Lake Becky Board Meeting Minutes
Date: August 4, 2026
Board Members Present
● Tom Woodson
● Janet Patterson
● Dave Simmons
● Peggy Brigance
● Patty Hesse
● Danny Marcengill
Quick Recap
Zoom was tested as a tool to assist with transcribing the meeting and preparing meeting notes. These minutes were created using the Zoom transcript as a starting point. Tom Woodson then reviewed and edited the transcript for clarity.
The Board reviewed the Annual Membership Meeting and agreed that, while it went well overall, it was somewhat unstructured. To improve communication and provide members with another opportunity to ask questions and share concerns, the Board agreed to hold a mid-year membership meeting.
The Board discussed how to address member concerns, including questions raised by Tom Bunn, and agreed to follow up with him in a structured manner.
The Board reviewed the Treasurer and Bookkeeper roles. Patty Hesse agreed to continue serving as Treasurer through the remainder of the current term, while Brittany’s bookkeeping responsibilities will continue to expand in support of the Treasurer.
The Board discussed the Fish Committee and agreed that members should be provided with a clear stocking and fish habitat plan.
The Board spent significant time discussing large boats and wake-related concerns, particularly regarding Stanley Gibson’s pontoon boat. After discussion, the Board voted to amend the lake rules to allow pontoon boats with motors up to 125 horsepower. Two Board members abstained from the vote.
The Board also discussed the future Dam Fund assessment process, possible pond excavation projects, inspections of the dam and spillway, and scheduling future meetings.
Action Items
Dave Simmons
● Participate in a three-way phone call with Tom Woodson and Tom Bunn to discuss Mr. Bunn’s concerns and document the discussion.
● Develop and present a Fish Committee plan within 30 days, including fish stocking, fish structure placement, and a map for publication to the membership.
Patty Hesse
● Reserve the Community Center for the January 16 mid-year membership meeting.
● Continue utilizing Brittany’s bookkeeping assistance as much as practical and provide recommendations to the Board regarding future responsibilities.
Tom Woodson
● Contact Tom Bunn to discuss his concerns and request documentation supporting his claims regarding the Settlement Agreement/Consent Decree.
● Obtain pricing for a diver inspection of the spillway (estimated at approximately $1,500).
● Obtain pricing from the original engineering firm to inspect the spillway and prepare an updated engineering report.
● Coordinate scheduling of the diver inspection with McCall Brothers.
● Take photographs of the ponds for presentation at the next Board meeting.
Board
● Determine a process for members to request five-minute speaking slots during the January 16 membership meeting. Add this as an agenda item for the next Board meeting.
● Discuss the Dam Fund assessment and related funding options at the January 16 membership meeting.
Meeting Summary
Mid-Year Membership Meeting Planning
Tom Woodson called the meeting to order with a quorum present.
The Board discussed implementing a speaker sign-up sheet for the mid-year membership meeting to better organize discussion topics and speaking order. Members agreed that holding a January meeting would improve communication and allow many issues to be addressed before the Annual Membership Meeting in July.
The July meeting can then remain focused on required annual business while member questions and concerns can be addressed earlier in the year.
Board Meeting Planning
The Board reviewed the recent Annual Membership Meeting and discussed ways to improve future meetings.
Tom stated that meetings would continue to be planned approximately one month in advance with at least two weeks’ notice. The Board also acknowledged that portions of the Bylaws related to electronic communication may eventually need updating.
To ensure adequate meeting space, the Board agreed to reserve both available buildings whenever practical.
Tom also proposed reaching out to Tom Bunn regarding concerns he raised during the Annual Meeting.
Membership Requirements Discussion
Tom discussed Tom Bunn’s claim that certain membership requirements existed within the Settlement Agreement. After rereading the document, Tom stated he could not locate the language being referenced.
The Board agreed that Tom Woodson and Dave Simmons would participate in a three-way call with Tom Bunn to better understand his concerns while documenting the discussion.
The Board also discussed recent offers from members to donate fishing supplies and building materials. The Board agreed that such donations are welcomed and appreciated.
January Membership Meeting
The Board scheduled a mid-year membership meeting for January 23.
Patty Hesse will reserve the Community Center.
The Board also agreed to continue testing Zoom as both a remote participation tool and a method for assisting with meeting transcription.
Treasurer Discussion
Tom Woodson reported that Patty Hesse remains willing to serve as Treasurer through the end of the current term.
Tom also reviewed Brittany’s bookkeeping responsibilities, which now include collecting mail, responding to financial emails, and maintaining QuickBooks records.
The Board agreed that Patty will remain Treasurer through the current year. Beginning with the July 2027 Annual Meeting, the Secretary/Treasurer position will be elected in the same manner as the other officer positions.
Fish Committee
Tom Woodson emphasized the need for the Fish Committee to establish a specific plan within 30 days addressing fish stocking, habitat structure installation, timelines, and communication with the membership.
Dave Simmons agreed to return with a detailed plan.
Pontoon Boat Horsepower Proposal
Tom Woodson discussed continued concerns regarding larger boats creating excessive wake that may contribute to shoreline erosion and seawall damage.
The Board discussed the challenges of enforcing boat restrictions while avoiding case-by-case exceptions.
Tom proposed amending the lake rules to allow pontoon boats with motors up to 125 horsepower, while maintaining the existing 90-horsepower limit for all other boats.
After discussion, the proposal was brought to a vote.
Pontoon Boat Rule Approval
The Board voted to amend the lake rules to allow pontoon boats with motors up to 125 horsepower.
Vote Result:
● Approved: 4
● Abstained: 2
January Membership Meeting and Potential Special Meeting
The Board discussed combining the January membership meeting with a Special Called Meeting if necessary to address a possible Dam Fund assessment or dues increase intended to build reserves for future dam and spillway repairs.
The Board noted that the Bylaws establish a specific procedure for calling a Special Meeting and for voting on any dues increase.
The Board agreed that, if such action becomes necessary, all requirements contained within the Bylaws—including proper notice to the membership—will be followed.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned with a tentative plan to meet again in approximately 30 days.
The Board expressed a preference for meeting in person whenever practical while continuing to use Zoom as an option for remote participation and as a useful tool for creating meeting transcripts and draft minutes.