Linville Land Harbor

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DEPARTMENTAL ACTIVITY REPORT
Operations
Activity report

Over the past months we have begun breaking out of the worst of winter‟s tight
grip, and while we still have some cold temperatures and occasional snow to
deal with, we have had the opportunity to work on many outside projects.
Many of these projects involve dealing with general aesthetics and safety issues.
A good example of this has been our efforts to cut back roadside vegetation.
Other projects are aimed at improvements in property amenities. One example
of this would be the new Golf House deck addition. Read on for more
information about not only these examples, but many others which are taking
place all over Land Harbor.

A project which began late last year and just recently completed was that of
accessing Land Harbor roads. The General Manager and Operations Manager
traveled and inspected all roads for pavement conditions. The survey was
conducted using Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. The analysis
was completed in conjunction with advice and recommendations from Avery
County‟s chief DOT engineer.
As a result of road inspections, it is recognized there are many areas in need of
repair. However, a general characterization is that our roads are in overall
acceptable condition based on NCDOT standards. This year we will be
concentrating on repair type work. As specific areas of roads are repaired, we
can then consider road resurfacing.

With seasonal property owners returning to yards which need to be cleaned, an
old issue, but ongoing issue, is that of contractor debris clean up.
Accomplishments / Work Performed

Work Orders
The work order system is being totally revamped to insure accurate reporting.

Employee Training and Continuing Education
In March three (3) employees, CL Lewis, Lonnie Thompson and Jason Brown
attended continuing education class for Waste Water Treatment Plant Operators.
The class subject was „Laws and Regulations Update for Waste Water Operators‟.
In March the Operations Department Manager passed the exam for certification
in the use of aquatic pesticides. He is also certified in the category of Ornamental
and Turf applications.

Operations Administrator
Jo Lipps, Operations Administrator, has taken on additional duties. In an effort
to help with the administrative requirements of other departments, especially
those of the Land Harbor Special Police Department, she now has an office at the
LHSP building. In addition, when time allows, she will „patrol‟ Land Harbor to
help make sure contractors are in compliance with Land Harbor‟s Contractor
Registration program.
Jo will continue to work closely with the Operations Department, including calls
for Work Orders and Work Requests.

Seasonal Employees
In March we have added four (4) additional seasonal staff to the Operations
Department. Of the four (4), three (3), Brandon Watson, Cody King and Billy
Irick are returning from seasonal employment with Land Harbor. New to Land
Harbor this year is Levi Johnson.
Primary responsibilities for Brandon, Cody and Levi will be in the area of
Landscaping. Billy will be spending most his time working with Phillip Hughes
on the Carpenter crew.
Our seasonal employees are a very important part of our efforts to „getting the
job done‟ and we welcome them back.

Examples of Winter Projects
A job that not many want during the winter months is that of flushing hydrants.
Jason Brown has many water related responsibilities, flushing hydrants is just
one of them.

Another project that we tackled this winter was cleaning the interior of our bath
houses and washer / dryer rooms. In some cases, such as the D Section bath
house we used our steam cleaner to clean walls and floors. This work was done
by Libby Daniels. Libby is responsible for cleaning Land Harbor facilities.

During the winter we did find a few breaks in the weather and got a number of
outdoor projects completed. One of those projects completed was at the request
of the Marketing Committee. A decorative informational box was constructed
and placed at the POA. The box will provide information available to those who
are visiting Land Harbor.

While Land Harbor‟s front entrance area has always been beautiful, perhaps the
one „eye sore‟ was the exposed lift station equipment located on the left as you
travel to Section „C‟. This winter we enclosed the equipment with an
aesthetically pleasing enclosure. When weather allows, we will remove the
unsightly growth from behind the enclosure and replace it with plantings which
will further enhance the area.

During the winter we received a Work Order which stated that the refrigerator in
the Golf house had quit working. While investigating the problem, it was also
found that the floor beneath the refrigerator had literally rotted out. Over time,
condensation had taken its toll.
As a testament to the abilities of our staff, all repairs, both to the refrigerator itself
and replacement of the floor, were completed in house.

As had been highlighted in an earlier Activity Report, a great deal of work has
been done at the Golf House this winter, including the installation of a sliding
door at the base of the stairs. It became apparent that with the doors closed, the
area did not get enough light to traverse the stairs safely. As a result, decorative
lights were added beneath the hand rail.

We also had work to do at the tennis courts. Cracks had developed on the hard
courts and repairs were needed. The cracks were first filled such that water
would not be able to penetrate the subsurface of the court. Afterward, a material
resembling the court surface was added for a smooth finish.

For those who use the RV Storage area, you know the area needed „cleaning up‟
and the old numbering system needed updating. This is something we
accomplished this past winter. Crews followed the fence line, both inside and
outside, cleaning overgrown vegetation and trimming back tree limbs.
You‟ll find the numbered signs have been replaced and posted in a manner
which is more parking friendly.

One of the more important projects on our agenda has been the clearing of
overgrown vegetation along our roadsides. Not only is the growth unsightly, on
our narrow roads it created a safety problem.
Our efforts regarding this project were reported on in an earlier Activity Report,
but much more work has been done and an update is warranted. Through
March, approximately 85% of Land Harbor roads have been addressed. The
remaining roads will be completed in the coming months. Highland Hills Road
is just one example of the work that has been done.

Many exciting projects have been completed or are underway, all with the
intention of providing Land Harbor property owners with additional amenities
which all can enjoy.
One of those projects is the Golf House deck addition. The idea of a deck
addition actually grew out of the need to address another issue. The Golf Shop
Manager had requested that a cover be built or installed over the alley next to the
Golf House in an effort to protect the golf carts and golf cart chargers from the
weather. As the plans unfolded, we realized we could “kill two birds with one
stone” by building a deck over the area.
This has been accomplished, and now the carts will be protected and property
owners can enjoy a beautifully constructed open air deck with wonderful views.
This has been accomplished, including all Avery County permitting requirements.
Other than the deck itself, one of the most satisfying things about this beautiful
structure is that all work was done by our Land Harbor crew.
The crew consisted (L to R) of Jeremy King, Corky Cooke, Billy Irick and „crew chief‟
Phillip Hughes.
The work this crew did on the „under side‟ of the deck is equally impressive. A
protective tin roof was installed, complete with guttering system. Electrical lines were
run and chargers for ten (10) carts have been installed. This will make the Golf Shop‟s
job much easier when rental carts are needed.
The ice machine and Coke machines will be stationed where they have been in the past.
The additions of a deck and cart storage area were just a part of a „total make over‟ for
the Golf House. The Golf House itself was in need of exterior maintenance and repairs,
so repairs were made and the facility exterior painted. The old dated look is gone, and
now our facility looks fresh and vibrant; however there was one more piece needed to
„finish the puzzle‟.
In yet another display of Land Harbor talent, our deck building crew installed stacked
rock to the side of the walls facing Land Harbor Parkway and the golf course. What
were once dated looking stucco walls are now stunning rock walls, accentuating the
building‟s new look. As time allows, the same stacked rock feature will be installed on
the front portion of the Golf House.

At the end of „the season‟ last year, I unfolded some exciting plans for an area
below the dam and named it “Camp Adventure”. The area below the dam,
Camp Adventure, has always been a beautiful, but little utilized area. This is
changing as Camp Adventure is starting to take shape.
Thus far the area has been „spruced up‟, and tent camping platforms are in place.
In addition, tree houses are being built… and this is just the start! Near term
plans are to include extensions of our walking trails, a foot bridge over the river,
picnic tables, grills and even a Frisbee Golf Course.
Perhaps at this point some are thinking this is great for the „young folks‟, and
yes, it will be. However we hope everyone will check the area out. Access is
relatively easy and it is a beautiful area. So, moms and dads, grandmas and
grandpas, start plans for an overnight camping trip with the kids and grandkids!
Tents and gear will be available from the Police Department at no charge.

Another Land Harbor site that has incredible views, but perhaps has been
underutilized is the beach front area next to the pool (and below the POA
building). This too, is about to change!
A magnificent Pergola has been built on the existing concrete pad and soon stone
work will complement the structure. Nice tables, chairs and lounge chairs will
make watching a beautiful sunset, or kids and grandkids playing on the beach, a
real family retreat. Picnic tables and grills will also be on site, so plan for a „meal
on the grill‟.

Our activity is surely a sign that spring is right around the corner. While
planting is still a number of weeks away, preparation and cleanup has started.
Land Harbor has quite a bit of „common area‟ and winter cleanup is a big job.
Crews are out and tackling the tough task. Clean up of the Recreation Building
is just one example.
•
Another sign that the „season is upon us‟ is seeing Danny Jaynes, Fleet
Maintenance, working on and cleaning our mowers and landscape equipment. Our
steam cleaner (Hotsy Steam Washer) comes in handy for many purposes. Not only
does Danny have the equipment running well, he has it looking good too.

All Land Harbor departments rely on each other for help and support at times,
so a cooperative effort between departments is essential. There are many, many
examples of this, but one is the Operations Departments work with the Golf
Course Maintenance crew. The departments got together and used our fantastic
bucket truck to do some tree trimming work on the golf course.
•
The tennis courts, located at Overlook Park, are one of the most picturesque
areas in Land Harbor. It is also one of our most visited areas, as our Land Harbor
tennis players host tennis tournaments with clubs from nearby communities. The
tennis committee and its members are very proud of their area, as evident by the work
they do themselves in keeping the area beautiful.
Over the past few years there have some landscaping issues which have kept the court
side areas from looking its best. In conjunction with the Tennis Committee, we have
implemented some changes and improvements which will address not only the
problem issues, but greatly enhance the natural beauty of the area. When completed,
the lower section will have landscape timbers boarding the grass. Brown „pea gravel‟
will be used to fill in the bare area, and act as a trail from parking spaces to the tennis
pavilion.
Our Landscaping crew has been hard at work, and soon this will be an area property
owners can be proud of, as well as, be a „showcase‟ for our visitors.
We did not forget the Dog Park. Recently our landscaping crew fertilized and over
seeded the area. A few „bare spots‟ were noticed and additional attention was paid to
them.
Since the Dog Park was built several years ago, through the cooperative efforts of our
staff and the dog park users, the site remains in great shape and is a beautiful place to
take your dog for a run.
In a recent survey, 9 out 10 dogs said it was the best dog park they‟ve ever been to.

We are always keeping an eye out for areas where we can improve on the beauty
of Land Harbor by making landscaping improvements. One place where we are
attempting to do just that is at the pond (feeding the water fall) at the front
entrance.

Recently ten (10) Kousa Dogwood trees were planted on the hill side or bank
between the pond and Hwy. 221. These trees do not grow to be very tall and are
special in the fact that they bloom later than other dogwoods, usually in early
June. Future plans include „cleaning‟ the bank and planting plants and wild
flowers which will provide seasonal color.
The information in this report is just an example of some of the work we have done this
late winter / early spring. Hopefully all can see our staff has a talented, hardworking
crew that has stayed very busy.
Respectfully submitted,