By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times
John Rutledge
Q: While many LPA members aren’t at the lake as much through the winter, life goes on as usual. What has LPA been focusing on recently?
A: In the winter months, I’m frequently asked if the lake has been busy. It’s an interesting question, because the lake itself isn’t especially busy in January and February, but these months represent a very busy time for our LPA team.
Our field personnel remain busy throughout the winter. Their work includes time-sensitive projects, such as snow removal and repairs to the LPA potable water system. When time-sensitive projects weren’t front and center this winter, the crew did roadside tree trimming, equipment repairs, and cleaned up our old storage area on the South Shore.
Office staff remains busy, as well. Our accounting team is engaged with Meriwether Wilson PLC to complete the annual financial audit of LPA and LPN, LLC. In addition, our office team has a substantial amount of interaction with members who are planning for the upcoming season. Member interactions include a wide range of questions, such as inquiries about proposed building projects, boat purchases and registrations, and real estate transactions.
And, of course, one of our most frequent questions is when the Independence Day fireworks show will be held. The Independence Day fireworks show is always held on the first Saturday in July, which this year falls on July 5.
January and February are months in which my personal focus shifts heavily to the Lake Panorama Rural Improvement Zone (RIZ) planning. The budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year has been completed, with an annual TIF (tax increment financing) revenue projected to be $3.7 million. Also notable for RIZ is the purchase of a new dredge and floating booster station, which will cost about $5.5 million and be delivered in late summer or fall of 2026. Planning for wetland development, sediment basin development and management, and preventative erosion control projects is a key focus for our management team and engineering firm.
Last, but certainly not least, is our focus on the 2025 session of the Iowa Legislature. We continue to track several legislative topics and maintain a political presence on proposed legislation impacting laws related to homeowners associations, RIZ and TIF. We hosted a legislative day for the five lakes with RIZ districts on Feb. 26, which served to strengthen the network between our five lakes and ensure we’re working collaboratively to advocate for the importance of RIZ law.
Q: What’s in store for LPA during the upcoming months?
A: LPA and RIZ both have six-figure projects on the schedule for the 2025 calendar year. RIZ will continue work on the 180th Trail Basin, which is being expanded for future use of dredged materials. Work on the West Fork of Burchfield Cove wetland is expected to begin this fall, which, when completed, will be another wetland protecting Lake Panorama’s water quality. Several other key RIZ projects remain in the planning phases for a 2026 calendar year timeline.
Most notable on LPA’s docket is replacement of the dam cylinders, which will require us to lower the lake by 5 feet. Dam cylinder replacement was last completed in 2004, meaning LPA has had more than 20 years of service from this pair of dam cylinders. This fall, LPA will be replacing the current cylinders that showed signs of wear during a fall 2024 inspection. LPA will be coordinating with Panorama Marine, the three barge companies, and the LPA membership to ensure the winterization process begins immediately after Labor Day, since the lake is scheduled to be lowered in early October.
Q: What challenges do you see in the near future for Lake Panorama?
A: This year marks my 20-year anniversary working in public service, with 18 of those at LPA. Over the course of two decades, I’ve learned two hard truths about a career in community governance.
First, infrastructure improvements are rarely “flashy” but are the foundation of a community’s success. Second, tell your community what they need to hear, even if it isn’t what they want to hear.
The good news for LPA’s future is we have a decades-long history of proactive infrastructure investment. Our community continues to experience new levels of success and prosperity each year, which is due, in part, to these continued investments in the community.
The bad news is our association’s funding model has failed to keep pace with post-COVID inflation, which was an undeniable inflection point across most markets. These limitations become more apparent each year and threaten our ability to maintain a pace necessary for responsible, ongoing maintenance and infrastructure investment. This must be addressed to ensure LPA can continue to provide high-level amenities and services to the membership.
As we approach spring and summer, we will be discussing our long-range budget needs and associated funding model with the LPA Board of Directors, as well as LPA members. These discussions will be designed to evaluate what changes to LPA’s funding model may be acceptable to the membership, and when those changes may be presented to members for consideration.
As always, our team will strive to provide honest and well-researched recommendations for the community and board to consider, as we collectively seek to position LPA for both short-term and long-term prosperity. We look forward to sharing these recommendations with you, and encourage members to be sure they are signed up for LPA’s weekly Panorama Prompt email bulletin to remain informed on this and other relevant topics.