WLA Spring 2016 - Williamstown Lake Association

WILLIAMSTOWN LAKE ASSOCIATION
SPRING NEWSLETTER 2016
NUMBER 69| April 2016
Mission Statement
To have a collective voice in all matters concerning Lake Williamstown. We strive to keep
the lake clean and safe while preserving property values for all members.
News for Association Members
THINGS TO
REMEMBER
SEND IN DUES!
$50 DUE IN MAY
WLA, P.O. BOX 199
DRY RIDGE, KY 41035
LAKE CLEAN-UP
SATURDAY
JUNE 18, 2016
9AM WILLIAMSTOWN
MARINA
ANNUAL WLA
MEETING
SUNDAY, AUGUST 28
1:00 PM
RUBY’S BOAT DOCK
PADDLE WILLIAMSTOWN
SATURDAY
AUGUST 27, 2016
ANNUAL LABOR DAY
BOAT PARADE
SEPTEMBER 4, 2016
VISIT OUR
WEBSITE
LAKEWILLIAMSTOWN.ORG
www.williamstownlake.org
Number 69, April 2016
Letter from the President
Spring is here! We did not have a very harsh winter this year, which is always good.
I’m sure all of our winter snowbirds are back from their winter nests in places like
Florida and Arizona. Welcome back!
The most important topic to me is safety on the lake and the Lake Patrol. Several
people approached me at last year’s annual meeting and shared their concerns about
safety on the lake. We have not had any major incidents on the lake for a few years,
thank God, but it doesn’t mean we haven’t had our fair share of near misses. This
year, we met with the Mayor and the Williamstown Police to address our concerns
about ample patrol coverage.
Every year, the WLA donates $3,000 to the City of Williamstown to help with the
cost of the lake patrol. The Mayor has provided us with a log of the 2015 lake patrol
hours, dates and costs. Our $3,000, on average, covers just the overtime paid for
the officers patrolling. If any of the officers are working their regular shift, their
wages are not included. The additional cost to the city is the overhead, benefits,
fuel, maintenance and cost of the boat itself.
Last summer, between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend, the
Williamstown police boat patrolled the lake 33 times for an average of 3.5 hours each
time. The boat was there more on the 4th of July weekend than any other time.
During the summer period, there were 15 weekends, which equals 30 Saturdays and
Sundays and 15 Friday nights. Of the 15 available weekends, between those dates,
the patrols were out 14 of the 15. Only one weekend was missed in early August. If
we break down the number of days, 3 Friday nights and 3 Wednesday nights were
patrolled. This means 27 out of 30 Saturdays and Sundays were patrolled.
If you spent a weekend day on the lake, you had a 90% chance of seeing the police
boat patrolling at some time. It is not 24/7, but we all know when we see the police,
we sit up straight and put both hands on the wheel. It is the way we were raised.
Unless you see the boat being put in or taken out, you don’t know where or when you
will see it. Knowing the boat has been out or could be out, keeps everyone on their
best behavior.
If you look at the statistics, it would appear everything should be OK. So, what are
we doing to improve this and eliminate the near misses? Near misses, are nothing
more than disasters avoided by luck. We discussed this at our meetings and have a
few action items:

The city is looking into ways to have additional hours, including the use of part
time police officers. The police have agreed to continue to log hours and include
more details about how many warnings or citations are given.
(Cont’d next page)
Letter from the Editor
PLEASE SEND ARTICLES AND/OR PICTURES FROM ANY LAKE FUNCTIONS,
FAMILY GATHERINGS, CELEBRATIONS, MEMORIALS ETC. THAT YOU WOULD
LIKE TO HAVE IN THE NEXT NEWSLETTER!!
WE WANT TO SHOW OFF WHAT PEOPLE ARE DOING ON THE LAKE!
Send to: [email protected] or get w/ any board member
Letter from the President (cont’d)
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
President| Mark Moser
2017
513-417-2097…………...........Dock 868

Secretary | Mike Baas
2016
513.574.3561.......................Dock 976
Treasurer |Harry Fermann
2018
513.528.1324........................Dock 657
Past Pres | Greg Deimling
2017
513.231.4442……..................Dock 953
Past President| Bill Dinnison 2017
859.824.7369………………..…..Dock 190
VP Govt Affairs | Dick Austin 2017
859.824.7240…....................Dock 439
Tony Cobb
2016
513-325-4490.…….….…….....Dock 626
Rob Gerhardt
2018
513-967-8438…………..….....Dock 724
Janie Guenther Oka
2017
513.389.0220…….…………....Dock 860
Paul Guenther
2018
859-824-7565……………...….Dock 561
Greg Hicks
2018
859.824.0362......................Dock 400
Angela Jacobs
2016
859-801-9452.....................Dock 642
Mark Murray
2018
419-979-6035…..………...…...Dock 419
Rick Rose
2016
859.824.5000…...……...……..Dock 225
Kevin Zinser
2016
859-630-5421………………..…..Dock 74

We are contacting Lt. Phillips from The KY Fish and Wildlife Department to
conduct a live Boating Safety Class. Currently, this class is available on line. This
class is intended to teach boating fundamentals and the KY rules and regulations.
It is a requirement for anyone under the age of 16 operating a boat or a personal
watercraft to get the safe boating certificate. That is a law. I recommend it for
all new boat owners regardless of age.
Increasing nighttime patrols. There are times when it may not be feasible to
launch the police boat and cover the city streets at the same time, but parking
the patrol car and listening for boats speeding at night is a viable option. This
strategy also applies to boaters being loud on the lake all hours of the night.
What can we do to improve the safety on the lake?
ourselves.






We can start by policing
Make sure the operators of our boats are trained and know what they are doing.
Follow the rules of the road by staying to the right while traveling around the
lake.
Make sure our boats are Coast Guard equipped. Life jackets for every passenger,
a throw-able life preserver, working lights, horn and fire extinguisher.
Never overload your boat.
Only wakeboard or surf down the center channel, preferably in the widest parts
of the lake.
Have a designated driver. The operator of the boat cannot be impaired in any
fashion.
These are just a few recommendations, but if we use common sense for the
conditions, the lake will be much safer. For example: Skiing on the 4 th of July at 3:00
PM may not be the wisest decision. The lake will be too crowded that day. I am
predicting that now. If you see anything unsafe or anyone violating the lake ordinance,
call 911. The police will respond to our calls from the lake.
Believe me when I say that I don’t know it all and am open for any and all suggestions.
Please email me yours.
Let’s have a safe summer!
Take care,
Mark
New Web Site!!
Be sure to go to www.lakewilliamstown.org to check out our new website. One visit and you
can:

Check bylaws

Get contact info

Get news letters

Event info

and more
Let us know your thoughts on what to add. We need old pictures for our history page so
please scan those albums and email to [email protected]. Thanks
Williamstown Lake on Facebook
The “Williamstown Lake Homeowners” Facebook page is up and running. Currently,
we have 265 Friends and hope to grow. It’s a great way for homeowners to
communicate miscellaneous information, news, lost items etc. If you would like an
invitation, please email [email protected] or [email protected].
New Williamstown Water Treatment Plant
Construction of the City of Williamstown’s new water plant has begun. A new 16” raw waterline is being installed from the
boat launch area on Summer Drive and runs parallel to Fairview Road until it goes across country at the Afterkirk Farm and
connects to the new plant on Waterworks Road. Construction of the plant will take 18 months and is expected to be
completed November 2017. The plant will be capable of producing 4 million gallons per day, but production is expected to be
between 1.7 to 2.0 million gallons per day, which includes Ark Encounter usage. Currently, water production continues to
decrease and is averaging 1.2 gallons per day, down from the 2008 levels of 1.8 gallons per day.
The City will also be treating the lake for algae issues starting in the next few weeks. Residents from the water plant to the
marina should see differences in the quality and color of the water. Blue tint, much like found in a treated pond should be
evident as treatment continues.
Let’s go Surfin’ now, Everybody’s learnin’ how!
The City of Williamstown has revised the Lake Ordinance and eliminated 95.09 C 10. This line in the ordinance did not allow
pulling anyone behind a boat on a rope less than 20 feet in length. It was written into the ordinance back in the days when
most boats on the lake were outboards or I/O’s, where someone could get severely injured or killed falling that close to the
propeller. Today’s direct drive ski boats and wakeboard boats have the propeller under the boat and at least 3 feet away from
the back edge of the ski platform. This makes the sport very safe and it is more enjoyable due to the low speed and low
impact to your body.
The same rules apply for surfing on Williamstown Lake as in wakeboarding:



Always wear your PFD
No artificial bladders are allowed on Williamstown Lake
Travel down the middle of the lake (preferably at the widest parts of the lake)
Always be courteous to others when participating in any watersport. Be kind to fishermen, who may
be standing with their back to you or who may have small children on small boats and home owners
who just invested thousands of dollars in their docks that high wakes may damage.
Winter Security
It may be caused by the warm winter season, on three separate occasions, I was informed about burglaries that happened to
homes on the lake. It is sad to think that people are so desperate that they will steal things that will bring little cash for
resale, but cost a lot of time, money and effort to fix or replace. It appears lake houses that look like they are closed for the
season and have easy escape routes are the primary targets for thieves. The break-ins I have heard about, have been on Price
Hill Dr. and Jacob Dr. Price Hill Dr. from Humes Ridge is secluded and I don’t know of anyone living there full time. Jacob Dr.
is almost like a drive thru. There is an escape route for the perpetrators because there is more than one way out. Someone
may see them drive down the road and they go out the other side.
My suggestions are:

Don’t make your homes look like they are closed for the season.

Leave lights on or use timers to make it appear someone may be there when it gets dark.

Invest in a security system. A cellular security system will cost between $40-$50 a month. Cellular systems do not
require a phone line. There are less expensive systems available if you have Wi-Fi in your lake home, which many people
do.

The least expensive alternative is, don’t leave anything of any real value at the lake if you close up for the winter months.
What a Difference A Couple of Decades Makes
I am a self-proclaimed real estate nerd. Luckily, being a property junkie is the nature of my profession. The study of real
estate is essentially the study of human nature, which is a result of factors including interest rates, stock market, election
results, weather, and oil prices.
An interesting trend is the price of properties in “second-home” communities such as Williamstown Lake. After twenty years
in this business, I have seen the values of lakefront properties skyrocket, fall, and rise again. Two decades ago, one could
purchase a basic lake cottage with primitive to standard amenities in the range of $20,000-$80,000.
By 2005-2008, oh boy, things were booming! Buyers were purchasing these little beauties at a rate that exceeded available
inventory. Properties were selling before realtors could stick a sign in the yard. There was, literally, a waiting list to purchase
lakefront homes. These were good times for sellers, especially those lucky people who bought when demand was low. These
cottages, some that were renovated, are now ranging in sale prices from $80,000-$325,000. Wish I could have predicted
this!
Then it happened, the foreclosure crisis of 2007-2009. Banks and lenders tightened their belts and borrowed money was
difficult to get. As a result, people shopping for a lake house could not obtain financing – prices started to drop.
Prices remained stable through the next several years. Most properties remained in the $100,000-$240,000 range, with the
majority of lake cottages selling between $150,000 and $190,000. During this period, prices of basic lake cottages rarely
exceeded the $200,000 mark.
Today, cottage prices are not back to their “pre-bubble” height, but have continued to steadily increase. Our lake has many
beautiful new homes located in the Harbour Pointe Subdivision and dotted around the shorelines. These new construction
properties have filled some of the few remaining vacant lots as well as replaced old cottages, which were demolished in the
name of development.
I rely heavily on sales and new construction homes in communities such as Williamstown Lake to assist in my analysis of market
stability. Renovations and additions to existing properties, especially those considered weekend homes, show a willingness to
invest in the housing market and result in a strengthened market.
Another promising trend is the ever-increasing percentage of full-time residents on Lake Williamstown. I would project that
as the real estate market continues to strengthen, more new and old visitors to our lake will make this community their
permanent home.
I am looking forward to my first spring pontoon ride to see all the changes to existing homes, docks, new homes and
modifications made on the lake.
Hope you all have a safe, healthy, and happy 2016 Lake Season!!
Angie Jacobs
Dock 642
Waiting for Summer!
Kentucky Department of
Fish and Wildlife
is holding a Safe Boating Class.
•
When: April 16, 2016 @ 9:00 AM
•
Where: The Williamstown City Building 400 N. Main St.
•
What to know: This class is recommended for any new or
novice boat owners and mandatory for anyone under the
age of 16 to operate a boat or personal watercraft.
Parents of minors should attend with their children to
assure the most effective training. The class will take 4-5
hours to complete and a safe boating certificate will be
issued to all who pass the quiz at the end.
Space is Limited
Please RSVP to [email protected]
The Big Bang Continues…
One of the things that I always look forward to at the lake is the fireworks display season begins with Memorial Day and ends
somewhere after Labor Day. Generally, you can count on some very beautiful displays on most all weekends. Over the years,
the duration, range and beauty presented has grown. I say thank you to all of the families and individuals who have provided
these spectacular displays and the hopes they will continue as a “lake” staple.
In the same breath, I would like to take moment to ask all of us to stop, think and add a good dose of common sense to the
very real dangers associated with consumer fireworks, sparklers and other explosive devices.
Keep in mind, there is a big difference between consumer fireworks , professional fireworks, 1.3G fireworks and the hundreds
of illegal explosives. Be careful where you purchase your fireworks....the safest would be a licensed store, tent or stand. Be
very cautious if dealing with an individual or someone on the street. While the price may be very good, the danger and risk
factors are increased exponentially.
Consumer fireworks generally include cones, fountains, rockets, sparklers and multi tube aerial devices. These fireworks are
found in multi color packaging. Complete with safety warnings and country of origin. These are the safest and especially if you
are new to the “fireworks game”.
The National Council On Fireworks Safety, http://www.fireworkssafety.org/ recommends the following safety tips:

Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.

Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.

A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.

Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.

Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.

Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.

Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.

Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.

Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.

Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.

Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible
materials until the next day.

FAA regulations PROHIBIT the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.

Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.
Kentucky is among eighteen states that allow “safe and sane” non-aerial fireworks. For the most part, I found two statutes
KRS 227.702 and KRS 227.706 defining the difference between consumer and display fireworks. It appears that The
Commonwealth has left to the county governments, (we are in Grant County) to determine the terms under which the sale and
use of fireworks will be allowed.
Grant County addresses the fireworks issues in the Grant County- General Regulations under Title Nine Chapter Ninety-two.
The most important thing is to remember that fireworks, while enjoyable, providing a beauty all their own and amazing colors
can be devastating if something goes wrong. It takes only a simple momentary lapse in time, a turn of the head or a wink of
the eye to set in motion a damaging event.
Enjoy your celebrations, however, do so safely and remain vigilant so your families remember the moment and beauty and are
not forced to accept a tragedy.
Greg Deimling
Dock 953
Lake Clean Up Day
Please save the date…..Lake Clean-Up Day is Saturday, June 18th. Meet at
Williamstown Marina at 9 a.m. if you need a boat to ride along on to help.
We have had many people show up for this event in the past. Please do your part
to help keep your lake beautiful!
Unload the garbage you have collected around 11 and stay to socialize as lunch
will be provided by The Lake Association with food preparations by Williamstown
Marina.
Are you interested in the natural beauty associated with Williamstown Lake?
Lynne has captured that beauty in a magnificent coffee table book. This is a 15” x 11.5” hard cover, 20 full color page album. It would
make a great Christmas Gift for any nature lover.
Supplies are limited, so get them while they are still available.
“Lake Williamstown Birds” Volume 1, is available for $50.00/each.
Please e-mail Lynne at [email protected] with any inquiries or send your check payable to:
Lynne Testerman,
6331 Englewood Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45237
OR call 513-205-5766
Moving to Williamstown Marina bringing full service repair!
For Sale
2 LOTS WITH 163’ OF WATER FRONTAGE.
ON A CITY MAINTAINED PAVED ROAD.
WITH CITY WATER AND CABLE TV.
WITH AN EXISTING SEPTIC SYSTEM.
HAS A CONCRETE DRIVEWAY.
2 SLIP COVERED BOAT DOCK WITH A SIDE
SUNDECK.
APPROVED BUILDABLE BY THE CITY OF WILLIAMSTOWN.
I Buy Old Pontoon Boats
Running or Not Running
With Trailer or Without
Call after 5:00
859-620-0722
VERY, VERY PEACEFUL.
$140,000.
CALL 859-393-7059
Docks by Talc
Decks, Remodeling, Misc.
Work all winter.
Home: 859-823-0391
Cell: 859-391-2222
Phone 859-823-0645
N O T I C E !
If you are planning to do any dock construction and/or
remodeling over 50% of the present area and/or
planning to alter the 50 foot easement on your
property, you must contact the City of Williamstown for
a permit. The permit is $50. You will save a lot of frustration for both parties if you comply with the
ordinance.
Skyway Realty & Development Co. LLC
Skyway Realty & Development Co. LLC was founded on the premise that Professional Service and Personal Attention go hand in hand
to provide the total Real Estate Experience. We have the resources to market your property for sale, assist you in the development
of your property or guide you as you purchase your dream.
Small Enough to Know You, Large Enough to Serve You!
Residential
Farms
Lakefront-Lake Area Lots
Auctions
Commercial, Multi-Family, Industrial
Lots & Acreage
Greg Hicks, Broker/Co-Owner - Skyway Realty
859.824.0362 home, 859.391.6511 cell
Williamstown Office
118 Humes Ridge Road
Williamstown, KY 41097
859.824.3336 fax 859.824.5504
[email protected]
www.skywayrealty.com
Lifetime resident of Grant County in Northern Kentucky.
Member of NAR & Northern Kentucky Association
of Realtors.
*Historically Low Interest Rates
*Great Values in New Construction, Farms, Residential,
Commercial and Investment Properties!
Experience the advantages of working with a Realtor.
Cindy Kinmon, Realtor
The Realty Place
859.743.7257 Cell
859.824.1770 fax line
*Referrals
are the key to growing my business; if you know
someone in the market to buy or sell a home, please give them
my name!
The Realty Place
90 S. Main Suite 1
Dry Ridge, KY 41035
For All Your Dock Needs
We Do:






Repairs
Additions
Modifications
Lift Systems
Roof Systems
And New Docks
Call (859) 824-5000
E-mail: [email protected]
WE
STORE
BOATS
CALL 859-824-5000
PWC SALES & SERVICE/SMALL ATV/MOTORCYCLES/DIRT
BIKE/ATV PERFORMANCE/SMALL ENGINE REPAIR/FLY
BOARD RENTAL (pictured below)
Insurance Accepted/Certified Sea-Doo Tech/Storage Available
Custom Body & Paint Work/ On The Spot Service
27 N. Main Street
PAULE CASALE
Dry Ridge, KY 41035
859.824.WAVE (9283)
(CELL) 859.380.9424
[email protected]
Do you have a septic problem OR your neighbor
isn’t taking care of his septic problem?
Report to Grant County Health Department
859-824-5074 Ashley
BRUCE’S GROCERY
Your ONE STOP Shopping Center
8430 Dixie Highway, Williamstown, Kentucky 41097 (Four miles South of Williamstown on US 25)
859-824-4376
Sunday 1:00—7:00 PM
LICENSES
TREATED LUMBER
4x4
OVERSHOES
2x4
SPORTING GOODS
2x6
8’ Lengths Only
GROCERY
POWER TOOLS
GAS
ELECTRICAL
MEAT
HAND TOOLS
FRESH STEAKS (Will cut to order)
CLOTHING
WOLVERINE BOOTS
COMPLETE LINES___
PLUMBING
Monday—Saturday 5:00 AM— 9:00 PM
______________
HORSE & DOG FOOD (Veterinary Supplies)
WE EXCHANGE PROPANE TANKS
DIESEL
NAILS
FENCING
COMPARE TO MALL PRICES!
(M/C, Visa, American Express, Discover and CASH accepted)
LAWN MOWERS
FRIENDLY, HELPFUL EMPLOYEES! STOP IN AND SEE WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER!
WILLIAMSTOWN LAKE ASSOCIATION
PO BOX 199
Presort Standard
DRY RIDGE KY 41035
U. S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 777
Cincinnati, OH
EVERGREEN
STORAGE
24 HOUR ENTRY SECURITY GATE
OUTSIDE BOAT & RV STORAGE
INSIDE 10 X 15 STORAGE UNIT
100 Lynn Pope Lane
Williamstown, KY
TAYLOR
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
Sales
-
Service
- Installation
Geo-Thermal Systems
1070 Independence Pike
Dry Ridge, KY 41035
License#M03638
Greg Taylor
(859) 824-9951
(HOME OF LAKE WILLIAMSTOWN)
859-380-8979
Ask for Troy Hale
10% Discount for Veterans
& Seniors
SELF STORAGE MADE EASY
EDWARDO’S PIZZA & SUBS
1402 N. Main Street
824-4400
Pizza, Appetizers, Pasta,
Subs, Salads & Calzones
Outdoor Patio
Karaoke Every Friday
Live Music Every Saturday
Beer & Drink Specials Nightly