BALLOT FOR PROPOSED SPECIAL ASSESSMENT TO FUND WATERWAYS
DEVELOPMENT OF LONGTERM LARGE-SCALE AIS APPROACH 2025-2028 KEYS TOWNHOMES
PG. 21
Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association
Linda Callahan Architectural Control Dept. Manager, Ext. 239
The
(TKPOA), which
Lake Tahoe,
96150.
356 Ala Wai Boulevard South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 (530) 542-6444 p (530) 541-2521 f tkpoa.com
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE HOURS 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Mon–Fri 10:00 am to 2: 00 pm, Sat & Sun
TAHOE KEYS PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION
Hallie Kirkingburg General Manager, ext. 224
Heather Blumenthal Operations Manager, Ext. 228
John Cefalu Facilities Director, Ext. 226
Security (530) 545-0847
Water Company (530) 318-4268
Kristine Lebo Water Quality Manager, Ext. 241
Front Desk Attendant Ext. 221
Water Quality Ext. 275
2024–2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dave Peterson, PRESIDENT
Peter Grant, VICE PRESIDENT
Bryan Welsh, TREASURER
Sabine Litten, SECRETARY
Joby Cefalu, DIRECTOR
Bonnie Halleran, DIRECTOR
Mark Acri, DIRECTOR
ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL (ACC) APPLICATIONS
HOW TO APPLY ONLINE
Please click on the link to begin. https://tkpoa. connectresident.com/
1. Create an account, or sign in.
2. Select the Architectural Mods button. Complete the FirstService Resident Connect application.
3. Upload your TKPOA application for your type of improvement, site plan, pictures, scope of work, surveys, and any other important details for review by the Architectural Control Committee or the Community Design & Review team.
4. TKPOA applications are on the TKPOA website www. tkpoa.com under documents, Architectural Control,or on the FirstService Resident Connect Portal – to the left of the Architectural Mods button.
5. Click two boxes, draw your signature or initials, and pay your review fee using your bank account ACH (no fee) or credit card ($ .99 fee).
6. Do not pay the ACC review fee on ClickPay, ClickPay is for your quarterly payments and any special assessments.
You can also go to the TKPOA website and click on the blue button “FirstService Resident Connect”.
Have questions? Please contact Linda Callahan at (530) 5439542 Linda.Callahan@fsresidential.com or Greg Turle at (530) 543-9543 Greg.Turle@fsresidential.com
Stay Ahead of Colorectal Cancer
Schedule Your Colonoscopy Today
Some colorectal cancers cannot be prevented, finding them early is the best way to improve the chance of successful treatment and reduce the number of deaths caused by colorectal cancer.
Please discuss your colorectal cancer screening options with your primary care provider if you:
• Are 45 years old or older or
• Have a family history of colorectal cancer.
Speak with your primary care provider for a referral as needed: 530.543.5623
Colorectal Cancer: a Importance of Screenings and Managing Colon Care
Colorectal cancer is among the most common types of cancer. It arises from abnormal growth of cells in the lining of the colon or rectum, forming polyps that can become cancerous over time.
While it is a potentially deadly disease, early detection through preventative screenings can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment.
If you’re under age 45, you may believe colorectal cancer isn’t something you need to think about right now, but cases of colorectal cancer in younger age groups have been rising for decades. And unlike an older adult, you may not be routinely screened for the disease. That makes it especially important to know how to recognize the warning signs of colorectal cancer. This could help you catch it at an early stage, when it’s easier to treat.
The red flag symptoms of colorectal cancer include stomach pain, rectal bleeding, frequent loose stools/ diarrhea, and iron-deficiency anemia (lack of enough iron in your body, which can be diagnosed through blood tests). Having just one of these red-flag signs can nearly double the likelihood of being diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer, therefore it is essential to speak with your provider if you notice anything abnormal.
Colorectal cancer typically develops slowly over several years, often beginning as pre-cancerous polyps. These polyps can be detected and removed during routine screenings before they turn cancerous, preventing the progression of the
disease. Several factors can increase your risk of colorectal cancer, including:
• Age: The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age
• Family history: People with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps are at higher risk.
• Lifestyle factors: Poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, and heavy alcohol consumption can also increase the risk.
Regular screenings for colorectal cancer are crucial for early detection and prevention. The American Cancer Society recommends starting screenings at age 45 for average-risk individuals, while those with a family history or other risk factors may need to start earlier. It’s best to consult with your provider to understand which screening (or combination of screenings) is best for you.
Some tests look for signs of cancer in your stool. These may be performed every one to three years. While this is a less invasive option, there are drawbacks, including that polyps may not be bleeding at the time of the test, and additional testing will be recommended if abnormalities are found.
Visual exams of your colon and rectum using a viewing scope (colonoscopy) remain the most effective screening exam for colorectal cancer. These exams are recommended every 10 years after age 45, or sooner if you are noted to have colonic polyps during your colonoscopy examination.
When it comes to colorectal cancer, early detection through regular screenings is imperative, as the sooner it’s caught, the easier it is to treat. By taking proactive steps and staying informed, individuals can effectively manage their colon care and reduce the impact of this disease.
Dr. Azadeh Brumand is a board-certified gastroenterologist with Barton Gastroenterology, offering advanced screening for colorectal cancer with referral. Contact your primary care provider for a referral, or for more information, visit BartonHealth.org.
LET’S GET CONNECTED!
Missing emails about what’s going on in the Association? Missing important updates from staff? Great news! TKPOA staff uses “Connect” to send e-mail blasts. If you haven’t opted in to receive emails, you’re missing out!
It's simple to sign up:
• Visit https://tkpoa.connectresident.com/. and sign in
• Click on the three bars in top left corner – select “My Account”
• Under "My Communications Preferences," update your email and click on all applicable boxes (note: this does NOT opt you into the Association’s Membership list which can be shared with other owners)
It is highly recommended that Communications@mc.fsresidential.com be added to your approved senders list so that emails sent from the Association go to your inbox instead of your spam/junk folder.
This change helps us save costs, keeps you informed, and ensures we have your most up-to-date email on file. Explore additional features on the portal, such as architectural control applications and account information.
Where can I find my account number?
Your TKPOA account number can be found on your quarterly billing statements under Customer ID. All Account/Customer IDs begin with TAKEY, followed by 4 numbers assigned to your property address. TKPOA Staff can also provide members with their account numbers, please contact info@tahoekeyspoa.org for assistance.
If you need assistance with the FirstService Resident Connect Portal, please contact the 24/7 Customer Care Center at (800) 428-5588.
Joby Cefalu
TKPOA Board Member | 40+ Year TKPOA Resident
License: #02135194 - CA
License: #197561 - NV
License: #197561 - NV Property Management
M: (530) 308-4458
O: (530) 543-6676
2025
BOARD ACTIONS SUMMARY
By Heather Blumenthal, Operations Manager
FEBRUARY 19TH – BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE SESSION
BOARD ACTIONS
• Reviewed 0 Personnel Matters
• Reviewed 9 Legal Matters
• Reviewed 3 Member Disputes and Disciplinary Matters
• Reviewed 1 Contract
• Authorized initiation of foreclosure of lien for APN #022061-048-000, 022-331-014-000, 022-421-066-000, 022321-037-000, 022-032-015-000.
FEBRUARY 19TH – BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OPEN SESSION
BOARD ACTIONS
• Approved the proposed Financial Information Policy for expenditure requests prior to submittal to the Board of Directors.
• Appointed Alan Nicholson and Renee Landau as Architectural Control Committee Members-in-Training.
• Appointed Lyssa Beatty to the Lifestyle and Activities Committee.
• Authorized the rehab of the indoor pool concrete floor and the replastering of the pool and installation of new corner steps at a cost of up to $287,626.00. Funds are to be assessed to GL: 19662 “Pool Reserve.”
• Authorized a $1,052,700.00 TMS reserve expense ($957,000.00 plus 10% contingency) to replace the roofs on buildings 1-8 with 24-gauge metal as proposed by RD Enterprises. Further, the Board authorizes RD Enterprises to complete the project at the estimated proposed cost of $957,000.00. Funds are to be assessed from GL: 19820 “Roof Reserves.”
• Authorized $37,000.00 to be transferred from the Lighthouse Shores operating account into the Lighthouse Shores reserve account. The Board directs Management to transfer the borrowed funds back into the operating account as funds become available in the reserve account.
• Approved EMKO’s proposed cost of $47,000.00 to provide technical & regulatory support to TKPOA in 2025, as cited in Tasks 1-3 of the January 27, 2025, proposal.
• Approved the $325,000 Control Methods Test (CMT) fund carryover request to be applied to waterways special projects.
• Approved the waterways special projects 2025-2028 funding ballot to go out for membership vote with a proposed 2 tier payment option at .75% for townhomes, landlocked properties, and properties that front on Lake Tallac; and at 100% for remaining properties.
• Approved ACC Rules Sections 07.07, 15.08, and 15.13 for a 28-day membership review period.
• Approved ACC Rules for Townhome Exteriors Section 23 for a 28-day membership review period.
2025 ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL COMMITTEE
MEETING SCHEDULE
ACC Meetings are held on Tuesdays
January 14
April 8
July 1, 15, 29
October 7
February 11
May 6, 20
August 12, 26
November 4
March 11
June 3, 17
September 9, 23
December 2
All meetings are held at the Pavilion and begin at 9:00 am unless otherwise posted. ACC application submittals are due by Wednesday prior to the meeting date. For more information, please contact Linda Callahan, ACD Manager, at (530) 542-6444, ext. 239, or lcallahan@tahoekeyspoa.org.
TKPOA MARCH 2025 CALENDAR +
MARCH
ASSESSMENT COLLECTIONS UPDATE
Hello Tahoe Keys Residents!
This is a friendly reminder that the upcoming second quarter assessment will be due April 1st, 2025! Please be sure to check your account statement and disclosure documents for the 2025 Budget and Quarterly Assessment amount. The information needed to set up assessment payments can be found below and is listed on your quarterly statement.
PAYMENT OPTIONS ARE:
1. ClickPay – FirstService Residential’s online payment service provider. You can access ClickPay by visiting https://login.clickpay.com/firstservice. Please note that ClickPay charges a service fee depending on form of payment.
2. Bill Pay – Your bank’s bill pay service. If using this service, please enter the following: name, address, and include your 8-digit Account Number on your bank’s website when using its bill pay service:
Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association c/o FirstService Residential PO Box 30354, Tampa, FL 33630
Please note that your account number with FirstService is different from your previous TKPOA account number. Your FirstService account number is the same as the Customer ID number listed on your quarterly statements.
3. Paper Check – Mail a Check to the address above. Include your FirstService remit slip from your monthly statement and your 8-digit FirstService/TKPOA account number.
E-STATEMENTS
By default, the assessment statements are sent as a hard copy; if you would like to sign up to receive your future assessment statements electronically, please navigate to: https://estatements.welcomelink.com/ fscalifornia to sign up.
ASSESSMENT PAYMENT FAQS
Q: How are assessment charges applied to my account? A: Regular quarterly assessments are due based on the following schedule each year:
• First Quarter due January 1st, considered delinquent if received after January 30th.
• Second Quarter due April 1st, considered delinquent if received after April 30th.
• Third Quarter due July 1st, considered delinquent if received after July 30th.
• Fourth Quarter due October 1st, considered delinquent if received after October 30th.
Assessment charges, for regular or special assessments, are not applied to owner accounts until the respective due dates. Using the regular quarterly assessment as an example, the first quarter assessment will not be charged to an owner’s account until the January 1st due date.
Q: When do late fees and interest charges apply?
A: Late fees and interest charges begin accruing 30 days after the assessment due date. Collection charges begin accruing after 45 days. Please reference the regular quarterly assessment schedule.
Q: What happens if I pay my assessments early?
A: Early payment of assessments is not required, however, for those owners who choose to pay their assessments prior to the due date, a credit will temporarily show on your account until the assessment due date.
Q: How should I make my check out for my assessment payments?
A: Checks and online bank bill pay payments should be made out to the: Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association or TKPOA.
Note: To ensure your payment is applied correctly to your account, include your Tahoe Keys account number in the check memo section for check and online bill-pay payments submitted.
Q: There are multiple charges on my account. What are they all for?
A: Reference the Statement Outline below:
• Townhome Assessment – for townhome owners only, this is the Operating and Reserve portion
of the quarterly assessment specific to the Townhome Cove Subdivision.
• Quarterly Assessment – this is the Common Operating and Reserve portion of the total Common quarterly assessment.
• Water Quality Assessment - this is the Water Quality Operating and Reserve portion of the total Common quarterly assessment.
• Water Company Assessment – this is the Water Company Operating and Reserve portion of the total Common quarterly assessment.
• Channels and Lagoons – this is the Reserve portion of the total Common assessment for the Channels and Lagoons account. These are funds that go towards dredging and bulkhead projects for the East and West Channels.
Q: Who do I contact for questions on my account?
A: For account questions, members should contact the 24/7 Customer Care Center at (800) 428-5588. On-site staff is also available at info@tahoekeyspoa.org or (530) 542-6444.
Q: I am having issues with my ClickPay account, who do I contact for assistance?
A: For assistance with ClickPay, members should contact ClickPay customer support directly at (888) 354-0135.
By Dave Peterson
Big things are happening:
Waterways. At the February meeting, the board approved going out for a member vote on a 4-year special assessment to fund development of a long-term weeds management plan, environmental document preparation, and permitting of the plan. The special assessment would also pay our share of interim weed control activities over the 4-year period. The special assessment would raise $3M to cover our portion. TRPA and the League to Save Lake Tahoe are planning to fund the greater portion of the costs.
A portion of your regular dues pays for ongoing waterways costs including harvesting and water quality permit compliance work. That goes on year after year, regardless. But harvesting alone is a losing battle. This special assessment would fund work beyond these tasks in order to hopefully get us to permitted, effective, longterm weeds management plan.
The board also approved a modified assessment formula, in which townhomes, Lake Tallac properties, and landlocked properties would pay a 75% share and all others would pay a 100% share. The board debated this for some time, and concluded that this formula is “more fair” than the previous allocation.
Look for a ballot in your mailbox soon, and please vote.
Drinking Water. Our board subcommittee met with STPUD in February to discuss the status of consolidation studies. This was my first meeting on this process, which has been going on for 3 years or so. TKPOA has been funding STPUD to contract an engineering study on physical alternatives for STPUD to serve TKPOA (as an alternative to TKPOA staying independent). The current phase of study was initiated in the summer of 2023, and a kickoff meeting was held with TKPOA and STPUD at that time. The study was supposed to have been completed in February 2024, but the schedule slipped. TKPOA has
not been invited to a meeting since the kickoff a year and a half ago, nor has the committee seen any intermediate deliverables or been asked for input, despite those things being in the scope of work.
At the February meeting, STPUD’s consultant presented the draft final results of the study in a Powerpoint. Suffice it to say, I was not happy. The alternatives were formulated for singular TKPOA benefit, not joint benefit, and criteria were imposed which constrained the results. The capital cost of their alternatives varied from $34M to $127M, which would be entirely borne by TKPOA if implemented. STPUD’s next steps were to have their consultant prepare the report, then proceed with legal and financial analyses. The subcommittee asked them to hold until we can get direction from the board.
Last year the board committee advised that the STPUD process was not looking good, so the board decided to move forward with our own engineer (PBI) on our own system improvement plan. The PBI plan to restore system function consists of a new well, water tank, and select water main replacements. The PBI plan is roughly half the cost of the cheapest STPUD alternative.
The subcommittee will report to the board at the March meeting, and the full board will decide on what to do with the STPUD process. Meanwhile, the Finance Committee is investigating loan options for financing the PBI plan, and our Water Company is investigating grant opportunities. PBI is currently preparing 60% complete plans for Phase 1 (well and pipelines). At the March meeting, the board will consider an extension of their contract to finalize the plans and permits for construction of phase 1, and assist us with bidding.
St. Moritz and Bavarian Isle Bulkheads. In late 2023 we received a preliminary report from our engineer (RGA) that basically said St. Moritz bulkheads were in good shape for the next 20 years with some minor work to install relief drains. And that report said Bavarian Isle would need new tiebacks. I reported this to you in a late 2023 Breeze article. But the report contained two big caveats: the condition of the underwater portion of the
bulkheads was unknown, as was the condition of the tiebacks, and the preliminary conclusions relied on assumptions for these critical data points. In March 2024 the board authorized RGA to collect additional data and remove the caveats.
RGA’s final report was presented to the board at the January board meeting. Basically, the report says that both Bavarian and St. Moritz bulkheads need to be replaced ASAP. The bulkhead steel thickness under water was worse than they had assumed, as was the condition of the tiebacks. The Bavarian Isle bulkhead’s life could be extended another 5 years by replacing tiebacks, according to RGA, but 5 years of extended life isn’t enough to justify the expenditure. So both bulkheads need to be replaced soon. RGA said that our biggest risk is when the lake drops again and we have either a snowload surcharge or groundwater buildup on the land side of the bulkhead.
So we will need to act soon, unfortunately, and it is going to be very expensive. Recent projects have cost over $5k/lineal foot. But prices have inflated since then, and the new tariff on steel won’t help. For now, assume $6-7k/ft, and multiply that by your length of wall. The number is staggering, I realize, but the problem is not going away. I’m sorry to be the messenger here, but if it makes you feel any better, we live on St. Moritz Isle. Lianne and I are in this too!
The bulkheads on these 2 Isles belong to the adjacent landowners, so technically it is the responsibility of each owner to replace their bulkhead. But TKPOA has the authority to act on members’ behalf if the members of each isle vote to delegate. The board has scheduled townhall meetings on April 17 and April 24 at 6pm. Each Isle will be the subject of one of the two nights, but I’m not sure which is which at
this point. Please mark your calendars if you reside in one of these two subdivisions. You can look at your amenity card, and in the lower left quadrant it identifies your subdivision.
Marina. A board subcommittee is still in discussions about possibly co-locating our new water tank on Marina property as an alternative to buying the “yellow lot” and constructing there. There are advantages and disadvantages to both alternatives, and we’re looking for a win-win.
Meanwhile, in those discussions we have received updates on the Marina’s plans. They plan to replace all of their docks and dredge the east channel shortly after Labor Day this year. This will affect boat access to the entire east channel complex. They are not certain that access will be fully curtailed once they get started, but it is probably wise to assume that that will be the case. So boating season may be cut short for you east channel folks. And for everyone else, you may not have access to the ramps after Labor Day this year.
This report was a big one. But I’ve had to conclude many prior months’ report sections with “more to come on this” for a long time, and the fog is finally clearing on some of these big issues. Once we get the waterways longterm plan permitted, we’ll have to fund it, and I have no idea what that cost will be. We’re 4 years from that answer. But the other two big challenges, drinking water and bulkheads, are being revealed and dealt with, and once done, the big cash outlays are done for a long while. And for you in the townhomes, you have additional cost challenges related to your buildings. It all adds up, I realize. But these are meat and bone projects that must be done.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
ADDRESSING BULKHEAD CONCERNS FOR
COVE 3B, 4, AND 5 OWNERS
Dear townhome owners,
The bulkhead replacement discussions for Townhome Coves have been buzzing since the emergency replacement in Cove 3C. We learned plenty of lessons from 3C, of which we’ll cover later in this article..
The uncertainty regarding what’s going on with our bulkheads has created a lot of anxiety for the townhome owners in Coves 3B, 4, and 5. I wanted to clarify for you what we know, what we don’t know now,and what we recommend at this point.
WHAT DO WE KNOW?
1. The bulkheads are the most expensive capital item for townhome owners to replace. Our current bulkheads are over 60 years old, withCoves 3B, 4 and 5 each undergoing one helical anchor repair..
2. As per the governing documents, townhome owners are responsible for funding the bulkhead replacement within their Cove’s property lines. The Marina and other parties in the East Channel are financially responsible for their own channels.
3. All of Cove 5’s bulkhead needs to be replaced within 5 years — no repair is possible.
4. Only about half of Cove 4’s bulkhead (the “tall” section) needs to be replaced within 5 years. The other half has up to 10 years left at this point (this may change with future engineering reports or major seismic events).
5. Cove 3B’s bulkhead has up to 10 years left at this point (this may change with future engineering reports or major seismic events).
6. The indoor pool parcel’s bulkhead also needs to be replaced within 5 years. This replacement will be funded from Common Reserves (the reserves all 1528 TKPOA homeowners pay into with their quarterly dues). This is not to be confused with the “Common Area” within the Townhome Coves, nor the reserve account each Townhome Cove pays into to only fund capital replacements or repairs within their Cove (e.g. roofs, siding, docks etc).
7. The two latest reports on the Coves’ bulkhead condition are the Noble report (January 2024) and the RGA steel assessment report (December 2024). Both are posted on the TKPOA website.
8. Linear feet of bulkhead for Coves 3B, 4, and 5:
Cove 3B: 189 linear feet
Cove 4: 316 linear feet
Cove 5: 1240 linear feet
9. Timeline if the Cove(s) want to do the project “as soon as possible”
• Summer2025: Finish engineering, sendRequest for Proposal
• October 2025: Receive pricing for project.
• October/November 2025: Board to approve special assessment ballot to be voted on by each Cove
• 1st payment due date to cover steel purchase
• 2nd payment due date to be received in full before contract with construction firm can be signed
• November/December 2025: Coves approve the assessment ballot if a majority of a quorum votes “yes”.
• Cove 3B: 19 homes (Quorum is10 homes)
• Cove 4:14 homes (Quorum is8 homes)
• Cove 5: 77 homes (Quorum: 39 homes)
(Note: ballots can only be opened and counted if a quorum is received)
• 2026: Funding collected for each Cove, purchase steel
• End summer 2026: Early 2027: Receive project permits from agencies.
• May 2027 or Fall 2027: Start construction project, working around boating season.
WHAT WE DON’T KNOW
The exact cost
We need the engineering solution for each bulkhead to go out for bids and expect the engineering to be ready by the end of the summer.
Funding estimates presented were based off the project cost for Cove 3A’s bulkhead, plus two years at 4% inflation (which may not be conservative enough). The latest estimated number is roughly $6,000 per linear foot if the project starts in 2027.
Permit timing
The permitting process can take anywhere from 12–18 months. Engineering is needed before TKPOA can apply for the permit.
Construction timing
We recently learned that TRPA will require the construction to take place during construction season (not during the winter months like Cove 3C). This means that bulkhead replacements will impact the boating season. It is every intent of the association to minimize this impact best possible.
SO, WHERE DOES THAT LEAVE THE AFFECTED COVES?
Due to the large amount of funding required, the instinct may be to kick the can down the road: “Let’s deal with it in 5 years.” “Maybe I won’t even own my unit anymore”. “Maybe pricing will be cheaper then.” “Maybe there’s better technology available”.
One of the painful lessons learned from Cove 3C is that the longer you wait, the more expensive the project becomes.
In 2019, Cove 3C voted for the first time to raise the money to replace their bulkhead. The vote failed. The amount of requested funding was around $38,000 per unit. A couple of years later, that amount rose to roughly $78,000 per unit and the vote passed.
However, the water level was too low in the east channel to execute the construction. By May 2023 when the emergency special assessment was passed by the board, the amount of funding was over $138,000 per owner. The Townhome Oversight committee strongly recommends for Coves 4 and 5 to prepare project execution as soon as possible.
For Cove 4’s second portion and Cove 3B’s bulkhead, owners should vote on a funding plan in 2025 that could include quarterly special assessments for the bulkhead or annual assessments. Due to the uncertainty of project cost in 10 years, owners should still expect a “gap” payment the year before construction starts (2033).
The price of the bulkhead is what we have to pay to be a waterfront community, which in turn makes the Tahoe Keys such a special place to live. Yes, it is a financial challenge and I ask you to prepare for the inevitable. Please start investigating how you would fund your portion of this large project.
All of us here at TOC and TKPOA management will continue to keep you informed.
Best,
Sabine Litten
TOC Chair
ASSESSMENT
DEVELOPMENT OF THE LONG-TERM LARGE-SCALE AIS CONTROL APPROACH (2025 – 2028)
Waterways Objective for 2025 - 2028
The goal over the next four years is to develop and permit an environmentally sound, economically viable large-scale long-term AIS management approach which can be adaptive to the changing conditions of the lagoons over time. On-water activities will be focused on containment, enhanced methods testing, and localized AIS hot spots.
2025 Outline
2025 efforts will be on long-term plan development. The cumulative data from the Control Methods Test (CMT) will be placed through a scientific review process and conclude with a symposium where method successes and failures will be analyzed by 3rd party environmental scientists, biologists, and hydrologists. Findings from this scrutinous review will begin to shape what the large-scale AIS control plan needs to be. From here, collaborations with our consultants and partners will look at other factors, such as economic viability, to further determine plan components.
For on-water activities: TKPOA plans to use divers to work alongside TRPA’s efforts which fund the use of UV-C boat technology to target the AIS hotspots identified as highest priority areas. Diver work will expand into the East Lagoon to target coves, such as 2A, which are notoriously difficult to harvest. Lake Tallac will have screening installed around the 15th St. culverts and TKPOA will leverage our partnerships to fund diver work to completely remove the AIS infestation in the 15th St. Lagoon area. Suction dredging pilot testing will start to unfold as we focus on nutrient removal and algae blooms.
2026 – 2028 Outline
It is expected plan development will continue into 2026 and the permitting application process will begin late 2026 –2027. An Environmental Impact Statement and Report (EIR/EIS) will take place with the target goal that in 2029 TKPOA will have all necessary documentation in place and can begin implementation on the large-scale long-term adaptive approach method for the entirety of the lagoon systems. Throughout this time, on-water activities are expected to be similar across all four years with the focus of containment being at the forefront and AIS priority hotspot locations, as determined by yearly macrophyte surveys, the focus of UV and diver work.
The 2025 - 2028 Waterways Special Assessment Budget
This special assessment is to fund actions required for approach development and the permitting process along with on-water activities for enhanced methods testing. The budget for the 2025 through 2028 Waterways Special Assessment is a total of $3,000,000 with a $350,000 contingency being funded through carryover money from the CMT project. Per the 1991 Stipulated judgement, cost sharing from the three East Channel entities portion is estimated at $480,000. The remaining funds needed to be raised are $2,520,000 or $630,000 per year.
2025 – 2028 Budget Expense Projection
Long-Term AIS Control Plan Development and Permitting Actions
On-Water Activities
TKPOA Staffing
Contingency
Total Projected Expenses:
$1,200,000
$985,000
$815,000
$350,000
$3,350,000
The Special Assessment for the remaining $2,520,000 will translate to 16 equal payments over 4 years payable quarterly beginning in May 2025. Each property owner will have a quarterly due which is outlined below
• Single family residence dues will be $115 per quarter/ $460 per year.
• Townhomes, Landlocked, and Lake Tallac residence pay a 75% portion at $86 per quarter/ $344 per year.
Allocation Methodology
Single Family Residences
Landlocked, Lake Tallac, Townhome Residences
Ballot Information
$115
$86
A ballot for a proposed waterways special assessment was mailed out to members on February 28th, 2024. These ballots are scheduled to be opened and tallied by the Inspector of Elections at the April 16th, 2024, Board of Directors meeting. For more information, members may view the Waterways Town Hall recording on the TKPOA website under the Documents section>>Town Hall Forums>>Town Hall Forum Recordings and Presentations https://tkpoa.com/documents/.
Please contact the Pavilion Office at info@tahoekeyspoa.org or (530) 542-6444 with any questions.
UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF TKPOA’S BOARD TREASURER
The TKPOA Board of Directors plays a crucial role in preserving the well-being of the Tahoe Keys and ensuring compliance with HOA accounting and financial reporting requirements. The Treasurer works with the TKPOA Finance Committee to manage the association’s finances and ensure long-term stability of the community.
TREASURER DUTIES:
1.WORKS WITH THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TO OVERSEE LONG-TERM FINANCIAL
HEALTH
The primary duty of the Treasurer is to manage and safeguard the financial health of TKPOA, making sure that funds are properly allocated, recorded, and used efficiently to maintain the community’s well-being. That role includes several key functions:
a. The Treasurer works with the TKPOA Budget Committee to Develop the Annual Operating Budget, which serves as the financial roadmap for the association. This involves:
i. Revenue Projections
ii. Expense Management
iii. Contingency Planning
b. The Treasurer works with the TKPOA Budget Committee to Manage the Reserve Funds. This involves:
i. Ensuring that the reserve accounts are adequately funded based on reserve studies and future repair estimates
ii. Assessing the community’s long-term needs and ensuring funds are available when large-scale projects arise
iii. Managing the reserve funds in a way that helps avoid the need for hefty and unexpected sudden special assessments
2.EDUCATES THE BOARD AND THE COMMUNITY
Transparency and Clarity are always the best choice when it comes to communication regarding the association’s finances. The Treasurer regularly presents financial reports to the Board of Directors and to the community, which includes:
i. Income Reports
ii. Expense Reports
iii. Reserve Fund Balance Reports
3.WORKS WITH THE TKPOA FINANCE COMMITTEE TO ENSURE THAT:
a. Accurate financial records are maintained
b. Adequate insurance policies are maintained to mitigate property and liability risks
c. The association’s and the townhome subdivisions’ investment portfolios are properly managed
d. Taxes are filed accurately and on time
e. Audits are completed accurately and on time
The role of TKPOA’s Treasurer is critical to the financial well-being of the Tahoe Keys. Through effective budgeting, reserve fund management, financial education, and detailed oversight, an effective Treasurer makes sure that TKPOA remains financially healthy, secure, and prepared for the future.
INPUT FROM BRYAN:
Are you interested in finding out more about TKPOA’s Finance Community? The Finance Committee, a key committee established by our governing documents, meets monthly, and these meetings are open to all members. The Committee is currently comprised of Ken Silveira (Chair), Bryan Welsh (Board Treasurer), Jim Siegfried, Michelle Pandori, Bob Cliff, Dave Olivo, and Clark McDonald. FSR General Manager Hallie Kirkingburg and staff Andrew Schlegel (acting Controller), and Heather Blumenthal (Operations Manager) are regular participants. The next meeting is on April 2nd at 10:00AM and you can find the Zoom access link on the TKPOA website events calendar at https://tkpoa. com/events/calendar/.
Members with Finance, Accounting, Operations, and General Business skills and experience are particularly welcome and we encourage you to participate. In addition to standard activities like Budget development for Common and Townhomes, Reserves Analysis, and Monthly Financial reviews, we have a number of projects underway, and we can use your help. For instance:
A. Water Company – analysis of the financial implications of the Long-Term Plan and Infrastructure improvements.
B. Townhome Oversight Committee –monthly analysis of townhome financial reports and financial guidance and support of townhome projects.
C. Waterways – analysis and guidance for budgets and ongoing weed management programs.
D. Financial Dashboard – under development as a joint project with the Finance Committee and FSR Finance and Accounting.
We start working on the 2026 Budget and Assessments next month.
So, if this article has piqued your interest, please reach out to us!
TEXT OF PROPOSED
CHANGES
(Deletions are shown in strikethrough type and additions in boldface underlined type)
At the February 19th, 2025 Board meeting, the TKPOA Board of Directors approved the following proposed changes to the Association Operating Rules to be posted for a 28 day membership review period. These changes will be considered for adoption at the March 19th, 2025 Board Meeting. If you would like to provide any feedback to the Board prior to approval, please email your comments to Operations Manager Heather Blumenthal at heather.blumenthal@fsresidential.com, or submit them in person at the TKPOA Pavilion Office.
PURPOSE OF CHANGE:
To clarify rules specific to the Townhome Cove Exteriors in order to maintain the unique aesthetic and enjoyment of the Townhome Common Areas.
SECTION 9 – TOWNHOME COVE EXTERIORS
23.01 Gardening/Planting: No gardening or planting is permitted in common areas.
23.02 Sports Equipment and storage in summer months
Sport equipment such as kayaks, paddleboards and bikes may be neatly stored on decks from May 1st –October 31st. To install permanent sports equipment storage, please file an ACC application. Where available, bikes may be permitted to be locked up in the front of the unit or in common area bicycle racks.
23.03 Patio Furniture and Umbrellas
Patio furniture and umbrellas are allowed on first floor patios and second floor decks from May 1st –October 31st. If the unit is not in use, items need to be neatly stacked, and umbrellas closed.
23.04
Firewood
To protect the Cove buildings and in accordance with Firewise best practices, no firewood can be stored adjacent to any exterior townhome wall or anywhere in the Common areas.
23.05 Winter storage rules (Nov 1st – April 30th)
To protect the common areas during storms, all furniture must be neatly stacked and all umbrellas and sports equipment including bikes must be stored inside the unit or placed in a storage unit during winter months.
(Deletions are shown in strikethrough type and additions in boldface underlined type)
At the February 19th, 2025 Board meeting, the TKPOA Board of Directors approved the following proposed changes to the Association Operating Rules to be posted for a 28 day membership review period. These changes will be considered for adoption at the March 19th, 2025 Board Meeting. If you would like to provide any feedback to the Board prior to approval, please email your comments to Operations Manager Heather Blumenthal at heather.blumenthal@fsresidential.com, or submit them in person at the TKPOA Pavilion Office.
SECTION 7 - EXTERIOR BUILDING MATERIALS AND FINISHES
07.07 All exterior surfaces including trim, stairs, railing and garage/front doors must be painted or stained to complement the house and neighborhood. Single color siding, trim, and window frame will not be accepted.
PURPOSE OF CHANGE:
To clarify acceptable paint and trim colors that complement the aesthetic of the Tahoe Keys neighborhood and avoid the potential need for owners to revise submitted plans for paint applications.
SECTION 15 - MISC. PROVISIONS FOR EXTERIOR GROUNDS, STORAGE, AND STRUCTURES
15.08 Sign Regulations
F) One political sign, no larger than 216 square inches in size, can be placed on an individual’s property, thirty (30) sixty (60) days prior to an election date and must be removed the day after the election date.
PURPOSE OF CHANGE:
To clarify Architectural Control Rules to be in conformance with City of South Lake Tahoe Ordinance Section 6.40.080.
15.13 Yard Art
Yard Art: is very subjective. The ACC is cautious when approving items that can be viewed from the street or waterside. No such items will be approved for placement in set-back areas, easements, on OWPs or docks, decks, roofs, balconies, or porches, and shall be restricted to ground level. Illuminated yard art must adhere to exterior lighting regulations as set forth in Section14.
PURPOSE OF CHANGE:
To clarify approvable placement for yard art within the Tahoe Keys neighborhoods is limited to within the front and back yards of the properties.
TEXT OF
PROPOSED CHANGES
TOWNHOME CORNER
THE "KEYS" TO FINDING WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ON THE WEBSITE
Need to find your cove’s specific information?
A lot of information concerning townhome cove owners has been posted on the website. Here are the steps to access this information:
• Go to www.tkpoa.com
• Sign in (on the right side)
• Click on the tab “Docs”
• Select “Documents”
• Select “Townhome Oversight Committee” from the menu
• In this folder are the following (select and then look for your Cove’s folder):
» Cove Financial Reports
» Cove Newsletters
» Cove Town Hall Presentations
» Meeting Agendas
» Property Insurance
» Townhall Surveys
» Prior Cove Advisor Meeting Documents
Need to submit a Workorder or TOC Agenda Request?
Click on header "Townhomes”.
• Select “Work Order” to submit a work order, snow removal or call request.
• Select “Agenda request” to submit an item for the next TOC meeting.
Need the zoom link for an upcoming meeting?
Click on the header "News"
Select "Events.”
Scroll down to see the calendar, search for the date, and click on the event to find the zoom link.
Looking for a proposed rule or policy change?
Click on the header “Docs”
Select “Documents”
Select “Rules & Procedures”
Select “Rule Change Notifications”
WANT TO PAY DUES ONLINE?
Click on header “Pay Dues”.
A new window will open on the FSR Click Pay website. You will need to sign in with your Click Pay user ID and password to proceed.
“We interviewed Peter to sell our home, we found that he listened well and was there to help. Although we were not quite ready to sell, we were willing to entertain an offer prior to going to market. Peter showed the home to several clients and other realtors. Then, just prior to listing on Memorial Day weekend we received a full price offer. Peter was easy to work with, honest, and even walked our dog Arthur during house showings, as we were both at work. You couldn’t ask for more than that!”
CLIFF & ANN S.
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