Informational Meeting Draws 60
Approximately 60 people attended the Lake Panorama Association informational meeting at the Clover Ridge Conference Center on October 18.
       
       Numerous members provided input to the board about the proposed By-Law changes that were sent to the membership to examine. Some of the major changes proposed in that document were: allowing the board of directors to increases assessments by up to 5% per year, allowing the board of directors authority to establish a one year special assessment, giving the board power to amend and change the by-laws (with the exception of the 5% clause and the special assessment clause, and combining the dues, regular assessment, road assessment and erosion control assessment into just one figure.
       Tom Polking, board counsel, pointed out that the LPA board had the authority to change assessments and the by-laws before 1988. He also explained that the restrictive covenants that are the most basic legal document for the LPA were amended at the last meeting. Rules and regulations regarding activities and behaviors at the Lake presently and would continue to be handled and modified by the LPA board. The by-law proposal would allow them some flexibility in handling budget issues.
       Many good comments and questions were heard. Some issues brought up included suggestions to: make special assessments “emergency” only, allow fewer member signatures to call for a vote on an issue, whether a simple majority of 4 could raise dues on all members, vote on changed items separately, and putting dollar limits on increases. Some of the questions asked included: how would special assessments be determined, what would happen to the erosion control money, and general discussion about how things are paid for.
       The LPA Board discussed the recommendations at their October board meeting and will continue to work on the by-law project for presentation to the membership for the next annual meeting.
       

New Water Testing Program Adopted
The LPA Board of Directors has approved a new program for water quality monitoring for lake water. The newly adopted staff proposal will duplicate the methods by which the Iowa Department of Natural Resources reports beach water quality.
       Testing will be done weekly beginning in mid April and ending in October. The lake samples will be tested for E. Coli bacteria, a reliable indicator of the presence of animal or human waste in the sample. If levels of the bacterial exceed the limits established, Lake Panorama beaches will be posted with a “Swimming not Recommended” sign with explanatory material. This notice will be visible from the water and will also be present at the marina boat ramp. In addition, signs advising swimmers how to reduce their risk of infection will be provided.
       As all natural and artificial lakes have organisms that can cause health problems in susceptible individuals, this should be an aid in members recognizing those risks.
       It is important to note that conditions vary considerably around the lake. If one beach is posted, others may not be posted. Sample testing is only good for the times and places it is done.
       

New Water Tower Planning Begins
The LPA Board of Directors accepted a proposal from Veenstra & Kimm Engineering in Des Moines to do the basic engineering work to construct a new 300000 gallon water standpipe on the east side of the Lake. The proposed location for the facility is on high ground on Panorama Drive near the CIPCO silt basin.
       The new standpipe will provide the additional storage necessary to maintain good water service to the LPA membership. Growing peak usage demands during the summer have resulted in the need for more storage for usage and emergency purposes.
       

Dry Conditions Warrant Care and Change in Burning Rules
Although a few rainy days have helped alleviate dry conditions, the LPA Board has adopted a rule change regarding burning of yard waste on lots. Fires must now be tended. Untended fires can spread and be a problem, particularly with drying vegetation in the fall and through the winter. This rule is for safety and for protection of property, especially since our growing number of houses are getting closer together.
       Be very careful with fall yard chores--especially burning leaves. Dry conditions have left much burnable material in prime condition for fires to spread and a couple of days of sun and wind can keep conditions prime for wildfire.
       

BRUSH DUMPS FOR BRUSH
Fall yard work results in piles of leaves, sticks, and other plant material. This can be burned on members lots or can be taken to brush disposal sites at the Lake. The brush disposal sites are for natural materials that grow on LPA and member lots only. It is against State Law to dump household trash, construction materials, appliances or other non-natural items at the brush disposal areas. The LPA does ticket violators. Two $100 dollar tickets were issued in September. State laws could also be applied in serious violations.
       
        Please keep the brush disposal sites usage limited to natural materials that grow on the lots.
       

Security Department Offers Seasonal House Check Services
During the winter months the LPA Security Department offers house check services for those snowbirds and second homers who desire. The service consists of two checks of the homes each week that include a walk-around to check for problems and a check of house temperature (from thermometers visible from outside).
       
        The fees are $45 per month or $200 for the season (November 1 to March 31.) Please contact Jeremy Bennett at the LPA offices for more information
       

2003 Lake Statistics
1379 boats and 280 personal watercraft were registered at the Lake in 2003. This compares to 1353 boats and 274 personal watercraft in 2002. For reference, five years ago the number was 1148 boats and 196 personal watercraft.
       
       Of the 1379 boats, 1004 were over 10 horsepower.
       
       54 single memberships, 87 couples, 23 families and 23 students had memberships at the Par 3 course in 1993. 87 is the highest number of couple memberships ever.
       
       36 annual camping permits were issued, the highest since 1990.