By Kathy Leslie-Whelan

          The meeting was called to order at 9:33 AM.  Sixboard members were present.  Bill Baehr was absent.  General Manager Darryl Gamble and Assistant General Manager Nicole Clemens were also present. 

Buz Whelan, President started his Opening Statement by welcoming everyone that came out.  He then recognized Al Leslie that just passed away on November 27^th.  

Whelan stated that Al Leslie was part of the fabric of Emerald Lakes. Al
served on the board for numerous years and did a term as President.  Everyone knew Al as “Bingo Al”.  For more than 40 years Al called Bingo at the Community Center on Saturday nights.  That equates to more than 800 nights where he volunteered his time.  Whelan wished Al Godspeed in his journey and stated Rest in Peace Al.

Whelan mentioned a few events that are happening over the holiday. 
These events are listed in the newsletter.  Trivia will happen on Friday, December 15^th.  The New Year’s Eve event will happen on December 31^st and is a ticketed event.  Tickets are $20 per person and are on sale now.  The place can hold 75 people and many tickets have been sold already. 

Whelan, called for a motion to approve November’s board meeting minutes.  A motion was made by Mike Camino and seconded by Connie Simpson.  It passed
unanimously.  Whelan stated that since the Treasurer was out there would be no report unless Finance and Planning (F&P) had anything to report.  Dave Borsos, F& P Chair stated that since the financials are not out yet, there is nothing to report.  He stated that our finances are stable.  Kathy Whelan added that the financials should be interesting since November included a quarterly payment cycle. 

 Under Old Business

·       Whelan spoke about a complaint that a member had about the drains on East Emerald Lakes.  RKR Hess was hired to do an evaluation. Their report, which cost $1,500, stated that the grates have little to no impact on the flow of water, even when there is debris. 
Due to the design of the grates, water can still pass through the grates even when there is debris.  Currently our maintenance staff cleans the grates on a daily basis and the Engineering firm recommended that we continue doing what we are doing. 

·       There is sad news on the lottery that was being planned where someone could have won their dues paid for a year.  We have to cancel this year’s lottery since the Monroe County will not allow any HOA to operate any lottery what may produce a profit.  The HOA that are currently running these events are in Pike County where they do not hold up the
permits.  Our attorney is currently adding us to a law suit with other HOA that are challenging this decree.  In addition, our attorney is applying for a small games license for Emerald Lakes so that we can restart Bingo.  They are anticipating starting up bingo on a Sunday after the Football Super bowl. Whelan stated that people have to vote
with their feet.  If you want to continue with Football Sundays and Bingo, you have to show up. 

 Under New Business:

·       Bingo was on the agenda but was discussed above.

Committee Reports        

Maria Tirado-Quinones spoke on behalf of the Appeals committee.  They will be
meeting on Saturday, December 16^th.

Dave Borsos, chair of Finance and Planning (F&P),   stated that they did not meet this month, since the financials were not available.  The next scheduled meeting is Friday, January 19^th.

Selena Thomas spoke on behalf of Rules and Regulations.  The committee would like to add vandalism/criminal mischief to the table on contents.  They would also like to add sentences to page 13 about fireworks being considered mischief.  Fines were recommended for restitution of property damage and speeding fines.

Chris Claude stated that the Real Estate committee hasn’t met yet since he took over as liaison.

Buz Whelan spoke on behalf of Communication.  He stated that the newsletter is out.

Director’s Comments

Bob Leon stated that there are 35 homes for sale in Emerald Lakes.  The average costs of these homes are $764K and have been listed between 1 and 260 days.  The dollar range for the home listings is $195,000 to $1,250,000.

     Mike Camino says that he appreciated everyone’s comments on FaceBook about the septic policy.  He also asked the members to check on their neighbor during the winter months.  He ended with wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah.

Chris Claude gave a list of the events that the Recreation committee is sponsoring.

o   December 9^th – Ugly Christmas sweater karaoke

o   December 16^th – Pancakes and PJ’s with Santa

o   December 31^st – New Years Eve Casino Night for adults only.  You must be 18 years old or older.

o   January 6^th – Community Night Out at the rink.  Hockey game with Wilkes Barre Phantoms vs. Scranton Penguins.  Tickets are half price at $24 each.  Please contact Brian Coe at bdcoe@gmail.com for tickets.

o   January 13^th – Double feature of “Frozen” for movie night.

o   February 23^rd – Island Beach Party at the Lodge…  There will be music and food specials.

o   March 16^th – St Patrick’s Day event.

o   April – Roaring 20^s, Great Gatsby event.

          Maria Tirado-Quinones stated that the Real Estate committee has two new co-chairs. Loretta Schneider and Carrie Jacobs were elected.  She also cautioned Short Term Rental owners to be mindful of their advertising.  The townships have maximum
capacity ordinances.

Connie Simpson reminded the membership that as winter approaches, ice fishing is allowed only at Deer Lake.

     Public Comments

          Louise Leon stated that at the end of the year she is grateful to everyone.  The board, management team and staff are doing a great job.  She also acknowledged Al Leslie who just passed.  Al was somewhat of a pool shark and taught her some tricks.

Selena Thomas thanked Emerald Lakes with hosting water aerobics annual holiday party at the Lodge.  Everything was good including the food.  They may have next year’s party at the Lodge.

Brian Coe reminded the members that the deadline for signing up for Community Night out at the hockey rink is December 22^nd. 

Chris Claude reminded people to sign up for the holiday lights contest. Email your registration to ElaRecreationClub@gmail.com. Three gift cards will be awarded.

Dave Borsos complemented staff for the holiday decorations at the front entrance.

Nicole Clemens spoke about the conversion of our financial system.  Our current system, TOPPS is being sunsetted at the end of the year and is being replaced with Enumerate.  Then new system is not compatible with Front Steps so the website may have to be recreated to the new host company.  Clemens has a
meeting on Tuesday with the new company.  She asked the membership to keep an eye out for an email blast which will invite you to join the new website.  All payments will be done through this new system and money will be posted in real time.  The system will be
more efficient.

          Six (6) new members were welcomed to the Community.

          A motion was made by Connie Simpson to adjourn.  It was seconded by Chris Claude.  Meeting adjourned at 10:22 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.