By Kathy Leslie-Whelan

          The meeting was called to order at 9:31 AM.  All board members were present.  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 Augusts 2022’s annual board meeting minutes.  A motion was made by Mike Camino and seconded by Bob Leon.  It passed unanimously. 

Whelan started his Opening Statement by stating that July’s minutes were not complete since there were discussions on a report from our security company that was addressed at the meeting.   He stated that according to Robert Rules minutes are to record what is done and not what is said.  An exception is reports can go into the document so he would like the report to go into the minutes in their entirety.  The report was to dispute a FaceBook claim by Michael Camino that the membership’s personal information was compromised.  According to our Treasurer, Bill Baehr, the report cost the Association $4,000.  (This includes all work on the system.)

Whelan stated that his greatest concern is vandalism.  $18K was spent on vandalism for the month of August.  Although some of those expenditures were for vandalism that was done last year, we are currently over $30K in the first four months of our fiscal year.  We cannot sustain those costs and he wants consequences if the individual or individuals are caught. 

On January 14, 2024, Emerald Lakes Association will have their 50^th year anniversary.  Whelan would like to do something special in our community.  A gala day will be planned to take place in the summer.  They want to top off the day with a fireworks display.  A committee is being formed to plan the day. Currently Michael Camino, Maria Tirado-Quinones and Buz Whelan are on the team and they are looking for volunteers from the community to help with the planning of the festivities. 

Whelan announced that on October 14^th at the Lodge a Septic and Well workshop is being hosted by the Emerald Ladies.  The first 60 people that register can have their water tested for coliform bacteria, e-coli, pH, total dissolved solids and nitrates.  He recommends this workshop for all, especially if you are new to the area and come from a city where you were tied into the city systems. 

Many activities for October are listed in the Emerald News.  Many were planned by the Recreation Club with Chris Claude, so Whelan turned over the floor to Claude to address the events.  They are:

·       Friday, October 6^th at the indoor pool will be a dive-in movie and will feature Finding Nemo. The movie will start at 7:30 PM.  Floats are encouraged, however, no oversized floats.

·       Saturday, October 7^th will be the Fall Festival which will start at 11:00 AM on the Community Center grounds.  The Nerf Battle Royal will be held during the festival at the tennis courts on the grounds. You must bring your own nerf dart blaster,

·       Friday, October 13^th will be adult movie night in the Billiards room at the Emerald Lodge.  Of course Friday the 13^th will be playing.  No one under 17 will be admitted. 

Other events:

·       Saturday, October 14^th, Home Water and Septic System Workshop at 9:30 AM in the Emerald Lodge.  Please register for this event.  The first 60 registrants can have their water tested at no charge to them.

·       Saturday, October 21^st, Bulk Trash Day.  See newsletter for rates

·        Saturday, October 21^st there will be Community Clean-Up day. Registration will be at the Administration building starting at 10:00 AM.  Light refreshments will be available. 

·       Saturday, October 28^th, a Halloween parade will take place starting at 1:00PM at the Administration building and ending at the Emerald Lodge.  Thanks to Jason Bradley for organizing the event.

·       Saturday, October 28^th, Trunk or Treat beginning at 2:00 PM in the Community Center Parking Lot.

Although not in October, a flag ceremony and veteran day brunch will be on Saturday, November 11^th between the hours of 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM at the Emerald Lodge.  Any veteran who wishes to speak will be given an opportunity to.  In addition, any veteran that submits his picture will be part of a slide show presentation that will be shown at the event.

In addition, a drag show called “Drag Through the Season” will be held on Saturday night on November 11^th at 8:00 PM in the Emerald Lodge.  This Off-Broadway troupe has performed here before.  That show was “A Kooky Korky Christmas Show” in 2015.  Those of you old enough to remember Milton Berle (Uncle Miltie) may recall his frequent and hilarious comedy routine in which he dressed as a blousy woman, what we now call ‘drag’.  Younger adults may remember Flip Wilson dressing up as Geraldine on his comedy/variety show.  Tickets go on sale for $10.00 in advance or $13.00 at the door on October 5^th in the Emerald Lodge and the Administrative office.  

     Finally Whelan complemented Claude for the good job at the Car and Motorcycle show.  Claude says that the plan is to have these shows twice a year.  These events will be planned for Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend.  In addition, new categories of cars will be added. 

Whelan handed the floor over to our Treasurer Bill Baehr, but before he did be recognized Dave Borsos, who was our past Treasurer for doing an outstanding job.  Baehr’s report was for August 1^st through August 31^st, which is the fourth month of our fiscal year.  He stated that dues collected for the month was $433,440.  This figure includes dues income and fees, public safety, bank revenue and rental revenue.  Currently our collection rate is 72.62%.  The same month last year we were at 69.21%.  We are up 3.05% over last year.  Code Enforcement Officer revenue is at $22,711 for the month.  Community Center/Recreation Revenue, which includes access cards, boat/fishing permits, bar/grill, snack shack, private events, vending and event income, was $7,920 for the month.  Resale fees, newsletter ads and miscellaneous income were at $2,539 bringing the total income for the month to $510,547.  On the expense side total expenses for the month were $332,912.  These expenses include, administrative, general/professional, public safety, maintenance, bar and grill, CC/Recreation, insurance and utilities.  Our cash assets for the month are $864,395, reserve fund are $764,629 and our investment account are $129,242.  A motion was made by Chris Claude and seconded by Bob Leon to accept the Treasurer’s report.  The motion passed unanimously.

Under Old Business

·       Whelan spoke about vandalism in the community.  He suggested that if the individual was caught, there should be a $500 fine as well as the cost for repairs.  If the costs exceed the dollar amount for a felony, the individual will be turned over to Regional police.  Some of the items vandalized this year include toilets seats ripped out of the newly renovated bathrooms at Pine Tree beach and Main Beach, stuffing toilet paper, diapers and feminine products down the toilets, broken basketball hoops right after installation, pried open new shack at Pine Tree Lake and a broken window at the indoor pool.  New high definition cameras are being installed.  In addition, Whelan wants to offer a reward to anyone who reports a vandal where it leads to a conviction.  Camino recommended that the reward should be half of the fine.  Whelan also stated that if caught and the damage was done by a renter or child, the property owner will be responsible for the fine as well as the cost for repairs. 

·       Any abuse of staff will not be tolerated.  On too many occasions, staff is abused at the reception area at the Administration Building.  On top of a citation, there will be restrictions on the member’s privileges.  In cases where there is threat of physical harm, Regional police will be notified. 

·       Currently work is being done at the rear of the Community Center.  The eaves are rotted and are being replaced.  $300K of road work is being completed.  The front door at the Community Center is being replaced and all staff are preparing for winter.  The report for Clover Bridge and Cedar Bridge just came in. Management will meet with the board to discuss the next steps.

Under New Business:

·       Approval of the 2022 Annual Meeting minutes was done at the beginning of this meeting.

Committee Reports        

Dave Borsos, newly elected chair of Finance and Planning (F&P),   spoke on behalf F&P.  Their meeting was held on September 22^nd. Borsos stated that we have a nice number of people on the committee. He stated revenue and head count for events that occurred in June/July was:

1.    August 18th , Trivia, income $797.00, Attendance 35

2.    August 24th, Thirsty Thursday, income $433.75, Attendance 17

3.    August 26th, Wing Night, income $556.50, Attendance 20

4.    August 31st, Thirsty Thursday, income $620.00 Attendance 21

5.    September 1^st. Game Night, income $373.75, Attendance 19

6.    September 7th,  Thirsty Thursday, income $139, Attendance 10

7.    September 14th, Thirsty Thursday, income $100.75, Attendance 5

8.    September 21st, Thirsty Thursday, income $414.75, attendance 33

The Operating Fund/Expense Report showed that costs associated with the bar are grill for the month is $16K while income was $6.5K; Dirt road paving was $150K YTD.  Road Repair was $133K; Reserves are $764K.  The next scheduled meeting of F&P will be held on Friday, October 20th at the Administration building.

Debra Rowe was elected Chair and stated that Rules and Regulations met on September 13th and meets every second Wednesday of the month.  Three new members joined this committee.  Currently they are discussing unsightly properties.  She inquired about their minutes from the meeting and should they be sent to the board.  She was told that they can come to the board through their liaison, Bob Leon. 

Mike Camino stated that the Real Estate committee met in September and Ted Wolski is the new chair.  They discussed the landlord meeting that is scheduled for the Fall.  Camino stated that everyone should receive the packages developed for Septic systems.  The next meeting is scheduled for November.

Director’s Comments

                              Bob Leon stated that there are 32 homes for sale in Emerald Lakes.  Homes have been on sale for 4 to 190 days.  Two homes for sale are lake fronts, while one home is listed for over $1M that is not a lake front but has a covered pool. 

          Mike Camino will write up a resolution for the septic policy.

Connie Simpson advised the membership that cats are being shot in Emerald Lakes.  She knows of three cats that were shot.  One was hers. 

Chris Claude reminded everyone about the Veteran’s day brunch.  He stated that it was opened to everyone.

Bill Baehr stated that he drove around the community and saw four instances of people running stops signs.  He cautioned the membership to be careful at the stop signs.  He also stated that people should not be passing school buses while the lights are blinking.  If you are waiting for you child at the Island bus stop you should be parking in the parking lot.

Maria Tirado-Quinones asked if “STOP” could be painted on the roadway at the stop signs.  She also thanked maintenance for trimming the bushes at Island Drive.  She also commended maintenance for fixing the basketball courts. 

Buz Whelan stated that the tickets for “Drag Through the Seasons” go on sale on October 5^th at the Lodge.

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.

Public Comments

          Louise Leon thanked everybody. She stated water aerobics is doing well.

          Debra Rowe stated that the next meeting for Rules and Regulations is October 18^th.

Ange Noonan stated that the Emerald Ladies will be celebrating their one year anniversary.  On October 1^st, Chair exercises will resume.  They will be held every Sunday at 2:00 PM at the Lodge.  Living Well in ELA will start on October 5^th at 10:30 AM at Pine Tree Beach.  Tai Chi Classes will begin on Friday October 6^th.  The Well and Septic Workshop will be held on October 14^th at 9:30 AM at the Lodge. Community Clean-up day will be held on October 21^st.  Sign up at the Administration building starting at 10:00 AM to collect supplies.

          Christine Roberts is presenting the Living Well in ELA series.  She has her Master’s in Public Health and Safety and is a registered RN.  The program runs for 5 weeks and the first 15 participants will receive “The Clean Plate Cookbook”.  

          Linda Shuey stated that the shoulder at Main Beach is dangerous.  It drops off and it has to be repaired.  She wants to know if any work will be done at the Clover Bridge since this is our third inspection and none of the recommended work was done.  She also questioned the grates on the pipes at East Emerald.  She has a concern…not a complaint that the water flow is being restricted.  She was told that the grate blocks trash and debris from going into the pipes.  And for safety reasons, we want to keep staff from having to clean the debris from the pipes.

Selena questioned when the saunas at the Community Center will be fixed.  She was told, hopefully by Fall.

Twenty nine (29) new members were welcomed to the Community.

          A motion was made by Connie Simpson to adjourn.  It was seconded by Mike Camino.  Meeting adjourned at 11:33 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.