Construction Building Inspection Now Required for 2008
Building inspections are now mandatory in 2008 through action taken at the LPA Board Meetings in July and August. The rule requires owners to have certified inspectors to make periodic inspections during construction and report the results to the LPA and the owner. The inspections are required on homes, additions of any kind, and detached garages within 6 feet of a home.
        The Planning and Building Codes Committee recommended the requirement that only those certified by the International Codes Council, architects and construction engineers with experience, and building codes administration people with ten years experience be allowed to do the inspections. The LPA Board concurred. The owner will make the contacts and pay for the service. The LPA will require verification of the experience and credentials of the inspectors as well as the presence of insurance coverage.
       

Be Very Cautious with Winter Ice Conditions
Winter ice in Iowa is seldom reliably safe. Insure there is at least 4 inches of clear solid ice before venturing onto the lake ice surface. Underwater seeps and currents may cause thinner ice conditions in some localities. Use extreme caution and do not assume the ice is safe.
       

Informational Meeting on February 16th
An informational meeting regarding proposals needed to be voted on at the 2008 LPA annual meeting will be held on Saturday, February 16, at 10 a.m. in the LPN Conference Center. Official mailings will give further details and the agenda.
       

Landscaping in road right of Ways
The Board has passed a rule that member improvements of the road ditch or right-of-way that exists between the front lot pins and the road surface is at their own risk. Damage resulting from normal maintenance of roads and ditches, including seal coating, grading, snow removal and ditch cleaning by the Association is the responsibility of the owner, except in the case of mailboxes installed according to United States Postal Service Regulations. Damage to mailboxes not installed according to those regulations is the responsibility of the owner. The LPA must maintain over 70 miles of ditches to allow good road surfacing, clear winter roads, and proper drainage of surface and subsurface water from the roadbed.
       

Assessments rise 5%
The LPA Board has approved a 5% increase in assessments for 2008. This is the maximum allowed without a membership vote.
       

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.
       

Annual Meeting Set
The 40th annual meeting of the LPA will be held on May 10th at the LPN Conference Center.
       

Firewood Available
Members may cut dead trees on LPA land with permission from the office--and confirmation that the property belongs to LPA. Members may also cut dead trees on private land with the permission of the property owner.
       
        Trees cut on LPA land should be essentially completely removed.
       
        Contact the office for details.
       

Burning Rules Reviewed
Member owners at Lake Panorama may burn anything that grows on their lots--leaves, branches, weeds, etc. Burning must be attended according to LPA regulations. Always check the forecast for wind conditions before burning.
        Burning on the seal coat is prohibited. Burning in ditches on hills is not recommended.