Rules and Regulations
For purposes of these Rules and Regulations, Bellwood Lake Property shall be defined as those common areas of the Bellwood Lakes Property including, but not limited to, the roads, lake, canals and waterways. Bellwood Lakes Property does not include the Lessee’s demised premises or the demised premises of any other leased premises to other tenants of Lessor.
The first violation of any of the Bellwood Lakes Rules and Regulations may be addressed with a verbal warning or a citation at the discretion of Lessor or Lessor’s designee.
Violations resulting in a citation will be reviewed by the Lessor.
If a Lessee, or Lessee’s guest or invitee, is found in violation of the Bellwood Lakes Rules and Regulations, the resulting fines will be assessed to the Lessee as a part of Lessee’s lease obligation. The fines to be assessed are as follows:
Violations of the Rules. Unless otherwise specified below, will result in a fine of $25.00 per offense. Lessee will have thirty (30) days to pay any assessed fine.
Violation of the Reckless of ATV’s/UTV’s/Golf Carts/Motor Vehicles/ Watercraft. Will result in a fine of $50.00 per offense. Lessee will have thirty (30) days to pay any assessed fine.
Violation of the Rules as to Littering or Dumping in the Bellwood Lakes Property. Will result in a fine of $100.00 per offense. Lessee will have thirty (30) days to pay any assessed fine.
Reoccurring or Other Serious Violations. Reoccurring or other serious violation of rules, not otherwise defined, will be handled by Lessor on an individual basis, and can result in the termination of Lessee’s Lease.
Citation Funds. Any funds accrued through citations and fines will be place in a general maintenance fund to maintain the common areas and roads of the Bellwood Lakes Property as controlled and solely determined by Lessor or Lessor’s designee. The general maintenance fund is established in accordance with Article IV, Section 2 of the Verne A. Gibson Trust, as amended, which sets forth in part that allows for the “…establishment of such reasonable reserves for such expenses as the trustee (of the Verne A. Gibson Trust) may deem appropriate.” It is the trustee’s intention that the general maintenance fund is solely restricted to repairs, maintenance and improvements of the Bellwood Lakes Property as the Lessee, along with other Lessee’s of Bellwood Lakes Property, will have contributed and is the source of most of these funds as a result of the annual assessments and citations herein.
Lessee has the right to contest any citation. To contest a citation, Lessee must notify the Lessor, by phone or mail, within ten (10) days of receiving the citation of the intention to contest the citation. A meeting between the Lessee and Lessor, or Lessor’s designee, will then be setup to discuss the incident. The Lessor’s decision following such meeting shall be the final. Failure to timely notify the Lessor will indicate that the citation is not to be contested.
Common Areas
All areas of the Bellwood Lakes Property, including roads, lakes, canals and waterways shall be open for use by all Lessee and all other tenants of Lessor, except those areas specifically leased to an individual Lessee and those areas either fenced or posted by Lessor. Lessor retains the right to remove any portion of the Bellwood Lakes Property from common usage. No hunting, fishing, driving, boating, or other activity whatsoever shall be permitted on such common areas, lakes, canals, waterways or roads which shall endanger any person, damage any property, or unreasonably interfere with the rights of the other Lessee’s. Inside or outside social parties will be confined to Lessee’s demised premises and noise level will be controlled so as not to interfere with other tenants’ activities.
No vehicles, trailers, carts, motor homes, mobile homes (whether such items are licensed or unlicensed) shall be allowed to be parked on the roads or common areas unless approved by Lessor. Violators will be towed at the vehicle owner’s expense. Exceptions based on construction needs will be made in writing by Lessee and submitted to the Lessor for prior approval.
Use of Premises
In addition to the assignment section on the lease. The lessee shall not rent a dwelling on the leased land to another individual.
Boats
Children under 12 years old aboard any vessel must wear a life jacket.
Boats and other water craft must operate in order not to create a wake upon the lakes and waterways of the Bellwood Lakes Property
Children under 12 years old aboard any vessel must wear a life jacket.
No boat shall be operated in such a manner as to endanger any swimmer, or unreasonably interfere with the rights of any other Lessee.
All boats shall be equipped in accordance with the Nebraska State Boating Laws. Jet Skis will not be permitted at any time.
The lessee further understands Bellwood Lakes (Verne Gibson Trust) is not responsible for any accidents, injuries, or damage as a result of using the ramp or parking.
Lake Boat Ramp located between lots 24 and 28 is open for use by lessees of Bellwood Lakes.
The Lessor is not responsible for any injuries or accidents due to use of this ramp.
No vehicle shall be parked in the way of others trying to use the boat ramp.
No person shall tie up or leave any boat in the area around the ramp except when loading or unloading cargo and/or passengers.
Airboat Ramp located on the East Side of the Bellwood Lakes.
Lessee’s must purchase an airboat ramp permit prior to utilizing the ramp unless approved by Lessor or designee. The yearly fee is $105.00.
A Lessee is able to sponsor a guest; however, they are responsible for that guest's actions. The yearly fee for a sponsored guest is $150.00.
Vehicles are not allowed on the ramp. This ramp is to be utilized by dry loading and unloading only.
Airboat parking and vehicle parking is only allowed in designated areas assigned by the lessor.
Assigned Parking spaces will be rocked and maintained by the Lessee. If lessee does not renew their permit the parking space and rock will be forfeited.
The temporary boat parking area is to be utilized when loading or unloading a boat only. Unless approved by Lessor or designee.
Lessee’s must purchase an airboat ramp permit prior to utilizing the ramp unless approved by Lessor or designee.
A Lessee is able to sponsor a guest; however, they are responsible for that guest's actions.
Vehicles are not allowed on the ramp. This ramp is to be utilized by dry loading and unloading only.
Airboat parking and Vehicle parking is only allowed in designated areas assigned by the lessor.
Assigned Parking space will be rocked and maintained by the Lessee. If lessee does not renew their permit the parking space and rock will be forfeited.
The temporary boat parking area is to be utilized when loading or unloading a boat only. Unless approved by Lessor or designee.
Docks or other floating or stationary structures.
Will extend no more than twenty-five (25) feet into any lake and no structures of any kind in connecting canals or waterways.
Boat and Dock Registration
All watercraft and docks, including but not limited to motorboats, sailboats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, owned by individuals leasing property at Bellwood Lakes, must be registered with Bellwood Lakes.
· Boat or dock registration must include a clear photograph and a unique identifier that is securely attached to the boat or dock.
· In the event of a registered boat or dock being found free-floating and abandoned within Bellwood Lakes, Bellwood Lakes shall make reasonable efforts to notify the registered owner.
· The registered owner shall have 30 days from the date of notification to secure their boat or dock, provided that weather conditions permit safe retrieval.
· Failure to secure the boat or dock within the specified timeframe may result in penalties as outlined in Section “Violation of rules”.
· Any boat or dock found free-floating within Bellwood Lakes that is not registered with Bellwood Lakes shall be considered abandoned.
· Abandoned boats or docks shall be promptly removed from the lake by the Bellwood Lakes and placed into storage area for a period of 90 days.
· If the owner of an abandoned boat or dock claims ownership within the 90-day storage period, they must register the boat or dock, pay a $50 fee to the Bellwood Lakes Maintenace Fund for retrieval and storage.
· If an abandoned boat or dock remains unclaimed and unregistered after the 90-day storage period, it may be disposed of by the Bellwood Lakes.
Improvements and Alterations.
Lessee shall not improve or alter the demised premises in any manner without the prior written consent of Lessor, and shall, before making any improvements or alterations, submit plans and designs therefore to Lessor for Lessor's consent. Such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. All improvements or alterations erected on the demised premises shall be removed at Lessee's cost if constructed without prior written consent of the Lessor. It is expressly agreed by Lessee that no more than one cabin or dwelling may be located on the demised premises.
The Lessee needs to review plans with a designated representative of the Lessor to see that codes, property boundaries are followed.
Hunting and Fishing
No hunting shall be permitted anywhere on the demised premises or the Bellwood Lakes Property without the prior written consent of the Lessor. All hunting and fishing shall be done in strict accordance with the Nebraska State Hunting and Fishing Regulations.
Rifles, shotguns, pistols, pellet guns, BB guns, paintball guns, or any other firearms will not be discharged or shot anywhere on the demised premises or the Bellwood Lakes Property without the prior permission of the Lessor.
All structure add to the lakes must be approved by Lessor or Designee prior to being added.
Walleye and Tiger Muskies were stocked in the lakes in an effort to reduce the population of Gizzard Shad. These fish will not reproduce therefore they are catch and release only. Unless written approval is obtained by Lessor or Designee.
In the lakes bass and bluegill eat most of the eggs and young catfish, therefore periodically restocking will be necessary to maintain catfish population. Therefore catfish under 14” are not to be harvested.
Pets
Only household pets shall be permitted to be brought onto the demised premises or the Bellwood Lakes Property. No pet shall be at large at any time. All pets will be confined at all times, either by a leash when off the demised premise or other means of confinement so as to keep the pet within the demised premises.
The lessee is responsible to maintain liability insurance coverage for any and all pets of the lessee and Lessee’s guests. Lessee is responsible and liable for the actions of their pets, as well as the pets of their family and guests, and must ensure that their pets have had all required shots.
Any exotic animals, livestock or poultry shall not be permitted on the demised premises without the prior written permission of the Lessor.
The Lessee may not own or have visit any dangerous dogs or potentially dangerous dogs as defined by Nebraska Law.
Dangerous dog means a dog that, according to the records of an animal control authority: (i) Has killed a human being; (ii) has inflicted injury on a human being that requires medical treatment; (iii) has killed a domestic animal without provocation; or (iv) has been previously determined to be a potentially dangerous dog by an animal control authority, the owner has received notice from an animal control authority or an animal control officer of such determination, and the dog inflicts an injury on a human being that does not require medical treatment, injures a domestic animal, or threatens the safety of humans or domestic animals.
Potentially dangerous dog means (a) any dog that when unprovoked (i) inflicts an injury on a human being that does not require medical treatment, (ii) injures a domestic animal, or (iii) chases or approaches a person upon streets, sidewalks, or any public grounds in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack or (b) any specific dog with a known propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack when unprovoked, to cause injury, or to threaten the safety of humans or domestic animals.
ATVs /UTVs / Golf Carts
Only ATV’s /UTV’s / golf carts that belong to Lessee will be allowed on Bellwood Lakes Property.
All ATV’s, UTV’s, and golf carts and any other non-licensed motor vehicles shall be operated with liability insurance coverage in effect. (Dirt bikes and unlicensed motorcycles are NOT permitted.)
After January 1, 2020 all ATV’s, UTV’s, and golf carts will be required to be registered annually with the Lessor or Lessor’s designee. The initial registration will only be valid for the year it is purchased and annual registration thereafter will be required.
Registration requirements:
• Registration Form Completed Online
• Proof of Liability Insurance
• $25.00 registration fee per ATV, UTV, and golf cart – the registration fee shall be made payable to the Bellwood Lakes Maintenance Fund.
A sticker will be provided and must be affixed to the respective registered ATV, UTV, or golf cart.
No guests or invitees of Lessee are allowed to bring in ATV’s, UTV’s, golf carts, or any other non-licensed motor vehicle.
ATV’s/UTV’s/golf carts may only be operated on the designated roads of the Bellwood Lakes Property.
ATV’s/UTV’s/golf carts are only driven in a safe manner, not exceeding (15) miles per hour.
All ATV’s/UTV’s/golf carts must display a lighted headlight and tail light at all times of operation after dark, or in low light, or low visibility conditions.
All ATV’s/UTV’s/golf carts must be equipped with a brake system maintained in good operating condition.
All passengers on ATV, UTV, Golfcarts and similar vehicles must be seated in a seat and safe.
All motorized vehicles are required to come to a complete stop when entering roadways from any residence or common area.
ATVs must be size appropriate to the operator.
Anyone under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Anyone under the age of 16 is recommended to have a helmet and have passed an ATV safety course.
The following age restrictions shall apply as to operation of ATV’s/UTV’s/Golf Carts:
Time Restrictions:
Under 12: Daylight Hours Only
Ages 12 - 16: 8 am to 11 pm
Ages 16-18: 8 am to 11 pm
Ages 18 and above: No Time Restrictions
Motor Vehicles
Motor vehicles shall be operated only on designated roads and driven only at speeds which are safe under the circumstances, not exceeding (15) miles per hour.
No one without a valid driver’s license or permit in possession will be allowed to operate an automobile or motorcycle on the roads of the Bellwood Lakes Property. Those with “Learner Permits” must have an adult with them, as per Nebraska State Statute. School permits should be used in conjunction with school functions as per Nebraska State Statute.
Careless and Reckless Operation of ATV’s/UTV’s/Golf Carts/Motor Vehicles/ Watercraft.
ATV’s/UTV’s/golf carts/motor vehicles/watercraft operated carelessly or recklessly will not be tolerated. Careless operation shall be operation without due caution for the circumstances and may include, but is not limited to, excessive speed, racing, spinning, swerving, or other unsafe or illegal actions. Reckless operation shall be operation in such a manner as to indicate an indifferent or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
Refuse and Garbage
All refuse and garbage will be removed completely from the demised premises and the Bellwood Lakes Property, or collected by an authorized refuse company.
Anyone caught littering or dumping is subject to prosecution in Butler County Court. If the litter or dumping is not voluntarily removed within forty-eight (48) hours of notice, the violator will be assessed the cost of the cleanup in addition to any prosecution in Butler County.
Burning Permits
The Lessee must have a burning permit from the Bellwood Fire Department to burn any trash or debris on the demised premises. The Lessee shall not be allowed to burn any trash or debris on the Bellwood Lakes Property without the prior approval of the Lessor.
Recreational fires contained within a non-combustible “barbecue pit or ring” are permitted.
Trees
The Lessee needs to check with the Lessor or designated representative of the Lessor before any tree is removed, whether on the Lessee’s demised premises or the Bellwood Lakes Property.
Trees on the Lessee’s property must be trimmed to the extent that dead, damaged or split overhangs are removed from impingement onto adjoining properties and/or buildings within one (1) month of being observed, identified by Lessee or within one (1) month of being notified by Lessor.
Any tree or trees on Lessee’s demised premises near any road with the Bellwood Lakes Property must be trimmed back to the extent that no tree will restrict, limit, touch or damage any emergency vehicles or maintenance equipment. Lessee will have seven (7) days after being notified by Lessor to trim any such tree or trees. If the tree or trees are not trimmed within the seven (7) days, Lessor may have the tree or trees trimmed and the cost will be assessed to the Lessee.
Complaints
For any non-emergency concerns complete an online or written complaint and send to the Lessor or designee. If possible, please supply photos or video of the concern.
For urgent or emergency concerns please contact the Lessor or Lessor’s designee. A written or online complaint will still be to be submitted.
Verbal or Physical Threats or Actions
Any verbal or physical threats or actions by Lessee, or Lessee’s guests or invitees, to any other tenant of Lessor, or their guests or invitees, as well as to Lessor, or any guest, invitee, employee, designee or contractor of Lessor, shall be cause for Lessor to terminate Lessee’s Lease. Lessor will not tolerate disregard for the safety of others or abusive language from any offenders at any time.