Hello, Team LMOA!

This week, we have some tips on contacting the Board, an update from our Facilities & Operations Director, news from Aqua Virginia, job opportunities, and more! Thank you for reading LMOA's latest official news update:

• The ‘Contact the Board’ button on the website has been moved for your convenience. It can now be found on the brown toolbar when you log into lmoa.org. The link leads you to a form that, once submitted, goes to all Board Directors. You can expect an answer from the Board President, Vice President, or Treasurer.  This option should be used to voice your opinion about an upcoming decision, concerns, or proposed resolutions. The Board of Directors relies on LMOA staff to carry out day-to-day operations. If you have a concern, contact the staff first - we usually have a solution. In the event we are unable to solve your issue with satisfaction - which may occur if we are limited by policy or resources - we are happy to connect you with the General Manager, a committee, or the Board.

• Our Board Directors are volunteers who have been elected by the Membership to govern our association. However, there are many ways homeowners can influence decision-making, such as voting, speaking at monthly board meetings, or joining a committee. We encourage homeowners to attend or watch the monthly meetings because it is the best way to stay informed outside of reading the weekly newsletter. If you can’t make it in person, the Broadcast Group broadcasts and streams the meetings live via Comcast channel 977 and YouTube. You can hear firsthand about changes, upcoming projects, and recommendations that are being considered early in the process. This gives you a chance to contact the board or sign up to speak before final decisions are made. Again, the “Contact the Board” link can be found in the brown toolbar on the private side of lmoa.org.

Facilities & Operations: At the September Board meeting, Facilities & Operations Director Tracy Chandler summarized his first year at LMOA. Tracy led the Reserve Study collaboration with Reserve Advisors, which has given him a thorough understanding of LMOA’s reserve funds. He also spearheaded an initiative to restructure his department, such as adjusting spending models to achieve savings, increasing focus on Lake Health, enriching communications with a new map for welcoming packets and infographics on our website, eliminating single points of failure in his department, and increasing productivity. His team-building activities have included participating with multiple floats in the July 4th Parade and a pizza box bin design competition. The results thereof can now be enjoyed at the Main Beach. Future challenges include:

• cleaning and replacing dirty or faded signs and fire hydrants to maintain the appearance of the Lake Monticello community

• repairing the fishing pier at Tufton Pond

• addressing sediment control and dissolved oxygen levels of the lake

• replacing the failing dredger and key employees who will retire in 2025

We look forward to seeing what else he has in store for our neighborhood!

Aqua Virginia: On September 12, the State Corporation Commission (SCC) issued a final order approving the Aqua Virginia rate increase. Aqua agreed to an SCC hearing examiner’s proposal of a $5.49 million increase, which is $1.41 million lower than the company initially requested. As allowed by SCC regulations, Aqua Virginia started charging its customers an interim rate increase on February 5, 2024. Because that increase was higher than what the SCC approved in the final order, Aqua Virginia will provide a refund in the form of credits based on a recalculation of the rates. The terms of the final order require this to be completed within 90 days of its issuance. The SCC's decision came after a year-long review by commission staff, resulting in a settlement agreement and stipulation between Aqua Virginia and the SCC staff that was accepted by the hearing examiner. The Office of the Attorney General and five counties contributed to the settlement discussions. The next Water Workgroup is on October 9 at 10 AM in the Ashlawn Clubhouse, Terrace Room A. A designated group of LMOA Members meet monthly with Aqua Virginia Staff. These meetings are open to all LMOA Residents.
 
Stop for School Buses: Please remember that drivers are required to follow certain laws when encountering a school bus on our roadways. Virginia motorists must:

• Stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign when approaching from any direction, including at intersections

• Remain stopped until everyone is clear, and the bus moves again

• Stop whenever the bus is loading or unloading passengers, even if the lights and stop sign are not activated

Job Openings: Our Public Safety Team has an opening for a part-time Security Officer, this time for the night shift. Please apply via Allied Security’s website HERE. Additionally, the Lake Police is still recruiting qualified individuals. LMPD is one of 8 authorized Private Police Departments in Virginia. All LMPD Officers are state-certified law-enforcement officers. This is a unique opportunity to serve a non-traditional police agency. Candidates must have been Virginia-certified police officers in good standing within the past five years and eligible to be re-certified. The position is currently NOT covered by the Virginia Retirement System, making it ideal for a recently retired police officer. If interested, please submit a resume and cover letter to Chief David Wells at Lake Monticello Police Department, 855 Jefferson Drive, Palmyra, Virginia, 22963, or email it to [email protected].

Don’t Get Bored - Get Bunkered!

This weekend, Pleasant Grove Park will be busy as Fluvanna County hosts the 2024 Virginia State XCM Championship Race. If you would like to avoid the out-of-town crowd, head over to Bunker Bistro and hang with a familiar crowd instead:

• Tonight, enjoy live music with F.O.G (Five Old Guys) on the patio at 6 PM

• Tuesday, October 8, play Trivia with Audrey at 6:30 PM to win gift certificates and other prizes

• On October 9, sign your heart out at the first OPEN MIC NIGHT!  Musicians, Poets, Comedians, etc, are all invited to sign up at 5:30 PM for a 15-minute slot. The fun starts at 6 PM.

• On October 10, play MUSIC BOOMBOX BINGO at 6:30 PM. Use your phone to record your bingo. It’s easy and fun, and you can win great prizes!

• On October 11, listen to the United States Band with Mike and Stella Sokolowski at 6 PM. No cover charge!

• On October 12, DEPUTY DAN - a STEELY DAN TRIBUTE BAND, will play live at 6 PM. This is a 6-piece band based out of Richmond, VA., made of seasoned professionals that deliver an “album-like” experience. 

Have a great weekend!

Tom Schauder
LMOA General Manager