Hello, Team LMOA!

We wish everyone who celebrates Easter a blessed weekend with friends and family. Be sure to take advantage of the child-friendly activities happening at the Lake and in the county (see below) this weekend. Please continue reading to get the latest official news from LMOA:

Thank you SGA and LMBC! Today, students from the Fluvanna County High School lent a helping hand across the county. Over 40 young people helped wherever they were needed, including at Lake Monticello where about seven students spread mulch at the Ashlawn Playground and Clubhouse, supporting the volunteers of the Lake Monticello Beautification Corps (LMBC). LMBC is a group of volunteers who care for the landscaping needs of the community's common areas. Spreading mulch is heavy work and LMBC members were happy to get help from the students and LMOA's Facility & Operations Team. Thank you to all involved, the Ashlawn Grounds look great!

Update on Board Proposal for Dues Increase:

• Many residents have emailed additional questions regarding the dues increase proposal since the last town hall meeting. To address some of the emails, our Treasurer, Director Kelly wrote a Q&A which can be found HERE.

• The Board of Directors (BOD) has finalized its draft for the proposal to increase dues and will send it to legal for final approval. The final version will appear in the Annual Meeting Notice which is sent out in May to Members in Good Standing. BOD took into consideration the various input and recommendations from the Committees, LMOA Senior Staff, the survey results, town hall meetings, etc. The agenda for the Annual Meeting will be set in a Special Open Session on April 15 at 6 PM in the Fairway Clubhouse. This meeting will be streamed live on the Association’s YouTube channel and recorded by volunteers from the Broadcast Group.  

• A $150 dues increase from each property would be invested year over year with much of the interest being re-invested to avoid using the principal any sooner than necessary. This could generate roughly $6,750,000 over ten years, ensuring ongoing maintenance of existing facilities. If the Board Proposal to increase dues this year is not passed, the Board will consider asking for a dues increase again next year. The General Manager and Senior Staff have assessed the option of making vertical cuts and believe that creates new problems. Previous reductions in staff have stressed our ability to sustain a consistent level of expected service. Other cuts and reductions of service are being assessed - such as reduced pool hours, opening gates at night, and eliminating fireworks - but they do not appear to make any significant impact on cost savings. 

• The Board, FAC, and Staff believe a dues increase is in the best interest of the whole community. We also think it is very likely a dues increase needs to be considered every 5-6 years when the 5-year Reserve Study is updated. New projects will require close scrutiny before approval in the future. Finally, LMOA believes a $150 dues increase is easier on residents’ budgets than special assessments.

Special Assessment: There has been a lot of discussion about whether or not the LMOA Board of Directors can levy a special assessment without a Member vote. According to our bylaws, it cannot. However, the Virginia Property Owners' Association Act does allow the Board to levy a special assessment without a Member vote. This is an example where LMOA bylaws are more strict than state law. Legal counsel has advised the Board to update its bylaws, aligning LMOA policy with the VA POAA. The Board will decide whether or not they want to make those changes.

Reserve Study Update: LMOA is mandated by law to perform a reserve study every five years by an independent contractor. Reserve Advisors has updated the 2019 reserve study and delivered a report which we posted on lmoa.org under FINANCE. LMOA is reviewing the initial copy and has six months to finalize it. At first glance, it appears the Reserve's shortfall will be approximately 30% higher than we have been estimating.

Count on Good Service: The need for a dues increase is a controversial topic that can be unsettling. Though the outcome of the vote this spring is uncertain, residents can count on the continued friendly service of LMOA’s staff. The association’s mission to protect, preserve, and enhance the quality of life of our members has not changed. When you are helped by our staff, please keep in mind that our team and resources have been downsized. Positive attitudes and words of encouragement go a long way to boost staff morale. Thank you for treating them with kindness.

Facilities and Operations: The resurfacing of the tennis and pickleball courts at Ashlawn and Lafayette is scheduled for early May and will take 3-5 days to complete at each location. Weather is a factor, so the exact date will be determined closer to May. Meanwhile, all public restrooms at Lake Monticello will be opened by April 1. Also, new kayak/canoe racks will be constructed soon at the Marina and Beach 3, almost eliminating the waiting list for kayak/canoe racks. The plan is to build the new racks at about the same time the kayak launches will be installed at the Marina. These were donated by the Lake Monticello Community Foundation. 

Signs: At the March regular Board meeting, the Directors approved a policy change that reduces the placement of campaign signs to 45 days. Before the change, Policy Manual Chapter 13.05 stated that political signs could be displayed 30 days before an election. When early voting began, the policy was not updated to address early voting, resulting in signs being displayed for up to 75 days. In the last two years, LMOA Staff received many complaints that the 75-day period was too long. The new policy will hopefully be a reasonable resolution.
Easter Activities: Kids can bring a basket to Pleasant Grove Park at 1730 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy and hunt for eggs promptly at 10 AM on March 30. Later that day, the Young Residents & Families Committee invites you to “hop to it” and take pictures with the Easter Bunny. Come enjoy fun for all ages and receive a treat from the Easter Bunny by the Shark Tank from 2- 4 PM. Please bring your own camera. Bunker Bistro will be open on Easter Sunday, see bunkerbistro.com for more information. 


Plan Your Month Additions/Corrections:

• The Fluvanna County Department of Social Services is hosting a free informational resource fair on April 27 from 10 AM - 12 PM at Carysbrook Elementary School. There will be free activities, giveaways, and snacks for Fluvanna County families, children, and caregivers.

• Shred Day on April 20 is from 9 - 11 AM.

• The LMCF Talent Show is on Saturday, April 27. 

Please read the whole Plan Your Month April lineup HERE. 

Have a great weekend!
-Tom Schauder
General Manager