LBA Meeting Draws Crowd

By Paul Imse

Barcroft News Staff

After a week's snow delay, the Lake Barcroft Association met on March 6 at Belvedere Elementary School so members could hear from their leaders, ask questions and voice their concerns. Voting participation rose 43%, from 209 in 2002 to 299 this year, perhaps reflecting increased interest in community activities.

Six members were elected to the 2003-05 Board, including Frank Aukofer, Mac Canter and David Feld, who were re-elected, and new members David Dale, Regina Derzon and Pete Walker. Uri Arkin will fill the remaining year of an open seat.

Treasurer Karen Wehner reported that last year's budget projected a $23,000 deficit, which was reduced to an $8,500 deficit by a combination of reducing and postponing some expenses. She projected that insurance would increase another 20% this year. To cover rising costs and to begin establishing a capital replacement fund, the 2003 budget calls for increased fees. Barge fees will go from $25 to $40, other boats from $5 to $15, membership from $210 to $240 and real estate transfers from $25 to $100.

George Waters reported that after six years, matters relating to Parcel A are now complete. Development in the area of the old recreation center will be limited to 12 homes and the community will receive five acres subject to a tree preservation easement. Individual lots also carry tree preservation easements and homes will be subject to height restrictions and review by the Architectural Review Committee.

George, who is leaving the board after serving the maximum of six years, was presented with an award for his service to the community -- including two years as LBA president. He received the Lake Barcroft Community Service Award "in recognition and appreciation for six years of leadership, enthusiasm, vision and hard work."

Carol Hawley was given a proclamation of appreciation for 18 years of service as editor of the Lake Barcroft Newsletter. Carol Donlan, the new editor, also expressed her appreciation and said, "It now takes 20 people to put out the newsletter that she did by herself." See the full proclamation on the Lake's website, www.lakebarcroft.org.

Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross and School Board Member (and Barcrofter) Kaye Kory gave brief presentations and answered questions. Stuart Finley and David Alne gave a WID report (See 'Feb. 22 storm overwhelms new trash diverter' on Page 5).

The concluding question/discussion period was dominated by the concerns raised by some about the proposal to place toddlers' playground equipment at Beach 4, and whether such equipment would be an attraction drawing more trespassers from surrounding neighborhoods.