Lake Santeetlah – Even with no internet available to the building because of rainy weather, the Town of Lake Santeetlah persevered Jan. 9 with an almost 2-hour-long meeting discussing rules on disposing yard debris in the lake – and much more.
Brookfield Land Use Specialist Chris Glover addressed the issue of landscaping companies blowing grass into the lake and answered questions regarding the lake.
Glover delivered the message that it is prohibited to blow leaves or grass into the lake on purpose. Fines can be issued on a federal level for leaves and grass put in the lake.
If there is a fallen tree or if someone cuts a tree on the shoreline, Glover noted that residents should ask Brookfield first. Brookfield owns the area from the shoreline to the 1940.9 elevation contour. If the tree in question is located there, the person should call Brookfield and see how they should dispose it. If the tree is located outside of that area, there are disposal services that will take care of the tree properly.
Lake Santeetlah citizens and council members bubbled up many questions and general statements about Brookfield’s operations. Mayor Diana Simon asked if they are allowed to burn leaves on the shoreline. Glover responded that he is unsure and will ask the company.
Jack Gross asked about a dock permit he has wondered about for four years. In a phone call, Glover said that there were 17 people who hadn’t paid their dock invoices and he’s the one to contact about dock permits.
There were also many questions and concerns about the water levels and Brookfield’s role in controlling the dam gates.
One concerned citizen asked if Brookfield will consider not having the water levels at “full pool” – the maximum water level it can be at without the dam overtopping – during the summer and on holidays, when there is more wakeboat traffic, which causes erosion on the shore. Glover mentioned that the company has considered these complaints last summer and discussed this problem.
Drainage
Jack Gross made a public comment about a drainage issue that causes the driveway of one of his houses to flood about four times a year. He brought a video showing the impact.
Before Gross installed a driveway there, water from the town drain would go through the land. Since the driveway was added, water still goes through that area, shifting the gravel driveway.
The county drain also feeds into that area and Gross said that when the town drain is clogged, the flooding is worse.
2022-23 town audit
Town auditor Shannon Dennison presented the audit for the 2022-23 fiscal year.
“I’m pleased to announce that you have an unmodified opinion on your financial statements,” Dennison said. “That’s the best opinion you can receive on an audit.”
The Town of Lake Santeetlah exceeded its liabilities and deferred inflows of resources at the close of the year by $1,069,864. The town’s total net position also increased by $117,864, due to increased tax revenues.
The activities net position was $774,236, a net increase of $72,176. Approximately 48 percent of the net position or $374,127 is available for spending for budgeted and unforeseen expenditures at the town’s discretion.
The unassigned fund balance for the general fund was $400,550. The town’s proprietary fund reported an ending net position of $295,628, with a net change of $45,718, which is comparable to the prior year net change of $37,880.
In prior years, the town obtained long-term debt to finance the renovations to the water tank and its distribution system. The balance outstanding at June 30, 2023, was $151,667.
The total budget for 2023-24 is $385,280.