By Heather Michon
Correspondent
Lake members shared concerns about the dangers of dogs running loose in the community at the Lake Monticello Board of Director’s monthly meeting on Thursday (March 27). While all dogs within the Lake are supposed to be secured or leashed, there have been a number of attacks in recent years.
Joan Cantor said her little dog, Mango, was almost killed when a large dog ran out from an open garage door, snatched Mango in its jaws, and ran off.
After a frantic search, Cantor found Mango and rushed it to the vet. The 15-lb dog required 17 staples to close up its wounds. She said the photos of the damage were too gruesome to share publicly.
Lake Monticello Police Chief David Wells said that while both the Lake and the county prohibit dogs from running loose, enforcement can be challenging, and fines and penalties are limited.
Cantor suggested that the association should provide more public education on the dangers of unrestrained dogs.
While there were no proposals on the table, the directors indicated they would look into some solutions. “There have been a lot of good suggestions that we will act on,” said Director Jenny Richardson.
To report dangerous or loose animals, residents can call the Lake Monticello police at 434-589-2677 or contact Animal Control Officer Virginia Strong at the Fluvanna County Sheriff’s Office at 434-589-8211.
Line of credit
Lake Directors voted to defer a decision on a $300,000 line of credit Atlantic Union Bank had proposed a $300,000 line of credit to solve the end-of-year cash crunch that hits the association in the winter months as dues money for the year begins to run low.
The line of credit would require a $2,250 origination fee and an interest rate of 8.5 percent. The loan would be secured with association assets and have an annual $250 fee after the first year.
However, the Finance Committee did not concur with the staff recommendation to the board to approve the proposal.
Directors voted 5-0 to defer a decision, with President Larry Henson saying it would likely not be voted on again until the fall.
