To say we have had a busy year would be an understatement.  This past year has seen much work and effort put in by our staff, the Board of Directors, and the Committees of Hide-A-Way Lake.  Before I go any further I would like to express my sincere thanks to our General Manager, Bruce Devillier, and his staff who have made the Board's job easier.  Thanks to the Board members for their time and effort and although, we don't always agree on some items, they always find a way to work it out.  And last, but not least, our many committee members whose time and effort have helped keep Hide-A-Way the beautiful and well run community it is. I would now like to tell you some of the projects we have completed or are very close to completing.

Of course, we are all familiar with the sewer system being installed. This is a major project which is finally nearing completion. There have been problems, but thanks to our General Manager for staying on top of the operation, the problems are being addressed as they occur. 

One of the major projects completed this year is our gate entry system.  I will say we have had some complaints but overall our residents are well satisfied with the new system.  The work involved with making the system work was quite an undertaking.  First, there was the remodeling of the guard house at the main entrance.  Lanes had to be changed, new electronics had to be installed and new computer software had to be purchased.  A new generator was purchased for the main gate and the older one was installed at Southgate.  A new guardhouse was built at Southgate, which included the installation of culverts and new paving. This work minus the electronics and the computer software was done at a cost of $58,317.00.

Other projects completed were:

Repaving two miles of roadway by Boh Bros at a cost of $218,394.  Striping for the new roadway work cost $3,934 making a total for this work of $222,338.

Hiring of Briarwood Contractors to remove sediment from the northern top of the horseshoe area of the lake. The sediment removed was hauled to the airstrip. This project was done at a cost of $8,500.

Emergency work done at the back spillway.  The pressure of the water entering the lake was causing the roadway to be undermined and eroded away.  This resulted in "sink holes" in the roadway. The problem was bigger than first thought.  A head and toe wall had to be constructed and washouts filled.  This was completed at a cost of $16,500.

• Purchased and had installed a new central unit for the kitchen at a cost of $5,652.38.
• Purchased a new Kubota tractor for $14,108.50.
• Purchased two new radios, batteries, and chargers for Security/Maintenance for $1,339.15.
• Purchased thirty new chaise lounges for swimming pool from Lowe's.  Cost for these items was   $1,630.
• Restriping of the parking lot.  This job was done by our maintenance department saving us a good sum of money...a job well done.
• Entered into a contract with Graham Development for road clearing following a major storm.  This is one contract I hope we don't need to implement.
• Checked both pumps at wells #2 and #3.  Both were found to be working well.
• Resealed and painted the kiddy pool.  The work, which was done very professionally, was completed by our maintenance crew and therefore, another cost saving project.
• Paid the PRC property tax of $18,037.49.
• Renewed our water tower insurance at a cost of $6,108.
• Inspection done of our drinking water supply on July 6, 2010, by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.  Hide-A-Way received a perfect rating of five, which is the best that can be received.

These are just some of the projects that have kept us busy throughout the year.  There were many more.  The staff at Hide-A-Way, the Board of Directors along with the many Committees are constantly working throughout the year to improve the quality of life in Hide-A-Way Lake.

I would like to thank you for coming and showing an interest in your community.