Informational Meeting Gives Member Feedback
The informational meeting held February 1 at the conference center featured about 125 in attendance. LPA board president Robert Hollwager started the meeting and introduced LPA attorney Tom Polking who presented the proposals approved by the board for discussion at the meeting.
       Proposed changes in the Covenants and Restrictions were discussed first and proposed changes to the By-laws were discussed later. There were a number of questions and comments.
       The LPA Board will have a special meeting on March 11 to determine which, if any of the proposed changes will be presented to the membership for a vote. The By-Laws currently require the board to have another informational meeting IF they choose to make additional changes to the documents before the election. They may, at their option, make fewer changes than the proposal mailed to the membership in January and submit those for a vote.
       Members provided input on a number of issues in the proposals including the way in which assessments may be changed, total number of homes allowable in the subdivision, procedures by which the by-laws may be changed, etc.
       Whatever decision the board makes on voting will be sent out with supplementary information showing what the old documents say and what the board is requesting being considered for a vote.
       The Covenants of the Association are the basic legal restrictions on how land may be used in the development. This document is recorded and is part of every land transaction in Lake Panorama. The Covenants expire in 2007 and by law, must be voted on to extend. This document is necessary for the the LPA to exist.
       The By-Laws of the Association are the rules by which we govern ourselves—rules regarding the Board, its selection and powers and the duties and powers of the membership. These rules must presently be changed only by member vote.
       

Dam Repair Project Completed
Repairs to the Lake Panorama Dam spillway walls and floor have essentially been completed. The work, which began in October, included repairing concrete problems, re-caulking concrete seams in the spillway walls and floor and replacement of the hydraulic lines that control the gate level.
        Additional work this year will be grading and tree removal in the emergency spillway, some work in the access to the low flow tube that goes under the dam, and emergency power back-up system for the dam gate.
       

2003 Personal Watercraft Changes in rules
The LPA Board has voted to require ALL Personal Watercraft operators under age 18 to take the Iowa DNR boating test and have the certificate on their person while operating. The LPA does permit those aged 16 and older to operate jet skis on the lake.
        The requirement will include those riding solo AND those operating the craft with an adult. If the youth is actually operating the craft, even with an adult, the certificate will be required.
        The ruling was in conjunction to the new Iowa State rules, modified by the LPA limits on operator age. Operators with the background of studying and passing the boating test should be much safer operators and have familiarity, not only with personal watercraft, but all of the basic “rules of the road” for boating. This is especially important for safety at Lake Panorama, due to the long and narrow nature of the lake.
        Study and test materials (it’s a mail in test) are presently available at the Lake office. They can also be obtained from the DNR in Des Moines. Youth are encouraged to get the materials early. A local training course will be organized in the spring.
       

Road Embargo May Come at Anytime
From year to year the LPA maintenance department has been authorized to initiate a road embargo that restricts the weight of vehicles on LPA streets. Usually this is implemented in February or March, depending on the weather. Cold temperatures keep the ground frozen and help support the rock and seal coat surfaces. However, when spring thawing begins in earnest, much of the base rock of the LPA streets is in a state of softness that could cause road damage.
        Watch for the ROAD EMBARGO signs to be uncovered. The 5-Ton weight limit will be in force until the roads settle. MEMBERS are responsible for contractors and delivery firms that cause road damage with big trucks, or other equipment. Call the LPA office with any questions that you might have at 641-755-2301.
       

Story Contributions Requested
Members with a flair for writing are invited to call the LPA office and chat with Randy Holl about writing contributions for the Lake Panorama Times.
        Articles needed are those that inform and entertain the reader, with pertinent facts and information about interesting people, places or things relating to Lake Panorama. It is a volunteer task, but is very much appreciated by regular readers.
       
        The office phone is 641 755 2301.
       

Summer Workers Needed
The LPA maintenance department is in need of summer help. The jobs are up to 40 hours a week and available from about May 1 to September 1. The positions are excellent for college students on break or high school seniors needing a job before school starts in teh fall. Schedules are flexible and can be customized for special situations. Applicants should be 18 years old, have a valid driver's license and transportation available to the Lake maintenance department on 200th Road.
       Start and end dates can be changed for school schedules. Most of the work will include mowing, painting, clean-up, trimming, etc. Call the LPA office at 755 2301 for details.

Photo Opportunities
Digital pictures or prints of the Lake Panorama area make excellent contributions to our website. If you have a pic and would like to contribute it for use on the home page or in the photo album--panorama pix-- just e-mail or send the pic to the office at P.O. Box 157, Panora, Iowa 50216 or by e-mail to randy@lakepanorama.org. We can give you credit for your photo or not--it's up to you! We thanks the contributors to our website pix.