By Kathy Leslie-Whelan

          The meeting was called to order at 9:32 AM.  Six board members were present.  Maria Tirado-Quinones was absent.  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 December’s board meeting minutes.  A motion was made by Bob Leon and seconded by Bill Baehr.  It passed unanimously. 

Whelan started his President’s message by stating that he read  many complaints on FaceBook that say that there are too many rules and regulations and that the Association sets them as a way to get money.  He assured the membership that only the people that don’t obey the rules have to pay.  The rules are to protect the value of the homes and secondary they are for the safety of the membership.  He further said that some unsightly properties on Sullivan Trail are worth a lot less than the homes in Emerald Lakes.  Regional police cannot enforce our rules and regulations pertaining to speed limits and stop signs.  Brian Goff, Chief of Public Safety and his staff are doing an excellent job in enforcing our rules.  They are now assisting in the work that was performed by our Chief Compliance Officer, Ralph Musto, who recently passed away.   They take the time to explain what is wrong and give time for corrective action.  They are not trying to hurt people financially; they are trying to protect property values and safety. Anyone that wants to obtain a copy of the Rules and Regulations can get a copy at the Administration office or on line at our website.  Ignorance of the law is no excuse.

Whelan turned the floor over to our Treasurer, Bill Baehr for his report.  Baehr stated that during December we operated within budget.  Our collection rate is 77.31% while last year we were at 73.35%.  This is up 4.35% over last year.  On the income side for December we are at $94,782 for dues and fees; $350 for Public Safety; $37,437 for rental revenue; $10,707 for Code Enforcement; Under Community Center/Recreation Revenue we are at $5,660 for Access Cards, $0 for Boat Registration/Fishing Permits, $8,928 for Bar and Grill income, and $480 for Event Income which totals $15,068; Misc income which includes Newsletter Advertising, Misc. income, Resale Certificate Fees is $3,080.  The total monthly income was $163,000.  On the expense side for December $58,102 for Administration; $3,937 for General and Professional; $14,795 for Public Safety; $108,420 for Maintenance; $10,227 for Recreation; $12,411 for Bar and Grill; $35,396 for the Community Center; $8,574 for Insurance; $11,289 for Utilities and Communications.  The total expenses for the month were $263,155.  Cash reserve assets are $526,544; Reserves are $476,061; Investment account is $129,263.

A motion was made by Bob Leon to accept the Treasurer’s report.  It was seconded by Connie Simpson.  It passed unanimously.    

Under Old Business

• Whelan spoke about the septic policy and whether it was a good thing to move forward on.  It would be a difficult policy to enforce and it may create a need to hire someone to enforce it.  Tobyhanna and Tunkhannock have policies that they do not enforce.  Emerald Lakes should not be doing the job of the septic officer since our taxes pay for him to perform his duties and enforce the township’s policies.  Whelan would like to check with our attorney and send a letter to the townships requesting that they enforce their policies.  Chris Claude agreed with Whelan and stated it is not our job to enforce their policies but to hold the townships accountable.  Connie Simpson recommended that we send out a letter in our voting mailings as well as the Newsletter educating people on the importance of pumping septic systems.  Mike Camino stated that during his research, the townships admitted that they were not enforcing this policy.  Claude stated that a member that suffers due to them not enforcing their policy gives that individual legal recourse against the township.  Whelan thanked Camino for his comprehensive research on this topic.  Darryl Gamble stated that a large portion of the membership is doing what they are supposed to be doing with their septic systems.  A pamphlet will be developed for new homeowners on how to maintain their septic systems.  Bill Baehr stated that since he lives alone, he doesn’t have to pump his septic often, however, when he was pumped, he found out his pump had burned out.  He was able to replace it before it caused a problem.
• The boat rental program and lake toy program are being scaled back.  Eight watercrafts have been purchased.  Rentals will be on Saturday and Sunday from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.  We will use current staff for the rental program and if it takes off, more watercrafts will be purchased.  Whelan stated that many calls come into the office about boat rentals so the board approved this program.  He said that no amenity is used by everyone so if you put it to a vote by the membership it would fail.  The board was elected to make these decisions.  Whelan said amenities matter.  Real Estate agents selling homes state that it increases the value of your homes. 
• Clover Road Bridge update stated two options recommended by an Engineering Firm.  The options are a cul-de-sac being installed or a box culvert which allows water to flow.  The board needs to decide which option to choose.  This project will take 3 to 4 years to complete.  The bridge is safe to drive now but will have to be replaced due to damage done to the guard rails.  The Army Core of Engineers and the DEP will have to be involved and we were informed that it will take about a year to obtain permits. Money for this project will be included in the budget for the next four years.
• The 50^th Anniversary plans are being discussed.  In January of 1974, the Association was approved to be incorporated.  In 1999, there was a big celebration, so another one is being planned for our 50^th Anniversary.  Chris Claude doesn’t want to spend a lot of money and is not in favor of fireworks.

Under New Business:

• Whelan would like to see a workshop in June or September addressing septic systems, wells, ELA permits, regional police, and chimney maintenance.  He feels it is a worthwhile project.

Committee Reports        

Dave Borsos, chair of Finance and Planning (F&P),   stated that they met yesterday.  Highlights of their discussion were the Clover Rd Bridge replacement; the need for a new front loader; we are ahead of the game by having a dues collection rate over 77% which is higher than other communities;  rental income is over a half million dollars; $476K is in reserves; bar and grill income is $4K ahead of outgoing money; Public safety has 2 full-time and 4 part-time staff; shout out to management for all roads being paved with the exception of two, whose residents do not want paved due to the slope of the road and the possibility of a car going into the lake.  The next scheduled meeting is Thursday, February 24th.

Chris Claude spoke on behalf of the Real Estate committee.  Packets are being developed which include our Rules and Regulations, By-Laws, and other pertinent community documentation.  It is recommended that this package goes out to everyone, not just landlords.  Once the package is received, a signature will be required.

Bob Leon spoke on behalf of Rules and Regulations.  They are currently waiting for a rewrite on what they already submitted.

Director’s Comments

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

• February 10^th  – Anti-Valentine’s Karaoke
• February 16^th  – Trivia Night
• February 24th – Island Beach Party
• March 9^th  – Karaoke
• March 15th – Trivia Night
• March 16^th – St Patrick Day Shamrocks and Shenanigans
• April 13^th – Karaoke
• April 19^th – Trivia Night
•  April TBD – Night at a Speakeasy, Roaring 20s, casino table games
• Memorial Day Weekend – Car Show on Sunday with an event on Monday
• Fifties Sock Hop is being planned

Bill Baehr gave kudos to Darryl Gamble and staff for keeping the roads clean.  He cautioned the memberships to start breaking early while approaching stop signs.  He has seen a few cars slide through the sign.  Finally, he reminded everyone that the quarterly dues are due on February 1^st.

          Connie Simpson asked the membership to please pump their septic systems. 

          Bob Leon stated that there are 28 homes currently for sale in Emerald Lakes ranging from $276K to $1M.  The home listed for $1M is not on the lake.  These homes have been on the market from 1 to 309 days.

          Mike Camino asked if there was going to be an Easter event for the kids in March and was told yes.  He also asked how the TOPPS migration was going and was told that they are waiting for Zego to complete some work.  This is the new payment portal.  Currently we have no update on a timeline.  Camino also stated that the Lodge is closed but it looks like it is getting back to normal.  He requested that if the membership sees a problem they should contact the office first instead of posting it on social media.

          Buz Whelan stated that the Lodge was built in 1973/1974 by the developer and turned over to the Association.  There was no building code at the time and work was substandard.  The current issue was a leak in an area that we didn’t know existed.  Part of the delay was waiting for specific parts that were procured through Amazon.  Whelan stated that we are still finding nooks and crannies where substandard work was done.  When areas are identified he agrees with Darryl Gamble’s mantra that he only wants to fix things once.  They are not putting band aids on, they are fixing things right.  Whelan stated that our Chief Maintenance Manager, Bob Bulin is doing a terrific job.

          Darryl Gamble stated that long time owners can see the changes in the Community Center and our financial status.  He gave a shout out to his staff that are doing things right.  He said we have come a long way and gives credit to staff, the board, committees and the recreation club for making things better.

Public Comments

          Joan Gregorio asked why the indoor pool couldn’t be opened now.  She was told that there is no water going into the area.  They do not want to open and close an area while it is being worked on.  It adds extra time to the repairs.  The problem was with the copper pipes that were encased or surrounded by concrete.  The concrete made the copper break/crack.  All of the water lines were replaced.  Hot water and water pressure will be corrected and work better in the bathrooms.

          Hillary Decker asked if the boat rental program would increase our insurance costs.  She was told no.  It will be paddle at your own risk.

          Linda Shuey asked if we notified our insurance carrier and was told yes.   She was also told that safety equipment will be provided.  Shuey thanked Darryl Gamble for fixing Mountain Top Court and doing shoulder work.  She stated she researched road work and all paved roads should have shoulder work.  She also thanked Chris Claude for being fiscally responsible for the 50^th Anniversary celebration.  She feels that we should not be giving away free food and that we do not need fireworks.  Shuey is also concerned that money is being spent while the playground at Main Beach is broken down.  Finally, she questioned where the money was coming from to pay for the work at the Clover Bridge Rd.  She was told that the cost will be included in the budget over the next 4 years and some of the money will come out of reserves. 

          Dave Borsos agreed that the playground at Main Beach needs to be fixed since it is heavily used.  He also stated that the membership did not vote on the boat rental program and reminded them that the board was elected to make these decisions.  He said that the boat rental program was designed to pay for itself.  Whelan said that hopefully within 1 to 2 years the rental program will pay for itself. 

          Brian Goff, Chief of Public Safety reminded the membership to not park on the roads or at the end of the driveway during inclement snow weather.  It interferes with our staff while they are plowing.

          Nineteen (19) new members were welcomed to the Community.

          A motion was made by Mike Camino to adjourn.  It was seconded by Connie Simpson.  Meeting adjourned at 11:38 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.