Emerald Lakes Board of Directors Open Meeting, May 28, 2022
By Kathy Leslie-Whelan
The meeting was called to order at 9:34 AM. All board members were present. General Manager Darryl Gamble and Assistant General Manager Nicole Clemens were also present. After the pledge of allegiance, Buz Whelan, President called for a motion to approve April’s open board meeting minutes. The motion was made by Bill Baehr and seconded by Bob Leon. It passed unanimously. Whelan opened his President’s message wishing everyone a safe summer and reiterated what Kevin Derk stated on television this morning, that it was the unofficial start of summer. Kevin Derk is a TV weatherman who is a resident of Emerald Lakes. Whelan stated that now that summer is here there are more visitors so if you want a NY paper, you have to go out early to get one since a lot of visitors like to still get their hometown paper. Whelan also stated that speeding has been excessive and is on the agenda and will be discussed later on in the meeting. He also reminded people to be careful on the lake and make sure you wear safety gear. Under our rules and regulations safety vests must be worn by children and adults must have them on the water craft.
Dave Borsos gave the Treasurer’s report. He stated that our fiscal year in the black. We were $181K ahead of the budgeted amount. Borsos stated that dues collections for the year came in at 71.82% which is above last year’s collection rate. Areas for income that were above expectations included rental income at $122K; Chief Enforcement Officer Income at $127K; Access Card income at $24K. Under expenses the following areas were over budget: Administration payroll at $41K due to new hire, maintenance $45K and trash removal at $28K. Public Safety was under budget by $117K due to lack of staffing. Borsos stated that overall things are looking good. We were $277K under budget on our total expenses. Borsos ended with stating that we have $1.4M in the operating budget and $543K in reserves. Whelan added that the compliance rate is running consistent with the township tax collection rate.
A motion was made by Bob Leon to accept the Treasurer’s report. It was seconded by Steve Kavanagh and passed unanimously.
Under Old Business:
- The Community Center has passed all inspections. Our liquor license has been activated. Staff that was hired is being given start dates and a date for a soft open will be announced shortly. Additional staff will be hired and the center should be fully operational by July 1st.
- Dogs and geese proposal at Pine Tree Island is moving at a measured pace. A subcommittee composed of Gamble, Baehr and Whelan has developed rules and regulations for the membership. In addition, they have talked to the zoning officer to see that leash laws were not being violated. Currently, we are awaiting word from our insurance carrier on the cost. The final stages will be talking to the dog warden and our outside counsel. A gate and shed will be erected at the entrance by the bridge. Dogs will be allowed to run free from dawn to 10:00 AM. Whelan posted this idea on the unofficial FaceBook page and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
- Water Safety will be enforced on our lakes. Life vests will be required for everyone on water vessels. Children will be required to wear the vest where adults will have the option to wear or not, however, a vest must be on the vessel for their use. All landlords were informed of this rule and be required to supply vests to their tenants if they are supplying kayaks or boats. Members of the fishing club have volunteered to patrol the lakes and identify and report on anyone not following this rule.
- A lake toy/raft has been ordered and will be installed at Main Beach. The raft is made of heavy duty rubber and has a slide. It will be anchored with rope and cinder blocks. Cost was $4,600.
- Three bylaw changes will be presented to the membership at the annual meeting. A draft was prepared by Whelan and will be submitted to our attorney for review. They are:
- In the past the annual meeting was held in the spring but moved to August since most of the members at that time were vacationers. The annual budget was presented to the members at the spring meeting where they had about two hours to review and comment. Past boards ignored this requirement when the meeting date was changed. It is state law that an approved budget needs to be in place by May 1st. In 2008, Whelan made the preliminary budget available for review and comment for 30 days to honor the spirit of the by-law. The new change will correct this bylaw.
- Our bylaws state that the polls for the voting period at the annual open meeting must be opened for 30 minutes. The change will state that they will be opened for 30 minutes or until all votes have been cast.
- Return to the simple majority vote for a by-law change (50% plus 1). Currently, 2/3 votes are needed to pass a by-law change. That means that a no vote counts twice as much as a yes vote. Our current way of voting gives an unequal weight to a no vote. It should be noted that a dues increase and elections require a simple majority.
- Annual meeting prep is underway. Dates for the meeting are:
- June 25th is the cutoff date for declared candidates.
- July 13th will be the mailing to the membership.
- August 5th (15 days before the election) all monies owed the Association must be paid in full in order to be a member in good standing.
- August 13th will be Meet the Candidates.
- Meeting date is August 20th.
- Rules for private signs will be enforced. Any political signs must be positive and can only be installed 30 before an election and must be taken down within 7 days. Yard sales signs must be taken down within 7 days of the sale.
Under New Business
- Traffic enforcement is an issue. Speeders and drivers that go through stop signs are an issue in the community. It was recommended that we hire hourly staff whose main function would be to help us enforce our speed limits and stop sign violations. More speed tables will be added this year, however, it will not be completed for the beginning of the summer season. Gamble is currently talking to a temporary hiring agency to obtain hourly employees.
- Board candidate deadlines were addressed above,
- The board is currently looking for volunteers to join committees. Whelan stated it is a good way to learn about the operations of the Association. He also stated that it makes a stronger candidate for any member that wants to run for the board.
There will be a Memorial Day celebration at the front entrance by the flag pole at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 30th. The ceremony will be held to honor the fallen and should take about 15 minutes. The Butterfly Garden is within walking distance and the membership is encouraged to visit. All are welcomed.
Committee Reports
Kathy Whelan spoke on behalf of Finance and Planning. The meeting was held on May 21st. Whelan stated that for this last fiscal year $1.6M was collected in dues which represents 71.82% collection rate. Whelan also stated that for this past fiscal year rental income was $607K while rental fines were down; public safety violations are down by $5K due to a staff shortage: Code Enforcement violations were $221K which exceeds the budgeted amount by $127K; Total income has a positive variance of $181.5K: overall expenses are good and within budget: current money in reserves is $534K; Community Center renovations were $310K; late dues collections for Sunrise were $129K which is impressive since they were not given any new accounts this year: interest investments were $12.81. The next scheduled meeting will be held on Saturday, June 18th but is subject to change due to Father’s Day weekend and the possibility of a conflict with the Fishing Rodeo.
Director’s Comments
Bill Baehr stated that he has been living in ELA for the last 3 ½ years. He learned what was going on by attending the monthly board meetings. He was kept aware of what was happening by talking to the board members and felt the desire to join the board to make this community a better place to live. He stated that everyone was given an opportunity to comment or ask questions during public comments. Baehr ended with warning the membership that information on FaceBook is often misleading and inaccurate.
Bob Leon stated that there are 20 homes for sale and 1 foreclosure in Emerald Lakes. They are:
- $350K listed for 1 day
- $392K listed for 2 days
- $279 listed for 4 days
- $400K listed for 4 days
- $350K listed for 4 days
- $259.9K listed for 4 days
- $385K listed for 14 days
- $324.9K listed for 15 days
- $398 listed for 15 days
- $549K listed for 18 days
- $384.9K listed for 21 days
- $410K listed for 22 days
- $225K listed for 28 days
- $495K listed for 32 days
- $345K listed for 34 days
- $275K listed for 35 days
- $420K listed for 44 days
- $389K listed for 45 days
- $329.5K listed for 60 days
- $388.7K listed for 74 days
- $63.85K – Auction
Dave Borsos stated that if you see something you don’t like bring it to our attention. He encouraged all to join a committee. He also stated the compactor is opened 4 days per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday). The bag limit per trip is 8 kitchen bags or 2 contractor bags. The limit was put in place due to misuse by some contractor’s garbage. In addition, the compactor will be opened on Monday the week for Memorial Day.
Buz Whelan stated that he will be working with Nicole Clemens on the Newsletter on Tuesday of next week and they are hoping to get it out by Wednesday afternoon. He encouraged his fellow board members to contribute articles for the newsletter.
Public Comments
None
Eight (8) new members were welcomed to the Community.
A motion was made by Steve Kavanagh to adjourn. It was seconded by Bob Leon. Meeting adjourned at 10:57 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.
Emerald Lakes Board of Directors Open Meeting, May 28, 2022
By Kathy Leslie-Whelan
The meeting was called to order at 9:34 AM. All board members were present. General Manager Darryl Gamble and Assistant General Manager Nicole Clemens were also present. After the pledge of allegiance, Buz Whelan, President called for a motion to approve April’s open board meeting minutes. The motion was made by Bill Baehr and seconded by Bob Leon. It passed unanimously. Whelan opened his President’s message wishing everyone a safe summer and reiterated what Kevin Derk stated on television this morning, that it was the unofficial start of summer. Kevin Derk is a TV weatherman who is a resident of Emerald Lakes. Whelan stated that now that summer is here there are more visitors so if you want a NY paper, you have to go out early to get one since a lot of visitors like to still get their hometown paper. Whelan also stated that speeding has been excessive and is on the agenda and will be discussed later on in the meeting. He also reminded people to be careful on the lake and make sure you wear safety gear. Under our rules and regulations safety vests must be worn by children and adults must have them on the water craft.
Dave Borsos gave the Treasurer’s report. He stated that our fiscal year in the black. We were $181K ahead of the budgeted amount. Borsos stated that dues collections for the year came in at 71.82% which is above last year’s collection rate. Areas for income that were above expectations included rental income at $122K; Chief Enforcement Officer Income at $127K; Access Card income at $24K. Under expenses the following areas were over budget: Administration payroll at $41K due to new hire, maintenance $45K and trash removal at $28K. Public Safety was under budget by $117K due to lack of staffing. Borsos stated that overall things are looking good. We were $277K under budget on our total expenses. Borsos ended with stating that we have $1.4M in the operating budget and $543K in reserves. Whelan added that the compliance rate is running consistent with the township tax collection rate.
A motion was made by Bob Leon to accept the Treasurer’s report. It was seconded by Steve Kavanagh and passed unanimously.
Under Old Business:
- The Community Center has passed all inspections. Our liquor license has been activated. Staff that was hired is being given start dates and a date for a soft open will be announced shortly. Additional staff will be hired and the center should be fully operational by July 1st.
- Dogs and geese proposal at Pine Tree Island is moving at a measured pace. A subcommittee composed of Gamble, Baehr and Whelan has developed rules and regulations for the membership. In addition, they have talked to the zoning officer to see that leash laws were not being violated. Currently, we are awaiting word from our insurance carrier on the cost. The final stages will be talking to the dog warden and our outside counsel. A gate and shed will be erected at the entrance by the bridge. Dogs will be allowed to run free from dawn to 10:00 AM. Whelan posted this idea on the unofficial FaceBook page and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
- Water Safety will be enforced on our lakes. Life vests will be required for everyone on water vessels. Children will be required to wear the vest where adults will have the option to wear or not, however, a vest must be on the vessel for their use. All landlords were informed of this rule and be required to supply vests to their tenants if they are supplying kayaks or boats. Members of the fishing club have volunteered to patrol the lakes and identify and report on anyone not following this rule.
- A lake toy/raft has been ordered and will be installed at Main Beach. The raft is made of heavy duty rubber and has a slide. It will be anchored with rope and cinder blocks. Cost was $4,600.
- Three bylaw changes will be presented to the membership at the annual meeting. A draft was prepared by Whelan and will be submitted to our attorney for review. They are:
- In the past the annual meeting was held in the spring but moved to August since most of the members at that time were vacationers. The annual budget was presented to the members at the spring meeting where they had about two hours to review and comment. Past boards ignored this requirement when the meeting date was changed. It is state law that an approved budget needs to be in place by May 1st. In 2008, Whelan made the preliminary budget available for review and comment for 30 days to honor the spirit of the by-law. The new change will correct this bylaw.
- Our bylaws state that the polls for the voting period at the annual open meeting must be opened for 30 minutes. The change will state that they will be opened for 30 minutes or until all votes have been cast.
- Return to the simple majority vote for a by-law change (50% plus 1). Currently, 2/3 votes are needed to pass a by-law change. That means that a no vote counts twice as much as a yes vote. Our current way of voting gives an unequal weight to a no vote. It should be noted that a dues increase and elections require a simple majority.
- Annual meeting prep is underway. Dates for the meeting are:
- June 25th is the cutoff date for declared candidates.
- July 13th will be the mailing to the membership.
- August 5th (15 days before the election) all monies owed the Association must be paid in full in order to be a member in good standing.
- August 13th will be Meet the Candidates.
- Meeting date is August 20th.
- Rules for private signs will be enforced. Any political signs must be positive and can only be installed 30 before an election and must be taken down within 7 days. Yard sales signs must be taken down within 7 days of the sale.
Under New Business
- Traffic enforcement is an issue. Speeders and drivers that go through stop signs are an issue in the community. It was recommended that we hire hourly staff whose main function would be to help us enforce our speed limits and stop sign violations. More speed tables will be added this year, however, it will not be completed for the beginning of the summer season. Gamble is currently talking to a temporary hiring agency to obtain hourly employees.
- Board candidate deadlines were addressed above,
- The board is currently looking for volunteers to join committees. Whelan stated it is a good way to learn about the operations of the Association. He also stated that it makes a stronger candidate for any member that wants to run for the board.
There will be a Memorial Day celebration at the front entrance by the flag pole at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 30th. The ceremony will be held to honor the fallen and should take about 15 minutes. The Butterfly Garden is within walking distance and the membership is encouraged to visit. All are welcomed.
Committee Reports
Kathy Whelan spoke on behalf of Finance and Planning. The meeting was held on May 21st. Whelan stated that for this last fiscal year $1.6M was collected in dues which represents 71.82% collection rate. Whelan also stated that for this past fiscal year rental income was $607K while rental fines were down; public safety violations are down by $5K due to a staff shortage: Code Enforcement violations were $221K which exceeds the budgeted amount by $127K; Total income has a positive variance of $181.5K: overall expenses are good and within budget: current money in reserves is $534K; Community Center renovations were $310K; late dues collections for Sunrise were $129K which is impressive since they were not given any new accounts this year: interest investments were $12.81. The next scheduled meeting will be held on Saturday, June 18th but is subject to change due to Father’s Day weekend and the possibility of a conflict with the Fishing Rodeo.
Director’s Comments
Bill Baehr stated that he has been living in ELA for the last 3 ½ years. He learned what was going on by attending the monthly board meetings. He was kept aware of what was happening by talking to the board members and felt the desire to join the board to make this community a better place to live. He stated that everyone was given an opportunity to comment or ask questions during public comments. Baehr ended with warning the membership that information on FaceBook is often misleading and inaccurate.
Bob Leon stated that there are 20 homes for sale and 1 foreclosure in Emerald Lakes. They are:
- $350K listed for 1 day
- $392K listed for 2 days
- $279 listed for 4 days
- $400K listed for 4 days
- $350K listed for 4 days
- $259.9K listed for 4 days
- $385K listed for 14 days
- $324.9K listed for 15 days
- $398 listed for 15 days
- $549K listed for 18 days
- $384.9K listed for 21 days
- $410K listed for 22 days
- $225K listed for 28 days
- $495K listed for 32 days
- $345K listed for 34 days
- $275K listed for 35 days
- $420K listed for 44 days
- $389K listed for 45 days
- $329.5K listed for 60 days
- $388.7K listed for 74 days
- $63.85K – Auction
Dave Borsos stated that if you see something you don’t like bring it to our attention. He encouraged all to join a committee. He also stated the compactor is opened 4 days per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday). The bag limit per trip is 8 kitchen bags or 2 contractor bags. The limit was put in place due to misuse by some contractor’s garbage. In addition, the compactor will be opened on Monday the week for Memorial Day.
Buz Whelan stated that he will be working with Nicole Clemens on the Newsletter on Tuesday of next week and they are hoping to get it out by Wednesday afternoon. He encouraged his fellow board members to contribute articles for the newsletter.
Public Comments
None
Eight (8) new members were welcomed to the Community.
A motion was made by Steve Kavanagh to adjourn. It was seconded by Bob Leon. Meeting adjourned at 10:57 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.
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