John Rutledge to Join LPA Administrative Staff
Roger Dunlop, General Manager, has announced the appointment of John Rutledge, Panora, former Guthrie County Auditor, to the Administrative staff. John brings extensive background in business management and accounting to the staff and will be trained in a number of areas.

Boat registration Reminder
The 2007-2010 Iowa DNR registrations will be required to register your boat for a boat sticker this year. You can bring it to the office, fax a copy to 641 755 3810, or email a jpeg or pdf file of the document. A check can be sent or you can call in your credit card number to handle it on phone. Call the office for details.

3 By-Law issues to be Voted on
Three By_law changes are proposed for a membership vote for the 2007 annual meeting. One proposal gives the membership protection against frivolous lawsuit expenses by requiring any member filing suit against the Association in matters regarding the Covenants, By-Laws or general rules and regulation, to pay for Association legal expenses IF the Association wins the suit.
       A second proposal would eliminate the need for the ballots in elections to be signed. The ballot envelopes would have the signatures instead, so that ballots could be separated from identification of the voter and still show they are valid ballots.
       The Board is also requesting a change that would allow board members to participate in board meetings by conference calls or other means where they could be actual participants in the discussions taking place. Currently, board members must be physically present to participate.
       

Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) becomes major Planning Document
The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is the planning process now adopted by the Board of Directors to identify and prioritize those projects needed over the next ten year period. The first draft of the plan was made this last fall before the 2007 budget was considered. The CIP is being gone over now to make it a more complete picture for the next few years.
        The CIP is a “living document” with projections for projects needed over the next ten years. Each year the plan will be examined, projects re-evaluated for timing, cost estimates reassessed, and the tenth year out added for potential additions at that time. The CIP will give LPA members a broad picture of the anticipated budget needs for the infrastructure, capital additions and enhancements that are planned and proposed and the timing of when the expenditures are anticipated. The CIP will also include the “routine” replacements and upgrades for plant and equipment in order to adequately show the entire scope of capital needs.
       
       One of the main sections in the CIP plan is the Marina. The Marina facilites are owned by the LPA and leased by Coulter’s Panorama Marine. The terms of the lease give a proportion of the sales and rentals to the Association.
       
        Wear and tear and changing times have brought the marina facilities to the point where replacement is needed.
        These structures have weathered considerable conditions over the years and wave action, freezing, and the elements have resulted in the deterioration of connections, anchors and stability. The floatation systems on the remaining two old covered slips and the gas dock are rapidly deteriorating. This style is no longer permitted because of the nature of deteriorating foam being disbursed into the environment.
        A new gas dock and slip will be installed later this year. The old gas dock was ripped from its mooring by wind and ice a few years ago, nearly causing a disastrous gasoline spill. Fortunately, the expensive safety gas line connections worked and did not spill gasoline from the pipe to the gas docks. Most of the pile type anchors have broken loose from the dock frame. The new gas dock will be larger, have more docking space and will also have a larger snack concession for the convenience of member boaters.
        The new gas dock will join the west section of covered slips as new facilities. The new slips were installed in 2006. The other two sections of covered slips are destined for replacement in the next few years and are included in the CIP.
       
       

Turkey Hunting approved for member Hunters
Turkey Hunting for member hunters was approved by the Board at their March 27 meeting. The hunting will follow DNR regulations and only be permitted in the hunting areas previously approved for the special deer hunt. Turkey have become increasingly abundant the past few years. A vehicle permit will be required for hunters and can be obtained at the LPA office.

Board Election Draws Large Field of Candidates
Three LPA Board of Directors terms end this May and a total of seven candidates have filed papers to be considered for election.
       
       The terms of John McDermott, John McRoberts and Dave Goss conclude this Spring.
       McRoberts has served two consecutive three-year terms and is not eligible to be re-elected.
       
       McDermott and Goss are both seeking their second terms. The other candidates are Eric Chrystal, Larry Rains, Duane Spicer, Susan Thompson, and Randall Walz.
       

Saturday Office Hours Begin May 12
The LPA office will be open on Saturdays, from May 12 to June 30th.
       The office will be open from 9 a.m. to 12 o’clock Noon on those days.
       

Color Newsletter Available
A color version of the newsletter is available. Check the home page for details.