By Kathy Leslie-Whelan

          The meeting was called to order at 9:34 AM. All board members were present.  General Manager Darryl Gamble and Assistant General Manager Nicole Clemens were also present.  This is the first meeting of the new board that was installed at our Annual meeting that was held in August. The officers are:

Chris Claude – President

Maria Tirado-Quinones – Vice President

Dave Borsos – Secretary

Mike Camino – Treasurer

Directors are:

Bill Baehr

Connie Simpson

Bob Leon

After the Pledge of Allegiance, Chris Claude, President, called for a motion to approve July’s board meeting minutes.  A motion was made by Mike Camino and seconded by Connie Simpson.  It passed with four votes.  Dave Borsos was not on the Board in July and Bob Leon was on vacation.  The president who chaired the meeting does not vote. 

Claude started his first President’s message, stating that this he doesn’t like to pontificate so his messages will not be long.  He discussed three items.  The first item was that the workshops and monthly meetings will utilize Zoom so that people can participate.  This will be done in conjunction with FaceBook.  The first Zoom meeting will be held on Saturday, October 5^th for the Board workshop. The second items dealt with a heavy load of complaints coming in regarding properties in the community that have excessive garbage, inoperable cars or junk littering  the premises.  Public Safety will be very active checking out these complaints.  The third item was to inform the membership that the best method to reach out to the Board is via email. The email is board@emeraldlakesassoc.com The Board will probably not be responding to social media unless it is done sparingly.

Claude turned the floor over to the Treasurer, Michael Camino for his report.  Camino stated that this is his first report and his numbers are from August 1^st to August 31^st.   He is also rounding the numbers.  Under income our dues income is $311K; dues late fees $5K; Dues interest fee $14K.  He told the members that they did a good job with paying their dues.  Public Safety $1K; Rental Revenue $125K; Access Cards $42K; Boat/Fishing $860; Bar/Grill $12K; Private events $700; Income Totals $551K.  Variance on income totals is $63K. On the expense side Administrative payroll $39K; Computer expenses $6K; Public Safety Payroll $27K; Maintenance Payroll $42K; Amenity Repairs $3K; Amenity equipment $16K;  Refuse/Garbage collections $23K; Recreation payroll $28K; Community Center payroll $5K;  Utilities $16K; Total Expenses $342K; Cash Assets $996K; Reserve Fund $722K; Investment Account $129K. Claude accepted a motion to accept the Treasurer’s report from Bob Leon.  It was seconded by Connie Simpson.  When taking the vote Bill Baehr abstained from voting and Maria Tirado-Quinones stated that the numbers don’t add up.  The Treasurer’s report was tabled until it has been corrected.

Under Old Business

• The budgeted paving is almost done.  Large sections of Cedar, Clearview, Ash Drive, Glade and Redfox were paved.  A new culvert pipe on Minsi Trail was replaced.  Both sides of the Speed Hump on Clover were repaired.  Yellow line painting will commence soon.  Approximately $300K was spent.  Our maintenance staff will continue to repair pot holes and cutting back branches.  Gamble is currently working on the list for next year’s paving.
•  Amenity Repairs
• Pine Tree Beach exterior of the bathhouse has been completed with the cedar shakes.  A deck was built at the bathhouse so that the members can sit and enjoy the lake view.  New buoys were installed.  A boat dock was installed for the boat rental program.  A shed was installed to house supplies.  Several metal tables and umbrellas were added. 
• Main Beach had the exterior replaced on the beach house, a deck was built for the membership to use.  More picnic tables and umbrellas were added.  The play set could not be salvaged, so it will be added to next year’s budget.  New sand will be added to both beaches.  A dock was installed in the lake beyond the swimming area. 
• The basketball hoop rims were replaced. 
• New garbage cans were placed at the boat launches. Boat racks were replaced where needed. If boat stickers do not adhere to your boat, the sticker can be worn as lanyards, which are available at the Administration building.  All boats must be off the racks by November 15^th.
• A new heating system was installed at the Lodge.  The front of the building got a new façade.  The saunas are up and running, the bathrooms were finished.  New lockers were installed.  The siding is still being worked on.  Unforeseen maintenance issues on the pool heater, boiler and general maintenance of the pool and dehumidification system were completed. Picnic tables and umbrellas were added.
• The third compactor was finally repaired, however, when the contractor was delivering a replacement compactor electrical wiring was damaged and needs to be replaced.  The salt sheds are being repaired. 
• The Clover Road Dam project is moving along with RKR Hess.  Wetland investigation and boring has been done.  A topographic survey of the bridge was completed.  A draft of the design concepts is completed.  Currently two box designs are being considered. Applications for permits are submitted.  The work so far will be submitted to DEP for review.
• Outdoor pool got a face lift.  The snack shack got a new roof and siding.  An overhang with a deck was added for additional seating. A badging hut was built and a changing room was added.  Two cabanas were installed to provide shade.  A new pool cover was purchased.
• The mail house at the main entrance received a new roof. 

Under New Business:

• Rules and Regulations Update.  A resolution will be voted on based on the advice of our counsel.  The resolution was based on complaints from the members on the ages of children allowed at the amenities and events.  After much discussion from the board and the floor, this resolution was tabled and will be discussed at the next workshop. Discussions included a 14 year old signing a release form since that is the age that a child must be to come in unattended or to accompany anyone 10 years and older;  how does it affect our insurance, how do you plan on enforcing this rule; water aerobics cannot babysit children while they are working out; the staffing are not doing their job.
• Upcoming Events:
  • September 28^th – I love the 90’s
  • October TBD – Movie Night
  • October 26^th Halloween Parade organized by Jason Bradley.  Starts at Administration building at noon and continues to the Lodge for Trunk or Treat.  There will be a Halloween Party in the evening.
  • November 2^nd Wine Glass Paint and Sip
  • November 9^th – Veteran’s Day Brunch
  • November 16^th – Down Home Christmas Event – Off Broadway troupe- Ticketed Event
  • Halloween decorating Event – Deadline October 15^th.
  • December 15^th – Breakfast with Santa
  • Thirsty Thursday started back up
  • Standing events are trivia, craft circle, karaoke and bingo

Committee Reports    

Buz Whelan, newly elected chairperson, spoke on behalf of Finance and Planning (F&P).   The committee met on September 20th to go over the financials.  He stated the for the month of August, Administrative expense total was $77,742 while Year to Date (YTD) the total was $254,786.14; Maintenance expense total for the month was $113,344.52 and $417,830.90 YTD; Community expense totals for the month were $23,212.14 and $80,987.22; Public Safety expense totals were $39,632.47 for the month and $113,607.96 YTD; Boat rental income were $120 for the month and $1,500 YTD.  The expense for the boats and equipment was $6,000 and $1,800 in electric costs.  If you amortize the cost of the boats and equipment we have an estimated amount of $5,400 in inventory. Dues income was $643,162.42 YTD, prior years dues income was $99,699.07 YTD, Dues interest was $41,486.06 YTD, dues late fees was $18,339.25, Collection fees was $1,627.32 YTD bringing our total to $804,314.45YTD.  The current dues collection rate is 72.26%.  On the delinquent collection report, in-house collections were $229,952.28 and $31,586.00 for members on a special payment plan for a total of $261,538.28 for the month of August.   YTD the total collection by Nicole Clemens was $663,702.18.  Kudos go to Nicole Clemens for her aggressive collections.  Bar and grill income was $11,719.29 for the month, $12,792.14 for access cards attributed to the bar and grill and $8,245.56 for inventory which totals $32,454.99 for the month of August.  Bar and Grill cost of operation for the month was $17,712.96.  This figure includes salaries, taxes and supplies.  Excess income of $14,742.03 can be utilized for future maintenance.  Our trash removal expenses are under control thanks to Darryl Gamble’s plan at the compactor.  Kudos to Mr. Gamble

Whelan handed the floor over to Kathy Leslie-Whelan who stated that the events at the Lodge did well.  Tribute to the 60’s and 70’s income was $1,957.75 and had 50 people attending.   Back to the 80’s income was $2,586.25 with 55 people in attendance.  Dive-in movie night income was $647.25 with 37 people in attendance.  The Lodge also did well when there were no events.  More people are coming out and using the facility.  Other events such as trivia, karaoke, bingo and Thirsty Thursday night did well also.  As to rentals we currently have 309 short term rentals and 102 long term rentals. LTR’s are up by 7. Finally $250 was donated to AWSOM on behalf of bingo.

Real Estate committee was reported on by Bill Baehr who is the board liaison.  Currently the committee is updating posters that will be laminated and hung in STR properties with the Rules and Regulations related to them.  The committee also feels that the amenity passes are priced too high.  Brianna in our Administration office stated that rentals are slower this year compared to last year and that a few STRs are converting to LTRs

Rules and Regulations met on September 2^nd.  They have 2 new members and are going to refocus their review on unsightly properties again.  One member spoke of a property where the SPCA removed two dogs and many cats.  In addition, the number of dead dogs and cats was too numerous to count.

Maria Tirado-Quinones stated the Appeals Committee will meet later on in the day.

Director’s Comments

Connie Simpson would like to plan a games club at the community center.  She is recommending that the club meets on Mondays at 1:00 PM.  Various games and cards can be played and possibly a pot luck meal.

Bob Leon stated that while bike riding, parents need to wear helmets.  If you walk or ride a bike you should do it on the side of the road facing traffic.

Mike Camino thanked maintenance for the speed bumps and filling pot holes.  He hopes to see the speed bump painted.  He stated that this is a new board and a new year and they need to work on communications.

Maria Tirado-Quinones thanked Nicole Clemens and Darryl Gamble, the Lodge staff and maintenance for planning the 50^th Anniversary event.  She brought attention to the new format of the Emerald Newsletter and stated that we are looking for submissions from the members.  There will be an electronic version as well as a paper version.  Everyone gave kudos to Maria for the new format.

Dave Borsos recognized Maria for the work on the newsletter.  He also thanked everyone who voted for him. He reminded people that the Emerald Ladies were collecting plastic.

Bill Baehr thanked the mystery rock painters.  It is a nice surprise to come home and a painted rock.

Chris Claude asked about the attendance and cost of the 50^th Anniversary celebration.  He was told 300 +.  It appeared that everyone had a good time.  The 50/50 led to $550.00 being donated to the American Cancer Society.  The cost was approximately $4K but a lot of supplies were recycled from items in inventory.

Claude also thanked Darryl Gamble, Nicole Clemens and Bob Bulin and his staff for doing what they do.  He also thanked committee members for volunteering.

Public Comments

          Susan Gray stated that it was a long morning and that she just moved in on Island Drive.  She inquired if we checked permits on construction sites.  She was told that Public Safety does that.  She also has a concern about a dangerous intersection on Island and Overland.  She feels that it is a racetrack where there are no stop signs to slow down speeders.  Her family almost was hit by speeder and there could have been two deaths.  She witnessed a car and a bicyclist that collided and thank god no one was hurt.  It is a frightening area and someone is going to get killed one day.  She would also like to see Children at Play signs installed. She was told that Public Safety would patrol more, and she gave our staff permission to use her property.

          Vickie Mebus a.k.a. Lyn Taylor stated that she submitted a written request to have Minsi Trail and Iroquois Road paved.  They are falling apart.  She also questioned how much money was spent on Halloween decorations.  The decorations are over the top.  She was told that most decorations were taken out of storage.  She also questioned the property that is currently for sale for $99K that used to belong to Emerald Lakes that are wetland.  How many other properties were sold or given away?  Who/why was it sold?  How many other properties in the development were sold?  Who sold them? Where did the profits go?  She was told that in 1994 properties were reclassified to Class 6.  The property in question was lost in a tax sale  in 1994 and bought back for $300.  In 2005 the property was bought back for $300 but it was lost again.  Mebus a.k.a. Taylor questioned the audit report and asked why we wrote off money due to us.  She was told that they were uncollectable accounts.  Some dues/fines are over 12 years old and are uncollectable.  We have over $5M in uncollectable accounts and you will continue to see that addressed in our audit.  Our CPA and attorney recommended we write those uncollectable funds off.  Finally she called for a resolution for forensic audit.  She stated that we are writing off debt and selling wetlands and maybe other things.   She was told that there is no reason to do this audit, and it is very expensive. 

          Kathy Leslie-Whelan stated that she was pleased with the awesome audit report that Emerald Lakes received.  Some of the comments from our outside auditor at the annual meeting were that “there were no material errors”, “we have increased reserves”, “we are in a good spot”, “they see improvement in our numbers”, and “there was a lot of upkeep to our community which improves the value of our homes”.  Thanks to Darryl Gamble and Nicole Clemens for all the work they do on the budget but there is an individual that goes unrecognized.  His name is Tom Mugan, and he is our in house accountant.  He is very quiet and low key, but he does a wonderful job and he is one of the reasons that we did so well on our annual outside audit.  Please give Tom our kudos for his wonderful efforts.  In addition, she recognized Melvin Collado at the compactor for helping the Emerald Ladies with our Trek bench plastic collection.  Melvin is now an honorary member of the Emerald Ladies Men’s Auxiliary.   Containers are located at the compactor, the Lodge and at the Mail house in the Estates.  The Emerald Ladies extend their thanks to Melvin.  Please help us reach our collection goal.  We need a little over 100 lbs per month over the next four months.

          Alicia Cortes is happy that the age for karaoke has been changed and it is no longer just for ages 18 and over.

          Buz Whelan of Beaver Dam Rd stated that he is relaying the following information on behalf of Frank Girgenti. Yesterday a team of animal control people, Tobyhanna supervisor, zoning officer and township attorney after evaluating a nuisance property in Emerald lakes, got an injunction which evicted the tenant and condemned the property.  The tenant has 30 days to leave the property and the owner has 90 days to clean up or correct the numerous issues.  If the property is condemned he recommends that the board consider trying to take ownership of the property in exchange for back money that the owner owes.  Whelan also thanked Maria Tirado-Quinones for the wonderful job she did on the Emerald News and is thrilled that she will try to make herself available when the document is put together.  In addition, Whelan stated that they may go back to “Letters to the Editor” that are positive and do not bash anyone one or the Association.  This will allow the membership to express themselves.

Joan Gregorio of Clearview stated that she uses water aerobics for health reasons.  She is not a baby sitter.  She asked who was responsible to remove a child that is misbehaving.  She was told to see whatever staff was there for the day.

Louise Leon of Clover Rd thanked the board and loves them.  And she just wanted to confirm that there were no activities for adults only. It was confirmed.

Linda Shuey of Mountain Top Rd thanked Gamble for fixing the salt shed and painting the speed bumps yellow.  She also thinks the Zoom meeting ideas is great; however, the public should not have to sign a waiver.  It will discourage people from listening in.  She also said that her ID was not checked, so she can confirm that staff is not doing what we are paying them to do.  Job descriptions need to be developed.  Shuey also encouraged people to join committees to see what was going on. 

          Eighteen (18) new members were welcomed to the Community.

          A motion was made by Maria Tirado-Quinones to adjourn.  It was seconded by Mike Camino.  Meeting adjourned at 11:32 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.