By Kathy Leslie-Whelan

          The meeting was called to order at 9:31 AM.  All board members were present.  Bill Baehr joined the meeting via phone.  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 January’s board meeting minutes.  A motion was made by Mike Camino and seconded by Bob Leon.  It passed unanimously. 

Whelan started his President’s message by saying that a resolution was being presented for a vote that dealt with bad behavior.  He stated that people are directing their anger at the wrong people.  The receptionist and the guys at the compactor are only following the rules.  They are not setting the rules.  The resolution is to protect staff and as well as neighbors.  During the winter, while snow is on the ground there are many people taking advantage of letting their dogs run free on Pine Tree.  He just wanted to remind other dog owners that that is available at this time.  Whelan also spoke about our 50^th Anniversary celebration.  He is starting a log to start documenting events and accomplishments that happened over the last 25 years.  This will supplement the brochure that was released at the 25^th Anniversary in 1999.  At the 25^th Anniversary a banquet was held at Camelback as a way to celebrate.  Whelan would like to keep the costs manageable.

Whelan turned the floor over to Dave Borsos, who is the chair of Finance and Planning, for a Treasurer’s report.  Bill Baehr, our Treasurer, was available by phone.  Borsos stated that during January we are doing well.  Our collection rate was almost 77%.  Dues collected Year to Date (YTD) were $1,371,275; rental program is $588,396 YTD; Public Safety/Code Enforcement Officer is $139K YTD; Bar and Grill income is $65K YTD; on the expense side we are over budget by approximately $33K. February is the final quarterly payment so he anticipates that overage to level out.  There is $582K YTD in reserves and $129K in investments.

A motion was made by Bob Leon to accept the Treasurer’s report.  It was seconded by Maria Tirado-Quinones.  It passed unanimously.   

Under Old Business

• Whelan read Resolution #02222024-01 for Bad Behavior which stated “Abusive language or behavior directed at another person or staff member shall not be tolerated and shall be punishable by a fine and possible loss of amenity privileges.  Aggressive or threatening behavior or physical assault against another person or staff member shall be punishable by a fine, loss of amenity privileges and shall be reported to PMRPD.”  Camino had concerns that we had the authority to act on threatening or physical behavior toward another member.  He felt it could cost us money legally.  Whelan withdrew the resolution and will talk to the attorney.  This issue will be addressed at the next workshop.
• The boat rental program is set to start on Memorial Day weekend and will continue till Labor day weekend.  Boats, paddle and oars have been purchased.  The release form is currently with the attorney for review.  Gamble is currently looking for a prefab shed to house the equipment.
• 50^th Anniversary Celebration was discussed above in the President’s Opening Statements.
• ARC workshop will be multi faceted and will include a septic section, well section, permit section, regional police section and chimney maintenance.  Hopefully it can be done in September. 

Under New Business:

• The play set at Main Beach will be removed since it cannot be repaired.  A decision by the board has to be made as to the location the new set will be placed.  Two options are to put it in the same place or that since the beach is so crowded to move the unit across the street and extend the sand on the beach and add more table sets.  Whelan accepted a motion to authorize the General Manager to purchase the play set and install in the same location.  The motion was made by Mike Camino and seconded by Bob Leon. Motion passed by a 5 to 1 vote.  Chris Claude voted no.  He would like to see the unit moved across the street and the beach expanded.

Committee Reports        

Dave Borsos, chair of Finance and Planning (F&P),   stated that they met Thursday.  He stated that when events are planned at the Lodge, the attendance and income are up.  The highest income producing event was the Christmas movie night.  Football Sundays did not fare as well.  He stated that the committee was looking forward to seeing the Kipcon Reserve Study.  Borsos further stated that there is $474K in reserves and would like to get our reserves in a higher interest bank account.  The committee would like to see plans in the budget for a new front loader.  March 15^th is the next scheduled meeting.

Hillary Decker spoke on behalf of Rules and Regulations.  She inquired if the board had a chance to review their suggestions that they submitted.  Whelan stated that they did not have a workshop in February due to not everyone being available and that this item will be discussed at the next workshop.  Whelan wants to see a tiered fine structure. 

Maria Tirado-Quinones stated that the Appeals Committee did not meet last month.  The next scheduled meeting will be on March 9^th.

Chris Claude stated that the Real Estate committee did not meet that month.

Director’s Comments

Maria Tirado-Quinones announced that since she is the Secretary, she will start taking the minutes for these open meetings.

Bob Leon stated that there are 27 homes currently for sale in Emerald Lakes ranging from $250K to $1M. These homes have been on the market from 2 to 210 days. He feels that some homes being procured are going back on the market with a few months so he thinks we have homes being flipped.  He also has noticed that some homes are pulled off the market after being listed too long and reappear after a while to start the clock again.

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

• March 9^th – Karaoke
• April 13^th – Karaoke
• May  11^th – Karaoke
• March 15^th – Trivia
• April 19^th – Trivia
• May 17^th – Trivia
• February 24^th – Island Beach Party
• March 16^th – St Patrick’s Day Party
• April 27^th – Speakeasy Party
• May 25^th – Sock Hop
• May 26^th – Car Show

Other events being discussed is an 80s Night and a Latin Night.  The Recreation Club is shooting for the last Saturday of the month events.  In addition, a new FaceBook page was started by the Lodge which will identify events.    The group is called “The Emerald Lodge & Recreation”.

        Connie Simpson stated that the new site will post menus and job openings.  She also thanked Management for the new playground at Main Beach.

        Mike Camino stated that the renovations that are being done to the bathrooms look so nice.  Maintenance is doing a great job.

Buz Whelan stated that whether there is an event or not at the Lodge, it is a great place to have a drink or a meal.  The staff is welcoming.  He also congratulated the staff on the Sunday Brunch.

Bill Baehr stated that he hasn’t been able to do Trivia for the last few months but thanked Brian Coe and Chris Claude for filling in.

Public Comments

          Hillary Decker asked if the floaty things project is still a go.  She was told yes, that a dock will be going in at Main Beach.

          Dave Borsos stated that he thinks it is okay to repeat events for the ARC event.  He also stated that the bar and grill had a good income for the month even though it was closed for a few weeks.  He also stated that we should remind our men of the speed limit in the community.  He is happy with the new play set being ordered since that set is used heavily.  He also feels that more tables and bench can be installed.

          Zach stated that he procured his property and joined the community a year ago.  He is on the Real Estate committee and they did meet but they are stalled since they do not have an action plan.  He likes that there are a variety of members on the committee.  He joined to ensure that short term rentals are in compliance.  He questioned what was being done on the Administration rebuilding and work on the Clover Bridge.  He was told that the Clover Bridge work is a lot more than anticipated so the new Administration building is on hold.  These items were discussed in detail at the last meeting so he was given a copy of the minutes.

          Dave Borsos stated that he went over past resolutions and on July 22, 2006 there was a resolution to reward citizen for turning in infractions and a resolution on May 24, 2003 addressing a harassment policy.

Hillary Decker told Zack that Tobyhanna Township is currently addressing long term rental issues.  They will be discussing putting a 10% cap on rentals.

          Ange Noonan stated that the Emerald Ladies are having fun and talked about two current projects.  The Trex recycling program is addressed in the ELA Newsletters and she is asking the membership help to collect plastic.  Bins are currently at the shed in the compactor area and the mailboxes at the Estates.  Once we collect 1,000 lbs of plastic, we could win a trex bench which will be donated to the community.  There also is a Blue Zone series being held at the Lodge.  It is a fun way to learn how to live a healthy life.  See the Emerald Lakes Newsletter for further details.

          Zack would like to see the Real Estate Committee work in conjunction with the Emerald Ladies on the ARC event.

          Five (5) new members were welcomed to the Community.

          A motion was made by Chris Claude to adjourn.  It was seconded by Connie Simpson.  Meeting adjourned at 11:07 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.