My Latest Board Meeting Summary

November 08, 2008

Something AMAZING happened to day! We did not have an all day Board Event! We actually were done by around 1:30. For the first time in a long time there weren't people going comatose or leaving in the middle of discussions. The President negotiated a discount with Modern Gas again this year for IML residents so people with propane heat you may want to get to the office and see what the details are, he is also trying to do the same with oil. The Treasurer's report was basically that we are on target for the end of the year and we are looking at other collection's attorneys to make sure we are getting the best service possible. New this year, if you pay your dues by December 30, you will receive a 5% discount, previously the discount was only 2%. However if you have not signed up for the payment plan and your dues are not paid by March 31, beginning April 1 you will be assessed a 2% late fee on the outstanding balance each month. If accounts are not paid by the end of September or the payment plan is broken they will automatically be turned over to our collection's attorney.

The Manager's report: We will be looking at three candidates to fill Robert Holley's seat for Area 4. Mansi Bridge is under construction, it is hoped (weather permitting) the the work will be done by December 15. The company that did the yearly maintenance on our generator is no longer in business and Barbara is in the process of looking for another company to fill this gap. She also mentioned that an eagle scout project had been scheduled for the 115 gate but had to be canceled because the county chose to do away with the bus stop in that area and is making residents in this area travel out to Route 115 and cross over to the corner of Route 115 and Allegheny on the Sierra View side. In my opinion this is extremely unfair since ridership had increased and now those people wanting to take advantage of this service must go much further and have the increased hazard of crossing a major highway and then stand essentially on the shoulder of the highway to wait for the bus.

Codes Compliance: All permits are down. There are no new homes and no home improvements being done by anyone right now, a sad statement regarding our economic situation in the country.

ARC: We are following government guidelines regarding swimming pools, ANY pool 48 inches high or more must have a fence around it, including the new inflatable pools. Also the committee is continuing to look at the newer styles of windmills some of which look like they may be favorable for use in a community setting in regards to size and efficiency.

Disaster Action: On October 25 there was a joint CERT exercise with Towamensing Trails which was very successful, there will probably be another sometime in the spring. The committee is looking for residents who would be interested in getting CERT trained so we can get another class together to increase our emergency response and preparedness within the community. More details to follow.

Social Committee: The Annual Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner is next Saturday, November 15 at 6:00. All members are welcome, bring a side dish to feed six and your own beverage (remember, it's a family event). It is always a really good time so come out, mingle and enjoy. The committee will provide turkey and dessert. December 13 is the Annual Christmas Tea including a performance by the Pocono Mountain West Show Choir and December 14 is Lunch with Santa, for more information on these events contact the office.

The Social Committee will be accepting donations to decorate the gate areas for the holidays. Contact the office if you have any ideas or anything you might like to donate.

Lakes and Parks: The committee is looking at possibly creating a dog park in the far back corner of the new recreation area that is being established by Clubhouse Drive in the area formerly known as “the bone yard”. At lot of details need to be worked out but if it is feasible and will not cause an increase in costs to the Association we may be hearing more about this in the near future. This will be all volunteer work.

In new business it was decided to name the play area by Main Lake the “Ron Anderson Memorial Playground” to honor the memory of Ron Anderson who was extremely active in the community and instrumental in obtaining the playground equipment for the community.