Hello, for those of you who do not know me I am Bob Dixon the ILPOA President.  I wanted to talk to you regarding an issue that recently arose at our recent member’s meeting regarding the Marina using ILPOA association property to stage watercraft for service.

I want you to know that past Board member, and this current board, fully supports the Marina and have worked and will continue to work closely with the Marina to ensure our mutual success. The LakeShore marina is a wonderful asset for our lake community.  We also recognize the commitment Eric and Jean have made to our community beyond the business they run and the assistance they have provided in numerous other ways. They are incredibly kind-hearted and generous.

It is the Board’s responsibility to enforce the rules and this board has not taken that responsibility lightly. We are taking action with attorney involvement on nuisance properties and past due accounts, have worked to strengthen our relationship with local authorities, and are emphasizing safety on and off the lake. The board will continue on the path we have laid out to strengthen and emphasize rules enforcement.

To the issue at hand regarding the marina; the marina came to the board in early 2021 with a proposal to lease the lot next to the marina property to the north, pay the association a fee, cover the taxes, and maintain the lot. The Marina communicated they would use this space to stage boats before and after repair, and potentially to use the space to stage boats for sale. Part of the agreement was that if the marina was given sufficient notice, they would clear that lot for community events.  

After much debate last summer, we ultimately decided not to enter into an agreement with the Marina to lease that space. Post that decision, we did not hear any concerns until we put up “No Overnight Parking” signs on Lot 395 to the north of the ditch. The feedback and the outpouring of support from many Members in attendance prompted the board to re-visit the lease proposals and discussions from the past year regarding Lot 395 to the north of the drainage ditch.

After much discussion, our board members ultimately came to the conclusion that Rule 2.F.4 precludes us from entering into a lease with the marina without further clarification. The rule states “the parking area immediately to the north of the Marina is limited to Members only and may not be used for boat repair or boats awaiting service at the boat repair shop”.

In order to change a rule, we must hold a formal vote.  As such, due to the urgency to resolve this situation, the board has decided to hold a special vote. Before we hold the special vote, we must satisfy a By-Law requirement – Article XV states “No Common Ground shall be sold without this issue being presented and discussed during at least two (2) special meetings of members in good standing.

In summary, we need to get clarification from Members on Rule 2.F.4. before we can proceed with a lease agreement with the marina. We also need to satisfy the BUR requirement before entering into any agreement.

It’s really important for me to make sure that everyone understands that we aren’t trying to make things more difficult for our partners at the Marina. We want to make sure that the Marina, Marina’s customers, and the association all have the appropriate protections. Leases allow legal liability and insurance to be obtained by the appropriate parties and provide protection against loss. Without a lease in place, the Marina is unable to ensure coverage for boats that are being staged in the area to the north of the marina at the current time. Further, the association itself is opened up for liability by allowing the marina to stage boats in that location.

In addition to the steps I’ve outlined thus far, the board has also ordered a survey to clear up confusion around lot boundaries and ensure that any agreement moving forward is very clear. The survey will allow us to develop the best solution and drive the best outcome for our community.

In order to clarify Rule 2.F.4, we are proposing the following change in language:

From:

“The parking area immediately to the north of the Marina is limited to Members only and may not be used for boat repair or boats awaiting service at the boat repair shop”.

To:

“The parking area north of the Marina and identified as members parking, is limited to Members only and may only be used for storing watercraft, trailers, or vehicles ( daily only – no overnight ) except portions leased or licensed to the Marina which may be used as follows by the Marina: servicing of watercraft by the Marina; storage of watercraft awaiting servicing at the Marina; and storage of watercraft awaiting pick-up after servicing at the Marina. Watercraft stored on the portions leased or licensed to the Marina are limited to seven ( 7 ) business day usage.”

The special called meetings are scheduled for 5/7/22 at 9:00 and 5/8/22 at 9:00.  Depending on the outcome of the survey and the special meetings, we intend to send the special ballots out shortly thereafter.

I am happy to serve you as President of ILPOA. If you have any questions please email the board at indianlake@ilpoa.org or call the office at 573-885-3630

Thank you!