The Jackson Lake Association general meeting was held on Friday, August 9, 2019, at the FFA/FCCLA dining hall, with around 130 in attendance.

President Vance Burgess called the meeting to order around 7:15 p.m.

The speakers for the evening included representatives from the counties surrounding the lake.

• Cathy Laseter, chairman of Main Street Covington, a non-profit volunteer organization which promotes the city, spoke regarding various upcoming activities in Covington. The lighting of the Christmas tree will be held on November 21 st , featuring a much larger light display. The Fall Art Walk begins on October 19 th . A

schedule of events and more information can be found at gocovington.com.

• Mandy Tanner and Katie Conner, both from the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce, spoke about happenings around Monticello and Jasper County. Of special interest is the Smithsonian Crossroads: Change in Rural America traveling exhibit which will be at the Monticello-Jasper Visitor Center from Dec. 7 th to Jan. 11 th . A wealth of information regarding the 50,000+ acres of public land in Jasper County can be found at reconjasper.com. 
• Butts County did not provide an official representative but Diane Davis, Dist. 6 Director, took the podium and spoke about various upcoming activities including the annual Butts Mutts Fur Ball. She also mentioned the improved recreational features at the Indian Springs playground. Though she is a resident of Jasper County, Diane is a big fan of Butts County and Jackson.

Vance Burgess provided the following updates:

• Trash Trap – DeKalb County has gone through the bidding process for the first trash trap and selected Bandalong. Vance said it should be installed and in operation within six months. 
• Poker Run – The Poker Run netted $18 thousand, which is a record high. Vance gave credit to Jared Godin and his team.
• July 4th Fireworks – The event was self-funded with between $12,000 and $15,000 in sponsorships. This first fireworks display was a tremendous success.
• Finance – JLA is in a good financial position. The Jackson Lake Sun has netted around $5 thousand for the year and dues of between $12,000 and $13,000 have been received.
• Peninsula Development – Two lot owners in the new development were issued “stop work” orders due to disturbances within the 25 foot buffer. Jackson Lake Association representatives, serving in a watchdog capacity, were instrumental in the issuance of these citations. 

Ken White, speaking on behalf of the nominating committee, presented the slate of Jackson Lake Association officers for the coming year. They include:

• President, Vance Burgess
• Vice President, Ken White
• Wendy Williamson, Treasurer
• Secretary, Beth Rogers
• District 1 Director, Debbie Singley
• District 2 Director, Bill English
• District 3 Director, Nick Ellis
• District 4 Director, Katie Bour
• District 5 Director, Marilou Grimes
• District 6 Director, Diane Davis
• District 7 Director, Tom Joye
• District 8 Director, Bud Cowan
• District 9 Director, Rhonda Smith
• District 10 Director (Members at Large), Smitty Smith

After a motion and second to approve the slate of officers, it was approved.
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Smitty Smith spoke briefly about water quality and urged members to participate in the trash cleanup the following day, August 10 th .
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After awarding door prizes, the meeting was adjourned.
Beth Rogers,
Recording Secretary

​The Jackson Lake Association general meeting was held on Friday, May 17, 2019, at the FFA/FCCLA dining hall, with around 130 in attendance.

President Vance Burgess called the meeting to order around 7:15 p.m.  

After recognizing elected officials and military, he introduced new directors, Rhonda Smith (District 9) and Bill English (District 2). He also recognized Debra Laabs, who is retiring from Georgia Power after forty years of service.

Nick Ellis took the podium and announced the winners of the ‘Lake Life’ art contest.  Art students in Butts, Newton, Henry and Jasper counties competed for middle school and high school prizes. The winning entries will be used on various JLA promotional materials. Nick and his wife, Tasia, coordinated this effort with local schools.  Olivia Miller won first place for the Middle School award.  Allison Aguiliara won first place for the High School award.

The dinner speaker was Adam McGinnis, of Southern Edge Realty in Monticello. Adam has been involved in the development of “The Peninsula at Jackson Lake” since the prior owners of the property approached him for advice on the best means of selling the large tract of land. The property was previously owned by seven individual family members before being sold to Premier, the development company for The Peninsula. The development will include a clubhouse, a saltwater pool and a common boat slip.
McGinnis said that the property includes 114 lots, with 77 being waterfront. Some of the lots are not dockable. Eighty-two of the lots have been sold at prices ranging from $14,900 to $249,000.  According to McGinnis, many of the sales were to local, cash buyers.

McGinnis said that he will have exclusive rights to sell any remainder unsold lots and said that other agents with interested clients should contact him.
Jared Godin provided an update on the debris removal systems. The first litter trap is out for bids by DeKalb County and a location has been identified for the second installation, which is visible from the bridge on Hwy. 81. The second installation will be engineered locally.

Jared also provided an update on upcoming events, including paddling events, Ice Cream Giveaway and the Poker Run. He announced that JLA will sponsor a professionally run fireworks display on July 6th, along with the boat parade. It will be held at the Georgia Power Dam.
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Committee updates included a trash and water quality update from Smitty Smith, a finance committee update from Vance Burgess, and a scholarship update from Ken White.
After awarding door prizes, the meeting was adjourned.
Beth Rogers,
Recording Secretary