begun analyzing the benefits of starting a Weed Harvesting Program at Lake Mohawk. This subject has been approached before but never got off the ground for a number of reasons, mostly concerning costs. Joe Jacko has volunteered his time, doing much of the leg work that has been done thus far. It is very obvious to me that Joe cares about our lake and will do all he can to make it better, just like many of you. He has contacted vendors, received quotations, and arranged a conference call from a company out of Wisconsin that we participated in last week. No decisions have been made thus far, everything is being investigated at this point. The Board of Directors have decided to form a committee, headed by Joe Jacko. The committee will continue the research, determine the costs associated with a weed harvesting program, and work with the Board of Directors with its findings. Anyone interested in joining Joe on this committee, please contact him or the Lake Office. Secondly, an oral summary of the Fish Testing was recently received by our Lake Manager. The actual report has not yet been received. Scott was informed that the fish tested were infected with the
Largemouth Bass Virus (LMBV). LMBV is one of more than 100 naturally occurring viruses that also infects smallmouth bass, bluegill, and crappies, but has caused mortality to only largemouth bass. Most fish mortalities associated with the virus involve other stressors to the fish including warm water temperatures, heavy fishing pressure, and low oxygen levels (among others). There are few outward signs that a fish has the virus. The virus has been found in many lakes where there have not been reports of disease or mortalities of fish. Affected fish usually appear normal, although they may be lethargic, swim slowly and are less responsive to activity around them. Dying fish often are seen near the surface and have difficulty remaining upright. Such fish usually will have bloated swim bladders, which accounts for the cause of swimming problems. Red sores or other lesions occasionally may be seen on the skin of the fish, but these are secondary in nature and not part of the virus infection.
When LMBV killed thousands of bass in Sam Rayburn and Lake Fork Reservoirs in Texas in 1998, some predicted long term declines. There definitely was a short term effect. Since then the fishing has rebounded. What scientists do know about LMBV is that it appears to be a one-time killer. No lake has suffered two kills. The theory is that the first time it occurs, it affects the fish it is going to, and the fish remaining are resistant to the disease. However, fish immune systems are very complicated and it is not known how long an immune response will protect fish the scientists also reported. LMBV is spread by fish-to-fish contact and also through the water; there is also speculation it might also be spread by insects or waterfowl.
Anglers can help avoid spreading LMBV by doing the following things:
1. Thoroughly clean and dry live wells, boats, trailers, and equipment between fishing trips. You can kill the virus by filling live wells for at least five minutes with a solution of ¼ cup of chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Dry the live well completely before putting fish in it to avoid harm to fish.
2. Do not move fish or fish parts (including bait) from one body of water to another.
3. Handle bass as gently as possible when catching and releasing them; stress seems to increase the likelihood LMBV will be fatal.
4. Hold weigh-in tournaments during the cool months and use "paper" tournaments during the warm months.
5. Report dead or dying fish to the Lake Mohawk Office.
Also, LMBV is not known to infect any warm-blooded animals. However, always cook any fish you eat thoroughly, and never use dead or dying fish for food. At next month's meeting the full report will be available and any additional information will reported on.
LAKE MANAGER: Scott Noble
• Octoberfest has again been a very successful event. I would like to thank all of those who volunteered their time and energy. As for the committee, thanks again for stepping up and doing such a great job. The final numbers have not been completed, however we should have raised over $6,500 for the Recreation Fund.
• An Octoberfest Volunteer Appreciation gathering will be held on October 14th at 6PM in the clubhouse.
• We need property owners interested in serving on the Finance and Budget Committee. The initial draft budget should be prepared before the end of October and a committee is needed to assist with establishing a final draft. Anyone interested needs to contact the office.
• The Recycling Center has been a great success. Thank you to all of you who are using the facility and keeping the area clean.
• The Board is considering establishing a contractor comment binder at the office. This will allow all property owners the opportunity to place comments (good or bad) regarding the quality of the contractors they have used in the binder. This information will be retained in alphabetical order and be available and valuable for all property owners to review when contracting work on their property.
• I would like to again remind everyone that Property Maintenance Code inspections continue. Please review the code to be certain that your property is in compliance. Additionally, please review the guidelines regarding trash collection. It is a violation to place trash at the curb that is not in a container. We have experienced problems with animals leaving a mess because of this. Please have all trash in containers.
COMMITTEES – None
CLUB REPORTS – None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
MOTION TO APPROVE or Disapprove: a Variance Request (tabled at the August Board meeting) for construction of a garage, located on lot 666/667, larger than allowable under the guidelines of the building code. . Motion by Mel Carver, Seconded by Chuck Bush, Vote Count: 6 Board Members in favor, 0 Board Members opposed, 1 Board Member Absent, Motion Carried.
NEW BUISNESS: A request by property owners of lots 191 and 193 to split lot 192 and adjoin each share to their property. Motion by Dawn Oliver, Seconded by Mel Carver, Vote Count: 6 Board Members in favor, 0 Board Members opposed, 1 Board Member Absent, Motion Carried.
ADJOURNMENT – 7:23PM with 34 property owners signed in.
OPEN FORUM:
Lot 22 – I would like the Board to know how appreciative the sellers and their fellow realtors are that during these hard times they allowed the sign policy to be temporarily changed through the end of the year. We would hope for the Board to make this change permanent. Thank you again.
Lot 383 – Mel Carver mentioned in his report that the 4th of July had problems in the past and with the help of everyone, suggestions were made and followed for that success. My wife and I always help at the Octoberfest and love doing it. However, I noticed at the Octoberfest that we had 4 and 5 deputies there and I think we can reduce that to 2 to save some of that cost to help control the spending.
I for 16 years I lived in a community that was run by counsels and I moved here to be away from that. I would hope that in the future we do not let the Board think about giving up our gates by thinking about changing to a village/incorporating. I ask the owners association is that what they wanted.
Lot 55 – Respect to the gates being open during the power outage. Will we be reviewing that a deputy should be at those gates the entire time. We pay for security and we want it.
Lot 1213 – Weed Harvesting – we need to do this. It is less stress on the fish and keeps the chemicals away making us more environmentally green. I can talk to anyone after the meeting about the harvesting if they want to discuss it further.
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