Attending: Heinz Mantel, Bob Weiss, Carole Pascarella, David Riley, Lauren Conte, Jim Sojka
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Bob Weiss presented the Treasurer’s Report (see handout). The Profit and Loss statement was reviewed with explanation of the breakdown of income and expenses. As discussed at the last meeting, a money market account has been opened to keep contingency funds separate from the general fund. A Profit and Loss comparison from the previous year was reviewed showing an increase in collection of membership dues and the discrepancy in maintenance and electrical costs due to adjustments in entrance light usage and seasonal/weather differences from year to year. Several homeowner lots continue to be in arrears and there was discussion in regard to the Association’s options for collection. Legal counsel will be contacted for advice on filing liens and the Business Entity renewal.
Maintenance/Landscaping: In the absence of Committee Members Jason Meade and Jim Sweeney, President Heinz Mantel presented the Maintenance/Landscaping report. In the course of replacement of a sprinkler head at the East entrance, it was discovered that there had been some vandalism perpetrated upon the sprinkler system control box and valve which was subsequently fixed. There was also reported vandalism at the same entrance of lights which which be fixed and/or replaced by Craig’s Electric.
Social Events: Committee Member Carole Pascarella presented the report on the successful 4th of July Bike Parade with special thanks to Heinz and Karen Mantel, Jason and Karmin Meade, Carl Pascarella, Laura Baker, Jim Sweeney and the Clay Township Fire Department. There was discussion of the number of attendees (more than 80), changes and improvements for next year and the inclusion of photos of the event in the upcoming newsletter and on the website. There was discussion of the possibility of scheduling a neighborhood event to coincide with Halloween. No events have been scheduled at this time.
Communications/Publicity: Committee Member David Riley reported there are approximately 40 homeowners that have registered their email addresses with the website either directly, received through information requests or recorded from the membership dues payment receipt. There was discussion regarding the need for all homeowners to register their email addresses for communication purposes and will be requested once again in the upcoming newsletter.
The subject of the Neighborhood Watch was once again brought up with the mention of only one neighbor showing interest by responding to the newsletter request. With the reports of vandalism frequently being reported in the area, the difficulty presented to the Board receiving no input makes it difficult to put such a program in place, which will need participation throughout the entire neighborhood, initial meeting attendance and block captain volunteers. It was decided to put one last request in the upcoming newsletter.
President Heinz Mantel inquired into the possibility of creating a “welcome” letter for new homeowners. It was suggested by Committee Member Lauren Conte and in fact has been put into practice already, that as soon as new neighbors’ information has been received for the mailing list, copies of all newsletters dating to the installation of the current Board be sent with the current newsletter. There was discussion of updating and reissuing a new Neighborhood Directory in 2013 and the need to mail information forms to each lot for accurate homeowner name information, phone numbers and email addresses.
Architectural Control: In the absence of Committee Member Jason Meade, President Heinz Mantel presented the report that there have been several inquiries regarding invisible fencing, landscaping, roof and septic replacement and repair. As these issues do not involve permits and/or are regular maintenance, approval was given to the homeowners for moving forward with their plans.
Covenants: President Heinz Mantel led the discussion in regard to the continuing problem of Post Lamps not being lit as well as the increase in grass clippings being left in the street which get washed by rain and sprinkler systems into the lake, affecting the ecosystem and leading to the increased cost of lake maintenance and chemical treatment. Committee Member Jim Sojka was asked to draft out a letter addressing these issues for mailing to homeowners who fail to comply with the Association Covenants, Codes and Restrictions.
Vandalism was again discussed in detail with special thanks to Jim Sweeney for patrolling the neighborhood on his own time, the need for everyone to be vigilant and not hesitant to contact the police with information on suspicious activity, persons, or cars in the area and the continued hope that the Board will be successful in obtaining full cooperation of the neighbors by registering their email addresses with the website so that information can be communicated to all in a timely manner.