ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES
The 2026 Annual Meeting of the Willow Lake Homeowners Association was called to order on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the Millsboro Senior Center. 18 homeowners attended; 9 sent in ballots for a total representation of 27 homeowners.
President Jean LaMontagne welcomed everyone to the meeting and gave opening remarks. She asked for updates from the HOA Committees.
Common Area Committee: Robert LaMontage reported the Lake water samples were taken and fell well within the acceptable range for water quality. He reported there was low turnout for volunteer day of cleaning the trails. He also reported that the Willow Lake sign was repaired. The cost of that repair was budgeted in the Reserve account. Robert will get an estimate to replace the sign in five years so that we can budget for that potential expense.
Robert reported he did a review of the swales and water is flowing properly and there are no major issues. Robert also reminded us that DNREC no longer is a resource for drainage swales.
Architectural Review Committee: Robert reported the Architectural Committee reviewed one request for approval for an in-ground pool. The request was granted as all the proper paperwork was supplied and the plans met the necessary requirements.
Goose Egg Addling: Frank Morris reported that he and a few volunteers found 7 goose nests on common area ground and one on private property which resulted in the addling 42 eggs. This search will take place again in March and early April of 2026. Frank filed the required report to the U.S Fish & Wildlife Service. He plans to renew the permit in 2026. If you are willing and able to help with this effort, please contact Frank. It is required all volunteers names appear on the permit.
Luke reviewed the financial documents sent to each homeowner prior to the meeting. He presented a snapshot of our financial position as of 9/30/25 and reinforced that we are in a strong financial position. Luke explained the reasons the budget was over for some categories i.e. snow removal and taxes.
Based on the proposed budget, the 2025 Assessment for Willow Lake is $634.38 per lot…$521.25 for operating and $113.13 for reserves. The due date for the Assessment payment is January 31, 2026. You may give your check to any board member, or mail it to the Willow Lake HOA, PO Box 1897, Millsboro, DE 19966.
A few financial issues to consider going forward:
- Luke’s three year term ends year end 2025. He graciously agreed to continue with this responsibility for one more year. Effective year-end 2026 he will no longer be available to hold this position. The community needs a volunteer to take over this responsibility.
- As a result of a strong volunteer base in the first 20 years of this community, homeowners were paying below market rates for HOA assessments. We need to be prepared to budget for recurring maintenance, planting of the common area, replacement of dead or diseased trees and shrubs and trimming maintenance of existing trees. This is critical to protecting our investment and property values.
After a healthy open conversation, several items were discussed:
- Speed limit – concern was expressed at the number of cars/trucks that appear to be speeding in and out of our community. As a Board we are happy to remind homeowners of our 20 mph rule and the importance of safety, particularly now that we have very young children as part of our community. Unfortunately we have no control over the delivery companies that frequent our neighborhood.
- There was a discussion about the trail. Silverado is not responsible for maintaining the trail. Homeowners expressed a desire to do some of the work themselves. It was decided that if an individual(s) want to do some of that work on their own, they are free to do so. The HOA will no longer be asking for volunteers to do this type of work.
- Jean announced that we are working on our Website and it will be available in the near future.
- A discussion about who owns our community road took place. It was explained our road is a private road with public access which was necessary to get funds from our local representatives to repave our road. This was a significant savings to every homeowner. As a community we are still responsible for the maintenance and snow removal. It was suggested we continue to maintain a relationship with our local representatives so that we may be eligible for other benefits as voting members of the community.
- One homeowner reinforced the importance of keeping our community in the best shape possible to protect our property values. This is likely to raise our HOA fees for the foreseeable future but it is an investment we will all benefit from. He encouraged all of his fellow neighbors to support this effort.
- Many members of the Community thanked the Board volunteers. The Board appreciates your thanks and your trust in us. Most importantly we are grateful for your engagement.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ginny Smith Morris
Secretary