CTA News! May 8, 2024
The CTA Board of Directors met on Tues., May 7. Included in this news brief are actions taken and information shared at that meeting as well as other pertinent community announcements.
Security & Safety Committee (S&S)
Update to Automated Visitor Pass System – Approximately 51 % of CT resident property owners have signed up to use the new Gate Sentry system. There has been positive feedback from visitors, guests, etc., citing, for example, the need to show a license only once for subsequent arrivals. Residents using the system say
much the same and especially appreciate the notice they receive when someone checks in at the Gate House. If you did not receive information on this, please contact project manager Jody Jackett ([email protected]). Questions are also addressed on the CTA website at https://www.carolinatrace.org/p/Gate-Sentry-Guest-Pass-System
E-sticker Sales – In response to POA requests, S&S will be adding weekend hours to the e-sticker sales times. Right now, e-stickers are available M-F, 7 am-1 pm, credit or debit only; no cash or checks. When weekend sales open, the update will be posted on the media centers. S&S appreciates your patience during this time.
Gate Work – In April, S&S replaced the visitor gate switch at Gate House with a more reliable model, and corrected the original faulty installation of, and apparent recent damage to, the South Entry gate. S&S replaced intentionally damaged North Entry gate (driver’s insurance paid). The opening/closing time of each gate on North entrance will be adjusted. If you notice issues or damage to the gate(s), email Security & Safety chair Joe Zanga, [email protected]
Carolina Trace Residents Boat Registration - All boat owners (fishing, kayak, pontoon, etc.) in Carolina Trace should fill out a registration form that allows boat owners to stay informed about Lake Trace updates. This information has also been helpful in tracking down owners when boats become loose from their moorings and float away. Details and the form are on the CTA website: https://www.carolinatrace.org/p/Lake-Trace-Recreation
Traceway Roads & Maintenance (TRAM)
Signpost Maintenance Completed: 40 posts were installed along Traceway and the entrance way. Thanks to volunteers who worked on this project.
Traffic Calming Study: Speed data has been collected, traffic observed, and report in progress. More to follow!
Traceway Tree Project: Additional trees will be replaced this fall when they are available from the nursery. The new trees that were planted earlier this year are doing well and are being cared for by CTA’s landscaping contractor.
How Can You Help TRAM? CTA is looking for POA residents with certain skill sets to help TRAM as consultants for proposal review, planning and maintenance. Please ask your community members to consider volunteering if they have experience with civil engineering, road construction, pavement, drainage, culverts, etc. TRAM would like support in vetting contractors and their proposals. Residents can contact TRAM via email, [email protected].
Trace Lake & Dam Committee (TLDC)
Community questions or concerns about Lake Trace or the country club’s management of the lake should be directed only to Bill Huggins, chair of the committee, at this email address: [email protected]. Bill is CTA’s sole liaison with the country club regarding Lake Trace and the dam.
Hydrilla Watch! Warm temperatures and sunshine mean we’re back to our hydrilla watch. Please report the locations of hydrilla sightings to Bill Huggins at the above email address.
Ducks Unlimited Wood Duck Nest Program: Three POAs (Hidden Lake, Woodfield and Sedgemoor) and six lakefront property owners have contacted TLDC about having Duck Nests on their property.
Housekeeping:
CTA 2023 Annual Report: CTA’s bylaws call for the distribution of its annual report each spring. The 2023 Report has been finalized and uploaded to the CTA website: https://www.carolinatrace.org/file/document/2060225876/UJNhdJQRPYETOlCP.pdf
CTA Executive Committee Update: In accordance with CTA bylaws, CTA vice president Joe Zanga assumed the role of president of CTA following the mid-April resignation of Kate Woods. The Board will consider appointment of a new vice president at the June meeting to fill out the remainder of the 2024 term. The nominated individual approved by the Board will serve as co-chair of the Security and Safety Committee with Joe. Email Joe Zanga ([email protected]) for more information.
But Wait, There’s More!
Utilities:
CWS infrastructure issues (main breaks, sewer issues): Continue to report these to the 800# on your invoice and also to CT utilities volunteer Jeff Wennberg, [email protected] CTA continues to press CWS to improve its communications with residents.
CWS Survey: many CT customers have gotten the one-question CWS survey in their emails. If you did not get it and would like to let them know if you would refer friends or colleagues to CWS, please click this link to provide them with your thoughts: https://survey.uperix.com/?l=en&cid=n24c04&i=bc0f65b17a&v
Carolina Trace VFD Updates:
Fire Chief Job Opening: The search is on for the next Fire Chief. For a job description, please contact interim Chief Robbie Wilkins at (919) 499-5811 or [email protected]
Junior Firefighter Program: The junior program is for 16-17-year-olds and gives them real world experience in fire and emergency services. Juniors can take the same classes as the other firefighters, and they can even receive certifications that can give them a head start on a possible career. For more information, please contact interim Chief Robbie Wilkins at (919) 499-5811.
Website Updated: CTVFD website has been updated with resources beneficial to our local community. Please visit it at https://www.carolinatracevfd.org/
Community Calendar – Open to All CT Residents:
May 21, time TBD - CERT Boat Transportation Exercise:
We will “rescue” injured victims and transport them across the lake to a Medical Treatment Area (CTCC’s marina). For more information, contact Charles Holder, CTA Lake Safety Coordinator, [email protected]
May 23, 6 pm, May 24, 6 pm or May 25, 9 am - Stop the Bleed Courses:
May is “Stop the Bleed” month. Anyone interested in learning how to stop bleeding in a person who has sustained a traumatic injury should attend one of these courses. There different days/times are being offered but you only have to attend one. Classes are limited to 20 people. All classes will be at the Carolina Trace Fire Department training room. The signup link for the course is: https://doodle.com/meeting/participate/id/b4Yz8j2d. For questions, contact Penny Turner at [email protected].
Housekeeping
The April 2, 2024 CTA Board Meeting Minutes have been uploaded to the website: https://www.carolinatrace.org/file/document/3210774961/pWUc7EHQWBW4IFiR.pdf
Read and learn for yourself; don’t fall victim to third-party “interpretations” as to what CTA is or is not doing. Your POA’s CTA Director is your closest source of accurate information. Questions should always be directed to your POA Board.
Community Communications Improvement (Jeff Wennberg, Chair): Tired of slow to non-existent internet service? Join this ad hoc to research options available or potentially available to CT.
Volunteers Welcomed! CTA and POA volunteers are all residents of Carolina Trace, who pay the same assessments in addition to saving property owner funds by volunteering. There are plenty of opportunities for one-time or ongoing service to your community, either through your POA or the CTA.
Message Center Slides – Did you know? If you miss an announcement while driving through the gates, you can read them at the CTA website at www.carolinatrace.org
Thanks for reading to the end!
Community Hotline: Call 919.499.2722 OR the Gatehouse line, option 2. The hotline will provide the status of roads, gates, and utilities.
Questions or Concerns? Your POA's CTA Director can help, and is in the best position to point you in the direction of the correct volunteer if they can’t. Remember that CTA exists to keep the infrastructure common to all 18 POAs in good condition (Traceway North and South, gatehouse, gates, and landscaping of non-POA common areas). CTA budget and policies are set by delegates from each of the 18 POAs. Each POA is responsible for its own infrastructure, amenities, regulations, and lot assessments.
CTA News! April 12, 2024
On Tuesday, April 16, the Carolina Trace community will begin using Gate Sentry as part of our advanced community security measures. If your POA provided your email to the project manager as requested, you should have received an email containing your unique access code and instructions for setting up your account (which is accessible via a website or via an app for your smartphone). Printed letters with the same code and instructions are being sent via USPS to every property owner as well and should be received in the next day or so.
If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact CTA's project manager for this system, Jody Jackett at [email protected].
Please direct any issues to Jody Jackett as outlined above. Please note the CT gatehouse staff does not have additional information, nor can they help you with setting up an account. Also note that the current gate pass system will still be in effect while this program is being rolled out.
CTA News! April 3, 2024
The CTA Board of Directors met on Tues., April 2. Included in this news brief are actions taken and information shared at that meeting as well as other pertinent community announcements.
Security & Safety Committee (S&S)
Automated Visitor Pass System Rollout this Month –
April is the month! Property owners should be on the lookout for communication from Gate Sentry as outlined below to aid in setting up your accounts. This system will offer multiple options for requesting visitor passes. The approximate timeline is:
Questions should be directed to project manager Jody Jackett. ([email protected]).
E-sticker Sales – As reported in March, S&S has restored special hours at the gatehouse during which e-stickers are available for purchase by residents: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Credit or debit only; no cash or checks.
Gates – Volunteers continue to work with contractors when gate issues arise. S&S has been interviewing multiple gate contractors and soliciting recommendations to overcome inherent problems with the back entrances as they were designed. The gatehouse staff is unable to fix gate issues or dispatch repair people. If you notice issues or damage to the gate(s), email Security & Safety chair Joe Zanga, [email protected].
Traceway Roads & Maintenance (TRAM)
Bridge Work Completed – The work on the two bridges near the gatehouse has been completed. TRAM appreciates the patience of the community during this process.
Traceway Road Work Update – In March, “crusher run” was applied and roadside drainage was worked on, providing for better driver safety on Traceway. The community is reminded, however, that the maximum safe speed on all of Traceway is 25 mph.
Thanks to CERT Volunteers – Thanks to our community volunteers who directed traffic during March’s Traceway roadwork.
How Can You Help TRAM? CTA is looking for POA residents with certain skill sets to help TRAM as consultants for proposal review, planning and maintenance. Please ask your community members to consider volunteering if they have experience with civil engineering, road construction, pavement, drainage, culverts, etc. TRAM would like support in vetting contractors and their proposals. Residents can contact TRAM via email, [email protected].
Trace Lake & Dam Committee (TLDC)
Community questions or concerns about Lake Trace or the country club’s management of the lake should be directed only to Bill Huggins , chair of the committee, at this email address: [email protected]. Bill is CTA’s sole liaison with the country club regarding Lake Trace and the dam.
Hydrilla Watch! Warm temperatures and sunshine mean we’re back to our hydrilla watch. Please report the locations of hydrilla sightings to Bill at the above email address.
TLDC members met with a representative of the NC State Aquatic Plant Management program to discuss the bathymetric study and vegetation (including hydrilla) in the lake. These findings will be shared with CTCC.
Bathymetric Study: As reported last month, the report (compiled from the mapping of the lake last fall) is now available for your review at this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QDqzcB_Rn800XmgzrnrKFfJa1uapGW1U/view?usp=sharing
Duck, Duck (Not Goose): TLDC was approached by the Lee County Ducks Unlimited group to discuss the possibility of the group installing, at no cost to CTA or POAs, wood duck nests on land owned by CTA and possibly POAs or their waterfront property owners, around Lake Trace or POA ponds. Details on the nests are in this link: https://www.ducks.org/conservation/waterfowl-research-science/build-a-wood-duck-box
A letter from TLDC outlining this program in greater detail has been sent to POA leadership for their distribution to property owners.
Housekeeping:
Board Considers Outside Support: With the significant decline in volunteers willing to devote the substantial amount of time it takes to manage a community of this size, the Board heard very high-level presentations from two companies that assist other planned communities in the local area. For CTA, that could mean centralized and consistent maintenance of the infrastructure under CTA control (e.g., Traceway North and South, culverts and other drainage systems, bridges, gatehouse, and gate systems), with the CTA Board continuing to manage overall budgeting and expenditures. This would have no impact on how each POA decides to manage its own infrastructure and amenities. The CTA Board voted to have Board members and the CTA committee chairs put together a list of specific functions that would benefit from outside management before any further action is taken on this idea.
CTA Executive Committee Update: Kate Woods will continue in her role as CTA president for 2024; time sensitive issues/requests should be communicated to the CTA secretary ([email protected]) for distribution to the proper stakeholder.
Utilities:
CWS infrastructure issues (main breaks, sewer issues) - should be reported to the 800# on your invoice and also to CT utilities volunteer Jeff Wennberg, [email protected] CTA continues to press CWS to improve its communications with residents.
Carolina Trace Country Club Updates:
Thanks to all - CTCC extends its thanks to CTA, specifically those on the Security & Safety Committee, as well as the community for its work and welcoming of the club’s hosting of the Second Annual Will Lowery Junior Championship last month.
The club’s new general manager will be introduced the second week of April.
Carolina Trace VFD Updates:
Thanks and best wishes to Chief Meyers - After 20 years serving our community, Chief Meyers departs to head up a fire department in Guilford County, NC. CTA offers its thanks and best wishes to Chief Meyers, and extends a community welcome to interim Chief Robbie Wilkins, who is a Captain at the Spout Springs Fire Department.
Junior Firefighter Program: The junior program is for 16-17-year-olds and gives them real world experience in fire and emergency services. Juniors can take the same classes as the other firefighters, and they can even receive certifications that can give them a head start on a possible career. For more information, please contact interim Chief Robbie Wilkins at (919) 499-5811.
Help with Smoke Detectors: CTVFD provides battery operated smoke detectors for homes that do not have them, as well as assisting in changing the batteries in smoke detectors if needed.
Community Calendar – Open to All CT Residents:
Ad Hoc and Special Committees Need You! – CTA is looking for individuals to help with the following committees:
Community Communications Improvement (Jeff Wennberg, Chair): Tired of slow to non-existent internet service? Join this ad hoc to research options available or potentially available to CT.
Memorial Day Observation (May 27) – Volunteers Needed! – Last month’s request yielded three volunteers! There will be a logistics meeting this month and we need additional helpers, specifically:
This is a short (approximately 30 minute) program hosted at CTCC’s flag circle early on the morning of Memorial Day. Those interested in helping can email [email protected] for more information.
Volunteers Welcomed! CTA and POA volunteers are all residents of Carolina Trace, who pay the same assessments in addition to saving property owner funds by volunteering. There are plenty of opportunities for one-time or ongoing service to your community, either through your POA or the CTA.
Housekeeping
The March 5, 2024 CTA Board Meeting Minutes have been uploaded to the website:
https://www.carolinatrace.org/file/document/3210774961/1ZeIJGwGqC1r3dXQ.pdf
CTA News! March 7, 2024
The CTA Board of Directors met on Tues., March 5. Included in this news brief are actions taken and information shared at that meeting and other pertinent community announcements.
Finance: Financial Records – Finance volunteers are pulling together necessary documents to prepare for the audit of 2023 records, which will occur later in this season. This includes an up-to-date balance sheet. Thanks to the volunteers who are researching CTA’s assets, etc., to aid in the updating of this important document.
Security & Safety Committee (S&S)
Traceway Roads & Maintenance (TRAM)
Trace Lake & Dam Committee (TLDC)
Utilities:
Carolina Trace Country Club Updates
Carolina Trace VFD Updates
Community Calendar – Open to All CT Residents
Ad Hoc Committees Need You! – CTA is looking for individuals to help with the following committees:
Housekeeping
February 6, 2024 CTA Board Meeting Minutes have been uploaded to the website:
https://www.carolinatrace.org/file/document/3210774961/PHeLMoaVDZ7llPyq.pdf
Read and learn for yourself; don’t fall victim to third-party “interpretations” as to what CTA is or is not doing. Your POA’s CTA Director is your closest source of accurate information. Questions should always be directed to your POA Board.
Message Center Slides – available on the CTA website at www.carolinatrace.org
Thanks for reading to the end!
Community Hotline: Call 919.499.2722 OR the Gatehouse line, option 2. The hotline will provide the status of roads, gates, and utilities.
Lake Trace Dam Opening 2/20/23
Eric Graveen, Golf Course Superintendent has sent out the following message to all Carolina Trace POA's.
"We are scheduled to open the dam to Lake Trace today. This action is necessary for significant lowering to facilitate tree removal from the dam, bridge work on Traceway, and dock repairs. The duration of the lake's lowered water level is currently uncertain, but ideally, all tasks can be finalized within a week once the water recedes. Boat owners are advised to monitor their lines and make adjustments accordingly."
CTA News Update: 2/15/23
Gatehouse Staff Courtesies: The gates are now working (North entry gate will be delivered this week) and the Gatehouse Staff are following the rules your representatives on the Board have approved. Be polite to the staff and if you have a concern, please bring that to the attention of your POA's CTA Representative or President. Profanity and anger directed at the staff is unlikely to produce the desired results and your Board will not tolerate such behavior. Joe Zanga, CTA Vice President. Chair of the Safety & Security Committee
Lake Lowering: Since it is now mid-February, CTA writes to advise we still do not have exact dates for the lake lowering. The following statement was issued by CTCC Golf Course Superintendent Eric Graveen: "...Tree removal on the dam will begin soon. Access roads are currently being prepared to get the equipment needed to the back side of the dam. We are planning to lower the lake soon so that our contractors can remove trees on the bank as well as the CTA continuing their work from last year. Once we have a date set, I will make sure to communicate that with you as well."
CTA News! February 7, 2024
The CTA Board of Directors met on Tues., February 6. Included in this news brief are actions and information shared at that meeting.
Finance
Security & Safety Committee (S&S)
Traceway Roads & Maintenance (TRAM)
Trace Lake & Dam Committee (TLDC)
Community Calendar –
Thanks to the Carolina Trace Volunteer Fire Department – The Board thanked Chief Meyers and his volunteers who helped clear fallen trees and branches from CT roads following last month’s heavy rains.
Ad Hoc Committees Need You! – CTA is looking for individuals to help with the following committees:
As a reminder, CTA and POA volunteers are all residents of Carolina Trace, who pay the same assessments in addition to saving property owner funds by volunteering. There are plenty of opportunities for one-time or ongoing service to your community, either through your POA or the CTA.
Housekeeping
January 2, 2024 CTA Board Minutes have been uploaded to the website:
https://www.carolinatrace.org/file/document/3210774961/njl18UaSlvGQlNhV.pdf
Read and learn for yourself; don’t fall victim to third-party “interpretations” as to what CTA is or is not doing. Your POA’s CTA Director is your closest source of accurate information. Questions should always be directed to your POA Board.
Message Center Slides – available on the CTA website at www.carolinatrace.org
Thanks for reading to the end and remember:
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CTA News! January 5, 2024
Happy New Year! The CTA Board of Directors met on Tues., January 2. This news brief reflects actions and information shared at that meeting.
Financial Review: CTA is preparing for the 2023 taxes and the annual audit. CTA reserves were moved to a brokerage account to ensure funds over $250k are insured. Reserves have been invested in US Treasuries for higher yield, better liquidity in event of emergency and greater tax efficiency.
Security & Safety Committee (S&S)
New Chair in 2024. S&S has a new chair in 2024, please reach out to Joe Zanga, email is the same: [email protected]
Reminder – We Need Volunteers for this Sub-Committee:
You’ll note that the work of the gate pass sub-committee is largely done! POAs are asked to inform residents of important, but temporary volunteer opportunities. Interested parties should contact the Vice President (see contact info, above):
Traceway Roads & Maintenance (TRAM)
Bradford/Callery Pear Ad Hoc Update – Replacement trees (five-gallon root ball, approximately six feet in height) will be planted as weather permits in January-February and will be of the following varieties: Chionanthus virginicus (white fringe tree); Cercis canadensis (eastern red bud); Tulip Magnolia; and Amelanchier arborea (service berry).
TRAM Committee to Welcome New Chair. Shawn Draper, resident of North Shore POA, has agreed to chair the TRAM committee. CTA is looking for POA residents with certain skill sets to help TRAM as consultants for proposal review, planning and maintenance. Please ask your community members to consider volunteering if they have civil engineering experience, experience in road construction, drainage, culverts, etc. TRAM would like support in vetting contractors and their proposals.
Trace Lake & Dam Committee (TLDC)
Updates to any lake or dam issues are the purview of the Country Club (Escalante Golf), which owns both. Escalante provides updates to the TLDC as a courtesy, and are reported to residents as received.
The dates for the lowering of Lake Trace have not been announced by CTCC as of this date. As soon as those dates are known, the POAs will be notified.
Holiday Decorations: What Goes Up, Must Come Down – The holiday decorations at the main gate and bridges will be taken down on January 14 at 1 p.m. Volunteers are always welcome!
POA Election Results to CTA Are Requested – Many POAs have elections in the last quarter of each year; a form was sent to all POA secretaries to return to CTA as soon as possible so records can be updated with accurate POA leadership.
Ad Hoc Committees Need You! – CTA is looking for individuals to help with the following committees:
As a reminder, CTA and POA volunteers are your neighbors who pay the same assessments in addition to saving property owner funds by volunteering. There are plenty of opportunities for one-time or ongoing service to your community, either through your POA or the CTA. Make giving back to Carolina Trace a new year’s resolution!
CTA Board Minutes have been uploaded to the website:
https://www.carolinatrace.org/file/document/3210774961/wHu5nvs0kIZLdQ2J.pdf
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December 2023 Carolina Trace News
The CTA Board of Directors met on Tues., December 5. This news brief reflects actions and information shared at that meeting.
CTA Board Elects Officers, Sets Meeting Schedule for 2024
One of the earliest orders of business at this meeting was to elect the 2024 CTA officers. By unanimous consent of all POAs present, the 2024 CTA Officers elected are: President: Kate Woods; Vice President: Joe Zanga; Secretary: Sharon Sheldon; Treasurer: Randi Constant.
Meetings will continue on the first Tuesday of each month, via Zoom, with the exception of the in-person annual budget vote, which should occur in September.
Reports from the Country Club
Lake Updates: CTCC acquired a permit from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Division to add 750 sterile grass carp into Lake Trace which will aid in hydrilla reduction. The permit allows for an additional 750 carp to be added in 2024 as well. Residents should continue to report hydrilla sightings to Kate Woods ([email protected]).
Lake Lowering: Traditionally Lake Trace is lowered via the opening of dam valves in early winter. There are no dates for this lowering right now; but it will be lowered in early winter. CTCC is proceeding with plans to repair the dam. It has received approval from property owners to access the dam and the necessary environmental permits, and are reviewing engineering bids for repairs to the dam. More will be known after January 1, 2024.
From Golf Course Superintendent Eric Graveen:
- Homeowners living adjacent to the golf courses are asked to refrain from piling yard debris at the edge of their yards or pushing it on to the golf courses. Golfers have expressed concerns regarding this issue; please be considerate.
- There’s been some extra traffic on the golf courses recently - namely, kids playing on the greens, slip and sliding down hills and cruising around on golf carts. While some of these things may seem harmless, it is important to remember that the golf course is not a playground and is private property accessible only to members and paying guests.
Escalante Golf and Carolina Trace Country Club are not responsible for any injuries that may occur and the cost of any damage to the property from these incidents will be the responsibility of the homeowner or responsible party.
Finance
Financial Review: Following Board approval at the November 7 meeting, CTA has hired a bookkeeper, and the Board approved a resolution to add the bookkeeper and 2024 Treasurer to the bank account.
CTA will move some funds to the reserve account at the close of the year. It is important for CTA to continue to rebuild healthy reserves as CTA has no by-law provision to call for a special assessment on the POAs in the event of an emergency.
2024 Assessments Update: POA assessments and quarterly statements will be distributed shortly. POA treasurers should be on the lookout for this information.
Security & Safety Committee (S&S)
Gate Damage Updates: Last month CTA News reported on damage to both of the back gates. Since that time, the North Gate barrier arm gate has been replaced and the South Gate swing gate has been repaired. CTA has been successful in recovering $10,200 from insurance companies of the drivers who caused the recent damages to the gates. S&S will continue to file reports with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office when damage to CTA property is observed.
A Bollard to The Rescue: One of the cameras at the South Gate was also hit twice in 2023 and must be replaced. Security & Safety is adding a bollard (cement pillar) to protect the new camera. Installation will take place sometime over winter break, and S&S will post updates on the media centers.
Ongoing Gate Maintenance is a Fact of Life: The in-ground loop wiring (controls the gate computer when a car is in the operational zone of the gate) needs to be replaced in the North Gate, and that will be done during the last week of December. Residents are asked to be patient, and if possible, to please use the main gate for entry and exit during this time. Repairs affecting gate use will be posted on the media centers. Security & Safety appreciates your patience as they work to eliminate further delays with these gates.
SPA Staffing for December 25: SPA will have an extra officer on duty at the Main Gate to handle anticipated increased traffic for Christmas Day.
Security & Safety Will Have a New Chair in 2024: In the interim, concerns can be directed to Joe Zanga, incoming Vice President of CTA at [email protected]. CTA thanks Burt Witaschek for his time and tireless work overseeing the Security & Safety issues in Carolina Trace.
Reminder – We Need Volunteers on these Security & Safety Committees:
POAs are asked to inform residents of important volunteer opportunities. Interested parties should contact the Vice President (see contact info, above):
- South Gate Study Sub-Committee - Duties include review and replacement of equipment, review of proposed growth (undeveloped lots) and current traffic counts, DOT input on gate location and liaising with TRAM committee. This sub-committee will have data to review from decisions made at the North Gate and the goal is to invest in due diligence before spending large amounts of money making upgrades.
- Automated Visitor Pass system – Upgrades to the current visitor pass system were approved for 2024. A team is needed to assess which of two proposals should be preferred, and the system components or features are best suited for Carolina Trace.
Traceway Roads & Maintenance (TRAM)
Bradford/Callery Pear Ad Hoc Update –28 diseased Bradford/Callery Pear trees along Traceway North were removed the week of November 13. This month the landscaper will treat the stumps with herbicide to prevent regrowth. Replacement trees (five-gallon root ball, approximately six feet in height) will be planted in early 2024 and will be of the following varieties: Chionanthus virginicus (white fringe tree); Cercis canadensis (eastern red bud); Tulip Magnolia; and Amelanchier arborea (service berry).
Replanting of trees will take into consideration traffic sight lines at the two Lakeview Drive and Traceway North intersections.
Trace Lake & Dam Committee (TLDC)
Updates to any lake or dam issues are the purview of the Country Club (Escalante Golf), which owns both. Escalante provides updates to the TLDC as a courtesy, and are reported to residents as received. All information for this month was reported in the CTCC Update.
Thanks to the Volunteers Who Decorated the Main Entrance – Six of the 18 POAs were represented by community volunteers who donated a recent Saturday morning to decorate the gatehouse and bridges for the holidays. Please thank these neighbors when you see them: Eagles Nest POA resident Riley Sullivan; Golf West POA residents Debbie and Keith Betts, Jack and Janet Huffman; Hidden Lake POA resident Samantha Lehman Phelps; Lakewood POA resident Jeff Wennberg; North Shore POA residents Janet and Al Alecia, Charlotte and Michael Bohn, Joanna and Dave Chidester, Sharon and Jeff Sheldon, Jeanne Solomon and Billie Zulich; Woodmere-Trentwood POA resident Karen Kennedy. Decorations will be taken down on January 14 at 1 p.m. Volunteers are always welcome!
POA Election Results to CTA Are Requested – Many POAs have elections in the last quarter of each year; a form was sent to all POA secretaries to return to CTA so records can be updated with accurate POA leadership. Forms should be returned to CTA by December 15 to prepare for 2024.
Ad Hoc Committees Need You! – CTA is looking for individuals to help with the following committees:
- CTA By-laws Review (Joe Zanga, Chair): Join for a deep dive into the bylaws to confirm they are clear, consistent, and appropriate as our community has evolved. Volunteers should have some familiarity with by-laws for non-profit organizations.
- Community Communications Improvement (Jeff Wennberg, Chair): Tired of slow to non-existent internet service? Join this ad hoc to research options available or potentially available to CT.
- Long Range Planning Committee (Ernie Violon, Chair): Help plan for the future of CT. Review and discuss the 2015 Capital Reserves Study (which can be seen at this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HvyN3u9kD71yov4rvzbebNqtVoom9MTl/view?usp=drive_link), get bids for an updated study and craft a strategic plan for the Board’s consideration.
As a reminder, CTA and POA volunteers are your neighbors who pay the same assessments in addition to saving property owner funds by volunteering. There are plenty of opportunities for one-time or ongoing service to your community, either through your POA or the CTA. Make giving back to Carolina Trace a new year’s resolution!
Calendar Items for All
Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for a Prosperous New Year!
November 7 CTA Board Minutes have been uploaded to the website:
https://www.carolinatrace.org/file/document/3210774961/o94EJdcGBUe20oDU.pdf
Read and learn for yourself; don’t fall victim to third-party “interpretations” as to what CTA is or is not doing. Your POA’s CTA Director is your closest source of accurate information. Questions should always be directed to your POA Board.
Media Center Slides – available on the CTA website at www.carolinatrace.org
November 2023 Carolina Trace News
The CTA Board of Directors met on Tues., November 7. This news brief reflects actions and information shared at that meeting. Thanks to our CTA Board volunteers from all of the POAs!
Finance
Security & Safety Committee (S&S)
Volunteer Opportunities on the Security & Safety Committee:
POAs are asked to inform residents of important volunteer opportunities. Interested parties should contact Burt (see contact info, above):
Traceway Roads & Maintenance (TRAM)
Trace Lake & Dam Committee (TLDC)
Updates to any lake or dam issues are the purview of Escalante Golf, which owns both. Escalante provides updates to the TLDC as a courtesy, and are reported to residents as received.
Residents are asked to report issues (hydrilla sightings, etc.,) to CTA’s TLDC chair Kate Woods ([email protected]), who will then share them with Escalante. Thanks for your understanding.
Nominations for CTA 2024 Officers and Committee Members – The
Nomination Committee (members: Debbie Betts, Tom Boerger and Paul Zizzo) presented the following slate of officer candidates, to be voted on at the December CTA Board meeting: President: Kate Woods, Vice President: Joe Zanga, Secretary: Sharon Sheldon, Treasurer: Randi Constant.
Holiday Decorations Committee Needs Help – An annual tradition following Thanksgiving is decorating the main entrance to Carolina Trace for the holidays. Decorations remain up through early January. If you appreciate seeing holiday decorations (as most of us do!) and if have a few hours to spare after Thanksgiving and/or in January, please contact Kate Woods at [email protected]. Decorating materials are supplied by CTA.
CTA Ad Hoc Committees Forming – in addition to the South Gate study, CTA is looking for individuals to help with the following committees (contact Kate Woods at [email protected]):
CTA Volunteer Job Bank Coming Soon – Volunteers working with POAs and with CTA help keep the costs of running our community lower than it would be if professional management were engaged. There are many ways residents can help and a CTA Job Bank outlining these ways will be on the website soon. Updates will follow and CTA hopes that you can make serving in CT a priority in 2024.
As a reminder, CTA and POA volunteers are your neighbors. They pay the same assessments in addition to saving community funds by volunteering.
Carolina Water Service Infrastructure Tracking – Reminder that the first call for outages or other water service issues should be to the 800 number on the front page of your CWS bill. POAs are asked to report all incidents of water pipes/main breaks to resident volunteer Jeff Wennberg, [email protected]. Please include type of issue, date of occurrence, location of issue, and length of time your water service was impacted.
Calendar Items for All
Housekeeping
October 3 CTA Board Minutes have been uploaded to the website:
https://www.carolinatrace.org/file/document/3210774961/bLMtPep3Gm6rmXdo.pdf
Read and learn for yourself; don’t fall victim to third-party “interpretations” as to what CTA is or is not doing. Your POA’s CTA Director is your closest source of accurate information. Questions should always be directed to your POA Board.
Remember that CTA exists to keep the infrastructure common to all POAs in good working order. Each POA is responsible for its own infrastructure, amenities, regulations, and lot assessments.
Media Center Slides – available on the CTA website at www.carolinatrace.org
Thanks for reading to the end!
Community Hotline: Call 919.499.2722 OR the Gatehouse line, option 2. The hotline will provide the status of roads, gates, and utilities.
Questions or Concerns? Your POA's CTA Director can help, and is in the best position to point you in the direction of the correct volunteer if they can’t.
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October 2023 Carolina Trace News
Finance
Security and Safety
Trace Lake and Dam Committee
Nominations for CTA 2024 Officers and Committee Members – The Board will vote on the slate of 2024 Officers (president, vice president, secretary and treasurer) at the December meeting, so any interested property owners who would consider Board or committee involvement are asked to make their wishes known prior to the November 7 CTA Board meeting. Questions can be addressed to CTA President Kate Woods, [email protected] or Nomination committee members: Debbie Betts, Tom Boerger and Paul Zizzo.
Holiday Decorations Committee Now Forming – An annual tradition following Thanksgiving is decorating the entrance to Carolina Trace for the holidays. Decorations remain up through early January. Interested parties should contact Kate Woods at [email protected]
Carolina Water Service Infrastructure Tracking – Reminder that the first call for outages or other water service issues should be to the 800 number on the front page of your CWS bill. POAs are asked to report all incidents of water pipes/main breaks to resident volunteer Jeff Wennberg, [email protected]. Please include type of issue, date of occurrence, location of issue, and length of time your water service was impacted.
Calendar Items for All
Housekeeping
September 5 CTA Board Minutes have been uploaded to the website: https://www.carolinatrace.org/file/document/3210774961/y2KFfb3dYsfGaIuM.pdf
Read and learn for yourself; don’t fall victim to third-party “interpretations” as to what CTA is or is not doing. Your POA’s CTA Director is your closest source of accurate information. Remember that CTA exists to keep the infrastructure common to all POAs in good working order. Each POA is responsible for its own infrastructure, amenities, regulations, and lot assessments.
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September 2023 CTA News!
Security and Safety
North Gate Barrier Arm - Update: The barrier arm has now been operational for two weeks. To speed traffic through the entrance during daytime hours, the barrier gate will be used from 6 AM to 6 PM, and the swing gate will be used from 6 PM to 6 AM. Those using this entrance are asked to exercise patience and not push into the gate arm. Such an action results in the motor going into failsafe mode, rendering the gate inoperable until it can be reset. The gate arm moves very quickly in comparison to the swing gate, but Security and Safety will continue to monitor the timing of the gate arm as well. For your own safety, please do not walk or stand near the barrier gate.
CT Volunteers Recognized for Thirty Years of Service
Trace Lake and Dam Committee
Carolina Water Service Infrastructure Tracking – The ongoing increases to our water service without any upgrades to infrastructure is concerning. POAs are asked to report all incidents of water pipes/main breaks to resident volunteer Jeff Wennberg, [email protected]. Please include type of issue, date of occurrence, location of issue, and length of time your water service was impacted.
Carolina Trace Volunteer Fire Department Board Elections – October 3 is the date to vote for three members of the Fire Department’s 9-member Board. Bios of the candidates can be reviewed at this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RM0-wPekFYZpq7zzixnYPsvMVl9e2x-y/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=100853700761842761827&rtpof=true&sd=true
Continued Hydrant Flushing This Month – CTVFD Chief Myers reports that community hydrant flushing will continue in accordance with state law.
CTA 2024 Budget Work Continues - The CTA Board of Directors worked hard on crafting the final 2024 budget at the September 5 Board meeting. However, an errant clause that was not updated in the 2021 bylaw changes means that the budget cannot be voted on until October’s meeting. In the coming months, CTA will put a task force together to review the bylaws and propose a clean-up of contradictory or confusing language to avoid such issues in the future.
Calendar Items for All
Housekeeping
Read and learn for yourself; don’t fall victim to third-party “interpretations” as to what CTA is or is not doing. Your POA’s CTA Director is your closest source of accurate information. Remember that CTA exists to keep the infrastructure common to all POAs in good working order. Each POA is responsible for its own infrastructure, amenities, regulations, and lot assessments.
Thanks for reading to the end!
Community Hotline: Call 919.499.2722 OR the Gatehouse line, option 2. The hotline will provide the status of roads, gates, and utilities.
Questions or Concerns? Your POA's CTA Director can help and is in the best position to point you in the direction of the correct volunteer if they can’t.
Reminder – Do Your Part: 2024 is quickly approaching, and with it, new volunteer opportunities for the new year. CTA and all POAs are run by volunteers from within our communities, and all will welcome more willing hands.