by Kathy Leslie-Whelan

The meeting was called to order at 9:34 AM by President Buz Whelan. All board members were present.  General Manager Darryl Gamble was absent due to a family sickness.  Following the pledge of allegiance, Buz Whelan started his President’s message saying the meeting is being live streamed and that Robert’s Rules of Order will be in effect where no Association rule is in place.   He announced that the indoor pool will be opening soon, but he wanted Gamble to announce the opening date.  Whelan stated that mostly cosmetic work needs to be completed and the opening will be a soft opening while certain tasks are still being done.

Bill Baehr, Treasurer began his report by stating that we operated within budget for the month of September.  The Bar and Grill income was $2,681.58 while expenses were $3,877.66.  Expenses included payroll, taxes and supplies.  The cost to operate the Bar and Grill was $1,196.08.  Our Code Enforcement Officer collections are at $60.9K YTD while $60K was budgeted for the year.  Public Safety is under budget due to an open position.  Maintenance is within budget due to no snow removal having to be performed.  Refuse removal was at $56K which is down from last year’s total of $180K.  This is largely due to the change in Contractors.  Administration budget was over by $10K.  Recreations and Amenities Pool Maintenance is over budget primary due to pool maintenance.  Benefit package rates for employees has gone down by 20% while maintaining the same coverage.  These new rates are effective December 1st.  Total cash receipts is at $113K.  The total for cash disbursements is $210K.  Capital income expense is at $80K. YTD $144K for the dehumidification system and $187K for indoor pool repairs.  Total is $331K YTD.  Collections of dues YTD is at $504K. 

Delinquency collections YTD are as follows:

Special Payment Plan collections – $47,620.07

In House collections – $173,552.72

Attorney collections – $82,185.86

Sunrise Collection Agency collections – $54,964.44

Income from the rental program collections current YTD is $124K.  Bob Leon made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s report.  It was seconded by Dave Borsos and passed unanimously.

Bob Leon made a motion to accept the September’s minutes.  It was seconded by Steve Kavanagh and passed unanimously.

Under Old Business it was reported:

• The indoor pool basically only has cosmetic work to be completed.  According to Chris Claude, they are working on punch list items.
• The badging system has had a few delays.  The computer in the Community Center was older so a patch needed to be built.  It is anticipated that staff will be ready to go in approximately 2 weeks.
• A new surround sound system has been installed at the Community Center to replace old speakers that were not worth finding replacements. A new microphone and cord is needed.  Steve Kavanagh is looking for those items. 
• Leaf drop suspension will be October 31st.  Staff need to clean area and prepare for winter.

Save the Date Reminders:

• Comedy Show – October 26th at 8:00 PM in the Community Center.  Tickets are still available.
• Trunk or Treat – October 31st at 6:00 PM in the Community Center parking Lot.  A small party for children will be held in the Community Center afterwards.
• Trivia Night – November 1st at 8:00 PM in the Community Center. If this event is successful another night will be added every month.
• Karaoke Night – November 9th at 8:00 PM in the Community Center.
• 80’s Dance Party – November 30th at 8:00 PM in the Community Center.

Under New Business:

• Bar and Grill hours are Friday and Saturday between 5:00 PM and midnight.  Pool and Community Center hours of operation will be Friday and Saturday between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  If pool has more traffic the hours may be extended to Thursday.  In the future a pass through window will be added to the indoor pool so that finger foods or regular food, while the kitchen is opened, can be served.
• Community Center rental rates will be discussed by this board as well as rules for these rentals.

Director’s Comments

Ange Noonan thanked everyone participating in Cancer Bingo and Tricky Tray on Cancer Awareness Day.  A little over $4,300 was raised for the American Cancer Society.

Bob Leon stated that the board is no longer holding workshops on a monthly basis.  They will be quarterly or whenever the need arises.  He also stated that since we are streaming the open meeting, more people are seeing the open meetings.  Last month, 90 people viewed the meeting.

Bill Baehr clarified that the Community Center will be opening at 7 PM tonight for the comedy show.  He also stated that the ELA webpage should have the newsletter posted.  He gave kudos to Ange Noonan and all the volunteers who put together the cancer awareness event.

Dave Borsos thanked all that volunteered to clean up the main entrance.  He also stated that he is happy receiving the minutes from the committees and appreciates the recommendations.

Committee Reports

Earl Frank of Finance and Planning complimented Bill Baehr on his treasurer’s report.  He welcomed Mary Kavanagh as a new member to the committee.  He stated that F&P spent over 1 hour of the 2 hour meeting on the bar and grill.  He is happy the board is addressing the cost for this amenity.  Frank also recommended that we needed another full time maintenance staff member.  Bill Henry attended his final F&P meeting since he is moving from ELA.  Frank offered to send an Uber for him since he contributed for years to this committee.  Whelan laughed and stated that Bill has ELA in his heart.  He built his first home here in 1968. Whelan further stated that a dues increase meeting will be planned for the near future, possibly in February.  Direct proxy voting will be implemented.  The board did not want to ask for the increase until certain projects were completed and a new way was instituted to operate the bar and the grill.  All material will be preprinted for the special meeting.  The board wants to be as efficient as possible by allowing 15 to 20 minutes for discussion.  Voting should take place within 1/2 hour of the start of the meeting.  Whelan hopes that the membership will open their hearts and their wallets.

Ken Shuey of the Maintenance committee stated that they have no recommendations, but discussed two issues which haven’t been done due to lack of funds.  The mail building at the main entrance needs sprucing up since it doesn’t give a good impression to people coming in.  He also stated that the landscaping at the main entrance should be turned over to a professional landscaper.  Shuey also stated that the map of the community at the main entrance needs updating. 

Public Comments

Mary Kavanagh stated if an event is happening at ELA she is requesting that people share the flyer or notice to try to reach a wider audience.  She also stated that the mail boxes at Glade Drive are getting very crowded and the area needs to be expanded.  Nicole Clemens stated that since the new address system was implemented in PA, every house needs a mail box assigned to it.

Linda Shuey stated that there is a house near Main beach on Mountain Top Rd that is 3 stories and against our rules and regulations.

Eleven (11) new members were welcomed to the Community.

Whelan addressed housekeeping notes.  Due to the holiday season the open meeting will be as follows:

November 16th (third Saturday)

December 14th (second Saturday)

Bob Leon made a motion to adjourn. It was seconded by Steve Kavanagh.  Meeting adjourned at 10:45 AM.

Reporters Note: I write these reports based on notes taken during the meeting.  I get no special consideration or cooperation from the board.  I try my best to report accurately, but occasionally mistakes will be made.  I invite correction and have no desire to intentionally mischaracterize any comments or actions.