Informational Meeting Set for Sunday, September 30
The LPN conference center will be the host of an LPA member informational meeting at 1 P.M. on Sunday, September 30.
       
       The meeting will be focused on familiarizing members with the future needs of the LPA/LPN and estimated project costs. A specific funding proposal is not yet being presented.
       
       

Dam Rip Rap Project Approved
A Rip rap project to protect the channel and the end of the concrete spillway of the Lake Panorama Dam was given approval at the August meeting by the LPA Board. Management was authorized to proceed with getting proposals for the engineering, which is required to obtain Iowa DNR approval of the project. The Board was recently given a tour of the project site with evaluation given by Larry Taylor, a retired DNR dam inspector.
       The project will be funded by 2007 land sales proceeds that will be coming in this year and early next year. The project is considered a top priority.

Fire Hydrants to be Flushed in Late October, Early November
The Water Company plans to flush the water distribution system using the fire hydrants the last week of October and the first week in November. Flushing is done to remove particulates and deposits that accumulate in the pipes. Some discoloration and sediment may be stirred up by the activity.

Lake to be lowered 1 foot in early November
The Lake will be lowered approximately 1 foot during the first week in November for gate, gate cylinders, and spillway inspection. Providing there are adequate flows in the river, the level should return to normal, but that is not guaranteed. Boats should be off lifts and docks removed from shallow areas before that time.

Board acts for Lot Sale Moratorium at Par 3 Panorama West Course
The LPA board decided at their August meeting to enact a lot sale moratorium around the Panorama West Golf Course for lots that are adjacent to the course. The moratorium also includes unplatted property on the south side of Panorama Road. It is anticipated that the moratorium will stay in place until long term plans for the area are determined.
       

Construction Building Inspection Coming for 2008

       Building inspections will be mandatory in 2008 through action taken at the LPA Board Meetings in July and August. One more reading is needed for approval of the plan that will require owners to have certified inspectors to make periodic inspections during construction and report the results to the LPA and the owner. The inspections will be required on homes, additions of any kind, and detached garages within 6 feet of a home. Details of the proposal will be hammered out over the next few months. All inspections will be according to International Residential Building Code specifications.

Fitness Area Open
The fitness area in the lower portion of the Conference Center is open and available to members. Several first-class exercise machines, including treadmills, elliptical bikes, and a weight machine are available for fitness buffs and those just needing to get some exercise. The cost is reasonable...Please contact the Lake Panorama National Resort at 755-2080 or 1 800 879 1917.

Drinking Water Discoloration
There have been some reports of discoloration for some residents drinking water. This has been determined to come from Manganese compounds that can be removed by simple processes. As soon as DNR approval is obtained, treatment will begin to take care of the issue.

Projects Continue
Weather permitting--here are some of the projects slated for Fall 2007 at the lake: Upper end of Helen's Cove will be dredged to remove silt accumulating and hampering boat access,
       the old road crossing

Beach Water Quality Information

        The LPA tests water at all three LPA beaches every Tuesday from May 1 to September 30. The waters are tested for bacteria that indicate possible disease organisms in the water. The procedures and criteria for testing are the same as the Iowa Department of Natural Resources testing of State Park beaches. If testing at a beach exceeds the Iowa DNR limit for safe swimming, the beach will be posted "swimming not recommended" signs and announcements. The information is available on the website homepage events announcements weekly and is also posted at each beach and the marina store.
       
        High water flow that includes silt laden water is almost always very high in bacterial content. If tests on Tuesday indicate safe swimming and a storm event causes muddy water before the weekend, the beaches will still be posted "swimming not recommended." If you have questions about beach water quality, please contact the office.
       
        Also, conditions at one beach do not necessarily reflect conditions at another beach. Results can vary due to local conditions or wildlife present.