For the most up-to-date information ...

Winter Reminders

Winter is upon us now, which means cold, ice and snow. If you have not yet prepared your home for the winter season, please be sure to do so as soon as possible. Your outside hoses should now be removed and water to the spigots turned off. The heat should be on in your home, at least at a lowest setting and the main water valve should be turned off if you are not going to use your home through the winter months. And for those with docks, your deicers should be installed.

We also wanted to take this opportunity to remind you about snow removal in the Estates ... we will plow and salt the main roads in the Estates first, and continue our attention on them until they are clear and as safe for travel as we can make them under the conditions, and then move onto the secondary roads when we can. We generally do not begin plowing until there are two inches of snow on the roads ... it can make driving conditions even more dangerous to plow too early and is hard on the plows and the roads. Even when the roads have been cleared, please use extreme caution when traveling, especially keeping your speed down ... as you know, our roads are hilly and winding and even the very best efforts can leave some icy patches. The Estates gate will remain open during inclement weather to allow safer passage of vehicles in and out of the Estates. You may want to check road conditions outside of the Estates prior to planning any travel ... often KK is in worse condition than the roads in the Estates.

It is very important that you do not park on the roadways when there is a chance of inclement weather ... it makes it extremely difficult for us to be able to maneuver the plows safely around the Estates and fully clear the roads and there is a much higher risk of damage to your vehicle. In addition, you may get plowed in.

If you have questions or note an area that needs attention due to the weather, please give the office a call or send us an email.

Assessment Review Committee

The Assessment Review Committee has met to review the 2012 budget for the Estates. If you have any input, we encourage you to contact them. We will be posting a summary shortly.

As advisory committee to the Trustees of Tan-Tar-A Estates, the Assessment Review Committee considers and provides comments on the yearly assessment budget for Tan-Tar-A Estates. This committee is comprised of five homeowners that are elected to rotating terms by their fellow homeowners. You may contact the Assessment Review Committee through the office or via e-mail.

Flood Plain Maps and Their Impact

We are aware that some Estates homeowners are being notified by lenders about being on the flood plain and needing flood insurance/FEMA certification due to the newly adopted maps.

Tan-Tar-A Estates LLC engaged a local engineering company to execute the necessary surveys and related paperwork to submit to FEMA in order to remove as many of the 92 leased waterfront lots in the Estates as possible, from a designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), via Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA). A LOMA is a letter from FEMA stating that an existing structure or parcel of land that has not been elevated by fill (i.e. the existing structure or parcel of land is on natural grade) would not be inundated by the base flood. If FEMA issues a particular lot a LOMA, there is no need to purchase flood insurance. If your home is determined to be in the flood plain, it may be necessary to acquire flood insurance.

Only a few homes were questionable as to qualifying for a LOMA as a result of the surveys.

If you receive a notification that you will need to obtain flood insurance or obtain a LOMA, please contact Teri or Tina at the office. They will be able to help you with the details.

There are a few articles in the Lake Sun Leader that will explain what is happening. You may also contact FEMA at (877) FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627).

Pools Closed

Both pools are closed until May 2012. We hope you have had a great time poolside this season!

Tree Trimming

If you are interested in having trees trimmed on or around your property in the Estates, you need to start the process by contacting Teri at the office at 573-348-1758 Ext. 5 or sending an email. She will open your work request and explain the process to you. Thank you!

Management Office Relocated

Please feel free to drop by our main office on KK, in the Palisades Village Shopping Center, for any personal assistance. You may also call us at 573.348.1758 Ext. 5 or email us. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm, excluding holidays, and Saturday mornings from 9 am to Noon. We can also meet with you by appointment, with at least 24 hours notice.

Sale of Leases Update

We hope you have all come to understand how the sale of the leased properties to the unit owners is a very large and complex task ... that there is a multitude of questions and issues that have to be addressed in order to prepare for and then execute these transactions. While our list of items undertaken has been long and multi-faceted and is taking some time to work through, please rest assured, we continue to diligently work towards our mutual goal.

Legal counsel is in the midst of the necessary legal work and questions and we are pleased to share with you that there is continued advancement in many of the issues and the paperwork that need to be addressed prior to commencing the sale of the leased property to the lessees and the transfer of the trusteeship to the homeowners.

If you have not heard, there has been a change in leadership at Camden County Planning and Zoning (P&Z) this summer. We have attended several meetings with Camden County commissioners and the new Planning and Zoning Director, Don Hathaway. The county is suggesting that we implement some measures that had not been suggested prior. The discussions have produced several solutions, but we are still investigating how several of the requirements can be accomplished expeditiously and without incurring significant expense.

While our engineer had completed the survey work needed and prepared the draft plat prior to the change at P&Z, we are now waiting for resolution of the new issues prior to being able to present the plat for your viewing at the office.

We do not yet know if these changes from P&Z may impact the schedule for commencing the sales. We remain hopeful that it will not, but these are the kind of unexpected issues that can arise that we do not have control over or can anticipate. We will keep you updated as things progress.

We will continue to provide you with updates periodically.

Estates Grounds

Our gardens are asleep for the winter, but will be back in the spring.

Water System FYI

We have had a few questions about the need to boil when there are leaks ... when repairs are done with the system remaining under pressure, there is not the need to boil water. If for any reason the water system operator (which is the Resort) believes the water quality may have been compromised, we will notify everyone effected about boiling water by phone, email and/or hangtags on the front door. Once the situation is taken care of, the Resort will arrange to have the water tested and we will provide another notification when the boil order is lifted.

With the change in seasons, expansion and contraction in the earth and systems is not uncommon, which can cause problems with infrastructure.

Also, cloudy water is generally just air in the water lines, not a sign of contamination. If you note cloudiness, just let us know and we will check in with the Resort about adjusting the pumps.

MDOT Updates

The Bypass for our section has opened! Please be careful and watch the signs if you are unfamiliar with the modified route.

The MDOT website is the best place to go for the most up-to-date information ... you can find roadwork updates at: http://www.modot.org/central/Roadwork/Roadwork_Central_District.htm#Camden

Storm Water Control and Forest Maintenance

We have addressed our known storm water issues, but recognize that this is an ongoing project and if any new problems arise, we will be taking care of them.

We have also continue to work on tree maintenance with Colt.

Maiboxes and Lamposts

A letter went out to homeowners in mid-January regarding the new post light offering in the Estates.

Examples of the new post lights may be seen on the stone pier between the new gates at Keystone Drive (and there are photographs on the blog). We have made arrangements with the lighting manufacturer to purchase sets of fifty lights at a time to receive a significant discount for these fixtures.

In order to ”jump start” the project, we have made a very special, limited-time offer for the first twenty fixture orders we receive. We will split (50/50) the discounted cost of the light with the homeowner and install the fixture on your existing, working light post for free. We will be limiting this special, limited offer to one per homeowner, in order to give everyone a fair opportunity. After the first twenty are gone, while the split will not be available, the cost is still discounted and remains an excellent deal on new lighting and installation.

There are a several conditions:

1. We can only provide installation for those whose post light(s) are in good working order (we will not repair any posts, their bases or wiring).
2. We must receive your check for the FULL amount of the fixture(s), along with your fixture order.
3. You must reply by February 1, 2012 to participate in this initial offering price.

In addition, if you wish to coordinate the look of your other exterior lighting with the new post lights, the manufacturer offers a whole family of matching fixtures and we can arrange for a discount for these fixtures as well. Please call or stop by the office for more information.

We also are working on some improved solutions for mailboxes. Stay tuned for more info.

Trash Enclosures, Street Signage and Back Gate

The new street signage is being prototyped and planned for installation in early 2012.

The trash enclosure designs are under revision and approaching completion. The trash enclosure replacement is not planned to start until sometime in 2012.

Construction is virtually complete at the new gate, except for some landscaping. The blog is a great place to see some recent photographs. We had a grand opening celebration on Friday, December 30th.

The new entrance will generally be open from 7 am to 6 pm, and during inclement weather, as well as when deemed operationally necessary. It will generally be closed during the evening hours and occasionally during the day when limited access is necessary for the Resort or the Estates. Homeowners that would like to use this entrance from Keystone when the gates are closed will need to purchase an opener from the office, unless you already have one (current openers will work). You do not need an opener to exit the Estates at anytime. Homeowners that do not have an opener and guests staying in or visiting the Estates will not be “locked out” when the gates are closed, you may continue to use the main entrance shared with the Resort to access the Estates day or evening, as you have always been able to do.

The current back gate will remain in place as the service entrance, but your opener will not be functional with this entrance. Commercial vehicles, particularly buses and trucks, should be directed to the service entrance, as large vehicles can easily damage the gates. The service entrance will generally be open weekdays, excluding holidays, between 8 am and 3 pm and may be opened for use at other times by calling the office in advance.

Hidden Lakes Dam #5

DNR has issued our construction permit and we have chosen our contactors. The improvements are now planned to commence in 2012. The Resort requested the additional time, so that they may work with their corporate to include their portion of the repair costs in their 2012 budget. We are applying for an extension from DNR to accommodate their request and will also be moving the costs to our 2012 budgets. We'll let you know the new construction dates as soon as they are available. We regret the delay, but the project requires coordination with several entities. The temporary remediation has been functioning well, so we do not anticipate there being any issues during the delay.

When construction starts, there will be two road closures at times during the project, one on Elbow Cay Drive below the dam, and the second on Waterscape at the #5 cart path intersection. You will want to detour around these areas.  We will have signs up as a reminder.

Have you seen the new signs up around the Estates marking the native planting restoration areas? We have been busy in chosen areas adding Missouri plantings that will thrive in our environment. This will assist with maintaining the forest, reduce erosion and add beauty. Longfellows Nursery has been supporting us with the project, providing their expertise in plant choice and installation. This will be a multi-year effort, with plant development taking about three years to achieve the desired results. They make look a little weed-like now, but they will be a beautiful part of the Estates in the future.

How can you help? Please try to steer clear of walking in these areas or disturbing the plants while they are getting established. We are monitoring the plants, watering and maintaining them as needed. We hope you enjoy watching the garden grow.

(See above for the latest update ... )

The following was sent to all homeowners in December via email and via hardcopy to those for whom we do not have an email address...

DECEMBER 2011

It’s hard to believe that another year has swept by! As the year comes to a close, we wanted to share with you some of the latest news. We would also like to extend to each and every one of you, our sincere wishes for a wonderful holiday season and joyous New Year.

The Assessment Review Committee had their first meeting to review the 2012 assessment budget on December 5th. It was a productive meeting, with many issues discussed. The committee will convene again on Friday, December 16th for their second meeting, with generally one additional meeting scheduled for the final review and recommendations to the Trustees. If you have input for the 2012 assessment, you may reach the committee via email.

The next full update will be out in March ... but there will be news and updates regularly posted here and to the blog, Facebook and Twitter in between.

Oak galls won’t cause much permanent damage

A little TLC is all that most affected oaks need to recover

Oak trees across a broad swath of Missouri are experiencing an unusual outbreak of a common parasite. Tree experts say the parasite is not fatal to healthy trees, even though the condition can look awful.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is receiving numerous reports from St. Louis to Branson of oak trees turning brown. The problem is especially severe in the area around Rolla, Lake of the Ozarks, Springfield and Table Rock Lake. Miller County has large areas of affected trees.

The main cause of the problem is a wasp of the family Cynipidae.  These tiny wasps deposit their eggs on emerging leaves in the spring. As the eggs hatch and young wasp larvae begin feeding, leaves develop brown spots that grow into “galls.” Each of these button-like growths, which are about the size of a pinhead, provides food and shelter for one wasp larva. In severe cases, entire leaves turn brown over much of a tree.

“It looks worse than it really is,” said Conservation Department Resource Scientist Rob Lawrence. “Some people mistakenly think a tree has died when it turns brown. However, it is extremely rare for oaks to die from this insect. Only a few trees that are in serious decline before infestation are likely to succumb.”

Lawrence said trees that have been stressed in recent years by ice or wind damage are more vulnerable to declining health if they lose most of their leaves to gall damage. If most of a tree’s leaves turn brown or drop by early summer, it may produce a second flush of leaves. This added stress can lead to a long-term health decline.

Lawrence, a forest entomologist, urges tree owners not to cut down infested oaks. He said all that most trees need to recover is a little tender loving care, including supplemental watering during dry weather and possibly fertilizing next spring. Tree owners also can help minimize the severity of future outbreaks by burning or composting fallen leaves.

Avoiding any further injuries, such as wounds from lawn mowers or trimmers, is important for all trees, but especially those that already are stressed by previous storm damage. The use of pesticides is ineffective on the current gall damage.

Most jumping oak galls eventually drop to the ground. They get their name from the larval wasps’ habit of moving violently, causing the entire gall to jump. This causes them to settle into vegetation and soil crevices, where they are more protected.

Winter weather is one factor that helps determine how prevalent jumping oak galls are from year to year. Fewer jumping oak gall larvae survive in winters with repeated wide temperature swings, which encourage them to emerge early. Larvae survival is better in years when winter temperatures are more constant. Extended snow cover also helps the larvae survive by insulating them from cold.

More information about jumping oak galls is available at www.mdc.mo.gov/22967 .

Although jumping oak galls are the main cause of oak trees turning brown, they are not the only cause of leaf discoloration in oak trees. Fungus infections also are causing some problems this year.  Like the galls, this problem seldom is fatal to oaks. No actions are needed to help trees recover, other than those noted above.

Landscaping Assistance

Tan-Tar-A Estates LLC hired Longfellows Garden Center to assist with the restoration of Missouri native plantings in some of the common areas of the Estates. They would also be happy to help homeowners with their individual projects at their homes. If you are interested, please call or email them for more information.

Go to  www.earth911.com for locations to recycle various items.

Dock Slips Available

We have dock space available in our community docks for both long and short term rental ... Don't miss this great opportunity!

Please contact Tina at Duenke Enterprises, 573-348-1758 Ext. 1, or by e-mail.

Duenke Enterprises After Hours Drop Box

For your convenience, there is an After Hours Drop Box at the Duenke Enterprises office located at the Palisades Village Shopping Center, Suite 9. You will find it on the right side of the building, as you face the front door.

Social Networking

For those of you that like to use Facebook, Twitter or blogs, we wanted to make it easier for you to connect with us and you can now find current information about the Estates there. We hope you'll find these networking sites the source to be in the know. You can find us as follows:

Tan-Tar-A Estates Homeowner's Mailing List

All Estates homeowners are invited to subscribe to the private Tan-Tar-A Estates Homeowners Mailing List in order to receive the latest information about the Estates first.

The property management team will be sending out emails to the mailing list to let the homeowner's know about news, events and issues regarding the Estates.

If we have your email address, you have been subscribed and nothing further needs to be done, you should be receiving emails.

If you have not provided our office with your email and would like to subscribe, please use the following form to get started:

If you would rather not receive news emails, you may unsubscribe, at any time, using the link at the bottom of the email or by contacting the property management office.

If you unsubscribe, we will only use your email for individual, personal correspondence, you will not receive any news, events or issues emails unless you re-subscribe to the list.

This list is private, for homeowners only, and for news only. Emails may only be sent to those on the list by the property manager. We will NOT share your email address per our privacy policy and we will manage the number of emails you receive.

We hope you like this method of communication! If you have any questions, please contact the office.