by Kathy Leslie-Whelan

          The meeting was called to order at 9:39 am.  Six board members were present.  Ange Noonan was absent due to a recent medical procedure.  General Manager Darryl Gamble and Assistant General Manager Nicole Clemens were also present. Dave Borsos, President started his message by stating that spring has finally arrived and the weather is looking good.  He stated that a mass mailing to the membership regarding annual dues was mailed early since they were concerned with the numerous delays at the Post Office.  He stated that the budget was being voted on today and will be available for review by the membership for the next 30 days.  The membership was asked to set up an appointment if they would like to come in to see the budget.  He was looking forward to the update on the work that will be completed at the Clover Rd bridge and the road paving.  He said that instead of just doing a temporary fix, things are being done correctly.  Borsos stated that the board is aware of the trash issue here in the community.  He would appreciate it if people cleaned in their areas where they live.  If maintenance staff cleans up trash, they try to identifiy the individual or household that is dumping.  If they are identified, they are fined.  He is in favor of doing an Information Day at the Community Center once the Covid restrictions are lifted.  He asked that if anyone had a talent or specialty that they would like to share to volunteer for a segment.  Some areas that they would like to cover are, septic and well maintenance and police and fire information. Borsos said that as of April 4th, the governor is allowing businesses to open at a 75% capacity.

          Bob Leon made a motion to accept the February’s 2021 minutes.  It was seconded by Buz Whelan and passed unanimously.

          Bill Baehr  gave the Treasurer’s report.  He stated that for the month of February the Association operated within budget.  Operating costs were $178K and are within budget.  Receipt deposits were $311K.  Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) collections were $104K year to date and are on track to exceed the budgeted amount. Permits were $5.5K.  Public Safety citations were $2.7K.  Compactor card revenues were $3.6K.  Rental income was  $24K.  Reserve income was $135K and $579K year to date.  Current cash assets are $716K.  Dues collections are currently at 67.51%.  Dues collected for February were $358K.  Income of dues to date are $1.8M which includes dues income, prior year’s dues, dues interest, dues late fees, payment plan income and collection fees.  The dues billed are $2.3M. Delinquency collections are  $6.8 K under special plan collections, $14K under in-house collections, $8.1 K under Sunrise Collections and $2.9K under attorney collections.

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

Under New Business

• The early mailing of the 2021/2022 Budget was discussed again.  Whelan stated that the budget was balanced and realistic and reminded everyone that it is a guideline.  The budget was based on more accurate information coming in.  Buz Whelan made a motion to accept the budget as presented.  It was seconded by Bob Leon and passed by a 5 to 0 vote.

Under Old Business:

• A lot of damage was uncovered with the wiring at the Community Center but the project is moving forward as planned.  Dry wall is being installed, the pass through glass is ordered, the bingo room is almost completed and the grids are down and ready for replacement.  The office and the front desk will be completed next.  The deck at the indoor pool will be worked on and a small roof replaced the older roof at the pass through since the wood was rotted out.  Once the Community Center opens it will be open 7 days a week to get more use of the building.  Some staff will work at the center so it will not be that costly to keep it opened.  The pool will be open 7 days a week with water aerobics starting back up. An individual is donating a 75″ TV that will be installed in the dining area to the left of the stage.
• The short term rentals program has been overhauled.  Any rental that is causing problems will lose the right to utilize the amenities.  The compactor costs will be added into each house that rents.  There will be scanning at the beaches and lakes once they open.
• Dam repair at Pine Tree Lake and the two at Mountain Top Lake and the Clover bridge project are under contract.  Gamble is waiting on a schedule for the work to commence.
•  Buz Whelan will look into electronic signage to be used at the mail boxes with will have announcements of activities in the community. 
• Pot hole repair cannot start until we get cold patch.  Currently maintenance is filling the pot holes with stones.  The cold patch will not be available till April 5th, however, Penn Dot and the Townships get first dibs on their needs, so it is unknown when our Association will get a delivery.
• Information Day was discussed again.  Whelan stated that we may have to wait and publicize it so that a larger crowd can take advantage of the information being relayed.  Claude stated that currently we can only be at a 50% capacity and only those establishments that have self-certified can open at a 75% capacity.
• Gamble is looking at permanent speed bumps for the outdoor pool and Main beach.  These will be made of asphalt.  A snow plow driver will have to lift their plow in these areas during snow season.  Gamble is currently looking into that cost.  In addition, the temporary speed bumps will be installed.  

Director’s Comments

                   Bob Leon stated according to Zillow this morning 10 homes are available for sale. 4 homes have been on the market for more than 132 days and 6 for more than 2 months.

                   Buz Whelan stated that Pine Tree Lake has thawed and the geese are back.  He asked about the egg addling to control the population.  Gamble stated that he hired a contractor that will handle the geese and the beavers. They have applied for the permit and there is a 30 day window to addle the eggs.

Public Comments

          A question came in on the stream feed asking why badges are not being checked at the compactor. Claude stated that the crew should be brought in to discuss this issue.  Gamble said that they are regularly checked, but occasionally when there is a long line attendants wave members they know thru to speed up the line.  Gamble will instruct them not to do that.

          Sixteen (16) new members were welcomed to the Community.

          Buz Whelan made the motion to adjourn.  It was seconded by Steve Kavanagh.  Meeting adjourned at 11:24  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.

by Kathy Leslie-Whelan

          The meeting was called to order at 9:38  AM.  Five board members were present.  Chris Claude and Steve Kavanagh were absent.  General Manager Darryl Gamble and Assistant General Manager Nicole Clemens were also present. Following the pledge of allegiance, Dave Borsos, President stated that winter is still here although we are only 22 days away from spring.  He wanted to recognize our management and maintenance crew for the great work that was done with snow plowing so far this season.  He also encouraged the membership to volunteer for a committee.  Usually committees meet once a month and a committee is a good way to have your voice heard.  He also stated that signing the two forms to join a committee does not give your rights away.  The intent of the forms is to keep members remarks private as well as having meetings that are civil.   Borsos also mentioned the annual meeting will be held in the summer where elections for the board will be held.  He also reminded the membership to get their new ID cards and to make sure that the Administrative staff has their correct email on file since this is a large communication method that is utilized.  He also stated that he would like to see the Community Center opened up.  In addition, Borsos encouraged the membership to get their Covid 19 vaccination.

          Bill Baehr made a motion to accept the January’s 2021 minutes.  It was seconded by Bob Leon and passed by all board members present.

          Bill Baehr gave the Treasurer’s report.  He stated that for the month of January the Association operated within budget.  Operating costs were $100.2K and are within budget.  Receipt deposits were $205.5K.  Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) collections were $92.5K year to date and are on track to exceed the budgeted amount. Permit fees were $5.5K.  Public Safety citations were $2.3K.  Compactor card revenues were $6.3K.  Rental income was $30K.  Reserve income was $24.7K and $443.5K year to date.  Current cash assets are $580.3K.  Dues collections are currently at 70.39%.  Dues collected for January were $57K.  Income of dues to date are $1.4M which includes dues income, prior year’s dues, dues interest, dues late fees, payment plan income and collection fees.  Delinquency collections year to date are  $4.5 K under special plan collections, $34K under in house collections, $25.5 K under Sunrise Collections and $25.5K under attorney collections.

          Buz Whelan made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s report.  It was seconded by Bob Leon and passed by all board members present.

Under New Business

• Borsos read the state’s covid restrictions.  Self service restaurants can open at 50% capacity.  Bar openings are forbidden if food is not served.  Indoor recreation can open at a 50% capacity. All entertainment venues can open at a 50% capacity.
• Discussion started on the open meeting for August.  Last year the meeting was held outside due to Covid and the high school was unavailable during the pandemic.  That meeting was not well attended, but that could have been due to Covid and proxy voting which was implemented last year. 
• There is an issue with the recycling area at the compactor.  It costs money to have these dumpsters removed.  Currently we have two pick-ups per week and the General Manager doesn’t want to add another pick up since it is very costly.  Options discussed were that if the compactor dumpster for recyclables was full, the member would have to bring their recyclables back on another day.  The member could also bring it to a local recycling facility.  The decision was made to maintain what we are currently doing.  Buz Whelan made a motion to let the General Manager manage the overflow of recyclables as he has been doing and that he should use his best judgment.  Bill Baehr seconded the motion and it passed by a vote of three to zero with one abstention.  Ange Noonan said she didn’t feel she had enough information and abstained.
• Body cameras were purchased for maintenance and public safety staff.  Staffing has been taking abuse from some of the membership so hopefully this will cut down on the abuse and create a record of the incident. 
• Since the bag limit at the compactor has been implemented, the monthly cost for the hauling of the trash has gone from a average cost of $13K to $8K.  
• An old public safety vehicle will be utilized by our Code Enforcement Officer, Accountant and any maintenance member running an errand on behalf of the Association. Currently Claude and Gamble are looking for a vehicle for public safety in the $20 to $22K range. In addition, research is being done on the procurement of a new diesel truck for maintenance.  Diesel trucks generally last longer.

A break was taken.  There were technical difficulties especially with the comments coming through from the membership watching the meeting through the streaming process. Borsos read the comments aloud when the meeting was called back to order.

Under Old Business:

• Dam #1 ($20K) and dam #2 ($18K) on Mountain Top Lake (Total estimate is $45K once inspection fees and other costs are added.) and the Clover bridge project are two primary projects that will be completed and are a priority in the next budget.  The emergency evacuation plan is completed with the exception of a small piece that is being completed by Joe Gallagher.  Gallagher is under contract to maintain our lakes.
• The insurance check for $32K for damages at the Community Center was received.  Phase 1 of this project consists of the men’s room, ladies room and hallway ceilings.  All old wire will be removed, new wiring installed and a drop ceiling replaced.  High hats will be installed in the ceilings.  The closet behind the bar will be opened up.  Most of the demolition work will be done by our maintenance staff once the snow stops falling.  Work should commence within the next two weeks.  The lead time for this contractor is three weeks for completion.
• Buz Whelan and Darryl Gamble worked on signage that will be at the mail sites regarding the household trash that is being illegally dumped there.  Two signs will be installed at the mail house at the main entrance.  One will be installed at the Estates and one installed at the Glade mail center.  Whelan recommended that a member that reports or sees illegal dumping which results in the Association collecting a $500 fine, should be awarded $100 of that fine.

Committee Reports

          Buz Whelan spoke on behalf of the Real Estate Committee.  He stated that the committee was diligent and always comes prepared to the meetings.  All have signed the required forms (confidentiality and code of ethics).  The laminated sign that will be posted in the rental homes has been updated.  This sign highlights the rules and regulations that pertain to fireworks, noise, garbage disposal and more.  Nicole Clemens, Assistant General Manager made a suggestion that the landlords be charged an annual lump sum for their registered renters instead of a fee every time they rent their home.  This will cut down on paperwork and the landlords are in favor of this change.  It is anticipated that a letter go out to the landlords at the end of March or early April with this change.  The change should go into effect by May 1st.  Whelan also stated that about 80% of the landlords want to improve their relationships with their neighbors.  The next task this committee is taking is to review the township rules on rentals and see how they compare to ours.

          Ange Noonan stated that she has 6 people for Rules and Regulations. She is planning on reaching out to them to schedule their first meeting. 

Director’s Comments

                   Bob Leon stated according to Zillow this morning 7 homes are available for sale. 3 homes have been on the market for more than 100 days, but 4 are under 20 days. 120 homes have sold in Emerald Lakes just recently.

          Bill Baehr stated that with all the snow that fell, finding a place to put the snow has become more difficult.  Maintenance has done an excellent job with cleaning around the mail boxes. He is requesting that the membership be courteous and pull up so that 2 cars can park to get their mail.  He also requested that you not sit in your vehicle and read your mail since others are waiting for their turn for the parking spot.

          Buz Whelan discussed the possibility of a workshop for the membership, especially for the new membership that addresses the permit process, township permitting, PA regional law, Association regulations, and well and septic maintenance.

Public Comments

          Kathy Leslie Whelan complimented the staff on all their hard work with snow removal and dealing with people at the compactor.

          Five (5) new members were welcomed to the Community.

          Bill Baehr made the motion to adjourn.  It was seconded by Bob Leon.  Meeting adjourned at 12:29  PM.

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.