Hello, Team LMOA,

LMOA Staff is almost ready to share the final details about the 2025 Pool Season. To ensure you receive all necessary communications regarding the new check-in process, please follow the steps listed below. Continue reading for more details on this and a recap of last night’s board meeting. Thank you for following LMOA’s official news!

HAVE YOU TAKEN THE NECESSARY STEPS BELOW TO ENSURE YOU RECEIVE IMPORTANT INFORMATION THIS SPRING?

• Sign Up for Everbridge: In January, LMOA implemented Everbridge to deliver alerts to the community via text messages and/or phone calls. Everyone who signs up will receive emergency notifications from LMOA. When creating or editing your account, you can also opt to receive messages about events and/or service announcements. We have also added a specific opt-in group for the pool. Throughout the summer, we will utilize Everbridge to inform pool patrons of any irregularities. If you intend to use the pool, please sign up for Everbridge and select the "Pool" group now. Sign up HERE.

• Register Household Members: The Primary Property Owner in Good Standing will receive 25 complimentary visits to the pool. To ensure your household members (co-owner/spouse and dependents) can utilize these pool credits without your presence, they must be registered in our club management system so that they have a Member ID number and correct birthdate. Please log in to lmoa.org and check your profile to see if your household is complete. If anything is missing, please contact Member Services as soon as possible. 

• Download the App: The LMOA App will be used for pool check-ins this summer, whether you are using free credits, purchased credits, or a membership. The app functions as a Photo ID and can connect to our club management system. Please go to your phone's App Store and download the "Lake Monticello" app without delay.

• Upload Your Photo: After downloading the app, you must upload your photo. If you do not have a smartphone, you can purchase a Membership ID Card at the Main Desk in the Ashlawn Clubhouse. For this option, you must upload a photo to your online profile at lmoa.org. Whether using the app or the ID card, your picture needs to be a recent, clear, full-face shot with a neutral background, taken in good lighting. Please avoid any accessories such as hats or sunglasses. Watch this how-to VIDEO for assistance.

• Upload Photos of Household Members: Upload photos of your household members through your online profile at lmoa.org. Pictures need to be a recent, clear, full-face shot with a neutral background, taken in good lighting. Please avoid any accessories such as hats or sunglasses.

MARCH BOARD MEETING SUMMARY

LMOA Board Directors approved:

• The purchase of two golf course water bottle filling stations

• The replacement of a golf course fertilizer spreader

• Adjusting the Facilities and Lake Operations Committee charter to allow up to 11 members instead of nine

• Pavement maintenance at the clubhouses

• The request to open a line of credit as a safety net was tabled. 

Public Safety Director David Wells reported:

• The staff has completed the renovation of the Turkeysag Gate and has replaced the Ashlawn Clubhouse key with an electronic lock. 

• Lake Monticello Owners Association (LMOA) is pleased to welcome Steven Bracciodieta, a new law enforcement officer.

• LMPD will be picking up a new, budgeted patrol vehicle this week. 

• LMOA received $195,000 in barcode fees and is currently exploring ways to improve the efficiency of the barcode process. 

• In 2024, the cost to staff the gates was $322,000, and an upgrade is necessary to ensure they function properly. 

• To operate Class 3 E-bikes on Lake Monticello roads, riders must be at least 14 years old and wear a helmet. 

• Operators of E-scooters must also be 14 years or older, must yield to pedestrians, and must adhere to all traffic laws. While helmets are not mandatory for E-scooter riders, they are strongly encouraged.

Members Spoke About Dogs: Two residents of Lake Monticello spoke at the Board meeting about recent distressing encounters with loose dogs. Remember, dog owners are responsible for their pets’ actions and there are laws in place to protect residents in densely populated areas. Please be a responsible dog owner by adhere to the laws, policies and guidelines below for the safety of your neighborhood.

• Leash Requirement: County ordinances and lake policies prohibit dogs from running at large within Lake Monticello. All dogs must be on a leash when they are off the owner's property.

• Reporting Issues: You can report dogs running at large or instances of dog bites by contacting the Sheriff's Dispatch Center at 434-589-8211.

• Owner Responsibility: Dog owners are responsible for their pets' actions.

• Vaccination and Licensing: Lake policy and county ordinances mandate that all dogs have an up-to-date rabies vaccination and a current county dog license.

• Barking: If your dog barks excessively, please bring them inside promptly to avoid disturbing others.

• Obligation to Clean Up: Pet owners are required to clean up after their dogs at all times.

• Dog Beaches: Beach 2 and Beach 5 are pet-friendly in the winter months. However, per LMOA policy, all beaches are off-limits to pets from April to November. 

• Choosing a Breed: Please select a dog breed that you feel comfortable managing and can control effectively when off your property.

WATER SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK

Did you know that Lake Monticello is NOT exempt from the VA law that requires all motorboats (greater than 16 feet) to have the following safety equipment on board: Coast Gaurd-approved fire extinguisher, life jacket for each person, sound-producing device (whistle or horn), engine cut-off switch (boats manufactured after 2020), orange flag or other visual distress signal, navigation lights (red, green, and all-around white light), and a throwable life jacket?

This tip was brought to you by the Volunteer Water Safety Team. VWST invites anyone who would like to volunteer on the team this summer season to join their season kick-off event on Saturday, March 29, from 9 - 11 AM for a light breakfast at Ashlawn Clubhouse. Meet current volunteers and learn more about this fun volunteer opportunity. Email [email protected] to RSVP and ask any questions that you may have. No boating experience is necessary, just a desire to help your neighbors have a safe and fun summer on the water. They will teach you everything you need to know! 

Polar Plunge Reminder: Resident Shae Sebetzki is organizing an approved fundraiser for Team For Kids on March 29 at the Ashlawn Clubhouse and Main Beach. Community members are invited to participate in this event to support Ms. Sebetzki's cause at 3 PM in the Ashlawn Clubhouse, where there will be raffles, a candy bar, cotton candy, a craft table, and hot chocolate available, ending with a plunge into the cold Lake Monticello! So, if you want to get wet, dress accordingly. For residents who are not attending, please be advised that there may be unexpected activities involving a plunge into the water at Main Beach around 5 PM. For questions, please email [email protected].

Have a good weekend,

Tom Schauder
LMOA General Manager