Newsletter 11-2024

Hello, All:  I hope you’ve been enjoying the weather…it’s been amazing. Apparently, Christmas must be closing in, as many on the lake have already put out their holiday lights.  Due to this peer pressure, I pulled out all our holiday bins and am hoping that putting them out early will put me on the good side of Santa’s list.

Board Changes:  There are a couple of reasons for this post.  As you know, we had a vacancy for President for a few months and I’d like to thank those of you who were willing to step up and offer your services. Luckily, Father Scott has generously agreed to reassume his position as Treasurer.  This is literally a godsend as his knowledge and good sense are a tremendous asset to the Board.  He agreed to take the position only if the current Treasurer (me) would assume the position of President.  This was approved by the other voting members of the Board, so here I am…your President (no applause please). 

Being that we are having only 3 meetings per year, I will write a monthly newsletter with any updates that apply. Any suggestions, questions, or complaints you have should be written in an email and sent to me at mvmfh@msn.com.  After that, it will go to the rest of the Board for discussion, and I will follow up with our determination.

Lake Lawsuit:  On November 12, there was a Board of Directors meeting for the larger HOA.  I was unable to go, but Sue Worthen (our Secretary) did and took some excellent notes.  Apparently, most of the meeting concerned the lake’s lawsuit.  The current “main issue” is over seepage and evaporation.  RCSC does not want to replace the water that we lose through seepage.  Per Russ Born, they are “being tough.” There has been another change on their Board, so now we must wait to get him up to speed.  RCSC is saying they have evidence that we have not done our part to maintain the lake (this is absolutely untrue).  They are saying that laws and regulations have changed, and the initial rules no longer apply. Our lawyers feel our best option is to continue with mediation as a trial could easily take a couple of years with no guarantees.  As you know, our first mediation was unsuccessful with RCSC insisting that we replace the lake’s liner!  In the next mediation we are hoping for a 25-year agreement.  Our responsibilities would be as they are now.  No date has been set for the next mediation.

Lake Fee: Their Treasurer, Paul Hines budgeted $96,000.00 for lawyer’s fees in 2025.  They estimated that this would be necessary for 3 years depending on the length of the lawsuit.  As a result, the lake assessment has been increased to $1,550.00 per year. 

Closer to Home:  As you’ve noticed one of the beetle infested trees on Crown Pt. was taken down the other day.  Another, down the street was limbed in the hopes it can be saved.  It very likely, there will be more.  Extra funds have been budgeted for 2025 to compensate for potential tree removal and required tree trimming.  On an aside, John and Terri Suhumskie (10116 W Bolivar-Dock 131) are selling their residence.  With young grandchildren and family at home in Iowa, it is understandable to want to be there especially during the holidays and while they are growing up.  They have been great neighbors and will be missed.

2025 Budget:  I recently completed our 2025 budget and am happy to announce there will be no increase in dues (they will remain at $300.00 per month).  We had a increase for Pest Control and Garbage pick-up.  Other expenses were refigured.  There are a couple of unknowns in 2025, including substantial increase in water and sewer.  It may become necessary to increase the dues mid-year.  There is a budget breakdown on the website.  Father Scott will take it the rest of the way.

In Conclusion: A couple was celebrating their golden wedding anniversary on the beaches in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Their domestic tranquility had long been the talk of the town. People would say, “What a peaceful & loving couple.”

The local newspaper reporter was inquiring as to the secret of their long and happy marriage. The husband replied, “Well, it dates back to our honeymoon in America. We visited the Grand Canyon, in Arizona, and took a trip down to the bottom of the canyon, by horse. We hadn’t gone too far when my wife’s horse stumbled, and she almost fell off.

“My wife looked down at the horse and quietly said, ‘That’s once.’

“We proceeded a little further and her horse stumbled again. Again, my wife quietly said, ‘That’s twice.’

“We hadn’t gone a half mile when the horse stumbled for the third time my wife quietly removed a revolver from her purse and shot the horse dead.”

The man continued, “I shouted at her, ‘What’s wrong with you, woman?! Why did you shoot the poor animal like that, are you crazy!?’

She looked at me, and quietly said, ‘That’s once.’ And from that moment we have lived happily ever after.”