Buena Vista Lakes Maintenance Association
Special Called Meeting for Budget Proposals for 2023
Tuesday August 16, 2022 7pm
The meeting was called to order by President Ned Plunk. Board members present included Ned
Plunk, Vicki Moore, Kyle Cornish, Nathan Naramore, Kim Wood, Chris Vanelli, Joel Bales, Kevin
Cooper, Larry Wilson, Barbara Campbell, and Moriah Mozingo. Members absent were Melanie Turner
and Leigh Cornish. Special guest was Steve Wilson, engineer for Lakes and Dams.
For tonight’s agenda, only two items will be discussed:
1. The selection of a contractor, if needed.
2. The 2023 HOA budget
As per Steve Wilson, the HOA has two options moving forward on dam repairs, based upon the final
decision of the State of Mississippi as to the hazard status of our dams. We are currently “high
hazard” for dams #1 and #2 and as such are eligible for grant money for repairs. However, Mr. Wilson
anticipates (based on letter received) that we will be declared “low hazard” status and become
ineligible for any grant funding. We are requested to survey several lower floor elevation houses and
report back to the state; Mr. S. Wilson has already done this (survey $600). We should know this week
of the continuing high hazard vs low hazard status as determined by the state. If we remain “high
hazard” all things will continue, with pursuit of grant funding. While it is too early tonight to consider
choosing a contractor until we know exactly what is required of us, we must choose a path forward
tonight to present budgetary considerations for community vote. We have possibly been delayed too
long this year for the potential dry weather season for repairs to Dam #2, but could specifically
designate funds in the 2023 budget. Our second option will be moving forward if we are declared
“low hazard”. We would need no further inspections, no engineer, no grant money would be funded,
BVL would pay for all in its entirety. Since Dam #3 (Thunderbird Lake) is in the worst condition, we
could move to repair it first rather than Dam #2, since we would be under no obligations to the state of
Mississippi at that point. However, we would continue to move $15,000/year into the separate Lakes
and Dams account. The original letter from the State of Mississippi will be included with these
minutes, as well as the final decision letter.
Per Mr. S Wilson, the state considers floor elevation when adjusting the classification of hazard status.
According to recent reports, we have one house out of 447 lots that could flood with extreme water/
rainfalls. The state strictly looks at what would occur if a dam or levee breaches; what lies
downstream.
Kevin Cooper (along with Mr. S. Wilson) made the following report. Dam #4 is in the best condition of
any. Dam #3 is in the worst condition of the four. Repairs to Dam #1 (Deer Track Lake) are quoted for
$46,500 and repairs to Dam #2 (Green Duck Levee) are $38,800. A discussion was then held on the
need to lower Thunderbird Lake; potential use of cofferdam (very expensive); siphon tubes; etc. It
could cost up to $7000 to lower the lake sufficiently. For the Lakes and Dams 2023 budget, it is
requested at $65,000 for repairs. The L&D budget tonight contains $43,744, which brings the final
budget request for Lakes and Dams to $86,000 for 2023 for maintenance, repairs, fish, etc. Three
bids were received, one via Kevin Cooper (lowest), one via Steve Wilson (middle) and one via Nathan
Naramore (highest, but includes use of cofferdam to protect lake environment and wildlife). All bidders
are licensed, bonded and insured, have W-9 in place, liability insurance.
Of Dam #1 and #2 (potentially high hazard) – which is in worse condition? Both are equal, but Dam #2
gets more water flow. Repairs to these two are quoted at $73,842 for Dam #1 and at either $38,800 or
$53,017 for Dam #2.
Finance Director Moriah Mozingo pointed out that the total budget for 2023 currently is $167,100
which equates to $373.83 per lot with 447 lots. A dues increase to $250/lot (asking for $100 per lot
increase) brings in $111,750, so the budget must be trimmed before presentation. Administrative fees
are $35,700; Mowing is $25812; L&D is $86,000; Pool is $2200; Clubhouse is $12,000; Legal is $2800
(and has potential to be much higher); Beautification is $4145; We must trim these numbers.Mr. S. Wilson – if the grant is granted, it will not be completed until all paperwork is signed (BVL,
MDEQ, etc). It is not a reimbursement program. What is the possibility that 2023 could see BVL add
$20,000 instead of $15,000 to dedicated L&D account? Mr. Wilson did point out that in July 2020, a
Mississippi dam DID fail and the Emergency Evacuation Plan had to be executed on all surrounding
houses. While our dams are in reasonable shape, and a failure is unlikely, it still remains a definite
possibility.
Motion was made and seconded to raise HOA dues to $275 per lot per year. Vote was 4 Aye and 6
Nay. Motion failed.
Motion was made and seconded to raise HOA dues to $250 per lot per year and passed unanimously.
The Clubhouse budget request will be dropped to $8000. The pool will be dropped to $2000 which
leaves no room for any repairs, just maintaining status quo and chemicals. Beautification drops to
zero. Security remains zero. Lakes and Dams will become $21000 including the $15000 to the
dedicated account and $5000 for re-stock of bait fish and scavenger fish for cleaning (grass carp).
Administrative is adjusted to $55,875 which includes Keith Collins Bookkeeping contract, taxes,
insurance, administrative miscellaneous (stamps, copies, wristbands, etc) and the updated
Thunderbird pier. It also includes a figure for legal fees which could change dramatically depending on
outcome of court case. Final grand total of 2023 budget is $111,750 which will require a dues
increase of $100 per lot, or $250 per lot annually moving forward.
Motion was made and seconded to adjourn for the evening and passed unanimously. A committee
will gather to print letters, stuff envelopes and mail out letters before the 30-day deadline.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Plunk, Acting Secretary