Budget and Finance Committee
Annual Report Excerpts

Maureen Harrison, Budget and Finance Committee

Pie chart

The first pie chart shows where your 2009 dollar went. All operations expenditures were less than in 2008 and we ended 2009 with operation expenses 7% less than budgeted. However, 2009 unpaid assessments far exceeded expectations, due to the general economic downturn and the high number of foreclosures. This high number of unpaid assessments negated our ability to completely fund the reserve fund as planned for 2009. The Lakes' capital improvements were much more than in any previous year as we had some large unforeseen expenses, the largest of which was the cost of repairing and replacing The Boardwalk (by Lakeshore Village). Capital improvement projects completed in 2009 included: The Lake Boardwalk renovation, The Clubhouse Improvement Project, Phase II (downstairs), necessary repair and replacement of the spa pump house, the racquetball courts, lake pumps and housing, and common area docks, painting of common area fences and walls, and landscaping in many common area parks.

The second pie chart shows where your dollar will go in 2010. Please note that there is a projected reduction in expenditures for all operations cost centers in 2010; however, we are projecting that 23% of revenue will be contributed to reserves in 2010. This is the primary reason for the 2010 assessment increase. Our reserve fund is less than the recommended ideally funded level. This is due to two factors: increased capital expenditures, especially the 2008-2009 unforeseen and serious repair and replacement of The Lake Boardwalk, and decreased income, specifically the large amount of unpaid assessments in 2009 in addition to the low level of accrued interest in our funds. The reserve fund is The Lakes' "savings", and we need to maintain a healthy level in order to repair and replace our capital assets, thus protecting Lakes' property values. Capital improvement projects planned for 2010 include: The Clubhouse Improvement Project, Phase III (exterior painting), basketball court resurface and updated lighting, lake pump replacements, dock replacements, landscape improvements, and repair and replacement of common area fences and walls.

The Budget & Finance Committee is continuously evaluating the operations and reserve budgets for areas to reduce costs without cutting services while maintaining the common areas to protect our property values.

Thank you.

Brown Is Out and Green Is In

Daniella Galvez, Lakes CC&R Manager

Here within the Lakes community, the CC&R's do not require you to plant winter lawns which explains the many brown lawns we have all been looking at for the past few months, but all of the that is about to change.

Time to reseed?

Spring is coming soon and it is time to begin seeding your lawns in order to get back to the beautiful lush greens that the Lakes are famous for. You can check with your local nursery or look up the procedure online in order to find the best method in which to do this. Due to many lawns that have NOT been re-seeding each year, we want to inform all residents that a lush green lawn is required and will be enforced.

It is my job here at the lakes to enforce the CC&R rules on a daily basis and I do my very best to do that. Applying fines to homeowners is not something I enjoy or take lightly. I first do my very best to contact the homeowner and try to resolve the issue before fining someone. However, the lawns must be green and kept green throughout the summer in order to avoid fines.

Warm weather = more water + more care

This may mean you need to increase your watering schedule when temperatures reach the 100's starting in June along with regular maintenance. We do understand that life can get busy and no one is that excited about going out to work in the yard when temps get really high. However, it is necessary to do so or to hire a gardener to do it for you, if that is what you choose.

Preparation is key

The Lakes is known for its beautiful trees and lush green landscapes and this is what we are trying to continue. Therefore, please be sure to look into reseeding your lawns and replacing any plants that have died over the winter with news ones while the weather is cool and beautiful for the next month or two. It is necessary to add a weed and feed fertilizer to your lawns in order to get rid of any weeds that have grown and to help jump start the lawn growth. Also remember that if you are planting any new plants, you will need to fill out an Architectural Application before beginning.

Have a wonderful Spring!!!!!

Architectural Application

The Lakes Architectural Application has been made available online. Click on the link to download your copy. The application is a Microsoft Word document, so you will need to download and save the document to your computer and then print it out and complete the application. In some browsers, you will need to right-click the link to save it to your computer.

CC&R Violations

3/15/09 to 4/14/09

Trailers and Motor Vehicles:
storage, parking, repair
4
Maintenance of Lawns, Plantings:
trimming, encroachment, trash
85
Building Repair:
disrepair of paint, roof, plaster, cracks
20
Trash Containers/collection:
visible storage
0
Noise2
Architectural Rules5
Single Family Residential Use1

Total new violations issued this reporting period: 117

Total violations closed for the past reporting period: 264

Street Sweeping

Third Wednesday of every month

Make a mental note to park your car(s) in your driveway in order that the sweeper can do a thorough job. Thanks!

Uncontrained Trash Collection

Third Monday of every month

Please place your trash out no earlier than the Thursday prior to the third Monday.

Coming Up Logo graphic

2010 Board Meetings

January27
February24
March24
April28
May26
June23
JulyNo meeting
August25
September22
October27
November17
DecemberNo meeting

Board meetings begin at 7 pm.

LCA Board of Directors
2010-2011

PresidentChris
Mause
Vice PresidentBrian
Luse
TreasurerRick
Andrews
SecretaryAileen
Fowler
DirectorBill
Mercer
DirectorRay
Oliver
DirectorJohn
Ramirez
DirectorSusan
Valocchi
DirectorBill
Winston

LCA Committees

Activity

Chairman: Vacant

Second Wednesday of the month at 7 pm.


Architectural

Chairman: Susan Klein

First Tuesday of the month at 7 pm.


Architectural Nominating

Chairman: Susan Valocchi


Budget and Finance

Chairman: Maureen Harrison

Third Monday of the month at 7 pm.


Elections

Chairman: Koreen Dalton


Fishing and Boating

Chairman: Jesse Callen

First Monday at 6 pm.


Lakes Log

Chairman: Gloria Hollingsworth

Second Monday of the month at 1 pm.


Lakescape

Chairman: Mary Michael

First Monday of the month at 7 pm.


Nominating

Chairman: Chris Mause


Personnel & Compensation

Chairman: Aileen Fowler


Risk Management

Chairman: John Ramirez


Swim Team

Chairman: Lisa Nelson