Dredge Update
Once again, we were very fortunate to be able to have the county sanitation department take our dredging spoils for DeKalb landfill cover, thereby saving an estimated $11-$15,000 on removal. They were on site approximately 10 days in September.
We have been put on McEachern’s dredging schedule for March/April for the final phase of our three part dredging project permitted under the timeline. We plan to remove approximately 2,300 cubic yards. The dredge will take 3–5 days. This will be an ideal time to complete dock or seawall repair. We will notify the community prior to lowering the lake level.
The ELHA President, Michael McKelvey, has been in contact with other north DeKalb County lake owners, and there is interest in establishing a coalition of north DeKalb lakes with similar silt infill problems. The consensus being that the strength of a broader base of DeKalb taxpayers would have more influence in pressuring the county to assist with the dredging of private lakes that are being used as public retention ponds.
Financial Report
Financial statements are available for member review through the third quarter of 2016. Fourth quarter results will be posted in the coming weeks. There were no unforeseen large expense variances for 2016, other than the legal expenses which will be addressed at the upcoming members meeting on February 4th.
Overall, HOA participation for 2016 was 59%. Of those who supported the HOA, 73% were on-lake and 53% were off-lake. An appeal for 2017 dues will hit mailboxes (and inboxes) in late February.
Our community was able to collect a total of $1,825 for the Tom Murphy Fire Assistance Fund. Thank you for your generosity and spirit of community to help the Murphy family in their time of need.
Briarcliff Road Frontage
On the evening of December 13, 2016, a vehicle jumped the curb and took out three sections of our new fence along Briarcliff Road. The Viking Fence Company was able to get us on their schedule quickly, and the fence has been repaired. Required were 3-five foot sections, 3 posts, and a new gate post with hinges. The cost was $1,395.00.
Bylaws Review Update
At the 2015 annual meeting, it was agreed that our bylaws needed an update. We are pleased to report that the bylaws review committee has completed its review, and will soon forward the suggested updates to the board. The board will meet in February to review the suggested updates before forwarding them to our HOA attorney for the official rewrite. The attorney will present the rewritten document, along with individual voting ballots for members in good standing, in 2017.
The board would like to thank the following members for serving on the bylaws review committee: Jane Grimmett, John Holbrook, Katy Irwin, James Lown and Andy McClintock.
A special thanks to Jane who chaired the committee.
Save the Date | Lanterns & Libations
Friday, March 10th
7:00–11:00pm
Mark your calendar for the first ever Echo Lake lantern stroll! We will walk from home to home, making three stops for heavy appetizers and socializing.
What to Bring
— Your libation of choice (to last the night)
— Your brightest lantern
— Your walking shoes
If you have any questions, please contact our social coordinators, Andrew and Vicky Soulimiotis, at soulman14@comcast.net or 770-804-1003. More details to come!
Facebook
Please note that the Facebook group ELHA - Echo Lake Home Owners Association and the Facebook page ELHA - Echo Lake Home Owners Association are not official ELHA channels, nor do they reflect the views of the ELHA board.
The ELHA board does not have administrative privileges on these two pages; and in turn, we are unable to control the content. We apologize for any confusion caused by misinformation posted on these pages. Please keep an eye on your email (and on our website) for official ELHA news and upcoming events.
Swan Song
This is the first ELHA newsletter since the untimely demise of the Echo Lake swan that sat proudly atop the neighborhood sign on Echo Drive, so we wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the passing of this iconic creature. Last summer, a limb from the stately oak tree on the ELHA property fell on the swan — decapitating her instantly. The poor thing never knew what hit her.
For years the swan sat as a welcoming beacon to neighbor and passersby alike. At times dressed to party in seasonal attire, but always stoically oblivious to both admiration and ridicule.
It is with fond memories and sadness that we bid farewell to our plywood friend. Rest in peace.