FEBRUARY 4, 2022

Why Run for the Board of Directors?

Reflections shared by former Director, Tom Hoekstra

The Woodlake Board of Directors needs motivated, skilled, caring candidates to run for the Board this spring. Why would anyone consider running? As a former, two-term, Board member, and long-time Woodlake volunteer, I wanted to give some of my thoughts on that question.

My Personal Experiences: Developments like Woodlake don’t just continue to “thrive on their own!” They need a dedicated staff, a skilled Board of Directors, and numerous resident volunteers to succeed. When I look back at over 20 years of volunteering in our beautiful and unique development, I particularly remember my 6 years on the Board of Directors. While there were constant challenges and important decisions to be made, there was always the feeling that we were doing what was right for Woodlake residents, including maintaining our unique, lakeside community and enhancing property values for all.

Today, Woodlake continues to face new and challenging issues and we need motivated and skilled volunteers, including candidates for the Board of Directors. If you decide to run, I think that you, like me, will find it to be a fulfilling experience as you help your fellow residents and your community, meet new people, learn more about this area, and SMILE when you say, “I helped!”

Some Background Information:

What Are the Major Board Functions? Among other responsibilities, the BOD sets and manages the Association budget, guides maintenance efforts, approves and oversees capital improvement projects, interacts with various Chesterfield Departments and the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors, and, very importantly, monitors and responds to resident input.

Why Is This Election So Critical? In addition to its “normal” functions, several critical, new issues will face the Board in the next several years:

• Overseeing the construction of the SRC pool and clubhouse renovations
• Continuing to oversee the community during the pandemic
• Transitioning to a more “proactive” covenant enforcement policy
• Monitoring the continued discussions on redistricting
• Keeping Woodlake “competitive” considering the rampant building growth in the area and dealing with the increased traffic congestion that comes with the growth
• Monitoring county actions; like possible expansion of the Skinquarter dump on Rte. 360, the development of a large tract adjacent to Magnolia Green, and the extension of the Powhite Parkway to Rte. 360
• Preservation of the Swift Creek Reservoir, as the surrounding watershed is developed and as hydrilla growth is managed more successfully
• Dealing with increasing security concerns

What Skill Sets Are Needed? The Board benefits when it has energetic, motivated, resident-focused, skilled Directors who are passionate about maintaining and improving Woodlake. Given the concerns listed above, the following skills would be especially valuable to the Board at this critical time:

• Managing large construction projects
• Overall business experience
• Managing organizational budgets 
• Interacting with governmental organizations
• Information technology including security
• The environment

What Is the Bottom Line? This is a critical time for Woodlake. I am constantly amazed at the talents we have among our approximately 7000+ residents. Applying some of these talents to the management of Woodlake would benefit our community and provide you with pride. If you have the motivation and skills, please seriously consider running for the Board of Directors. I think you will be glad you did!  

Tom Hoekstra  

Shelter Cove  

February 2022

YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS YOU!

Nominations for Board of Directors Sought

Woodlake Community Association invites you to serve on the Board of Directors. Each year, the WCA membership elects new individuals to three-year terms as a part of the five-member Board of Directors. This year, there are two 3-year term seats on the Board up for election. 

If you are interested in serving the community and being a part of the leadership team, we strongly encourage you to consider filling out and submitting the Board Application Form (online HERE). You may also print the form out and return it to the office at 14900 Lake Bluff Parkway. 

Applications for nomination to the Board of Directors must be received by 5:30pm on Friday, March 11, 2022. 

Report on February 2nd Special Meeting of the Board

Hydrilla Management Is Important – And so are the HOA’s Processes

The matter that caused the Board to conduct a Special Meeting this past Wednesday surrounded the topic of funding hydrilla management efforts. However, the issue had gone beyond something as simple as $2,000 or the vegetation in our beloved lake. Over the last week, the Board of Directors received much feedback on many sides of this topic. Let it be known that all of the board members know and understand the importance of the Swift Creek Reservoir to the community; the lake is certainly a substantial amenity for all residents. The Board is very much aware that many of our 2800 property owners use the lake recreationally, whether it be for pontoon boats, paddle boards, canoes, kayaks, john boats or shore fishing. There are a considerable number of our residents who simply admire its beauty for their morning walks. Additionally, even the mission of Woodlake includes “preservation of the Swift Creek Reservoir”; the Board and management acknowledge this as a part of our responsibility. 

To be clear, the Board is committed to addressing Hydrilla Management, as it was even a focus topic at the annual Board planning session in July, 2021. In October, 2021 the Board appointed a new Woodlake representative (Mark Cacamis) to the Reservoir Hydrilla Management Group to continue working on our collective and vested interest. Furthermore, the Board is extremely appreciative of the time and dedication of the residents that have assisted in addressing this issue. 

At the regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors in December, a group of residents presented the topic of payment for a Hydrilla mitigation consultant study. This request was immediately intercepted by President Traynor, as he addressed the breech in procedure with this request. The Board asked the group to meet with the General Manager and to follow the proper steps. The Board is committed to following the procedure to uphold and maintain the integrity of their elected positions. 

While it is the Board’s duty to uphold the policies and procedures set forth, it is important to note several points. The board is a group of elected, volunteer residents. They are required to follow state and federal laws regarding HOA’s; however, they are NOT judges presiding over a courtroom of legal proceedings. Also, the continued pressure by residents for Board Members to be ruthless in upholding procedure on ONE topic, would require them to be merciless on ALL policies. This is not an ideal environment for board members or residents. It is our belief that a certain level of kindness and humanity should be maintained throughout all these processes. It is our hope that, as fellow residents, you will consider these standards as you utilize your opportunity to address the board in your conversations, be they in person or virtual.

During the meeting, the Board acted on two items.

First, to address the issue of a gap in procedure/protocols, the Board directed that the General Manager create language incorporating hydrilla management into the current Environmental & Maintenance Committee Charter. This effort should include the Woodlake Representative to the Reservoir Hydrilla Management Group. The GM will produce the draft for publication in next week’s Digest; the draft language will be considered by the Board at their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on February 23rd.

The second item was to address the request for $2,000 in funding for a hydrilla management study done by North Carolina State University. Unfortunately, the study was sought and undertaken prior to any request for funding being made of the community. After much discussion, including significant Member Voice contributions by residents, this measure was defeated by a vote of 2-3. It is important to note that this decision does not affect the number of grass carp that Chesterfield County will decide to stock into the reservoir in April 2022. There will be an open meeting of the Reservoir Hydrilla Management Group in March; at which time the county will share their hydrilla mitigation efforts for this year.

RECYCLING SCHEDULE

We have received several calls regarding the recycling schedule and Woodlake pickup dates.

According to the Central Virginia Waste Management Authority, collection will resume the regular schedule beginning next week. Woodlake follows the Blue Week schedule and our pickup day is Blue Wednesday. The next Woodlake pickup is scheduled for Wednesday, February 16.  

Woodlake has nothing to do with the recycling schedule. For updates, visit the CVWMA website, cvwma.com or call the CVWMA Hotline at 804-304-0900.

NEW OFFICE HOURS

9:00 am – 5:30 pm: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

9:00 am – 6:30 pm: Wednesday

The Association office has new hours of operation. Monday through Friday the office opens at 9:00 am (instead of 8:30). The office will still close at 5:30 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. However, on Wednesday each week, the office will be open until 6:30 pm. This will afford an extra hour in the early evening each week for those who have to work and still need to come by the office to conduct business with the association. On Wednesday evenings, the office will not be fully staffed until 6:30; however, if you need to speak to someone specifically, we will be glad to schedule an appointment during that extra hour.

NEW FRIDAY HOURS AT THE FITNESS CENTER

5:30 am - 8:00 pm

Begins TODAY, February 4, 2022

WCA Terms & Acronyms

We have put together this list of common terms and acronyms used by the Woodlake Community Association for you to reference whenever necessary. This list is also permanently available on our website HERE.