November 13, 2008
Jim Harris, President, called the annual meeting of the residents of Dougherty Lake Subdivision to order with all trustees in attendance.
Carel Reynolds, Communications Trustee reported on the newsletters and other methods of communications. Comments from the floor were that the email communications were not a problem and should be continued.
Nancy Shaffstall reported on the Landscaping, summarizing contracts recently renewed with Symmetry and Irrigations Services, with a 3% increase for the new contract with Symmetry. We continue to replace dead trees with new ones, including 150 seedlings recently planted by the garden club. The Missouri Department of Conservation has committed to continue to clear the common area behind our playground and Ameren continues their work repairing where they worked in 2008. The entrance and the property along Des Peres Rd. in front of our fence speak well of our neighborhood. It is well maintained, attractive, and lets people know that we invest in Dougherty Lake and that it is a nice place to live.
Jim Harris commented that he continues to struggle with homeowners keeping the Des Peres Road fence clear of debris.
Jim Gruenewald reported that it was a relatively expensive year for the lake with more expected next year. The continuous running of our aerators and treating the lake with chemicals has kept silting at a minimum. The small aerator failed this year requiring over $2000 in repairs. We will investigate ways to slow down the flow from Four Winds Farm and will report back.
We consulted Rietz & Jens, the engineering firm used to inspect the dam in the past. The report came back that three trees and a large root ball need to be removed near the dam. In addition drainpipes will need to be installed. Three bids have been solicited. It is believed that we will need to drop the lake 3’ for three reasons: to minimize damage during the work on the dam; to look at the concrete rip-rap along Beaver Dam to see if it is safe; and to repair walls around the lake. Communication will be sent to all lake homeowners regarding timing of the project. If need be, we will again use Chuck Toedtman’s back yard to gain entrance to the lake area.
Tim Fletcher reported on our finances, which is right on plan with the budget. We estimated that the electricity and lake expenses would be higher and allowed for it.
Betty Struckhoff asked if we would consider connecting our park to Bittersweet Woods and Phantom Forest. Nancy Shaffstall reported that in 1997, Doug Harms approached the subdivision at the annual meeting asking residents about this connection to Bittersweet Woods. The residents discussed and voted to deny permission for access. In 2008 Nancy shared with Susan Trautman that the trustees had discussed and agreed to continue the policy of not allowing an official trail from our playground into Bittersweet Woods. Motion was made from the floor that the trustees not make a unilateral decision without informing the subdivision and the motion carried.
The Treasurer position was expiring and Chuck Toedtman offered to take the position. Motion was made and carried with all present.
With no further questions from the floor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.