Hello, Team LMOA!

Monday is Memorial Day. We hope you enjoy the holiday weekend, but let’s also pause to proudly honor and remember the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to our country. Their ultimate sacrifice protects the freedoms we value and hold dear. In observance of Memorial Day, LMOA administrative offices will be closed. GFL will also be closed on that day, which will delay trash service by one day next week. Please continue reading for more official news from LMOA, with a summary of last night's board meeting and the opening of peak season:

2025 May Board Meeting Recap:

• Tufton Pond: The Facilities & Lake Operations Committee has proposed a revised funding request to initiate a project at Tufton Pond, targeting the harmful algae blooms that have affected the pond in recent years. The committee is particularly concerned about the absence of dissolved oxygen in the depths of the pond and main lake, as they believe this creates conditions favorable for the growth of harmful algae. They have identified a company, Clean-Flo, that offers an environmentally friendly solution for managing algae growth. The Tufton Pond project could reach up to $200,000 over the next three years. If successful, implementation could be extended to the main lake, which would incur significantly higher expenses. During discussions, the Board emphasized the importance of protecting the main lake, which connects to Tufton Pond, and informed the committee that the Board must meet with the contractor before approving a contract. For more information, please read FLOC’s presentation and supporting information that can be found in the Board meeting packet.
• Pavilion: Kent Buckley-Ess, member of the Pavilion Workgroup presented to the Board its conclusion; that it does not endorse the August 2024 RP for a pavilion at the Ashlawn Clubhouse, nor does it support a large pavilion with electricity at any location within Lake Monticello. Instead, it recommends that LMOA consider smaller pavilions at playgrounds without electricity. The Board will discuss this topic at a later date.
• Fireworks: The Board granted the General Manager the authority to negotiate and enter into contracts for two fireworks displays at the Lake Monticello Golf Course; one show will be scheduled around Labor Day this year as a test show, and the other near the 4th of July in 2026.

Pool Opening Kicks Off Peak Season: Happy summer vacation to all of our educators and students! The opening of the pool on Saturday, May 24, marks the beginning of our peak season. If you’re planning to visit the Lake Monticello pool this summer, please make sure your Member ID is in order. You can open this LINK to find out how. Fluvanna Public Schools closed on May 21, so our young residents will be out and about, enjoying our wonderful amenities, many of which are accessible by walking or biking. Please drive carefully and share the roads with everyone. We look forward to seeing everyone enjoy the lake life to the fullest!

Property Owners’ Guests at the Pool: We are happy to share that guests of Property Owners can now access the pool without needing to be accompanied by their host. However, guests must be registered for this to work. To check in, they need to provide the pool staff with the member number, name, and address of the Primary Property Member host, along with an ID that validates their name (driver’s license, credit card, etc.). The pool staff will verify the guest’s registration before granting access. Guests have the option to purchase either a daily visit credit or credit bundles; however, bundles must be applied to the host’s account. They can also use credits from bundles owned by their hosts, so please be cautious about sharing your Member number to avoid theft or unauthorized use of credits! LMOA is not responsible for stolen or misused credits. Because of how the digital check-in process is configured, we will not be able to make any other exceptions. We will be documenting all lessons learned to enhance the process for next year. Please remember, this system is new for everyone. Anticipate minor hiccups and be patient with one another and with the staff. Thank you!

Annual Meeting Voting: The 53rd Annual Meeting Notice will be sent out on May 27, 2025, through both mail and email. Just like last year, our Members in Good Standing will receive an email and/or a postcard with voting instructions and access to the online packet. Nick Canada is running to fill one of the two vacant spots on the Board, with the Board likely to appoint someone for the remaining vacancy during the Annual Meeting. Please take the opportunity to watch an interview with Mr. Canada HERE! Additionally, the Board will be requesting permission from the Membership to use the Emergency Reserve Account (ERA) to pay back the PPP Loan. Negotiations are in progress to achieve a settlement and prevent litigation, leaving the total cost uncertain at this moment. The Board is seeking access to the ERA to be proactive and to avoid the expense of holding a separate special meeting later, which would be around $12,000. Once the issue is settled, the Board of Directors will determine the method for repaying the loan, which may or may not include ERA. All the background information about the account will be included in the Annual Meeting Packet to help you make your decision. Just a quick reminder, voting will close at 5 PM on June 20, and there will not be any in-person voting at the Annual Meeting on June 28th, 2025. 

New Job Opportunity: The Main Gate has a job opening! Are you available to cover the weekend patrol for the Saturday and Sunday day shift? Apply for this part-time position HERE.

BUNKER BISTRO - Note from Jacie Dunkle

• Early Closures: Many of our staff and their families will be celebrating high school graduation this evening, so we will close Bunker Bistro early today at 3 PM. On Monday, in observance of Memorial Day, our kitchen will also close at 3 PM, and the bar closes at 4 PM.
• Shark Tank and Breakfast: Heads up! Breakfast is taking a summer break, but don’t worry—we’ll be back in the fall when Shark Tank closes! Speaking of Shark Tank, your favorite poolside concession will be open 7 days a week from 12-6 PM, weather permitting! The first day kicks off this Saturday with the pool opening! Get ready to savor grilled burgers and hot dogs, and don’t miss a few weekends of happy hour featuring refreshing beer and wine! Our snack bar menu is perfect for your poolside cravings. We gladly accept credit cards at Shark Tank, but cash is our preferred method!
• Juneteenth Celebration: Join us on Thursday, June 19th, for a vibrant drum circle and soul food specials crafted by one of our talented lead line cooks!
• One Love Project: Don’t miss reggae night on the patio on Friday, June 20th!

Let’s make memories together this summer! See bunkerbistro.com for details and reservations!

Water Safety Tip of the Week

Brought to you by the Volunteer Water Safety Team

Did you know...

The Volunteer Water Safety Team has created a laminated boater's info card which summarizes important lake safety rules and has a really cool map of the Lake! This useful map shows the location of coves, beaches where you can swim from anchored boats, and much more. Pick up your complimentary card during Marina hours 10:00-4:00 (closed on Tuesday and Wednesday).

Have a wonderful weekend!

Kind Regards,

Tom Schauder
LMOA General Manager