Indian Lakes Estates Frequently Asked Questions
Furnished as a public service by the ILEPOA Board of Directors
How do I become a member of the Indian Lakes Estates Property Owners' Association?
When you own property in Indian Lakes Estates, you are automatically a member. Renters can't be members, but they can attend meetings as guests, use the lakes and picnic grounds, and help out where needed. Renters who wish to receive a courtesy copy of the newsletter should contact a Board member.
Indian Lakes Estates residents pay no official dues or fees. The suggested annual donation is $25, due in July of each year. Make your check payable to Indian Lakes Estates Property Owners' Association and send it to: Treasurer, ILEPOA, P.O. Box 596, Coarsegold, CA 93614. Donations in excess of this figure are always welcome. Donations finance our newsletter mailings, rental of halls for meetings, mailings to government officials, supplies, and other expenses as needed.
How is the association run, and what does it do?
ILEPOA is a non-profit corporation, organization number 065-1215 IL1EP. It operates on a fiscal year, from July 1 to June 30 inclusive, and is governed by an elected board of 5 members who receive a whopping annual salary of $0.00 for their efforts. A general meeting is held annually, on the third Saturday of each June, to elect a new board and report on current issues and projects. The Board meets monthly in different locations (typically the Indian Lake picnic grounds or in members' homes). Board meetings are open to all members. Non-members may attend as guests of members, buy the Board should be notified of this beforehand. A general newsletter is published quarterly and mailed to members, and special newsletters are published when the Board decides they are necessary. See the issues section to get a better idea of the matters your Board undertakes (newsletters are posted on this site when we get to them).
How can I contact the Board and give my input?
Non-board members often serve on committees. Meeting dates are published in newsletters or posted on the bulletin boards by the mailboxes as far in advance as possible -- but conflicting schedules often make last minute changes necessary, so it's best to call a board member if you wish to attend. Meetings are governed by Robert's Rules of Order. Board members names and contact information are listed in newsletters. If you're new to the area, see if your real estate agent can provide you with more information.
What does my membership entitle me to?
Mostly, you gain a voice in important issues that effect you and your neighbors. Members and their guests (if accompanied by a resident) may use the three lakes, the areas immediately surrounding them, and the picnic grounds on Indian Lake. Renters can use these, too. Non-residents are not permitted to use the lakes or surrounding areas. People who want to use the picnic grounds should contact the community affairs officer (or another Board member), pay a $5 fee for water and power, and obtain the key to the restrooms. Board permission is required for group use of all common areas. Tenants need to have a letter from the property owner giving permission to use the lakes and common areas.
Who owns the lakes, and how do people use them?
The lakes (Indian Lake, Running Quail Lake, and Wood Duck Lake) are owned by Madera County. Previously, they were collectively owned by ILE property owners. Due to high liability costs, they were deeded to the County several years ago on the condition that their use continue to be restricted to residents. In 1999, County supervisors passed an ordinance forbidding use of the lakes by non-residents. Violators can be prosecuted for an infraction. The Sheriffs Department has assured us they will respond to reports of trespassers, as manpower permits. The lakes haven't had any brush control or fish planting in a few years, and a future Board of Directors may need to work with the County to improve the recreational potential. Boats with outboards are not permitted on the lakes. Swimming is prohibited for safety reasons, as is shooting (anywhere within the subdivision, for that matter). Fishing is permitted. Fish species include bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. Adults over age 16 must have a California fishing license to fish these lakes. State fishing regulations apply, but residents are urged to practice catch-and-release to conserve the supply.
The Madera County roads department maintains the roads based on our property tax allocation (as held in our service area funds). Currently, we are allowed just $15,000 per year for road repair. Future road resurfacing will likely require an assessment.
The County of Madera. Money from our water payments and tax assessments goes into a separate account for water maintenance and improvements. Our new water project was financed by a combination of service area money, "water bill" money, USDA loans, and a one-time assessment, which some owners paid off immediately and others chose to string out over many years. The project includes a huge tank for added fire security and a filtration plant to remove iron and manganese deposits, which are harmless but can discolor plumbing fixtures and clothing. We have the best water in the mountains.
ILE doesn't have a private security patrol, but we all keep an eye on each other's homes. If you need to contact law enforcement, please call the Madera County Sheriff's Department at the Bass Lake Substation (emergency 911, non-emergency 642-3201, if no answer 800-560-4911, business 658- 2555). If you need an ambulance, call 911.
Who do I call if I have an emergency, such as a water pipe break?
If it's inside or around your house, call a plumber. If the problem is with a pipe leading to your house, call County Engineering at 675-7817. If it's a County problem and it's after hours, call the Sheriff's substation 642-3201 or 800-560-4911.
Who do I call if I have a complaint, such as a barking dog?
ILE is a very peaceful subdivision, and problems are rare here. But conflicts do crop up from time to time. If they do, you should seek help from the proper County official. For animal complaints, call Madera County Animal Control at 675-7891. For zoning conflicts or eyesore/unsafe yards, call Mr. Ruiz of the Madera County Planning Department at 675-7821. For noise or nuisance complaints, call the Madera County Sheriff's office (emergency 911, non-emergency 642-3201, if no answer 800-560- 4911, business 658-2555).
Who do I contact for utility services such as garbage, cable TV, phone, and water?
EMADCO Disposal, 683-4680; Northland Cable Television, 683-7388 (some ILE areas are not served by cable, and residents often use antennas or satellite systems); Sierra Telephone, 683-4611; PG&E, 800-743-5000. Water service is billed quarterly by the Madera County Auditor/Controller (675-7707). Renters are often billed for water by their landlords. Gas service is propane. The Property Owners' Association has arranged a special propane group rate with J.W. Meyers Co. (Chevron Warrengas in Coarsegold, 683-4418). For comparison shopping, you can find other propane dealers listed in the yellow pages under "Gas-Propane."
Are there covenants or restrictions on what I can do or build here?
Yes. Before building anything on your property, you should check with Madera County Planning about setbacks, height restrictions, off-street parking, etc. We are zoned RMS (residential, mountain, single-family district). In addition, no residences can be less than 800 square feet in size, and no outbuildings, basements, garages, etc. can be used as residences. Trailers, mobile homes, and "house trailers" can't be used as residences within the subdivision. Trailers can be used as temporary residences for up to a year while a permanent house is being constructed, but the Architectural Review Board must approve this. The Architectural Review Board must approve construction of all structures. Call a board member for more information. Setbacks are 10 feet from the property line on each side: 20 feet front and back. See your CC&Rs for further information.
What about horses -- are there rules about owning and riding them here, and are there any nearby trails?
Zoning permits a private stable. There are no horse trails here. Many residents feel there should be trails in this area for riding or hiking. If you share this notion, you might want to get involved in the Coarsegold planning process. Call a Board member for details.
Is there a danger from wild animals, such as mountain lions or snakes?
Mountain lion sightings are rare up here, but they do occur. Mountain lions can be dangerous to people and pets. Visit the Coarsegold Conservation District Web site for more information, or call the DFG (916-653-7664) for a copy of their mountain lion brochure. Rattlesnakes are rare around here, but they are sometimes seen. Rattlesnakes are the only kind of poisonous reptile in the region. Please don't kill any other kind of snake, particularly gopher snakes and king snakes, which eat garden pests. Bears are also rare at this elevation, but they are occasionally spotted. In fact, they aren't spotted at all but have black or brown coats (sorry!). The brown recluse spider (violin spider) and the black widow are the only severely venomous spiders in the area. Black widows like hidden places, such as old stuff in garages and wood piles. Caution -- the bite is extremely painful and can be dangerous. Tarantulas seldom bite. For most people, the venom is harmless. There are small scorpions in the area, but (again, for most people) the sting is like that of a bee or wasp.
Are there special concerns for pet owners up here?
1) Loose dogs are bad news, especially when they run together. They can bother neighbors, chase wildlife, get hit by cars, get picked up by Animal Control, and end up costing their owners a lot of money. Instead of letting your dog run loose, please put up a fence or find some other way to confine it to your property. That is the law. 2) More and more dogs in ILE are becoming infested with heart worms. Local vets offer an inexpensive test to learn if your dog is a victim of this deadly, mosquito-borne disease. After testing, you can protected your pet with a heart worm pill for less than $5 a month. Treatment for advanced heart worm can cost as much as $400. 3) During hot weather, please make sure your pets have a shaded area with plenty of water. 4) It's rude to let your dog bark continually. 5) Cats and small dogs are sometimes killed by coyotes or foxes. Some people keep their pets in at night for this reason.
Is there a danger from wildfires in Indian Lakes?
Most areas of Indian Lakes Estates are fairly well cleared of brush and grasses, but there are some pockets of vegetation that could threaten houses if they catch fire. CDF will be on the scene to advise residents what to do if a wildfire occurs. Open spots away from the fringes of the subdivision should offer some safety. There are open areas near the Delaware/Road 417 mailboxes and in several other places. If you have a hardy vehicle such as a truck or four-wheel-drive, there is an emergency exit route you can find by driving up Quartz Mountain Road and turning right (west) on Longview Road West. Bear to the right and follow the signs. The road is rough, and no guarantees can be made about your chances of getting through. But if you succeed, you will come out on Highway 41 via Kennedy Road (your Board is trying to get the route improved). You can also get out by continue through the unlocked gate at the east end of Road 417. This is also a rough route, and there are a number of gates to open.
What can I do to make my property safe from fire?
You must clear flammable brush and dry grass to within 30 feet of all structures, including outbuildings and fences, or risk a citation (not to mention the loss of your home). The CDF recommends we clear to 100 feet in mountain and foothill areas such as ILE. It's best to trim tree limbs away from roofs and make sure dead branches are removed. In the event of a wildfire, firemen will advise residents on finding brush-free, fire safe locations within the subdivision (or on evacuation if necessary).
Are there any special programs for seniors?
Anyone 55 years old or older may participate in the State of California's Preventative Health Care for the Aging Program. Once a month, Registered Nurses provide a free health screening at the Coarsegold Community Center. This includes health history; blood pressure test; vision & hearing exam; cancer checkup; breast exam; pap test; free tetanus, flu, and pneumonia shots; and more. In addition, a complete blood panel can be taken for the nominal fee of $20. To take advantage of this fine service, please call either Melody or Karla at 1-800-427-6897 or 675-7893.
I've never had a septic tank before. Is there any maintenance involved?
Generally speaking, a mountain area waste system is a septic system consisting of a minimum 1,500- gallon concrete tank and at least two leach lines. Usually, a diverter valve is installed so that only one leach line will be used at a time. A typical leach line system (the County Environmental Health Dept. determines design, size, and location of the septic system) must be 5 feet above existing ground water and requires 50 tons of 1.5-inch rock. Malfunctions of leach lines sometimes occur in the mountains. These are evidenced by above-ground discharge of effluent, or even total back-up of waste. Remedies include root removal from the lines or pumping out of lines -- but as always, preventive measures are best. Never put grease or fats into your system. Fix leaky toilets or faucets, and rotate the use of your lines every six months or so by changing your diverter valve. Try not to put bleaches and other disinfectants into the system.
What are some of the issues, past and present, facing ILE residents?
Issues that your Board has worked on include:
