Welcome to Willow Lake
ATVs on the Common Area Around the Back of the Lake.
"Since the late summer/fall of 2011 there has been an increase in the number of trespassers who have accessed our property from the North and West side of the lake. These trespassers have used ATVS and golf carts to access various locations for fishing and other unknown activities. Last year, Bob Grasso and myself approached several of the young teenagers (more than once) who were fishing to inform them that this was private property and that they should leave. The results were less than stellar. They continued to come but not as frequently. At that time, several photographs were taken of these teenagers. It should be noted that "Posted" signs have been put up each year for the past several years.
Early this spring (2012), it was noted that there was a large amount of discarded trash in the vicinity of the outflow from Willow Lake. In addition, damage to the trail area around the lake by ATVs and golf cart riding in the muddy areas was also noted. On Saturday, March 31, I nailed 20 new "Posted" signs around the lake. More than half were placed where the ATV access paths occur. Digital photos were taken of the sign placements, damage to the trail and the trash that was left behind. The trash was picked up and taken out. I personally observed kids fishing this past Friday, Saturday and Sunday ( March 30, 31 and April 1). They were more secretive on Saturday and Sunday after the new signs had been posted.
I had an appointment with the Troop Commander at the State Police barracks, Troop 4, the morning of April 2, 2012. I explained what was happening with the trespassing situation and had brought along a number of pictures that had been taken last year and new ones that I had taken this past Saturday showing the trash that I removed and thr damage to the trail area. There is a Youth School Resource Officer that handles this type of situation. Later that afternoon I received a phone call from the Youth School Resource Officer concerning our situation. He knew 4 of the 5 boys (from the pictures) and their parents. I reviewed the situation with him on the phone and explained that I did not approach the boys this year and that they may not be the same ones. He said that he would talk with the parents today about the issue. I have a number to call if we continue to have trespassers. The State Police troop commander stated that he would notify the troop about our situation and they would try and send someone to walk around to talk with the trespassers. Hope that this works.
Robert A. Lamontagne
President
Willow Lake HOA
Checking Account
If you would like a line-by-line list of the community's 2011 checking account, Bob Grasso would be happy to e-mail you a copy in PDF format.
H O A Reports
--- Recent Minutes ---
Who Owns Your Roads: Who Pays?
Submitted by Bob Grasso
The information below comes from the web site of the Sussex Co. League of Women Voters. The topic of roads in private communities was discussed at a forum to be held by the League on Wednesday, February 15th at the Beebe Medical Arts Building 18941 John Williams Highway (Route 24) Rehoboth Beach.
Who Owns Your Roads: Who Pays? Did you know there are no county roads in Delaware? The DE Department of Transportation (DELDOT) is responsible for all public roads outside most municipalities - and subdivisions. If you live in a subdivision, your Homeowners are responsible for maintenance and snow removal. A panel discussed how the system works, or doesn't, and what requirements there are for subdivisions to set aside funds for future repair.
Read the summary of this meeting and get the latest information regarding road maintenance in our community.
LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE
Neighbors,
The landscape committee has been working hard on the tree installation project for the outbound side of our entrance. We have made a decision that we hope you will all be happy with. The Willow Lake Board has approved the following plan and on Wednesday, April 25, a selection of pear trees and evergreens will be delivered and installed.
We have attempted to duplicate the plantings that exist on the inbound side. Gus Tzan and Curt Mitchell put in quite a bit of time calling and visiting half a dozen nurseries and the decision was made to purchase the trees and compost from Shady Oak Farm in Harbeson, DE.
There will be 10 evergreen trees planted in a row and 3 pear trees planted in front of the evergreens.
The cost of 13 trees, compost to improve the planting holes and delivery will be $1028.00. Installation cost for 13 trees will be approximately $650.
We will be using water bladders to water the trees with continuous drip irrigation at a cost of $18.50 per bladder - total $240.50.
Tom Allen has agreed to keep the water bladders filled for as long as necessary. Thanks Tom. If anyone has a question regarding the above, please contact me by email at LRJWHECKER2@aol.com or by phone at 302-934-8578.
Jean Hecker
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Please send any photos and articles via e-mail to: Robyn Kirby.