11/21/2019
Paradise Lake Association November 13, 2019 Monthly Board Meeting Minutes
Board Members present: David Doyon, Sherry Mitchell, Rick Rill Approximately 24 members and guests present.
Meeting called to order at 6:05 pm by David Doyon.
Unfinished Business:
Water Use
Rick Rill presented information water use in the lake, YTD 283 ac-ft, and 33 ac ft used in October. Rick has pumped a lot of water keeping lake levels high.
Water Quality
David Doyon noted that he met with a representative from Solitude Lake Management. They took water samples, and noted that the dissolved oxygen levels are good. A midge fly eradication plan is in development, cost is To Be Determined. The pan is to use a biologic agent, not a pesticide, which is wildlife safe. Application is 1 gallon of biologic/acre-foot of lake water. David noted that the biologic concept is that the bacteria eat the midge fly larvae, decreasing the number of midge flies. Planned is a fish community assessment, sampling from a boat. The result will be a recommendation for a fish stocking plan.
Fountain and Water Purchase
David Doyon gave an update on the Foster Electric fountain pump repair. No news from Foster on progress. Hope is to still have it back in service by Thanksgiving.
The moat was cleaned up while the fountain is inoperative. Approximately 40 bags of pigeon “chips” were collected. Moat is part of the fountain’s 150 ft circumference, 10 feet wide.
Discussion with members on pigeon control methods. Possibility of using small, electric powered fountains to spray the moat to discourage pigeons. Possibility of hiring a pigeon trapper. Possibility of using laser light with motion detection to discourage overnight pigeon roosting.
Discussion about water. David noted that there are two years remaining on the water lease. Water costs $84/ac-ft presently. It is expected that costs per ac-ft will increase, perhaps to as much as $200/ac-ft. Board feels a dues increase is necessary in anticipation of the water cost increase. A dues increase of 10% to $792/annually for lots with a house, and $396/annually for vacant lots was proposed. Discussions noted that there has been no annual dues increase for 10 years. A gradual increase in dues is preferable rather than a rapid increase to pay for higher water costs starting in 2022. Additional dues collected would be earmarked for water payments. The Board noted in response to a question about a quorum that PLA by- laws grant the Board authority to change dues with a quorum of the Board present. Board
noted that waiting until the general membership meeting in January, 2020 to propose and vote on the dues increase would delay the increase by a full calendar year, unless enacted in 2019.
Discussion wandered from the issue of dues to member concerns about the “easement” around the lake (the 25 ft PLS “strip”), fences erected by some homeowners, previous name of the PLA strip as the Promenade, and vacant lots failing to be kept clear of brush. David and Rick pointed out that PLA can only legally access and clear the 25 ft PLA owned lands. Removing brush on vacant lots without owner’s permission would be trespassing. Absentee owners are required to keep their lots clear of brush.
Board moved, and seconded a proposal to raise dues by 10% effective January, 2020. $792 for lots with house; $396 for vacant lots. Motion passed.
New Business:
Nomination for Interim Secretary
Sherrie nominated Linda Hull to replace Charles Dorsey as Secretary for the remainder
of Charles’ term. Board voted to approve Linda as Secretary.
Board Member Seats Open for Election
Sherrie noted that two Board seats are up for election. Sherrie and Tom Cruise are
running for the two seats.
Letters are going out to absentee lot owners reminding them to take care of their lots. Historically, and at present, PLA has cleared the PLA strip using volunteer labor parties, and some contracted landscaping firms. Rick Rill has supervised recent efforts by contractors.
Burn Permit
Sherrie is applying for a new burn permit. She will distribute it when available.
Socials Next social is at Terry and Pam Haven’s, December 21, 2019 as a Christmas potluck and boat parade.
Next meeting is December 11, 2019. Meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm.
