By Kathy Leslie-Whelan

          The meeting was called to order at 9:31 AM.  Six board members were present.  Chris Claude was absent.  Assistant General Manager, Nicole Clemens and General Manager Darryl Gamble were also present.  After the pledge of allegiance, Buz Whelan, President, called for a motion to approve June’s open board meeting minutes.  After discussions a correction was made to the minutes to add that Dave Borsos made a motion to adjourn, a motion was made by Connie Simpson and seconded by Bob Leon.  It passed unanimously. 

Whelan started his Opening Statement by stating that he is holding off on his comments until later on in the meeting.  The floor was handed over to Darryl Gamble to address the membership.  The issue was that a post on FaceBook stated that “Our Lodge has had a security concern because the guest WI-FI was allowing access to our Point of Sale and other private membership data.  The membership data that I volunteered to fix this to prevent our homeowner’s data getting leaked publically.  What did the board do?  Chastise me to pointing their flawed security.  And tell me I had no right to tell them their paid vendor how to do their jobs.  I am sorry but I run an IT security business personally, it is both my professional duty as a board member, and to personal duty as a member of Emerald Lakes to keep our community secure.  What did I get from bringing up this concern?  Again, I was chastised by a sitting board member.”

Gamble stated that he has a problem with this statement that went out to the membership on Facebook stating that personal data has been breached.  The vendor that we have been using since 2018 was contacted. This firm immediately did a thorough review of our security system.  They sent a report that Clemens read from.  The report stated that Sundance Security can confidently affirm that no one else has access to these systems.  If someone is claiming this, they encourage him provide visual proof.   If he shows such proof, they can eliminate such breach.  In addition, if this individual did have access to our system that would also be a breach to the system protocols and would be a violation in the terms of conflict of interest.  The guest WI-FI cannot access the POS system.  The report goes on but Gamble wanted to reassure the membership that no breach occurred with their data. Private information remains private. Mike Camino requested a meeting with the company.  Gamble will set it up where other board members can attend. 

Since Gamble was speaking, he continued with update under old business.  Gamble is just getting back from an extended leave and he thanked all that reached out to him. An item he spoke about was regarding the tables that were ordered a while ago and just came in.  The order consists of tables and benches that will be installed at Pine Tree Lake, Main Beach, outdoor pool and basketball court.  In addition, a hand washing station will be installed at the outdoor pool.  The porta potties there are on the outside of the fence so that the vendor can easily pump them.  The bathroom trailer used last year was destroyed and numerous repairs had to be done at our expense.  Chris Claude is currently looking into possibilities of a bath house.  The septic system is 45 years old and not in good working condition.  The bath houses at Pine Tree beach and Main beach have been renovated.  One of the houses was vandalized.  These houses are opened when maintenance picks up the trash and closed around 7:00 PM by Public Safety.  The dog park on Pine Tree Island will be open from early light to 10:00 AM.  Entry will be through the double gate.  This is a trial run program.  The shack being built will serve multiple purposes.  One will be for an attendant to check badges.  The camera system will be on the shack as well as the parking lot.  All dirt roads are paved with the exception of Bobcat.  There are drainage issues to be addressed before it is paved.  Also, large section of roads will be repaved and 4 new speed bumps will be installed.  The members were asked to report any road issue they came across.  Due to time restraints the lake toy and the boat rental program will be postponed till next year.  The lake toy that is made up of cubes cannot be purchased till next year.  Gamble doesn’t want to rush the projects until it is thought through.  Gamble acknowledged the complaints on the noise pollution.  He wants time to think about the issue before policies are put in place.    Whelan added that we are committed to the lake raft and watercraft rental program. 

Three resolutions were passed.

• 07222023-01 resolve to add that political signs rules under Section 5 of the Rules and Regulations document read the “Political signs shall be permitted for a period of 30 days prior to election and must be removed within 7 days following the event” 

A motion was made by Connie Simpson for the resolution.  It was seconded by Mike Camino. This passed with a 5-0 vote.   It was also discussed that no signs with foul language will be tolerated.

• 07222023-02 resolves that the board approve the addition of the section Dog Park Rules to the Rules and Regulation document. “1) Dogs may be off leash on Pine Tree Island during the hours between first light and 10 AM only. 2) Owners are responsible for their dogs behavior at all times. 3) Owners must pickup any droppings and prevent dog urination on the beach. 4) Dogs aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs will be banned. 5) Owners must prevent unleashed dogs from leaving the island.”  A motion was made by Bob Leon and seconded by Dave Borsos.  Resolution passed 4 to 0.  Mike Camino opposed the resolution.
• Resolution 07222023-04 resolves that the board amend the Rules and Regulations fine schedule to include the following: “Disorderly conduct/Abuse of Staff – $300.00 and possible suspension of privileges for a length of time to be determined by the General Manager.  Threats (physical) to ELA staff members – $600.00 fine and possible suspension of privileges for a length of time determined by the General Manager and shall be reported to PMRPD.”  A motion was made by Dave Borsos and seconded by Bill Baehr.  Motion passed 4 to 1.  Connie Simpson voted against the resolution.  Mike Camino thinks the fine should be higher.

Under new business, Buz Whelan spoke on vandalism and theft.  He stated that there are two types of vandalism, careless and intentional.  Intention is malicious.  He also stated that someone smashed and stole Holiday decorations that were located at the front entrance.  He would like to see the community deputized.  If someone turns in an individual that has vandalized or stolen equipment, and it leads to an arrest, a reward will be given to the person that turned over the offender.  Dave Borsos added that it was worth a shot to do this, and it is a shame it is happening.  Mike Camino added that we need stronger fines.  Camino also added that the arcade room is not family friendly. The agenda also included an item on karaoke that was put on hold and an item on employee abuse that was addressed in a resolution above.  Just recently an abusive individual was verbally abusive to our staff in the office and threatened to go home and get his gun.  Whelan stated that the staff is only following the rules and policies and have nothing to do with the development of the rules or policies. 

Dave Borsos gave the Treasurer’s report for June, which is the second month of our fiscal year.   Borsos stated we are operating in the black.  Under dues income we are at $406K YTD with a positive variance of $20K; Rental Income $287K YTD and is $80K over anticipated collections; Bar and Grill Income is $14,152 YTD; Total income YTD was $793K.   On the expense side the following items are included: Administration, General and Professional, Public Safety, Maintenance, Community Center/Recreation, Insurance, Utilities.  These items are all under budget with the exception of the Community Center and Public Safety.  Total expenses YTD were $332K.  Our insurance expenses were over by $6K; however, since the money is broken down by 12 months that figure will be within budget at the end of the year.   In addition, as of June 30^th we have $1,000,000 in our operating budget, $890K in reserves and $129K in our investment account.  A motion was made by Bill Baehr to accept the Treasurer’s report.  It was seconded by Connie Simpson and passed unanimously.

Committee Reports        

Kathy Whelan spoke on behalf of Finance and Planning (F&P).   F&P had their meeting on July 21st.  Whelan stated revenue and head count for events that occurred in June/July was:

1. June 16th , Trivia, income $683.50, Attendance 32
2. June 22nd, Thirsty Thursday, income $286.00, Attendance 13
3. June 24th, Wing Night, income $775.75, Attendance 40
4. June 29th, Thirsty Thursday, income $119.25 Attendance 0*
5. July 1st,   July 4^th Weekend (Saturday), income $420.00, Attendance 92
6. July 2nd, July 4^th Weekend (Sunday), income $678.50,Attendance 32
7. July 3^rd , Sunday, Bar and Grill Closed, Attendance 96
8. July 4^th, Monday, Bar and Grill and Pool closed
9. July 6th,  Thirsty Thursday, income $614.00, Attendance 30
10. July 7^th Game Night, income $686.00, Attendance 96*
11. July 8^th, Karaoke, income $1,159.25, attendance 20*
12. July 13^th, Thirsty Thursday, income $475.75, attendance 40
13. July 14^th, Movie Night, income $666.50, attendance 55
14. July 20^th, Thirsty Thursday, income $664.75, attendance 0*

*Please note that there is an issue that management is aware of, where the reporting on attendance is not synchronized so some of the attendance numbers in this report are not accurate.

The Operating Fund/Expense Report showed that $55K was the total dues and fees collected for the month of June.  This figure includes dues income prior year’s dues, dues interest and collection fees and represents a dues collection rate of 71.35%, last year’s rate was 66.04%;  Collection reported is $60,560 for the month.  98% was collected in-house; Rental income for the fiscal year was $287K; Bar and Grill income for the month of June were $7,288; Refuse collection was $17,589 for the month; interest on investments is $92.77.  A recommendation from Diane DuCharme on the committee was made to add signage at the indoor pool, regarding the location of the vending machine to generate more income.  The next scheduled meeting of F&P will be held on Friday, August 18th at the Administration building.

Debra Rowe stated that Rules and Regulations met on July 19^th and meets every second Wednesday of the month.  She thanked the board for approving the resolution on the signs and banners.  Some signs that are at member’s homes are inappropriate.  Currently the members are looking at unsightly property and fee schedules.

 Bill Baehr stated the Appeals committee did not meet in July.

Bob Leon stated the Real Estate committee did not meet in July.

Director’s Comments

                              Bob Leon stated that there are 42 homes for sale in Emerald Lakes.  Short term rental homes are up for sale.  Please note that Leon did not list the homes that are for sale.

Connie Simpson advised the membership that if they are voting by mail, the back of the envelope must be filled out or your vote will not be counted.

Dave Borsos welcomed back Darryl Gamble.

Bill Baehr asked people that are out walking at night to be careful since there are no street lamps in the community.  Reflective clothing should be worn and flashlight should be carried.

Mike Camino stated he has a concern about social media and wanted to bring it to the attention of the board and management.  He further stated that the tables for the pool took longer than anticipated to come in.  He feels that people should bring solutions instead of complaint.  He also gave everyone a finger trap.

Buz Whelan commented that Chris Claude working with the Recreation Club is doing a great job.  He also stated that plans are in the works for a Salsa Night and an off-Broadway drag show.  Whelan also gave a shout out to Eric Bergstrom and Freddy Roman for patrolling the lakes to prevent poachers from fishing and removing fish from our lakes.

Public Comments

          Joan Gregorio stated that she enjoys the indoor pool but the water is cold.       

          Annette asked why a board member is sending them stuff and how did they get her address.  She was assured that addresses are not given out from the office.  She also stated that if the people that are running for the board cannot say pleasant things they should not say anything at all. People need to be respectful.  She asked board members that have kids to let them know they are not at home.  They need to be watched.  Annette also works at the Community Center and at this point Clemens and Gamble spoke of a new app, where short term renters as well as the members will be able to purchase guest passes at any time.

          William Earl Smith and Tanya Adams questioned what happens if you have more guests than passes and why does the homeowner have to accompany the guest to the bar and grill or indoor pool.  They were told that a member can always buy additional passes.  These passes make them associate members and can come in without a member with a picture ID.  Guests that are using your passes that you received with your picture IDs, must be accompanied by the member with the picture ID.  This is due to our catering license which includes our liquor license.   Another issue that was bought up was the $25 fee for replacement cards.  Gamble stated that the fee is more of a deterrent and to abuse Short Term Rental (STR) owners from giving out their guest passes.  He is working on looking at reducing the fee for residents that do not use their homes as STRs.

          Debra Rowe was concerned for our public safety staff that pull over people for moving violations.  Our staff is not armed and has no way of defending themselves.  She has been in law enforcement for 32 years and she feels we are putting people in danger.  She was told that our staff has body cameras and cameras in their cars. 

          Randy Kopp stated that at the end of his road the stop sign is obscured.  He stated that signage needs to be more visible.  He also stated that to improve attendance at the Bar and Grill, information has to come out earlier in the newsletter.

          Louise Leon thanked everybody. She stated ELA is doing fabulously. (Public Safety, board, everyone.)

Four (4) new members were welcomed to the Community.

Buz Whelan stated that on Saturday, August 26^th we are having a get together (Annual Meeting).  Come for the show, or come for the refreshments.

          A motion was made by Connie Simpson to adjourn.  It was seconded by Bill Baehr.  Meeting adjourned at 11:51 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.