Big Cedar Property Owners Association
September 2021 Newsletter
PRD ELECTION
The election for two open seats for commissioners on the Big Cedar Protection and Rehabilitation District (PRD) was held on August 25, 2021. Matt Haldemann and Jeff Braun won the two open seats. We congratulate Matt and Jeff on their victory. The turnout was very high with over 600 votes cast.
At the first PRD meeting of the new board, the board elected its chairman, treasurer, and secretary.
Chris Genthe chairman
Christina Fiasca treasurer
Dave Baldus secretary
Cedar Community
We believe the status of the Cedar Community development plan is of interest to many of our members. We want you to know that since April, when Cedar Community presented and then withdrew, their revised Expansion Plan, the only significant development that we are aware of has been the retirement of their CEO Lynn Olsen. The POA committee which has been working on this issue was invited to meet with Cedar Community’s new CEO in July, and they continue to monitor the situation. If there are new developments, we will provide updates to our members.
Garbage – Dumpster
One of our property owners asked about the use of the garbage dumpster by the Gonring boat launch. That person was told by someone launching a boat that the dumpster was for fishermen and others using the launch, not for residents. That is NOT correct. It is there for the use of the property owners. At the September PRD board meeting, the PRD commissioners confirmed the dumpster is for the use of the property owners. Some owners are at the lake for the weekend and leave on Sunday. Their garbage collection is not until Friday. For those, and many other situations, property owners should use the dumpster by the launch. Please note the sign by the dumpster defines what items can and cannot be placed in the dumpster.
Highway 144 Radar/Speed Sign
The residents along Highway 144 near highway K believe the traffic there creates a public safety hazard. The speed limit is 35 mph but many vehicles are traveling 45 mph or faster.
The road borders Big Cedar Lake. Houses are on the west side and the lake is on the east side of the road. Pedestrians, including children cross the highway to get to their boats and enjoy lake activity. The number of people crossing the road and the speed of traffic make it a public safety concern.
The POA worked on this issue with residents in that area, led by Michelle Kackelmeyer a POA director. We approved a contribution of up to $500 per radar/speed sign with matching funds from residents. The total cost is about $2900 per sign. The south end of that area is in the Town of Polk and the north end is in the Town of West Bend. We proposed to each town to share costs and install radar/speed signs. The signs can be programmed to flash vehicle speed when it is over the posted speed limit. The signs are the same as those used by Slinger. Studies have shown the signs result in slower traffic speed by 7 to 10 mph.
We are happy to report that the Town of West Bend has agreed to provide the remaining roughly $1900 to purchase one radar/speed sign. The Town of Polk denied our request.
POA Membership Dues
At this time of year, POA directors are going through their neighborhoods soliciting for POA membership. An important part of this process is for residents to let these POA representatives know how they feel about any lake issues and concerns they have. Please take the opportunity to talk with your POA representative.
The $20 membership dues can be paid online through our website ( Big Cedar POA ). Use the “ONLINE PAYMENT” tab and follow the directions. The payment uses a secure bank processing system. We appreciate your membership and continued support for the Big Cedar POA