BY MAGGIE BEAMGUARD
Insider Editor
The Seven Lakes Landowners Association (SLLA) held its annual meeting on March 29. New board members and the budget vote results were announced.
Tom Liddy, receiving 385 votes and Marianne Roberts, receiving 334 votes were newly elected to the board. Re-elected board members were Bob Hayes with 407 votes and Nanci Keating with 395 votes. Board members serve two-year terms.
With 42 percent of landowners eligible to vote, the dues increase of $100 passed with 391 votes in favor and 259 votes against. The 2025-2026 HOA annual dues will total $1,400.
The increase in dues will go toward operating expenses, as Seven Lakes North and South anticipate the Sequoia Dam bottom drain project getting close to starting. This year’s budget included the cost of the annual 4th of July fireworks.
The big picture of the work of the board and its committees was presented to landowners. Projects large and small have been planned, implemented or are in process. A few of the many initiatives are highlighted below.
A key board initiative was securing a $250,000 grant for SLLA dam repairs and maintenance to improve dam safety from the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management with the help of State Sen. Tom McInnis and working with McInnis to secure additional funding for the state-mandated Sequoia bottom drain project.
The board also negotiated a 10-year fixed service rate with free installation for all residents regardless of when they sign up for fiber optic high speed internet. SLLA will also receive free WiFi at all SLLA buildings and common areas for 10 years, a savings with a present value of $120,000 for the duration of the contract.
The Lakes and Dams Committee worked to protect the seven lakes in the community and several large-scale projects have been in the works. These include the upcoming work on the Big Juniper Lake toe drain beginning this spring and the planning for the Sequoia bottom drain installation later in 2025. The committee conducts regular inspections of the dams and spillways for vegetation and blockage, the beaches for erosion, the lakes for algae and beaver habitation
The Facilities Committee juggled many projects, not least of all building the new yard debris transfer station. The tennis and pickle ball courts were resurfaced and new Kiwanis Park Drop-Off and Parking Areas were created. Looking toward the 2025/2026 fiscal year, the committee is prioritizing necessary road repairs and maintenance, the replacement of pool skimmers and a pool resurfacing, and new air handling units in the North Club House.
Safety and Security made progress toward reducing speed on the roads through radar speed signage and public messaging reminding drivers to slow down. A Lidar speed camera was purchased to record speed, license plate and video to document speeders. Security camera improvements have been made around the community.
The Finance Committee accomplished a number of objectives, including a comprehensive review of all budget time lines, the creation of the annual budget, a review of all insurance policies, elimination of duplicated telecom expenses, improved collection efforts and reporting, monitoring and review of variances and invoice details, and the management of cash investments.
The architectural review board has monitored 31 new builds which have been completed or are in the process of completion.
It is not all work for Seven Lakes Landowners. The recreation committee makes sure of that. They sponsored a number of fun events including a Valentine’s concert, seasonal celebrations, Halloween trunk or treat with the 7 Lakes Stables and a chili cookoff and craft sale.
The Citizen of the Year, Kathy McNamara, was honored for her leadership and dedication on the Recreation Committee. The board also recognized three honorable mentions for their service to the community: Jack Ross and Pat McNamara who served on the Lakes and Dams Committee and Melanie Wahlquiest who served on the Finance Committee and Stables.
Following the annual meeting, the board met in executive session to appoint leadership roles: Nanci Keating, president; Charlotte Kennedy, vice president; Amber Johnson, treasurer; and Bob Hayes, secretary.
Board members also received committee assignments: Nanci Keating, Architectural Review Board; Charlotte Kennedy, Compliance; Bob Hayes, Lakes and Dams; Amber Johnson, Finance; Jeff Nieter, Security; Tom Liddy, Facilities; and Marianne Roberts, Recreation.
Contact Maggie Beamguard at maggie@thepilot.com.
