After considering a switch to a new landscaping company, the Walden Lake Community Association has decided that its only affordable option is to stay with Complete Landcare.
The board listened to a presentation from OLM Landscape Management at its meeting Monday, Feb. 16. Some board members gave positive feedback, but they collectively decided that their budget could not cover OLM’s $6,000 landscape maintenance bid package and monthly $1,100 inspection fee.
They decided to stay with Complete Landcare — at least, for now.
“Maybe next year, we could build this into the budget,” secretary Heather Updike said. “We’re just not really prepared for this right now.”
One of the biggest problems has been inefficient irrigation. In November 2014, the community went over its city-dictated limits of water for irrigation and did not realize it until almost the end of December.
Walden Lake Propery Manager Linda Fernandez told Eddie Evans, director of operations for Complete Landcare, that if Walden Lake went over its water limits again, his company would have to cover the overage expense.
Evans assigned an employee to focus on irrigation full-time, and last month, the community did not exceed its water limits.
There have also been complaints about the appearance of some of the subdivision entrances.
But Ray Page, of the landscaping committee, said that Complete Landcare had been successful on a project at the entrance to the Wedgewood subdivision, and the residents were pleased.
“If Eddie can do that, why can’t he do the other areas if we supervise him?” Page said.
The board discussed options for repairs to the fishing pier, used for recreation and events. The pier is made of lumber, which is supposed to be pressure-sealed regularly to last 15 to 20 years. It isn’t 15 years old yet, but needs to be replaced.
Two companies submitted proposals for the pier project. The board voted to accept the less costly proposal from Golf Coast Construction Inc.
If the board opts to use lumber for the project, Golf Coast’s cost will be $32,000 for the bridge, $48,630 for the pier and $39,640 for the stage area. There would also be routine maintenance costs for sealing.
If the board opts to use AZEK composite decking, there would be an additional cost of $24,640, but there would be no recurring costs for sealing, and the whole pier would be expected to last at least 30 years.
Construction will last four or five weeks after it has begun.
“I’d sure like to see that all done before the Easter sunrise service,” Griffin said.
Updates
• Three board positions will be filled in the annual election April 9. Walden Lake residents who are interested in running should send their letters of intent to the community office.
• Community manager Linda Fernandez consulted 14 towing companies, but none were certified for booting. The board is again revising its plan of what to do with unauthorized vehicles parked at the lake.
Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.