I was referred to a web site about Emmetsbrug, Iowa lake restoration project. They give a good account of what they have accomplished in restoring their natural lake. More importantly they talk about their goals and how they measure their progress. I think this would be a great guide for us to model our steps to improve the lake's water quality.
http://www.emmetsburg.com/attractions/lake-goals.htm
Phil Littler
Sunday, December 30, 2007
LBMC Letter
I've been thinking about the last letter we received from LBMC, talking about equipment/assets sold off by the board.
1. If LBMC had clearly communicated this in the beginning, it might not have felt that they had to do a special mailing.
2. Is this type of mailing a wise expenditure of our moneys? I am sure LBMC spent in excess of $100 in postage.
3. Apparently LBMC feels it is necessary to personally attack members. What a great way to foster a close knit community
Again, as I have commented in earlier posts, communications is again a problem.
If all actions taken are above board, at public meetings, with membership input and we clearly communicate what was done, I think we would begin to close some of the divisiveness that we now are experiencing.
Phil Littler
1. If LBMC had clearly communicated this in the beginning, it might not have felt that they had to do a special mailing.
2. Is this type of mailing a wise expenditure of our moneys? I am sure LBMC spent in excess of $100 in postage.
3. Apparently LBMC feels it is necessary to personally attack members. What a great way to foster a close knit community
Again, as I have commented in earlier posts, communications is again a problem.
If all actions taken are above board, at public meetings, with membership input and we clearly communicate what was done, I think we would begin to close some of the divisiveness that we now are experiencing.
Phil Littler
Saturday, December 29, 2007
RIZ Engineering Study
As a member of the Diamondhead Lake community you owe it to yourself to read the engineering study prepared for the RIZ board by the Howard R Green Company, dated July 2007.
My opinion is that this is a needed tool in the management of the lake and watershed. For an engineering report it is an easy read that seems to make sense.
Our lake has a watershed that is probably too large for the lake that we have, as well as 220 feet of vertical fall in 5 miles of the main tributary, Long Branch Creek.
The study lays out the original design of the dam, the changes that have taken place and the annual events that require road closing for emergency over topping of the road.
The study then identifies various sites/projects to minimize silt infiltration to the lake and then prioritizes them as Phase 1 through Phase 4. Phase 1, as the highest priority is as listed:
1. Development of Dredge Permit Plan. Permit approvals are necessary prior to dredge work.
2. Development of Horse Shoe Bend Sedimentation Basin. Create sediment control at Horse Shoe Bend subwatershed and spoil site for Horse Shoe Bend Dredge/excavation material.
3. Dredge Horse Shoe Bend Area. Complete to provide functional depth in lake.
4. Horse Shoe Bend Subwatershed Sedimentation Basin (Site 7). Construct to add upland containment of sediment in this watershed.
5. Development of Dam/Roadway Crossing Closure Plan. Develop closure plan in accordance with standard road closure practices for roadway when lake overtopping occurs across the roadway.
6. Development of Long Branch Creek/Diamondhead Lake Sedimentation Pond. Provides needed sedimentation control pint at entrance to lake from the significantly large drainage area. Potential for use as any necessary wetland mitigation acreage.
7. Dredge South End of Diamondhead Lake. Dredge and excavate area to create additional lake surface, and more lake depth. Spoil material to existing spoil sites.
8. Erosion Control Ordinance. Control sediment and pollutant flows from lands adjacent to the lake.
9. Channel Erosion Controls. Identify channel reaches requiring treatment. Work with land owners and County Soil and Water District and NRCS for funding and construction.
Phases 2 - 4 follow in the study and I would like to focus on the highest priorities first, so I have not listed Phases 2 - 4.
We appear to have a list of priorities to work on. Where our prior RIZ board was on the highest priorities is not clear to me, but the study should help our new board in its planning.
I was told 12/29/2007 that only 1 copy has been found. Hopefully the others will materialize.
Phil Littler
My opinion is that this is a needed tool in the management of the lake and watershed. For an engineering report it is an easy read that seems to make sense.
Our lake has a watershed that is probably too large for the lake that we have, as well as 220 feet of vertical fall in 5 miles of the main tributary, Long Branch Creek.
The study lays out the original design of the dam, the changes that have taken place and the annual events that require road closing for emergency over topping of the road.
The study then identifies various sites/projects to minimize silt infiltration to the lake and then prioritizes them as Phase 1 through Phase 4. Phase 1, as the highest priority is as listed:
1. Development of Dredge Permit Plan. Permit approvals are necessary prior to dredge work.
2. Development of Horse Shoe Bend Sedimentation Basin. Create sediment control at Horse Shoe Bend subwatershed and spoil site for Horse Shoe Bend Dredge/excavation material.
3. Dredge Horse Shoe Bend Area. Complete to provide functional depth in lake.
4. Horse Shoe Bend Subwatershed Sedimentation Basin (Site 7). Construct to add upland containment of sediment in this watershed.
5. Development of Dam/Roadway Crossing Closure Plan. Develop closure plan in accordance with standard road closure practices for roadway when lake overtopping occurs across the roadway.
6. Development of Long Branch Creek/Diamondhead Lake Sedimentation Pond. Provides needed sedimentation control pint at entrance to lake from the significantly large drainage area. Potential for use as any necessary wetland mitigation acreage.
7. Dredge South End of Diamondhead Lake. Dredge and excavate area to create additional lake surface, and more lake depth. Spoil material to existing spoil sites.
8. Erosion Control Ordinance. Control sediment and pollutant flows from lands adjacent to the lake.
9. Channel Erosion Controls. Identify channel reaches requiring treatment. Work with land owners and County Soil and Water District and NRCS for funding and construction.
Phases 2 - 4 follow in the study and I would like to focus on the highest priorities first, so I have not listed Phases 2 - 4.
We appear to have a list of priorities to work on. Where our prior RIZ board was on the highest priorities is not clear to me, but the study should help our new board in its planning.
I was told 12/29/2007 that only 1 copy has been found. Hopefully the others will materialize.
Phil Littler
Friday, December 28, 2007
Rule Changes
I stopped at the LBMC office today and asked Pat for a new copy of the LBMC Rules and By-Laws. She informed me that the version showing the changes was not available yet.
I believe that one of the changes approved stated that any change or new rule or by-law took affect immediately after that annual meeting. Apparently that means after the next annual meeting since we (LBMC) are still distributing the 2007 rules and by-laws.
As I referred to the correspondence that followed that last annual meeting, I see that our president sent a letter talking about his error in stating the quarterly or monthly dues/maintenance fees had been misstated, he said at the meeting an increase of $12 per month, but in reality it is an increase of $24 per month. With the arrival of the first 1/4 billing we can all see the increase.
Later in the letter the president talks about a committee headed by Mike Mars would meet this past fall to work on rules/by-law changes, and if anyone was interested in serving on the committee to contact Mike Mars. I wonder if this committee has been working and if anyone who wanted to participate has gotten the opportunity????
Phil Littler
I believe that one of the changes approved stated that any change or new rule or by-law took affect immediately after that annual meeting. Apparently that means after the next annual meeting since we (LBMC) are still distributing the 2007 rules and by-laws.
As I referred to the correspondence that followed that last annual meeting, I see that our president sent a letter talking about his error in stating the quarterly or monthly dues/maintenance fees had been misstated, he said at the meeting an increase of $12 per month, but in reality it is an increase of $24 per month. With the arrival of the first 1/4 billing we can all see the increase.
Later in the letter the president talks about a committee headed by Mike Mars would meet this past fall to work on rules/by-law changes, and if anyone was interested in serving on the committee to contact Mike Mars. I wonder if this committee has been working and if anyone who wanted to participate has gotten the opportunity????
Phil Littler
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Diamondhead Dispatch
I received the December issue of the "Diamondhead Dispatch" Saturday in the mail.
I have been disappointed in the content of this newsletter for some time, but have not said much in case my thinking is tarnished from other things going on at the lake.
I have kept almost every copy of the lake newsletter since we became property owner there, so I pulled out a copy from a number of years ago and compared.
At the October LBMC meeting, the board voted to approve a very open contract with an excavation contractor to do ditch work on the east side of the lake to be completed in November of 2007. I do not remember the exact dollar amount, but it was in excess of $10,000. The board voted unanimously to proceed with the open contract. As time progressed and no work was completed I wondered what happened. Nothing was in the November newsletter or the December newsletter. Rumors, and I repeat, RUMORS, tell me that it was decided later not to proceed with the ditch work contract.
I give this example because I am quite confident that I heard the contract approved and then nothing in the newsletter in November or December.
Clear, accurate, timely communication would benefit all at our community.
Phil Littler
I have been disappointed in the content of this newsletter for some time, but have not said much in case my thinking is tarnished from other things going on at the lake.
I have kept almost every copy of the lake newsletter since we became property owner there, so I pulled out a copy from a number of years ago and compared.
- Meeting minutes showed much more detail and content several years ago.
- Reports contained much more information about finished projects and current projects.
- Financial data was much more detailed, particularly about special funds.
- Newsletter appears to come later and later in each month.
At the October LBMC meeting, the board voted to approve a very open contract with an excavation contractor to do ditch work on the east side of the lake to be completed in November of 2007. I do not remember the exact dollar amount, but it was in excess of $10,000. The board voted unanimously to proceed with the open contract. As time progressed and no work was completed I wondered what happened. Nothing was in the November newsletter or the December newsletter. Rumors, and I repeat, RUMORS, tell me that it was decided later not to proceed with the ditch work contract.
I give this example because I am quite confident that I heard the contract approved and then nothing in the newsletter in November or December.
Clear, accurate, timely communication would benefit all at our community.
Phil Littler
Accountability
This is a subject that has bothered me for some time.
First let me state that I am honest enough to admit when I am wrong. I am also responsible enough to include my full name in all correspondence, written and electronic. I do not like anonymous letters, email or blogs. If the writer is not confident enough to include his/her name, I personally have to question how factual the material is.
If this blog becomes anything more than my personal ramblings, I don't think anonymous comments will be allowed. If they are to be allowed it would have to managed by a number of moderators that I trust explicitly.
Phil Littler
First let me state that I am honest enough to admit when I am wrong. I am also responsible enough to include my full name in all correspondence, written and electronic. I do not like anonymous letters, email or blogs. If the writer is not confident enough to include his/her name, I personally have to question how factual the material is.
If this blog becomes anything more than my personal ramblings, I don't think anonymous comments will be allowed. If they are to be allowed it would have to managed by a number of moderators that I trust explicitly.
Phil Littler
RIZ Board Changes
We should have a new RIZ Board in place as of 12/22/07. Congratulations to the newly elected members. I personally look forward to following your endeavors to improve the quality of our lake and surrounding community.
I was saddened to see no mention of the RIZ Board elections or election results in the December "Diamondhead Dispatch". Since it has been stressed how important the RIZ Board is to many of the projects at the lake I would view this as pertinent news.
Suggestions for the new RIZ Board:
1. Review the state law concerning your board, responsibilities and duties. Ignorance of these state laws is unforgivable. http://www.legis.state.ia.us/GA/77GA/Legislation/SF/02200/SF02284/Current.html
2. Abide by the state open meetings laws. Anything any board at the lake does should be done in a manner that is above board and public. Matters that should not be dealt with in the public forum are clearly detailed in the open meetings laws, as well as the process to deal with them.
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/IACODE/1999/21/
3. Foster a constructive working relationship with the other boards that deal with our Lake community.
4. Include the community in your process. Participation will provide positive support for your projects.
Phil Littler
I was saddened to see no mention of the RIZ Board elections or election results in the December "Diamondhead Dispatch". Since it has been stressed how important the RIZ Board is to many of the projects at the lake I would view this as pertinent news.
Suggestions for the new RIZ Board:
1. Review the state law concerning your board, responsibilities and duties. Ignorance of these state laws is unforgivable. http://www.legis.state.ia.us/GA/77GA/Legislation/SF/02200/SF02284/Current.html
2. Abide by the state open meetings laws. Anything any board at the lake does should be done in a manner that is above board and public. Matters that should not be dealt with in the public forum are clearly detailed in the open meetings laws, as well as the process to deal with them.
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/IACODE/1999/21/
3. Foster a constructive working relationship with the other boards that deal with our Lake community.
4. Include the community in your process. Participation will provide positive support for your projects.
Phil Littler
Friday, September 14, 2007
By Laws Suggestions
Some of my thoughts on changes to the current By-Laws:
Open Meeting Laws:
By adhering to the Iowa Open Meeting laws we could minimize the talk of meetings taking place before the regular meetings as well as better notification of LBMC members of Agendas.
Term Limits
I felt that the term limits approved in 2006 made a lot of sense.
Board of Directors making or changing rules
I understand the need sometimes for the timeliness of changing rules or creating new ones. But also feel that if the Board of Directors utilized the process city councils use that the members would still have input. Any new rules or changes would be proposed, require 3 public hearings and votes at 3 different meetings. Then if LBMC membership felt strongly enough agains a process of petition requiring a general vote of the LBMC membership.
Filing vacancies
Again, utilizing the process that city councils fill vacancies, but adding our current means of filling a vacancy by appinting the candidate from the last annual meeting with the next highest populace vote. Again with the option for the LBMC membership to petition requiring a general vote of the LBMC membership.
Phil Littler
- Board of Directors abide by Iowa's Open Meeting Law
- Include Term Limits approved at 2006 Annual Meeting
- Process for Directors to make or change rules that would require multiple public hearings with a means for the members of LBMC to require a vote of the membership
- Process for Directors to fill vacancies on the board by appointment, special election or next candidate voted on at last annual meeting. Again a process for the members of LBMC to petition for a special vote if not happy with appointment or next candidate.
Open Meeting Laws:
By adhering to the Iowa Open Meeting laws we could minimize the talk of meetings taking place before the regular meetings as well as better notification of LBMC members of Agendas.
Term Limits
I felt that the term limits approved in 2006 made a lot of sense.
Board of Directors making or changing rules
I understand the need sometimes for the timeliness of changing rules or creating new ones. But also feel that if the Board of Directors utilized the process city councils use that the members would still have input. Any new rules or changes would be proposed, require 3 public hearings and votes at 3 different meetings. Then if LBMC membership felt strongly enough agains a process of petition requiring a general vote of the LBMC membership.
Filing vacancies
Again, utilizing the process that city councils fill vacancies, but adding our current means of filling a vacancy by appinting the candidate from the last annual meeting with the next highest populace vote. Again with the option for the LBMC membership to petition requiring a general vote of the LBMC membership.
Phil Littler
Thursday, September 13, 2007
President's note thoughts
The road work on the entrances are much needed and will be appreciated when completed.
Explaining the budget differences seems overly complicated. I wonder if it wouldn't be easier to understand if he just compared a "sample" members quarterly bill showing the current year against the proposed next year's.
Phil Littler
Explaining the budget differences seems overly complicated. I wonder if it wouldn't be easier to understand if he just compared a "sample" members quarterly bill showing the current year against the proposed next year's.
Phil Littler
Quick note from our president
Received this letter from the LBMC President about the Annual Meeting:
"Dear Diamondhead Lake Member,
Just a quick note to say thank you to everyone who attended the annual meeting. As I was talking with my lovely bride of 29 years, she mentioned that I might not have been real clear on explaining the budget. After 29 years of marriage, I am sure she is correct. The 2007 budget passed at the 2006 Annual Meeting consisted of four parts, GA - $276 per member - per year, Dredge $100 per member - per year, Water $450 per member - per year, and Maintenance $2 per foot of road way - per year. The 2008 budget only has two parts as the Dredge budget was included with the GA budget and we no longer have a Water budget. The 2008 GA budget is $300; the Dredge budget remains the same at $100 per member as does the Maintenance at $2 per foot. As I looked over the budget you were mailed, voted on and passed at the 2007 Annual Meeting the $400 for member's dues includes bothe the GA and Dredge budget numbers combined. (GA - $300 per member - per year, Dredge - $100 per member - per year.) My wife also informed me that I said the increase was $12 per member - per year. The increase is $2 per monthe - per member for a total of $24 for the year, not $12. I apologize for miss quoting the increase, the budget numbers you voted on and passed were correct, the messenger was a little off.
I also want to thank everyone for the good discussion on the Bylaws and Rules. The Bylaw document is a great starting point for the future. As I thought about the discussion, several of you had very good questions and insights and it appeared if a few changes were made to certain areas, we as a community would be able to approve this measure in the future. As I mentioned in the meeting Mike Mars will be heading up a rules committee this fall. Please call or email Mike or myself if would like to be on this committee: Mike Mars @ 523-1292 or bowandarrowprod@earthlink.net, Dean Osborne @ 523-1677 or deanosborne@diamondheadlakeia.com.
Important notice:
Road work is planned for the North entrance starting September 17th. According to Guthrie County, the North entrance will be down to one lane during the construction. When the work is finished on the North entrance the South entrance project will begin. This entrance will not be accessible during the construction and the folks that normally use the South entrance will be required to use the North entrance. Please use caution during the construction, we don't want anyone to get hurt.
Thanks again for everyone who attended the meeting, the 2008 board looks forward to working with each one of you and the future looks very bright for the Diamondhead Lake community.
Sincerely,
Dean Osborne
LBMC President"
Phil Littler
"Dear Diamondhead Lake Member,
Just a quick note to say thank you to everyone who attended the annual meeting. As I was talking with my lovely bride of 29 years, she mentioned that I might not have been real clear on explaining the budget. After 29 years of marriage, I am sure she is correct. The 2007 budget passed at the 2006 Annual Meeting consisted of four parts, GA - $276 per member - per year, Dredge $100 per member - per year, Water $450 per member - per year, and Maintenance $2 per foot of road way - per year. The 2008 budget only has two parts as the Dredge budget was included with the GA budget and we no longer have a Water budget. The 2008 GA budget is $300; the Dredge budget remains the same at $100 per member as does the Maintenance at $2 per foot. As I looked over the budget you were mailed, voted on and passed at the 2007 Annual Meeting the $400 for member's dues includes bothe the GA and Dredge budget numbers combined. (GA - $300 per member - per year, Dredge - $100 per member - per year.) My wife also informed me that I said the increase was $12 per member - per year. The increase is $2 per monthe - per member for a total of $24 for the year, not $12. I apologize for miss quoting the increase, the budget numbers you voted on and passed were correct, the messenger was a little off.
I also want to thank everyone for the good discussion on the Bylaws and Rules. The Bylaw document is a great starting point for the future. As I thought about the discussion, several of you had very good questions and insights and it appeared if a few changes were made to certain areas, we as a community would be able to approve this measure in the future. As I mentioned in the meeting Mike Mars will be heading up a rules committee this fall. Please call or email Mike or myself if would like to be on this committee: Mike Mars @ 523-1292 or bowandarrowprod@earthlink.net, Dean Osborne @ 523-1677 or deanosborne@diamondheadlakeia.com.
Important notice:
Road work is planned for the North entrance starting September 17th. According to Guthrie County, the North entrance will be down to one lane during the construction. When the work is finished on the North entrance the South entrance project will begin. This entrance will not be accessible during the construction and the folks that normally use the South entrance will be required to use the North entrance. Please use caution during the construction, we don't want anyone to get hurt.
Thanks again for everyone who attended the meeting, the 2008 board looks forward to working with each one of you and the future looks very bright for the Diamondhead Lake community.
Sincerely,
Dean Osborne
LBMC President"
Phil Littler
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Annual Meeting
The annual meeting the LBMC was held 9/8/07. There was a large turn out of members eligible to vote, in excess of 120.
The results of the ballots are from my notes. If I have any errors I apologize now and will make corrections.
The Budget for 2008 was approved.
Golf Course Lease
The results of the ballots are from my notes. If I have any errors I apologize now and will make corrections.
The Budget for 2008 was approved.
- This includes a $12 a year increase per member over last year.
- There was much discussion about how the dredge funds were included in the budget.
- Vince Schmitz, Jack Williams and Jeff Shepard were elected.
- The proposed Bylaws were soundly defeated.
- #1 Membership required.....passed
- #2 Gasoline storage......passed
- #3 New members required to watch safety video......passed
- #4 All new rules take effect immediately........passed
- #5 No resident may have more than two vehicles.........defeated
- #6 Demolition permit, work completed in 90 days........passed
- #7 Minimum size of dwelling shall be 1000 square feet.......passed
- #8 Only one additional structure can built per member........passed
- #9 Because any LBMC member may choose to own........passed
- #10 LBMC reserves the right to control the amount of rental permits.......passed
- #11 Garbage removal........defeated
- #12 Manufactured Home to meet code........passed
- #13 Nontypical dwelling........passed
- #14 Lake privileges tied to being current on dues, fees, fines........passed
- #15 Boat ownership and registration.......defeated
- #16 Registration sticker fees to be determined by the Board of Directors......passed
Golf Course Lease
- After some discussion the lease on the golf course was not changed
- The decision was to credit the 2006 water assessment back to the members who paid the assessment and are current in their dues, fees and fines. Credit would be determined in January 2008.
- The only officer position that I noted was Dean Osborne as President again. But that is only my opinion.......
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