Welcome to our new web site!
We're getting a jump start on Spring Cleaning this year. LVPOA Board decided that our web page needed a bit of sprucing up; a nip here; a tuck there. Our goal is to continue the original intent of our web site - information access to not only Lake Vista residents but any resident of New Orleans. We encourage comments and feedback as long as you identify yourself.
As stated clearly on our message board, anonymous posts will be deleted as soon as they are detected. We did consider closing the message board and access to our site to only residents of Lake Vista, but the input we've had from all over the City has convinced us that keeping the flow of information to all residents of the City is a good thing.
In that vein, please check out the new features and, we hope, more user friendly interfaces. Many thanks to our web master, Trudy Sandefer and the web designer, Crawford Carroll.
As we unveil the new web site, it behooves me to update the president's column, so here goes:
Patrol update: an unfortunate turn of economic reality has resulted in our private patrol service increasing their fees to $30/hour. While this is relatively inexpensive considering that they patrol in marked cars, are armed and authorized to make arrests on the spot, it means that patrol dues will not cover the increase in charges for the entire calendar year of 2012. What the LVPOA Board has decided to do between January and April (the next General Meeting) is this: you've paid $220 dues for 8 hours of service. We have surplus funds in the patrol account. LVPOA will use these surplus funds to pay for 8 hours of private patrol service until April. At the next General Meeting we will entertain discussion as to how to move forward. Do we raise rates? Do we explore less expensive options? In the interim, Chuck Jonau, 1st Vice-President, will investigate the pros and cons of using "post-certified" services versus non-certified services. We encourage feedback on this issue. To put minds to rest, your dues and surplus will continue to provide 8 hours of private patrol service per day. An aside: we are actively pursuing the taxing district issue for Lake Vista. However, even if this comes to fruition, it would not be implemented until late 2012 or early 2013.
Park signs: Chuck Jonau is still working on the park signs for Balsam Lane and Hollyhock Lane. When they are finished/repaired, they will be replaced. He is still working with the sign company to get the Floral Park signs fixed (the graphics are incorrect on some signs).
CZO update: A "Design Committee" has been formed to assist the City in addressing our needs for incorporating our restrictions into the new CZO (Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance). We applaud those Lake Vista residents who have volunteered their time.
Spring Meeting in Advance: As per our by-laws, at the Spring General Meeting (last Monday of April, 2012), we will again have elections for a new Board. As a result of voting at the Fall Meeting, the motion to split the position of Secretary has been approved and the Executive Committee will now be comprised of President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer. The at-large positions will be decreased by one thus keeping the Board at 11 active members with one position considered ex-officio (that of President). We are actively encouraging any and all interested members in good standing (paid dues 30 days prior to the Spring meeting) to contact me, Susan M Garcia @ smgarcia.lvpoa@cox.net if you are interested in serving on the Board. A Nominating Committee will be established shortly and they will need your assistance. Please consider volunteering for the good of the 'hood.
Street Lights: Once again, I have been informed by the City that the Department of Public Works is "back-logged" with repairs. I have been told, again, that reported lights are in the "cue"; I do not know of a timeline for repair yet. If I ever receive such a timeline I will be happy to pass it along. In the interim, please consider leaving any home security lights on until the lights are fixed.
Street Repairs: Lakeshore and Lake Vista will be the recipients of just over 7 MILLION dollars for street repairs. Yes, I know, everybody wants to know which streets are on the list. So do I. But I don't; at least not yet. Again, if I get the list I'll pass it along.
Bugs, etc.: One very concerned Lake Vista resident is in the process of investigating whether or not our area might qualify for funding to check our majestic oaks for termite damage and subsequent treatment. When I get his report and advice, I will update the members email list and hard copy newsletter. Let's hope he finds a workable solution! As for the annual Buck Moth treatment - I am going to assume that this year will work the same as last year. When the time approaches, I will contact the pest control company that we've used in the past and discuss the issue. I'll be in touch on this as well.
Permanent Flood Control Structure: Still no word as to when construction will start. Apparently the ACOE got into a bit of trouble with their awarding of contracts…
Restrictions: Our restrictions remain in force. It is City law that any resident contemplating new building or requesting remodeling permits from the City MUST obtain a Letter of No Objection (LNO) from Orleans Levee District. This is not an option - it is City Law. If you try to by-pass the Letter of No Objection, the Department of Safety & Permits will reject your request until you present them with said LNO. If you did not receive a copy of the restrictions at the act of sale or in a welcome packet (if you are new to the neighborhood), our restrictions are easily accessible via the pull down menu on the main page of this web site. Please make yourself familiar with the restrictions. They are there to keep Lake Vista open and green - the exact reason why we all live out here. Violations should be reported to both OLD and the City's Department of Safety & Permits. I've been told that multiple calls & emails are the best way to get attention and action.
LVPOA Board of Directors 2008-2009
President - Susan M. Garcia
First Vice President - Chuck Jonau
Second Vice President - Trudy Sandefer
Secretary - Barbara Casteix
Treasurer - Lynn Long
Parliamentarian/Ex-officio - John Davis
At-Large Board Members and Committee Structure
Kelly Alfortish
Stan Brien
Tom Donham
Charlotte Rivet
John Schneller
Karen Swift
Lake Vista Zoning - Permitted land use in Lake Vista, 30% maximum lot coverage, required setbacks, fencing, and other restrictions that are part of the Lake Vista Building Restrictions, were incorporated into the City's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance under the Lake Vista chapters of the Lake Area Zoning Ordinance on October 18, 2007.Lake Vista Garden Club Blog
We have a new Garden Club blog where you can stay up-to-date on upcoming events and leave comments for your fellow club members. Click here to view the blog.
In an effort to improve the quality of life in Lake Vista, the LVPOA is pleased to provide the 3rd District Police "Hot Sheet". Hot sheets are to be used to identify those areas where illegal activities have occurred or potential problems exist. Items to be reported using the Hot Sheet are:
Drug Dealing
Abandoned House
Curfew Violations
Tall Grass
Street Lighting Issues
Truants
You may also include any other issue which effects our quality of life. Click on the following link to download the form which should be completed and faxed to the 3rd District Police number listed on the form.
PDF Format: click here to download
MS Word Format: click here to download
