07/23/2008

Minutes

Minutes are published courtesy of the Board of Trustees

Go to most recent Approved Regular Meeting Minutes

Go to most recent Quarterly Meeting Minutes

Go to most recent Annual Meeting Minutes

LEISURETOWNE ASSOCIATION, INC.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

JUNE 23, 2008

                        Present                                                                     Absent

Daniel Ruddy - President                                                  

Thomas Coughlin - Vice President

Betty Bresnen - Treasurer

Evelyn Doherty - Secretary                                               

B. Jane Wheeler - Assistant Secretary

Joseph Halber - Trustee

Barry Reingold - Trustee

Karen J. Mesler - Community Manager

Caroline Record, Esq. - Association Attorney

I.          Call to Order/Introduction of Dais

The Board of Meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by the Board President, Dan Ruddy.  Dan then introduced the Trustees, who were all present, the Community Manager, and the Association’s attorney, Caroline Record, who was also in attendance.

II.         Pledge of Allegiance/Invocation

George Mazie led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and delivered the Invocation.

III.        Approval of Minutes – Board Meeting of May 27, 2008

A Motion was made by Barry Reingold to approve the Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting of May 27, 2008.  This was seconded by Jane Wheeler.  Betty Bresnen and Joe Halber abstained from the vote, as they were not present at that meeting.  All other Board Members voted to approve the Minutes.  The Motion carried.

IV.       Announcements and Communications

Dan Ruddy explained the order of business for the Trustees Board Meeting and the Annual Meeting and the Organization Meeting to follow.  He then announced that the Trustees would give their reports.

V.        Trustees’ Reports

Tom Coughlin, Vice President and Compliance Committee, Fitness Center, Resident Review, & Security Trustee, reported that the several meetings with Bowles’ senior management over the past few months have resulted in positive changes in the security staff and a great improvement in performance.  He then explained the Roving Patrol’s duties and said that it is working out very well.

Betty Bresnen, Treasurer and Recreation & Activities Trustee,

Betty stated that, as of May 31, 2008, LeisureTowne’s expenses are compatible with its Budget.  She said that the Community Manager would be reviewing the Cash Flow Report for May 31 and the Certified Audit for the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2008.

Next, Betty named a long list of events and activities run by the Recreation Committee.  She thanked the Chairpersons, the volunteers, Jacie Levy, the retiring Recreation Director, and John Urmson and Marianne Szumski, who will be taking over for Jacie as the new Co-Directors as of July 1, 2008.  She then called for a round of applause for all of these people.  She also reported that the Recreation Committee made more money in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2008 than they had anticipated.  They have used the money to donate several items, which Betty named, to the Association.  She finished by saying that there would be new events to look forward to this year, which would be announced as they come along, but anyone who has an idea for an event should contact the new Co-Directors.

Evie Doherty, Secretary and Transportation & Pools Trustee, reported that the solar panels at Settlers’ Pool have been leaking.  On the advice of the pool management company, RMS, the Board will consider replacing them next season.  However, she stressed that Settlers’ Pool will never be as warm as Laurel Pool, because the solar panels can only heat the water to an average of 78 degrees Fahrenheit.  She said that both pools initially had problems with gypsy moths, but the maintenance staff has done an excellent job of spraying and the pools are now much cleaner than they were at the opening.  She thanked the Pool Committee Heads, the Captains, and the Monitors for their efforts, and she thanked Jane Wheeler for her many years of service to LeisureTowne.  She closed by saying that it has been a pleasure working with Barry Reingold, who has done an excellent job during his time on the Board, and she stated that he would be missed.

Jane Wheeler, Assistant Secretary, said that she was very proud to have been part of many Boards whose dedication, with the help of many residents, has transformed LeisureTowne, over the years, into a town to be proud of.  She stated that she feels fortunate to live here and she is confident that this will continue to be the case.  She thanked everyone for their support and hard work, and she said that she learned a lot and enjoyed her service on the Board.

Joe Halber, Beautification and Town Watch Trustee, told the residents that Ray and Marilyn Maier, the Chairpersons of the Beautification Committee, need help watering the flowers.  He also mentioned that he had outlined, in the Trustees’ Corner, the differences in the services the Town Watch and the Roving Patrol provide.  He emphasized that the Town Watch is a viable service that needs volunteers.  Anyone interested should contact Marianne O’Donnell.

Barry Reingold, Assistant Liaison to Compliance Committee, Resident Review, & Pool Committee, thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve as Trustee and he wished everyone good luck.

VI.       Community Manager’s Report:

The Community Manager reviewed and explained the Cash Flow Report for May 31, 2008 and named the investments and reinvestments that the Board would be voting on later in the Meeting.  Then she explained that the Income/Expense Statement for April 1, 2008 through April 30, 2008 showed a small surplus because the budget was planned this way to cover costs during the summer, when most of LeisureTowne’s expenses are incurred.

She listed the projects that had taken place over the past year and said that the TOUCH drainage project was recently successfully completed, however, the grass there would need to be reseeded in the autumn and germinate over the Winter to fully cover.

Concerning the geese, she reported that the U.S. Wildlife services had removed nine (9) nests and addled ninety-three (93) eggs.  Because only sixteen (16) geese were found both times they inspected the community recently, the goose roundup was cancelled again this year.  She reminded everyone not to cut the grass down to the lakes, as this not only causes erosion, but it also allows the geese access to people’s yards.

Finally, she said that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Fish and Wildlife Division, has removed some of the beavers from LeisureTowne.  The Community Manager also offered some tips, which were previously published in the Trustees’ Corner, to prevent beavers from cutting down trees.

VII.      Motions:

 1.        Investment of Capital Projects Funds in Treasury Bills

The Board President called for a Motion on the investment of Capital Projects Funds in Treasury Bills.  Betty Bresnen made a Motion to invest the following Capital Projects Funds for twenty-six (26) weeks: $6,000 in Heating & Air-Conditioning, $12,000 in Parking Lots Repaving, $7,000 in Roofs, $14,000 in Motor Equipment, $16,000 in Swim Pools, and $7,000 in Waterways for a total investment of $62,000.  This was seconded by Evie Doherty.  The Board was polled.  All Board Members voted for the Motion.  The Motion carried.

 2.        Reinvestment of Operating & Capital Projects Funds in Treasury Bills

The Board President called for a Motion on the reinvestment of Capital Projects Funds in Treasury Bills.  Betty Bresnen made a Motion to reinvest $25,000 in Operating Funds, maturing July 3, 2008, for thirteen (13) weeks, and $50,000 in Operating Funds, maturing July 17, 2008, for thirteen (13) weeks, for a total reinvestment of $75,000 in Operating Funds.  Additionally, the following Capital Projects Funds are to be reinvested for twenty-six (26) weeks: $4,000 in Roofs, $7,000 in Motor Equipment, and $25,000 in Waterways for a total reinvestment of $36,000 in Capital Projects Funds.  These funds all mature on July 17, 2008.  Joe Halber seconded the Motion.  The Board was polled.  All Board Members voted for the Motion.  The Motion carried.

3.         Carryover Excess Revenues Over Expenses at March 31, 2008

The Board President called for a Motion to carryover excess revenues over expenses at March 31, 2008.  Betty Bresnen made a Motion to carry over the $178,576 ending Fund Balance from the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2008 to Revenues in the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2009 to offset Operating Expenses for that year.  This was seconded by Evie Doherty.  The Board was polled.  All Board Members voted for the Motion.  The Motion carried.

VIII.     Old Business/New Business

Dan asked if any of the Trustees had any Old or New Business they would like to discuss.  Betty said that she would like to thank Jane, who was her mentor as Liaison to the Recreation Committee.  She also praised Barry’s performance as a Trustee and thanked him for his service on the Board.  Dan stated that he was sure that Jane and Barry would continue to receive thanks from others - especially Jane, who has put in more than fourteen (14) years on the Board.  He continued by saying that most people do not understand the amount of effort this required and that Jane is owed more thanks than the average person realizes.  Dan then also thanked her and told her that she would be sincerely missed.

IX.       Statements from the Audience for the Good of the Association

Dan announced that Statements from the Audience would be deferred to the Annual Meeting immediately to follow.

X.        Adjournment

There being no further business, the President called for a Motion to adjourn the Meeting.  Evie Doherty made the Motion, which was seconded by Barry Reingold.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.  The Motion carried.  The Meeting was adjourned at 7:35 P.M.

XI.       Scheduling of Next Meetings

The next Regular Board Meeting will be held in Settlers’ Hall on July 22, 2008, at 10:00 A.M.  Also, a Regular Board Meeting is scheduled for 10:00 A.M. on August 26, 2008, in Settlers’ Hall.

Respectfully Submitted,

Evelyn Doherty

Secretary

cc:       Board Members

            Association Attorney

            Minutes Book

            Association File

LEISURETOWNE ASSOCIATION, INC.

QUARTERLY ASSOCIATION INFORMATIONAL MEETING

MARCH 25, 2008

               Present                                                                                             Absent 

Daniel Ruddy - President                                                                   Thomas Coughlin - Vice President

Evelyn Doherty - Secretary                                                                 Betty Bresnen - Treasurer

B. Jane Wheeler - Assistant Secretary

Joseph Halber - Trustee

Barry Reingold - Trustee

Karen J. Mesler - Community Manager

Caroline Record, Esq. - Ramsey Berman, PC

I.          Call to Order

The Meeting was called to order at 7:40 P.M. by the President, Dan Ruddy.  All Board Members were present, except for Tom Coughlin and Betty Bresnen. Caroline Record, the Association’s Attorney, was also in attendance.  Dan Ruddy reminded those present that, because there were too few residents present, a quorum had not been achieved, so no voting could take place, including Motions from the Floor. However, he said that a Meeting would take place and questions from the Floor would be taken during the appropriate time period.

II.         Approval of Minutes:

The Minutes of the Quarterly Meetings of March 27, 2007, September 25, 2007, and December 4, 2007, and the Annual Meeting of June 25, 2007 were scheduled to be voted on for approval.  However, Dan Ruddy stated that, because a quorum had not been reached, the approval of these Minutes would be deferred, as no such matters could be voted on.

III.        Legal Report

Caroline Record, LeisureTowne Association’s legal counsel, gave her quarterly report on the status of collections.  Currently, her firm is attempting to collect delinquencies on eleven (11) properties.  In the last quarter, three (3) new accounts have been turned over to her office.  No accounts were resolved in the last quarter. Two (2) homes are in foreclosure.  There are six (6) lawsuits pending against homeowners for the collection of overdue maintenance fees.  One home is scheduled to close on Monday, which will result in the Association receiving the approximately $600 it is owed in overdue fees.  These numbers are higher than usual for LeisureTowne, but it is the same everywhere due to the economy.  The Board has been very aggressive in pursuing collections, and will continue to do so in order to protect the Association.

Ms. Record next brought the Members up to date on the two (2) lawsuits filed against the Township.  One primarily involves the storm drainage system and is currently on Appeal before the Appellate Division of the Courts of the State of New Jersey.  The Appeal has been scheduled for Oral Argument on April 16, 2008 in Mount Holly, and it is open to the public.  It is hoped that a decision will be reached shortly thereafter.  The second is filed against both the Township and Orleans and is regarding some outstanding bonds on some of the Common Properties within LeisureTowne.  There was a telephone conference before the judge on March 17, 2008, and the Township has indicated that it will be making a Motion in June to dismiss the second lawsuit on the basis that it should have been consolidated with the first lawsuit.

IV.       Trustees’ Reports

Dan Ruddy stated that the Trustees’ Reports had already been given at the Regular Board Meeting.

V.        Community Manager’s Report

Dan Ruddy stated that the Community Manager’s Report had also been given at the Regular Board Meeting.

VI.       Motions

There were no Motions to be made at this time, as there was not a quorum of the  Members present.

VII.      Committee Report:

Nominating Committee Report - Don Hetzel, Chairman

Mr. Hetzel reported that there are two (2) three (3) year positions opening this year on the Board of Trustees.  The new Trustees will be replacing Jane Wheeler, who was applauded for her (12) twelve years of service, and Henry Ring, who resigned after two and one half (2½) years in October.

Next, Don discussed the various methods that the Nominating Committee had used to find people to run for the Board and he explained the steps in LeisureTowne’s election process.

1.         Announcement of Candidates

Don then read a letter, addressed to the Trustees, thanking them for giving the 2008 Nominating Committee a chance to participate in the Board selection process and acknowledging the contributions made by the committee members.  He announced that three (3) residents have agreed to stand as nominees in the 2008 Election and are unanimously recommended by the Nominating Committee.  They are Mr. Albert Capri of 39 Heather Place, Mr. Barry Reingold of 755 Westminster Place, and Mr. Richard Stoetzer of 21 Sterling Place.   He then thanked the candidates for their interest in, and commitment to, the Association.

2.         Nominations from the Floor

On behalf of the entire Board of Trustees, Dan thanked Don and the Nominating Committee for all of their efforts, then called for any Nominations from the Floor for the Committee.  There were none.

VIII.     Old Business

There was no Old Business to discuss.

IX.       New Business

There was no New Business to discuss.

X.        Statements from the Audience for the Good of the Association

Clyde Thomason, 29 Marlborough Drive, stated that Marlborough Drive is an eyesore due to the potholes and wondered if there were plans to have it repaved.  The Community Manager replied that Southampton Township is responsible for paving the streets in LeisureTowne and has no knowledge of when each street is due to be paved by the Township.  She stated that, if the Association receives any information regarding paving, it will be published in the Trustees’ Corner.  She added that he might get an answer sooner if he called the Township Administrator directly or brought the issue before the Township Committee.  She let him know that their meetings are held at 8:00 P.M. every third Tuesday of the month.

Next, Mr. Thomason asked who is responsible for cutting the grass in the common area near the lake.  The Community Manager replied that the Association’s  contractor mows the common areas.  He said that it has not been done in the four (4) years he has lived there.  The Manager said that she would have to look into it. Dan added that the contractor will not cut right down to the water’s edge, but will leave a buffer zone.

Mr. Thomason next stated that the geese have access to his yard from the lake and that they make a terrible mess of his property.  The Community Manager explained LeisureTowne participates in the U.S. Wildlife Service’s Egg Addling and Goose Round-Up Programs.  She said that, while these programs are not instant cures, and will never be one-hundred percent effective, they have drastically improved the situation and will continue to do so over time.

Mr. Thomason then mentioned that the island in the lake behind his home and the edge of his property by the lake is eroding and he wondered if the Association had any plans to build it back up.  The Community Manager replied that the geese are responsible for the removal of the growth from the island and the flow of water contributes to both, but, as LeisureTowne does not currently own that lake, the Association cannot do anything about it for the time being.

            Mr. Thomason stated that some of the bushes that act as a barrier between his property and the lake have died, providing the geese access to his yard.  Evie replied that some of the brush dies off each Winter, but grows back in the Spring.  Then, she pointed out that there are far fewer geese than there used to be and stated that the Association is doing its best.  She also mentioned that there are certain laws pertaining to the Wetlands that prohibit cutting down vegetation and she reminded him of the fact that LeisureTowne does not currently own the lake in question.

Mr. Thomason asked what happens if there is an emergency situation but no quorum?  Dan replied that the members of the Board of Trustees are the administrators of the Association and they vote on what actions are to be taken.

Dan added that it is not necessary to wait for a quorum to communicate with the Board.  Any ideas, questions, or concerns should be put in writing and submitted to the Association Office.  The Board reviews and answers all correspondence.

Lastly, Mr. Thomason stated that the guardhouse was unattended one night when he had spotted a suspicious looking vehicle.  Apparently, she had been in the bathroom when it came in.  Dan said that there are cameras at both gate houses which record the license plates of all vehicles that enter LeisureTowne, so even if the guard is away, there is still a record of all incoming traffic.  Mr. Thomason insisted that he would like to have a guard there at all times.  The Community Manager and Dan both told him that there is no bathroom in the front guardhouse and one cannot be installed as there is no plumbing running to it.  Evie reminded everyone that the State Police should be called in for any potentially dangerous situation and, in all likelihood, they would ask for the film from the security camera anyway.

Joseph Byrd, 88 Gramercy Place, asked if LeisureTowne could have speed bumps installed in the roads.  Dan stated that the Association is not permitted to install them, as the roads are owned by the Township, and, although the Board have asked the Township to do it several times, they refuse.  Joe Halber added that speeding is a pet peeve of many residents.  Bill Church, President of the Civic League, has brought the issue before the Mayor and has been trying to get more visible signs posted.  Dan added that the Board has asked the Township for the flashing speed monitor for our roads as often as possible to slow people down.

Susan Costales, 21 Picardy Place, said that several of her friends received their new coupon books, showing that the Membership fee is now $65.00 per month.  Ms. Costales thought that it was lowered to $64.00.  The Community Manager explained that they had been lowered by one dollar.  Originally, the Membership Assessments were supposed to go up to $66.00 if paid by check and $65.00 if paid through direct debit.  However, this was lowered by one dollar.  Now, the dues are $65.00 if paid by check and $64.00 if paid through direct debit.

XI.       Adjournment

There being no further questions or comments, the President called for a Motion to adjourn the Meeting.  Joe Halber made the Motion, which was seconded by Jane Wheeler.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.  The Motion carried.  The Meeting was adjourned at 8:25 P.M.

XII.      Scheduling of Next Meeting

The Annual Meeting will be held on June 23, 2008, following the Board Meeting at 7:00 P.M. at Laurel Hall.

Respectfully Submitted,

Evelyn M. Doherty

Secretary

cc:       Board Members

            Association Attorney

            Minutes Book

            Association File

LEISURETOWNE ASSOCIATION, INC.

ANNUAL ASSOCIATION MEETING

JUNE 25, 2007

            Present                                                                                               Absent

Marie Dunman - President                                                    

B. Jane Wheeler - Vice President

Warren Szczepanski - Secretary

Daniel Ruddy - Treasurer

Henry Ring - Assistant Secretary

Betty Bresnen - Trustee

Thomas Coughlin - Trustee

Karen J. Mesler - Community Manager

J. David Ramsey, Esq. - Association Attorney

I.    Call to Order and Welcome

The Annual Meeting was called to order at 7:40 P.M. by Board of Trustees President, Marie Dunman.  She welcomed all members and introduced the Board Members, the Community Manager, and David Ramsey, Esq., Attorney for the Association.  The signed Attendance sheets showed that one hundred seventy-eight (178) residents representing one hundred thirty-four (134) homes attended.  Although there was a quorum for the meeting, as the wording on the Ballots reflected that the Ballots were to count toward a quorum for the meeting, there were not enough members present to vote on any issue.

II.    Announcements

The President announced that the meeting was for Members of the Association, which means homeowners only.  If there is a quorum and there is voting done, there is only one vote per home.  There will be an open forum for members to speak later in the meeting. 

She then introduced Trooper Davie, from the Red Lion State Police Barracks, who was invited to this meeting by the Board to assist in maintaining order.  Anyone who is unruly or out of order will be excused and escorted from the building.  She thanked Trooper Davie for attending.

III.    Proof of Notice-Annual Meeting/Waiver of Notice

The Proof of Notice was read by Henry Ring, Assistant Secretary of the Board.

IV.        Waiver of Reading and Approval of Minutes

The approval of the Minutes was delayed while the Secretary and the Attorney counted the number of Members in attendance.  The signed Attendance sheets showed that one hundred seventy-eight (178) residents representing one hundred thirty-four (134) homes attended.  The Attorney asked for a show of hands on one per home of those in attendance who did not sign in and less than thirty (30) responded.  The wording on the Ballots reflected that the Ballots were to count toward a quorum for the meeting; however, there were not enough members present to vote on any issue.  Therefore, the Attorney deemed that there was an insufficient number for voting.  This means that no voting, Minute approvals, or Motions will be official.  He stated that the meeting could continue for information and sharing of ideas, but no official business could be voted on.

V.    Legal Report

David Ramsey discussed the Lawsuit versus Southampton Township, which   continues with the filing of an Appeal of the Judge’s ruling and insufficient allowance for verbal arguments at the Hearing in December 2006.  The ruling was in favor of the Township, which required that the Township be responsible for the storm drains and the pipes/valves between the many lakes in LeisureTowne.  According to the ruling, they are not, however, responsible for the lakes or dams.  We feel this was not a fair ruling and the Appeal has been filled with the Appellate Court.  It may take six to eight months to get a hearing or up to one year for a new decision.

In April, two letters were sent to Southampton Township.  One was regarding Village Green Park, Lake # 6, and Section 1D.  The Township was given sixty days to respond.  As of today, there has been no response; therefore, the Board authorized Mr. Ramsey to file a suit against Southampton Township.  The issue of these matters has been in limbo for many years.  A second letter informed the Township of a malfunctioning valve in their storm drain system and a break in a pipe.  There has been no response to this either.

Our financial security is good.  The collection of approximately $9,000 for dues and fines is in the process of being retrieved.  This is less than 0.5% of our annual Budget.  This is far below the norm of 2% in other Associations.

VI.    Financial Report

Dan Ruddy, Treasurer, thoroughly reviewed the Certified Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007.  He called special attention to Page 11, which compares the costs of 2006 to the costs of 2007.

The Community Manager reviewed Page 2 through 6, including the Asset and Liability Statements and the Fund Balances Report.  She stated that if there were any questions regarding these reports, if they are written down and forwarded to the office.  They will be answered and explained by the Staff Accountant or her.  She agreed that this was a lot to absorb at this time.

IX.    Motions

With not enough members present, there were no Motions presented.

X.    Judge of Elections-Results of June 20, 2007 Election

Renee Dillon, Chair of the Election Committee, gave the Election Report.  She reported that there were three seats open on the Board with five Candidates.  The deadline for receiving Ballots was June 15 at 4:30 P.M.  1,438 Ballots were received.  The numbers for each Candidate were announced.  The three Candidates with the highest votes were Evie Doherty, Joseph Halber, and Dan Ruddy.  Thirteen Ballots were received after the deadline and were not in the official count.  There were no blank Ballots.  One hundred hours of fourteen volunteer-residents were required to complete the voting process.  There were ninety-six votes less than last year, which was the first year of Mail-in Ballots.  This has proved that this new system, suggested by Karen Mesler, truly is a success.  However, they would like to see every home involved.  The five Advisory Committee Members sorted Ballots before they were opened.  Nineteen residents opened and counted Ballots.  There was one Observer for one of the Candidates.  Rene thanked the Civic League for the Meeting of Candidates to educate the Members and the articles in the Watchdog encouraging all Members to vote. 

The President thanked Ms. Dillon and everyone who worked so diligently in planning the process and doing the work to see that this Election was successful.  The thanks also go to Karen Mesler and the office staff.

XI.    Swearing in of New Members - Board of Trustees

David Ramsey swore in new Board Members Evie Doherty and Joseph Halber.  After the Oath of Office was completed, the President and Board invited the new Members to join them on the dais.  Congratulations to all three were offered.

XII        Open Forum:

Don Hetzel, 2 Wooten, invited all veterans to attend the LeisureTowne Military Veterans meetings held each month.

He also reminded residents to use more safety methods while driving in LeisureTowne.  Older residents and those disabled need more time to cross streets, more room to do yard work in front of their homes, and sometimes all residents walk to exercise, bike or walk pets while in the streets.  Also, no tailgating is acceptable.  All of our reflexes are reduced somewhat.

The security contract is important and their services are needed, even though we are not truly a gated community, because the streets belong to the Township.  Many residents moved here because it is safe and minimal to no crime is committed.  Town Watch also plays a part in this.

Bill Church, 46 Picardy, stated that an anonymous resident living in a quad is not satisfied that she is required to paint the exterior of her home the same color as the other joined homes and must also have the same colored roof as the others.  She wants to paint her home and install a new roof.  What can she do?  Response: The documents were revised to include wording to address this issue a few years ago, because some quad buildings had different color exteriors/roofs that were not compatible.  The resident should meet with her neighbors and all need to agree to a single color for exterior walls and roofs.  Mr. Church feels that the Board should arrange the meeting.  The Board will take the suggestion under advisement.

Joe Glowacki, 111 S. Plymouth, asked the Members to truly show their appreciation for the sixteen years of combined service to this community by Marie Dunman and Warren Szczepanski.  That is a very long time, with thousands of hours of doing the business of this Association, which benefits all of us.  (A rousing applause followed his request).  He also asked residents to consider the work that this Board and past Boards have done for thirty-seven years.  They deserve our support every day.  Suggestions for improvement are not negative if presented properly.

R. Johnstone, 48 Dunstable, asked why the Board selected a new security company.  He asked how much more will it cost and if they supplied a car.  He also asked where the new Bus is and why we don’t we plant begonias instead of impatiens around Laurel Hall, as the deer eat them?  Response:  As to the security company, we are not pleased with the caliber of some the guards newly hired in the past two years.  The company is having difficulty replacing those that we request be removed.  The cost of security with the new contract will go up thirteen percent, or only $.40 per home per month, with the past company’s new offer going up almost as much.  Bowles Services has very good references and is very professional with a good management team.  Only four companies that we contacted responded; two were rejected as the costs were extremely high.  They do supply a security vehicle.  The bus has been out of service for ten days, waiting for a part for the malfunctioning air-conditioning system to come from California.  We should have it returned and warranty repairs completed this week.  The Beautification Committee has tried five types of flowers in five years as annuals.  Deer and rabbits are eating every annual planted, even if they are not supposed to according to the experts.  They feel that we may have to continue with only perennials, as they last longer.  The group will continue to investigate.

Francis Vennell, 27 Sheffield, thanked the Board for the handling of the problems with the geese.  He then asked how many people fit in Laurel Hall.  He asked if there has ever been a quorum at these meetings.  He also asked, since Section 1D is within LeisureTowne borders, why it was given to the Township.  Response: This building holds approximately four hundred fifty (450) people standing.  Many years ago, there had to be two sessions of the Annual Meetings, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, because so many Members attended.  The demographics of our community have changed.  Not all residents are retired.  Many work now, both part and full time.  There are also more home-bound residents.  As to Section 1D, the Board does not know.  We have been asking the same question for months.  The Board is concerned that the Township Committee Members may change their minds in future years and make a new ordinance allowing it to be used for commercial use.  If we had received it, the section would have been permanently deed-restricted to remain in its natural state as it is now.

John Urmson requested to speak, but was informed by the Attorney that, since he sold his home and is no longer a Homeowner/Member, he cannot participate in this meeting.  Mr. Urmson expressed his dissatisfaction with this statement.

Joe Glowacki stated that Mr. Urmson sold his home and forfeited his right to participate or vote.  

XIV.    Adjournment

Arlene Coughlin made a Motion to adjourn the Meeting at 8:45 P.M. and was seconded by Dorothy Mulvihill.  The Motion was approved by a voice vote, the Motion carried, and the Meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Warren Szczepanski

Secretary

cc:        Board Members

            Association Attorney

            Community Manager

            Minutes Book

            Association File