by Kathy Leslie-Whelan
The meeting was called to order at 11:02 AM. All four officers of
the board were present as confirmed by the roll call conducted by Chris
Claude, President. Claude then called the attendance on the three
directors. Bob Leon was absent. After the pledge of allegiance, Claude
announced that the meeting was being live streamed and will be in
accordance with Robert Rules of Order except where our by-laws
govern. Claude asked for confirmation of quorum from the Judge of
Elections, Dave Borsos. Borsos confirmed quorum. Fifty members are
required for quorum. Claude asked if the board had any comments on
last year’s minutes. There were no comments so the minutes were
approved.
Claude started his President’s message by stating that he had a
few announcements. The first one was on the passing of Al Schips on
July 4th . Al Schips was a combat vet who was a long time resident of
Emerald Lakes. The second announcement was a more joyous one. He
announced the engagement of Bill Baehr to his long time sweetheart.
Claude thanked everyone for their continued commitment to
making our community a wonderful place. He stated that some of their
achievements over this last year included renovations to many of our
common areas, improvements to our landscaping and updates to our
amenities. The board will continue to work on the ever-evolving “to-
do-list”. There has been great community participation in our events
and committees. He encouraged people to get involved. He also
thanked our diligent management staff and Connie Simpson who was
stepping down as Director on the Board.

Ed Anderson from Owens and Company explained the two
financial resolutions. Anderson stated that resolution #1 allows the
accountant to fill our tax returns in a way that is most beneficial to the
Association. It could save us tens of thousands of dollars. Resolution 2 gives the board authorization to apportionment of the annual assessments. This allows for moving money into capital reserves.
The polls were opened for the financial resolution ballots. After
voting, Ed Anderson spoke on the Annual Audit. He stated that in his
financial opinion our audit report for the fiscal year ending April 30,
2025 contains no material errors. Cash in operation is $584K; Total
Revenue $3.8M: Total Expenses $3.8M. Anderson also spoke of the
Board investing in CDs on the Association’s behalf.
The floor was turned over to the Judge of Elections, Dave Borsos.
He inquired if anyone was running from the floor. No one responded.
Candidate speeches followed next. The floor was turned over to
Kathy Whelan who stated that one of her biggest strengths was being
able to deal with a crisis. She survived two terrorist attacks at the
World Trade Center as well as 2 bouts of cancer. She spoke of her
volunteer work in the community which included writing this article
monthly on the open board meetings, being a member of Finance and
Planning, checking IDs at the Lodge, stuffing envelopes for mass
mailings, reviewing and revising contracts for the Association,
participating in clean up events, participating in the Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR) of feral
cats in the community and being a photographer for the Fishing Rodeo. She
would like to start looking at options for the Administration building
replacement and adding money into the budget for generators at the
Lodge to create a shelter for the residents in the event of an emergency.

Brian Coe stated he was a CFO for a multimillion dollar agency.
He was a member of the Lion’s Club. He wants to serve the
community. He feels transparency is important. He stated that he
doesn’t have an agenda and his primary goal is the roads.

Bill Baehr stated that he has been in ELA since 2018. He has served on the board
for the last six years and has seen vast improvements over the years.
During Baehr’s tenure on the board there have been many
accomplishments. He has a good understanding on how things work.
He was treasurer for three years and served on the Appeals Committee,
Finance and Planning Committee and the Real Estate Committee. Baehr
stated that he likes to promote community spirit and runs trivia once a
month. He is proud to be a board member and hopes that he can
continue with his service.
Polls were open for voting for Director Positions. After ballots
were cast Claude awarded the Volunteer of the Year award to Brian
Coe and the Lifetime Achievement award to Kathy Whelan.

The floor was opened for public comments.

Alex thanked management on the maintenance on the beaches
and pools and requested the website to be updated. He also thinks
badges should be checked at beaches.
Thomas C from Cricket Lane stated that there is flooding on his
road and they need a drain system solution. He also thinks work should
be done in-house.

Michael also of Cricket Lane stated that the place looks beautiful
but he has concerns about the paving. He feels we need more solutions
for the roads.
A woman from Clearview Rd stated that she is happy with
snow removal but the plows leave snow in her driveway.
Darren Johnson of Clover Rd stated that he has been here for 18
years. He said the short term rental numbers are higher over the years
and wants to know what is being done to mitigate this issue.
Cliff from Beaver Dam Speedway stated that something has to be
done with the speeding in the community.
Mark Weiss of Minsi Trail West stated that he is proud to be a
resident here.
Al from the audience asked for a discount for veterans since
pricing is high.
Zack from Clover Rd requested that something be done about
disabled cars in driveways. He requested that Rules and Regulations
work on that rule and restrict working on cars in driveways.

Results from Financial Resolutions voting:
Financial Resolution # 1 (Passed)
Distribution of Surplus Operating Funds
Approvals make clear to IRS that the members of the Association
authorize the Board to decide how to apportion any surplus.
145 Yes (95 mail in votes and 50 in person votes)
12 No (9 mail in votes and 3 in person votes)
Financial Resolution # 2 (Passed)

Apportionment of Annual Assessment
Approvals make clear to IRS that the members of the Association
authorize the Board to decide how to split the assessment between the
operating and capital budgets.
145 Yes (94 mail in votes and 51 in person votes)
13 No (10 mail in votes and 3 in person votes)

Director Seat Results
Bill Baehr – 133 votes (87 proxy votes and 46 in person votes)
Kathy Whelan – 95 votes (56 proxy votes and 39 in person votes)
Brian Coe – 77 votes (55 proxy votes and 22 in person votes)

Mike Camino made a motion to adjourn. It was seconded by Connie
Simpson. Since this was Simpson’s last day on the Board, Claude turned
the gavel over to Simpson to adjourn the meeting. Meeting Adjourned
at 12:17 PM.
Immediately following the Annual Meeting adjournment, a
reorganization meeting was postponed since Bob Leon was on vacation.
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.