Click Here to Review November 2009 Newsletter

August 19, 2009

As presented at our annual meeting June 18, the Baxter Lakes Subdivision Board of Trustees has determined that the Annual Assessment of $150 per household is inadequate to maintain or improve the current level of service to the neighborhood. The $150 assessment has been in effect since 1998, and the Board has worked diligently to manage its expenditures and keep the assessment as low as possible. In spite of these efforts, the board now feels that an increase in the annual assessment is required.

Several factors have forced us to consider an assessment increase at this time, primarily continued increases in operating expenses and depletion of our capital reserves, as highlighted below:

* Cost of electricity for street lights has increased over $1000 per year since 2007.

* Costs for mowing common ground have increased nearly $3,000 per year since 2007.

* Three drain and culvert repairs at the lake have cost in excess of $32,500, effectively depleting our capital reserve.

An assessment increase would allow for adequate maintenance of over 21 acres of common ground, 18 cul-de-sacs, and over 8 acres of lakes & surrounding grounds assuming only modest increases in expenses and would include the following:

* Replacement of the culverts as needed around the lakes.

* Costs associated with restoration of lakes and surrounding grounds,

* Continued removal of dead and fallen trees on common grounds.

* New landscaping at the subdivision entrances on Baxter Rd (islands and monuments).

* Improvement of landscaping along Baxter Rd, (nearly 1 mile).

* Beautification of neighborhood cul-de-sacs.

* Replenishment of our capital reserve fund.

The Board is seeking a $50 increase in the annual assessment from the current $150 to $200 starting in 2010 and an additional $50 increase to $250 starting in 2013. With just over 300 homeowners, this would give the board an additional $15,000 per year beginning in 2010, and another additional $15,000 in 2013. Even with these increases the Baxter Lakes assessment would remain comparable to other subdivisions in the area. Copies of the annual financial report were distributed at the annual meeting and are available from the trustees.

To accomplish this, the Board will conduct a special meeting of all homeowners,

Tuesday, September 15, 2009, Chesterfield City Hall, 6:30PM,

for consideration of this assessment increase.

Since any increase in the neighborhood assessment requires approval by 2/3 majority of Baxter Lakes homeowners, we ask that you complete the attached proxy and return it by September 8, 2009 if you are unable to attend the meeting. You may recall your proxy if you attend the meeting.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PROXY FORM

June, 2009

The Neighborhood Watch Program

This safety program is active and functioning to keep our residents safe and to prevent crime in our neighborhood. The program is directed by Trustee Lisa Mahiger who is assisted by some committed volunteers. Check the homepage of our website, www.baxterlakes.org, for a listing of the crimes reported for the period of May,’08 to April, ’09. Please report any possible crimes to the Chesterfield Police Department, 636-537-3000. Let’s keep our neighborhood safe.New Look at Subdivision Entrances

The islands at both Cedarmill and Summer Ridge entrances have been trimmed and mulched by our new maintenance contractor, Lawn Tech, and the signs at both entrances were repainted by Trustee Jerry Troester. Baxter Lakes resident Chuck Herbel assisted with some needed repair on the entrance signs. The total cost of the repainting was less than $300. The Trustees hope you enjoy this New Look!!Lawn and Grounds Maintenance

The Board of Trustees is excited to team up with a new vendor, Lawn Tech, for the Grounds and Maintenance contract for the 2009-10 season. Lawn Tech has been taking care of the Baxter Ridge Subdivision for over 25 years and they do fantastic work at very competitive prices. If there is an area of common grounds that you feel needs attention, please contact the Board of Trustees. Trees on Baxter Lakes Common Grounds

The Trustees are continuing their commitment to the excellent and prompt care of the many trees on the common grounds in our subdivision. Within the last month, dead trees, fallen limbs, and debris have been removed along Baxter Road, in four cul-de-sacs, at the upper and lower lakes, and on the common grounds along Canyon View Ct. Bids were taken for this tree service from five different companies with the bids ranging from a high of $6,460 to a low of $2,700. The Trustees awarded the contract to the low bidder. This is a prime example of how your Trustees conduct the subdivision business in an economical and efficient manner. Please report any tree work needed on common grounds to Jerry Troester at jbtroester@charter.net. Road Improvement for Baxter Lakes

Considerable concern has been expressed about the condition of the concrete apron abutting Baxter Road at both Cedarmill and Summer Ridge entrances. The Trustees have contacted the City of Chesterfield and Councilman Lee Erickson requesting that this section of concrete be replaced. City of Chesterfield examined these entrances and determined that replacing the entrances was the responsibility of St. Louis County. The County was contacted and has agreed to replace the concrete aprons at both entrances. This road improvement should be completed in June or July. Culvert Repair Between the Upper and Lower Lakes

Trustee Linda Ceriotti and resident Bob Deane, with consultation from Chesterfield’s Planning and Zoning Department Civil Engineer, Mark Schlotzhauer, determined the best solution for repairing the culvert located between the upper and lower lakes. Two engineering studies determined that the overflow corrugated pipe installed more than 30 years ago had deteriorated and the entire bottom of the pipe had rusted away. This condition caused the ground above the pipe to erode, creating large holes on the lower edge of the dam below the pathway between the lakes. In Fall 2008 Bi-State Utilities completed the first and second phases of the repair on the culvert. The first phase involved insertion of a 40’ heavy gauge polyethylene pipe inside the original corrugated pipe and sealing it; the second phase involved filling the voids and reinforcing the concrete apron around the drain on the upper side of the dam. The cost of these repairs was just over $23,000. It has now been determined that two more culverts on the upper lake are in need of a similar repair. Bi-State Utilities Company has also been contracted for this work which should be completed in June, 2009. Upper and Lower Lake Restoration

The Trustees are committed to restoring and maintaining the neighborhood lakes. Through the leadership of Trustee Lisa Mahiger, the Trustees have developed a partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation. Perry Eckhart, an Urban Conservationist, is providing assistance to the Trustees and volunteers committed to lake restoration. Our goals are to slow erosion on the lakes edges, protect wildlife, purify the water, and to convert the common grounds next to the lakes into a natural habitat. To begin achieving this, a group of volunteers has been removing and grinding honeysuckle and other invasive plants. All this work has been done by volunteers at limited expense to the subdivision. The Neighborhood will also apply for a $10,000 American Water Environmental Grant to plant deep-rooted vegetation along the lakes’ edges to reduce erosion and further purify the water. The trustees are also examining the need for installing a forebay at the main water entrance to the upper lake. This is an engineered structure that can capture trash and sediment and create an easy way to help purify the water. We currently do not have adequate funds to cover the entire project. The grant, if awarded, will definitely help, but additional funds will be necessary to complete the Lake Restoration. The volunteer assistance has been invaluable and has saved many dollars. All VOLUNTEERS are recognized on our website. The complete Conservation Department report is also posted on the website, www.baxterlakes.org. For more information contact Lisa Mahiger at lmahig@charter.net.Government Relations

Trustee Chris King currently serves as the Board’s government liaison. If you have any questions about contacting local, state, and federal governments for services needed, please contact Chris at brodog@hotmail.com. Baxter Lakes Homeowners Survey

The Trustees have not forgotten the survey of homeowners that was taken last year. The results showed that your top priorities for improvement in Baxter Lakes Subdivision were landscaping the two entrances, restoring the lakes, and improving the water circulation. The Trustees are still committed to making these improvements as funds become available.Baxter Lakes Finances

In 2008 the neighborhood incurred modest increases in its expenses for lawn mowing and electric usage. Nonetheless, we were able to contribute $3500 to our Capital Improvement Fund for 2008. Capital improvements made in 2008 however, including over $23,000 for completion of the culvert repair and $9,000 for tree removal around the lakes, required a significant portion of that Capital Fund. For 2009 we have budgeted for increases in electric and grounds and maintenance, and do not expect to make a contribution to the Capital Fund for 2009. A complete financial report will be presented at the annual meeting. President’s Message

The Baxter Lakes Board of Trustees continues to work as a collective group to make decisions on behalf of each of you and the suggestions that you have offered. This year we have worked tirelessly on a number projects and are very proud of the results. We welcome your input and your comments. We wish to keep the lines of communication open and believe the Baxter Lakes website, www.baxterlakes.org, is an effective avenue for communication. We encourage your participation. We hope to see you at our Annual Meeting Thursday, June 18, Chesterfield City Hall. Respectfully Submitted by Your Board of Trustees.

Neighborhood Clean-up Day

To all residents, please help us keep our lakes beautiful!!!! We need your help, so please grab a friend/neighbor and bring your lawn tools to the lakes on TBA for a Subdivision Lake Day.

Grounds and Maintenance

The trustees are reviewing our Grounds and Maintenance contracts for the 2009 season. If you know of a reputable lawn care company that you would like to recommend to your board of trustees for consideration, please contact Lisa Adams at adfam95@sbcglobal.net. You are the eyes and ears of our neighborhood!! If you see an area of common ground needing attention, please contact Lisa Adams via email.

Trees on Baxter Lakes Common Grounds

The trustees continue their commitment to the care of the many trees on the common grounds in our subdivision. Recently, broken branches and dead limbs were removed from trees along Baxter Road, at the Cedarmill entrance and at the east end of the lower lake. This represents an ongoing effort by the trustees to beautify our neighborhood. Please report any tree work to Jerry Troester at jbtroester@charter.net.

Baxter Lakes Homeowners Survey Results

The trustees thank all of you who responded to the homeowner survey earlier this year. Responses were received from 160 of the 309 homeowners. Reponses were tabulated and distributed at the annual meeting in June. Trustees have decided to wait until completion of the culvert repair work between the upper and lower lakes before funding any other capital projects. The following priorities were determined from the survey:

• Improving landscaping at the medians and monuments with 44 residents rating this as top priority and 77 residents rating it in the top three priorities.
• Improving circulation around the lakes with 38 residents rating it as the top priority and 68 residents rated it in the top three priorities.
• Installing benches at the lakes was given a fairly mixed priority with 87 residents rating it at some priority.
• Extending the paths around the lakes was also given a mixed priority with 79 rating the lake lower path at some priority and 72 rating the lake upper path.
• Installing an irrigation system for the medians and monuments received second and third priority ratings from 38 respondents, but trustees feel that this may be needed to adequately maintain improved landscaping and new plantings at the monuments

To review the complete results of the survey, please click on the "Survey" link on the home page of the Baxter Lakes' website. Thanks to our residents for responding to the homeowners' survey.

Culvert Repair between the Upper Lake and Lower Lake

Linda Ceriotti, a trustee, and Bob Deane, a long time resident of Baxter Lakes, worked together to determine the best solution for repairing the culvert located between the upper and lower lakes. They consulted with Mark Schlotzhauer, a Civil Engineer with Chesterfield's Planning and Zoning Dept., and commissioned two engineering studies to devise an appropriate plan. The studies determined that the overflow corrugated pipe installed more than 30 years ago had rusted and the entire bottom of the pipe was gone. This condition caused the ground above the pipe to wash away creating the holes on the lower edge of the dam below the pathway between the lakes. After receiving bids to install a new heavy gauge polyethylene 40 foot pipe inside the corrugated pipe and sealing it, the trustees awarded the contract to Bi-State Utilities Company from Bridgeton, MO. The cost of this installation was $18,000. Some years ago, the trustees established a capital improvement fund and added dollars to this fund each budget year. This prudent management enabled the trustees to contract for this repair work without a special assessment to Baxter Lakes' homeowners. The pipe was installed on Tuesday, September 23, 2008, completing the first phase of this project.

The second and third phases of this project will be filling in the sinkholes and the void around the culvert and grading the area along the dam where all the trees and underbrush have been removed. We will give you more information on these phases via this website as decisions are made.

The board of trustees and Baxter Lakes' neighbors would like to take this opportunity to thank Bob Deane for all his efforts on this project. We are forever grateful to him!!!!!!!

Grateful to our Volunteers

We would like to thank residents for outstanding service to our neighborhood. We thank Tony Furlong for his commitment to our neighborhood and to CERT. Our neighborhood is better prepared for disasters due to his preparedness training offered through Chesterfield City Hall. Thanks, Tony! We would like to thank Don Missey for improving the landscaping on his cul-de-sac on Iron Lake Court and Dave Oleksa for improving the landscaping on his cul-de-sac on Golden Lake Court. Check out their picture on the Photo Albums page of the website.

Just a Final Note: The complete roster of your Baxter Lakes Board of Trustees, elected this past June at the annual meeting, is posted on the Baxter Lakes website. We welcome your comments and input. We strive to keep the lines of communication open and believe that the Baxter Lakes' website is an effective and efficient avenue for communication. We encourage your participation.

Respectfully submitted by your Board of Trustees

The content of the online newletter is updated by the trustees on a regular basis. Check back frequently for updates. If you have news you would like to report and be displayed on this page, simply send an email to the dc@ceriotti.com or one of the trustees. In the email include the title, the content, and the desired run-time (60 day maximum) of your news story. The information should be added to the site within 48 hours in most cases.