The Annual Meeting was held in person at Tudor Oaks Auditorium. Board members attending in person were Nate Ziarek, Steve Fabry, Debbie Lambert, Kostas Lazarides, Pete Fantle, and Wendy Fisenne. Representatives from 24 lots were present. Each attendee received a copy of the 2023 LBHA Budget. Scroll to the bottom to see the budget handout.
The meeting was called to order at 7:10pm.
Welcome Message Steve Fabry
Introduction of Board Members
- Steve Fabry, President
- Nate Ziarek, Vice President
- Kostas Lazarides, Treasurer
- Wendy Fisenne, Secretary
- Pete Fantle, Member-at-Large
- Debbie Lambert, Member-at-Large
Committee Chairs
Introduction of new residents
- Lot 34 Cindy Jackson, Samantha Jackson, and Jamie Meece
- Lot 31 Jose & Kalee Cambray
Secretary’s Report, Wendy Fisenne Reporting
- Reading of the minutes from the 2022 Annual Meeting was waived
Treasurer’s Report and Budget Review, Kostas Lazarides Reporting
Balances as of 10/18/2023
Checking | $1,850 |
Savings | |
Operating Reserve | $23,364 |
Capital Reserve | $8,018 |
Project Reserve | $10,000 |
Savings Total | $41,382 |
- Budget notes
- Dues will be raised 10% starting Jan 1, 2024 to $129.80.
Given the Milfoil issues and shoreline maintenance, even with raising quarterly dues, the expected shortfall in 2024 will be $5,530.
Architectural Control Committee (ECC) Report, Debbie Lambert Reporting
- Approved projects in the last 12 months
- 5 Patio and deck projects
- 7 Siding, roof, gutter & soffit projects
- 1 Home addition
- All residents are reminded to send an email to [email protected] prior to the start of their project for review and approval. Include detailed explanation of the project, pictures, drawings, plot plans, materials to be used, and any other helpful information. This process is typically quick and ensures that our rules and covenants are being followed.
- Projects requiring approval according to the Covenants are as follows: anything done to the home such as paint, siding, roofing, soffits and gutters, windows, decking, patio and/or retaining walls. Approval is needed for landscaping abutting common ground. The ACC goes out of its way to approve projects quickly but also to maintain the standards and rules set forth in the Covenants.
- Jim Stencel and John Ruszkiewicz have served on the ACC committee for 15 years and are stepping down. We thank them and are greatly appreciative for their years of service. Larry Acker, after years of valued and appreciated service, will step down once the new members of the committee are comfortable with the rules, process, and procedures of the ACC.
- Mike Lambert, Dave Fisenne and Donna Vanness have volunteered for the ACC. Note: volunteers came forward after the meeting was adjourned so this bullet point is informational only and not to be considered as part of the meeting minutes.
Environmental Control Committee (ECC) Report Nick Connor Reporting
- We are in the middle of a transition in lake management.
- Radek is working 10 hours per week and this is not enough time to do all the work necessary to maintain the common grounds.
- As this is a mature neighborhood (vegetation, shrubs, trees…not referring to people) some trees and shrubs are at the end of their lifespan.
- Maintenance of the common grounds has been delegated to four contractors.
- Legacy:
- will continue to do lawn mowing
- Shoreline maintenance will begin this winter. The shoreline will look bare this winter as vegetation and dogwoods will be cut back to knee height.
- Goals of shoreline maintenance is for diversity of native growth, removal of non-native species, robust shrubs, dogwoods, abundance of flowers and grasses. Progress will be seen over the next few years. Caution is given on immediate expectations…immediacy is not how nature operates.
- Bushes will be proactively trimmed and pruned by Legacy.
- Four trees have been removed. The ECC is caught up on management of diseased trees. Trees in immediate need of removal have been taken down. Tree pruning is in process for the continued health of our beautiful trees.
- The storm sewer on Canterbury Court plugs up from tree debris, backs up during heavy rains, and causes wash out on the path. This storm sewer also drains into the lake, taking the debris with it. Looking into options to solve this problem.
- Reminder to submit mooring requests to the ECC. The ECC is following the guidance given by the boat committee. The boat committee has been disbanded but its recommendations are being followed.
- Ice fishers need to use the flags made by Zoe Fantle (thank you Zoe!). Guests need to have a pass when on common grounds without the homeowner present. We encourage homeowners to be with their guests but recognize that this is not always possible. Passes and flags can be obtained from Steve Fabry. Trespassing laws will be enforced.
- Pellets are available for the treatment of algae and muck. These treatments are temporary and are not recommended by Aquatic Biologists.
- Do not cut the shoreline if you are not on the ECC. Don’t add vegetation to the shoreline if you are not on the ECC. The ECC is managing the shoreline, lake, and common grounds in a way that balances nature’s needs and human wants and expectations. They have more than enough to do. Please don’t add to their already overwhelming workload.
- Aquatic Biologists (AB) is managing the lake and water quality. As AB is our 3rd water quality company in the last 4 years, it will take time to establish a weed treatment protocol based on a history of results. AB has shown itself to be a knowledgeable and honest partner in the care of our wonderful lake. ECC is currently striving to manage the lake in a way that best balances the goals of the health of the lake and the fishery, and the pleasure, beauty, and enjoyment of the association. Key word…balance.
- And the winner in the category of most complaints generated to Nick….MILFOIL!!!
- All lakes in the region have experienced excessive Milfoil growth this past summer.
- Due to unusually low snowfall totals last winter, there was not enough snow cover on the lake to kill or retard vegetation regeneration that occurs each spring. Heat and drought conditions this spring and summer kept water levels low, creating a perfect environment for overgrowth of aquatic plants.
- Geese are most likely to blame for bringing in the Molfoil.
- The beneficial aquatic plants need to be maintained for the fishery and health of the lake. Again, AB and the ECC are striving for a balance of aquatic plants and fish, and human enjoyment. Maintaining the fishery and non-beneficial aquatic plant control treatments come at a significant cost. The goal is to stay ahead of the weeds.
- AB has found Milfoil 15 feet down. Milfoil is an aggressive weed. AB recommends targeting the Milfoil and does not recommend killing all vegetation in the lake. AB needs time to treat and assess progress of treating Milfoil. Again, this takes time.
- Looking to remove Milfoil and rely on beneficial native plants to take over and keep Milfoil levels low.
- Concerns were expressed about pond weed. Pond weed can be cut or treated. There are concerns about cutting weeds and water plants as this could cause Milfoil to spread. It is not recommended at this time to cut weeds.
- It is possible for a boat to trail the rake behind to harvest weeds and plants. This would be up to volunteers at the direction of Nick and the ECC.
- The goal is to maintain and improve the health of the lake with an emphasis on the fishery and swimming.
- It is possible that the excessive Milfoil growth was an outcome of weather and with treatment and management, will be much improved next year. Time will tell.
- Please review the website under Dossier for more information and details about beneficial and non-beneficial lake vegetation.
Thanks and appreciation was expressed by all those present to Nick for his tireless hard work and dedication to the continued management and beauty of our lake and common grounds, and his efforts to balance very divergent viewpoints for the greatest benefit of all who live in our wonderful community.
Old Business
- Please keep your contact information up to date by emailing [email protected] or [email protected]
New Business
- The directory has been updated. There are two lists; lot number and by last name in alphabetical order.
- The lot map will be added back to the website soon. It will show lot numbers but will not show names of the homeowner on the lot.
- We have a long established relationship with Tudor Oaks. It has come to the attention of the Board that residents of Lake Brittany are attempting to use the indoor facilities at Tudor Oaks. This is not allowed. Indoor facilities are for the use of Tudor Oaks only. Residents of Lake Brittany can go on the outside property at Tudor Oaks. Children must be accompanied by an adult, preferably a parent.
Board Elections
- Elected positions are 3 year terms. Steve Fabry and Pete Fantle’s terms are expiring.
- Pete Fantle is stepping down after years of valued service. Pete was thanked for his service by those in attendance. His service to our community has been greatly appreciated and his knowledge invaluable.
- Steve Fabry and Jeff Spoerk ran for a board position.
- Voting was not necessary as there were 2 open positions and 2 candidates running for those positions
- Steve Fabry and Jeff Spoerk will be members on the Board.
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 8:41pm.
Next Board meeting TBA*
