By Mary-Justine Lanyon
Mike Pate, general manager of the Arrowhead Lake Association, began his monthly report with the news that “evaporation is taking hold” – the lake level had dropped 0.02 inches to 5106.68.
Among the changes taking place at ALA, Pate said they are “actively working on expenditures.” One thing they are doing is renegotiating janitorial services. They are also rolling out a new water system, issuing reusable bottles to Lake Safety so they will no longer be using bottled water.
Calling the fireworks show – which will take place on July 5 – a “huge undertaking,” Pate said he had met with community leaders, law enforcement and fire officials about the show, which he said will be “fantastic.”
Two events on the calendar include Happy Trails – a cleanup of the trail around the lake – on June 29 and a 50th anniversary celebration of ALA on Aug. 10.
New Dock A is in place and fully rented, Pate reported; he displayed photos of the old and new docks.
And he announced that Sammie Rodela is the June employee of the month. “She loves our members,” Pate said.
When Director David Dahl asked where ALA is on weed abatement, Pate said they had applied to Lahontan to apply the herbicide and were waiting to hear back. “If we don’t hear any objections,” Pate said, “we can move forward after July 5.”
Dahl led the comments from directors by acknowledging the “significant progress we have seen under Mike Pate.” That comment drew applause from the members in attendance.
“We have seen deferred maintenance all of a sudden become not deferred,” Dahl said. “And he’s going this with two fewer people on the maintenance staff.”
Dahl added there has been a huge expansion in the employee base, all of whom are being drug tested and having background checks done.
“I asked if we can have more presentations from staff,” Dahl said. “They are the people behind the scenes who get the work done.” He noted that the staff at the front desk is “exceptionally kind – they treat everyone with great professionalism.”
Director Eran Heissler commented on the number of members who are making use of Grass Valley park. “One day I saw more people there than I usually see in a year,” he said. “It is beautiful, quiet and relaxing. And the fishing is nice.”
Director Chris Wilson also had a compliment for the ALA staff. Noting that he was in the office when someone called about an issue, he said that, as they were on the phone, he saw an ALA boat arriving to take care of it.
Wilson was impressed with watching new Dock A being put in place. “I watched them move boats from slips on the old dock to the correct slip on the new dock.”
Director Denise Loxton said “ditto” to the comments made by Dahl and Wilson.
In his president’s report, Alan Kaitz said that “we have come a long way. Mike Pate, our new general manager, has done a phenomenal job. We’re years ahead of where we were.” When Pate said, “It’s our staff,” Director Bud Macer said, “It’s the leader, too.”
In Action items, the board approved a budget not to exceed $5,000 for the 50th anniversary celebration, which will take place at Tavern Bay Beach Club from noon to 4 p.m. There will be live music, fun events for children, food trucks and other activities.
The request for proposal (RFP) for remodeling of the Ralph Wagner Building turned out to be too vague; ALA only heard back from two of 12 contractors who had concerns about the scope of work. The board voted to approve $6,000 to make repairs that will stop the leak that caused damage to the bathrooms. They also approved $20,000 from the capital budget to create detailed plans for window repair and replacement and other possible enhancements such as a second women’s bathroom, a break room and an expanded kitchen area.
The board also approved the sale of the lake weed harvester. With Lahontan’s approval last year and expected approval this year of using herbicides, the harvester is “a significant capital expenditure just sitting there,” Director Dahl said. The harvester, he noted, took three or four people off maintenance to drive it and collect the weeds.
“We didn’t realize until we started using it,” Pate said, “that it makes a big mess on the beaches. We were getting a lot of complaints. And it actually spread the seed of the weeds so it was making the weed problem worse.”
Director Macer added he has done a lot of research on the weed abatement chemicals ALA would use. “These chemicals have been used in the Midwest for decades,” he said. “They don’t affect fish, humans or swimming.”
Under Committee reports, Kathi Rothner, chair of the Fish committee, noted that “the fish are still jumping.” She agreed with Director Heissler, saying Grass Valley is becoming a “mecca for fishing enthusiasts.” So far this year, 12,000 pounds of lightning and rainbow trout have been added to Lake Arrowhead.
Under the Q&A time, member Andy Sedlak expressed concern about the safety of members crossing Highway 189 at the marina. He asked if the board would request that staff and the Lake Safety committee consider approaching the appropriate authorities about installing flashing crosswalk signs there. He added he has seen another incident that past week.
“I brought it up at a meeting with law enforcement and county folks,” Pate said. “I will take another stab at it. I’ve been surprised there isn’t a way to make it a safer crossing.”
Scott Rindenow asked about the status of the snack shack at the marina. He wondered if a food truck would be brought in if it is not up and running for the July 4th weekend. “That’s in the works,” was the answer from President Kaitz.
President Kaitz concluded the meeting by commenting that “the last two board meetings have been extremely pleasurable because of you. Thank you to all of you who attend. I hope it continues.”
He reminded everyone about the annual ALA meeting on July 27 and regular meetings on Aug. 24 and Sept. 28.
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