The New Year 2010 has started off with a bang—in the usual sense and in the number of projects we have going on across our wonderful community. Here’s the scoop…
Boh Bros Construction was paid $219,676.20 for the roadwork that they completed at the end of December. These funds were paid from our capital reserve improvement accounts and from our monthly savings. The road striping has been a challenge to get completed. December’s rain and January’s extreme cold has delayed the striping on our newly repaved roads. I’m hopeful that this can be completed soon.
The lake was lowered last month and depending on the weather, by February 26th, the lake will start filling up. We will conduct our inspection and have some minor repairs completed on the spillway and dam while the lake is down.
The sign-up period for connecting to the centralized sewer is still underway and ends February 26th. I have signed up all of our common grounds including the guard house, the new guard house at the Southgate, maintenance shop, firehouse, lodge, pool, and the west marina. As of the middle of January, there were approximately 300 property owners who have already signed up. I’m thankful so many of our property owners have attended the sewer meetings and for the questions they have asked. Please talk with your neighbors and encourage them to do the same. I don’t want anyone to miss this opportunity to connect at this tremendous cost savings rather than have to pay so much more in the future should their situation change. There will be another question/answer sewer meeting on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 10:00 am. On our website we have a list of 50+ most frequently asked questions and answers regarding this project that our Lake Quality Committee has helped formulate. This has been very beneficial and will answer most questions you may have. Work is starting this month, but it will be a long project since the contractor has 14 months from February 1st to complete. Our maintenance staff will mark everyone’s septic system even if you don’t connect. Every lot in our community will have a tap at the line. Please do not remove any of the flags showing the location of your septic system or those indicating our water lines; inform your children/grandchildren not to move them as well. The PRCUA will have an on-site inspector here in the community to oversee the entire project.
As stated in the January edition we have a signed agreement with the City of Picayune on the use of Southgate. Following are the main points from the agreement:
· Hide-A-Way Lake will be allowed to use for ingress and egress. Ingress is restricted to residents only with a valid Hide-A-Way Lake decal.
· Hide-A-Way Lake will construct a guard house at the Southgate entrance.
· Speed limit of 20 MPH on Cooper Road from the intersection of our gate for approximately one quarter (1/4) mile.
Beginning February 1st, we will extend hours for usage to Monday—Friday (excluding holidays) 6:30 am—8:30 am and 4:00 pm—7:00 pm. Both time slots will be for exit and entry (only residents with a valid Hide-A-Way Lake decal will be allowed entry). There will be no exceptions in this regard as this is the agreement made with Picayune, per court order. These times were chosen from our peak traffic counts at the main gate, and will be monitored for usage.
Thank you for your patience and your consideration during this time of growth. It will be well worth all the headaches once the work has been completed. And as always, if you have any questions or concerns, please give me a call at the office.
Bruce Devillier
General Manager
