Lake communication August 16, 2023

 

The newly elected Quail Lakes HOA Board, in conjunction with members of the previous board, has been working on your behalf.  There is much work to do.  

 

Summarizing our current situation: our lakes suffer from significant leaks and weed/algae growth.  We pump a lot of water to keep the lake levels up and, starting a few years back, increased chemical treatments.  The electricity bill is significant, as are the treatment costs.  Property taxes are up significantly this year.  Dues are now $900 per year and there is no forecast for a significant reduction.  As of now, you can expect 2024 dues to be at that level or slightly higher.  Dues pay for operating costs.

 

A special assessment to pay for any major project such as leak remediation would require a vote and approval by more than a simple majority of the 80+ lake lot owners.  We’re working on options.  We also plan to update the covenants.  When the time comes for a vote, please respond quickly even if you winter elsewhere.  As always, we appreciate having your email address on file.

 

Projects which might require significant outlays include:

 

Well, pump, and related electrical: failure of the existing (our pump is very old), replacement of the existing for efficiency purposes (a business case is being compiled), or addition of a system for Quail Lake alone (we have one today, serving both lakes).

 

Aeration to reduce chemical treatment needs: a path toward reducing weed/algae growth while reducing chemical treatment costs by some amount.  Complications include the water churn due to leakage, vagueness regarding the magnitude treatments might be reduced, and the preferred sequence being the sealing of leaks prior to aeration.  It could be piloted on one lake.

 

Costs include aeration equipment (assume $60,000), plus new electrical connections, landscaping, and the need for ongoing electricity use.

 

Sealing of leaks: by bentonite clay or polymer as previously shared (see meeting minutes and other communications).  Each project has a high cost of materials, would require shipping and perhaps container costs, and would need to be applied by contractors but no willing ones have been identified.  The overall project cost, per lot owner, could approach $10,000 for a project not guaranteed to solve the leak issue.  At this time, the logistical challenges preclude these options.