Bo Spitler opened the meeting and and asked Russ Dunson to offer a prayer for Harold Rouse. Bo expressed concerns for Harold who is in the hospital after an accident. All wish him a speedy recovery.
Meeting was then turned over to Jeff who summarized RECON’s good relations with the Corps of Engineers over the years. He then introduced Josh Davis (Ranger for our area ) and Shannon Manniss (Chief ranger ) to the group. Josh explained boundary questions from the Corps perspective. The original boundary which was established from Clarksville was marked with orange striped trees to closely approximate the line. Presently several bench marks exist from which a more accurate survey could be completed. In the 45 years some trees that were marked have fallen and others had to be marked. Sometimes these marks have lessened the accuracy of the boundary. The Corps will be re surveying to determine the actual boundary. Survey results should be completed by the end of October 2012. At that time the Corps will decide what action will be taken. Josh said minor differences (less than a foot ) he thought would not be a big deal. Presently our differences are from 326.6 ft to 327 ft. He did say that if the levels were around 320 ft (full pool) that it was a big deal. But again, the Corps position was to wait for the survey and the Corps’s response. During his presentation several questions were raised. They are as follows : ( Jeff ) Newer marked trees were generally placed on Corps land, but some may have been placed on private land. This will be proven by the new survey. (Jay Walker ) Are there other disputes over Corps boundaries on private land? Josh said yes, that he investigated approximately 20 disputes per year. (Jeff) What if encroachment is inadvertent ? Per the Corps, encroachment is encroachment . (Ron) Ninety nine percent of US land was surveyed by less technical methods than are used today. Josh said again we will have to wait for a more accurate survey before the Corps can comment. (Jeff ) Our survey has existed for 45 years and not been contested. Why is there an issue now? Josh said our pin to pin measurements were good, however the actual Corps boundary will have to wait for the new survey. ( Matt W. ) How does contour change over the last 45 years enter into the question? Per the Corps it is a “gray” area and will be answered with the completion of the survey. ( John W. ) The original Corps survey before the dam was built should aid in the boundary determination. Why can that survey not be used? Per Josh, they have not found the original survey and records at the courthouse do not reference elevations. ( Marshall M. ) Will there be a public meeting when the results are obtained? No, the Corps will meet and discuss with their certified surveyors and then the Corps will decide on a course of action. They will present these results to RECON. ( Jeff ) I guess sand and launching of boats is still not permitted? Josh said yes, it definitely is NOT permitted.
To totally summarize the boundary question, nothing will be done from the Corps until the survey is complete.
( Jeff ) Other items relating to the Corps ( beach road , beach, swim dock, and swim area buoys ) were deemed to be in compliance.
This ended the Corps portion of the meeting.
Carl Olson said his property had been surveyed twice and accepted as accurate by the surveyor.
Russ Dunson asked about representation to RECON by Hamilton’s lots. Ron Spitler said that since there are three lots owned jointly by the Hamilton ‘s family, one representative is allowed for the board of directors or for a RECON office.
The suggestion for a RECON dumpster was dropped since no one would allow the dumpster on their property.
Boating laws for VA and NC will be put on the RECON website by Ron Spitler .
Minutes for the last meeting and the treasurer’s report were reviewed and approved .
New Business :
1. Fans . Due to the sad state of present fans in the pavilion, $1200 was approved by a 5 yay , 0 nay vote of the board.
2. Charlie Nimitz asked about how boating laws affected out of state guests or members. Ron said that residents own state laws applied. However, once the laws are read you can make your own interpretation.
3. Jeff commented that a recent rain has made the road by the Hamilton’s rough. We will wait and see if traffic smooths the road out. If not, new gravel may be needed. Since Harold is not able, we will need to find someone who can maintain the roads .
4. Thanks are needed for Harold’s maintenance of the roads and for Russ Dunson for repairing gulleys created by the recent rain. Matt W. is also to be thanked for mowing the beach.
5. Next July 4th RECON plans to repeat former practice of providing barbequed chicken, ribs, hamburgers, and hot dogs. Vegetables and desserts will continue to be pot luck. Jeff will investigate man power needed to complete. Suggestion was also made to cater since the time to clean, cook, and plan is time away from individual ‘s guests.
6. Jeff said that jug fishing can be a problem in our cove. By law only 20 jugs per boat are allowed, and they must be in a line of sight. Both the number and line of sight rules have been broken. If this continues to be a problem RECON may need to inform local game wardens.
7. Jeff said that uranium mining near the lake may be a concern for those living and recreating on the lake. The state of VA is still discussing and will rule in the near future as to whether it is accepted or not.
8. Bo said the next board meeting will be May 25, 2013.