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10/17/2011 |
LeisureTowne
ASSOCIATION, INC.
102 S. Plymouth Court, Southampton, NJ 08088-1376
(609) 859-8001 Fax (609) 859-0195
LEISURETOWNE ASSOCIATION, INC.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
JUNE 28, 2010 – 8:00 PM
LAUREL HALL
ANNUAL MEETING
TO BE APPROVED JUNE 27, 2011
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LEISURETOWNE ASSOCIATION, INC.
MINUTES OPEN MEETING
March 22, 2011 7PM
Laurel Hall
Members Present: Richard Stoetzer, President
Dave Myers, Vice President
Al Capri, Treasurer
Barbara Polesir, Secretary
Dick Weiner, Asst. Secretary
Jon Minder, Trustee
Bob Quinn, Trustee
Members Absent: None
Also Present: Carrie Poster, Community Manager, MAMCO
Carol A. Sinclair, Recording Secretary
Beth Cohen, Administrative Assistant
I. Call to Order
Executive session was called to order at 7:00 PM by Richard Stoetzer, President
Pledge of Allegiance Don Hetzel
Call to Order/Introduction of Dais Richard Stoetzer
Approval of Minutes – Board Meeting of February 22, 2011
Barbara Polesir made the motion to approve the minutes and Bob Quinn seconded the motion, unanimous approval.
Announcements and Communications
It has been brought to the Board’s attention that the “Minute Record Book” has been missing several times in both libraries. We now have the book in the lobby of the Association office and if you want a copy of the minutes, please ask the office staff.
We received several letters regarding the tables and card players in Laurel Hall. We did not plan the move to Laurel Hall on such short notice; therefore, we’ve moved the card players into the Settlers Hall library. We understand the inconvenience and disruption it caused and take full responsibility. We are looking into using Village Green as a game room. The exercise room is closed until the roofing and siding is completed at Friendship Hall.
Attorney Report
The status of collections in LTAI has decreased about $4000 this quarter. The decrease is as a result of eight foreclosures that have settled. We have five (5) homes in foreclosure by the Association. Four out of five homes have no financing attached. There is one property in bankruptcy. The past quarter has had no new homes in collection and we have resolved three collections and collected $7000 this quarter. For an Association this size we are responding to the economy in a fiscally prudent manner.
Trustees Reports
Vice President/Security/Environmental/Asst. Compliance Dave Myers
I have a small article in Trustees Corner concerning the geese issue. We have moved forward with the DEA to take humane measures to control the geese.
Secretary/Beautification/Pools Barbara Polesir
None
Treasurer/Compliance/Assistant Recreation/Maintenance Al Capri
We are trying to reschedule meetings and events to the best of our ability and we request that you take a moment and observe the posters on the doors for changes while the renovations are completed at Friendship Hall and then Settlers Hall. .Also Lookout Park will get a new roof.
Recreation &Activities/Transportation
We don’t have any events in April. Some events are as follows: May 21st is scheduled for the flea market and the Southampton chapter of Deborah will sell baked goods on the day of the sale. The Spring Cocktail Party on Saturday, June 4th in Laurel Hall. Meet and Greet on June 11th by Len Milman. Last Sunday, March 20th, Marie Dunman had a good bus trip and we thank her for her service. We will offer tickets for Little Women on 5/19/11 and Peddlers Village on May 1/11. Movies for the month of April are listed in the Watch Dog or bulletin boards. On May 2nd, Lenny King, Beth Cohen’s dad will perform at Laurel Hall for the Entertainment Club. The Recreation Committee still needs a volunteer to co-chair the committee.
Community Manager’s Report
Today is my first anniversary at LeisureTowne and I have had a good year! We have benefited greatly with Wade Donaway as our maintenance supervisor. We also evaluated our office staff needs and we included a part time recording secretary to our office staff.
Highlights of my first year:
· Established Finance Committee
· Budget process improved with power point presentation and lowered Association fees
· Renovations and upgrade to several buildings and Lookout Park.
I continue to strive for excellence in managing a large community and I’d like to thank the Board of Trustees for their guidance and patience throughout the year along with our office staff.
Financial Report
Our community has maintained an under budget status. If you want to discuss the budget, please stop by the office.
Motions:
1. Maintenance Equipment Purchase –Motion by Al Capri; second - Dick Weiner – motion carried, unanimously.
2. Exercise Equipment – Motion by Al Capri; second - Jon Minder - motion carried, unanimously.
3. Exercise Equipment Contract – Motion by Bob Quinn; second - Al Capri- motion carried, unanimously.
4. 4x4 Utility Vehicle – Motion made by Jon Minder; second - Al Capri - motion carried, unanimously.
5. Dump Insert for truck – Motion made by Bob Quinn; second - Jon Minder - motion carried, unanimously.
Nominating Committee Report – Vince Martucci
Nominations for Board of Trustees are:
Al Capri
Carolyn Sullivan
Nominations for Board of Trustees are now closed
Old Business
None
New Business
None
Statements from the Audience for the Good of the Association
Jeanne McCord, 36 Kingston Way
Carrie, you need to be complimented as well as the office staff, maintenance staff, and Board of Trustees for taking care of the halls and refurbishing it all and doing it with lowering the Association fees is unheard of. Also the new roofs and siding. I’d like to thank John and Dot Hopkins for their help in selecting the siding and roof colors and when you don’t like it, blame John Hopkins. I am thrilled with the whole community and the great direction that you are headed. The watchdog box is in the office lobby until Friendship Hall is finished. Distribution will be in Settlers Hall instead of Friendship Hall. Thank you again for all of your fine work.
Elaine Williams, 14 Buxton Court
Question of concern…two families who are living in the community are not of age….one is a girl and the house was left to her…mid thirties…I am concerned that she is living there permanently.
Richard: We don’t discuss personal issues on the floor, you can come to the office for more information. We are aware of the situation.
Carrie: We are aware of the situation. The HOPA form will come out in the Trustees’ Corner to be filled out by unit owners.
Caroline: when the BOT becomes aware of the situation like that, the BOT addresses the problem immediately. We are trying to solve it and it is private at this time. I can assure you it is being handled.
John Hopkins, 784 Westminster Drive
About the meeting minutes. Is it possible to put the minutes on the website? I have noticed changes with the maintenance people, there were maintenance workers cleaning in the field, picking up and cleaning with no supervision. The men just kept working and needed no direction and I was impressed. I must compliment them on that.
Susan Costales, 21 Picardy Place
What is the status on the tax liens and the lots that we have foreclosures on?
Caroline: We have five lots that have been defaulted and will hopefully settle by July. Motion to adjourn meeting made by Dave Myers and seconded by Al Capri – unanimous approval.
Adjourned: 8:30 PM
Submitted by:
Signature on File in AO
________________
Barbara Polesir April 26, 2011
LEISURETOWNE ASSOCIATION, INC.
MINUTES BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
Laurel Hall – 10:00 AM
April 26, 2011
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Community Attendance - 27 Attendees
Pledge of Allegiance Don Hetzel
Call to Order
The Board of Trustees session was called to order at 10:00 AM by Richard Stoetzer, Board President
Motion to approve Minutes dated March 22, 2011 by Dave Myers, Seconded by Dick Weiner.
Unanimous Approval
Announcements and Communication
Trustees Reports
President’s Comments Richard Stoetzer
As you know we have begun the renovations, roofing and siding at Friendship Hall, Settlers Hall and Lookout Park. Friendship Hall is completed and we are now working on Settlers Hall. Thank you for your patience as we juxtaposition the calendar events. Please check with your event coordinators or call the Association office with any questions regarding the events normally scheduled.
Recreation Dick Weiner
The Recreation Committee is happy to announce that Jack Bonowski has volunteered as co-chairman. Frank Dietl has taken responsibility for the movie nights. We will have one movie on Friday evenings in July and August. Speaking of the movie night, Residents are entitled to one snack and one drink; however, Residents are taking more than one snack and drink during the evening. We are trying to keep the cost down and to comply with the allocation of snacks and drinks.
Activities and events include:
· Meet & Greet on June 11th
· Cocktail Party June 4th – Sold Out
· Annual Flea Market – May 21, 2011 9:00AM – 3:00 PM – Rain date May 22nd
· Bus Trip to Bristol Riverside Theater – May 19th
· Bus Trip to Ocean County College to see HMS Pinafore – June 12th
· Bingo 2nd and 4th Friday at Laurel Hall
· Lenny King – May 2th – Laurel Hall
Just a reminder that you must get approval from the Recreation Committee prior to planning or advertising an event. Ticket sales are May 6th.
Community Manager’s Report Carrie Poster
Roofing Project – the roofing and siding projects are progressing as scheduled. Friendship Hall renovations are completed and the building is open! Settlers Hall is closed now for renovation and opening is planned for May 12th. Heating and air-conditioning is being replaced at Settlers Hall as well. We have disbursed 1/3 of the payment to the contractor approximately $40,000. Elections/voting will be held at Settlers Hall tomorrow because Settlers Hall has handicapped accessible doors. The Board of Elections requested a handicap ramp for voting so I have asked the contractor to keep the building open. We have FWH Engineering Firm here for inspection as the contractor works to make sure that everything is done according to the specifications. I would like to update you on Old Forge dam. To date, we have contracted with FWH to give us a cost to repair the dam, however, we do anticipate a public meeting and want to encourage all of our residents to attend the meeting with DEP and Southampton Township; we do not know the date yet but will keep you updated when we get the date.
People have asked me about the by-laws. The by-laws are at the lawyer’s office for review and we will get them after the review and move forward with them.
Community Information includes:
· We are having the tennis courts resurfaced this season. I am waiting for a third quote to have ready for the next BOT meeting.
· We did get another treadmill that has been placed in the exercise room at Friendship Hall.
· We installed the new “Washers Toss Game” at Village Green Park. The equipment for this game is stored with the Bocce Game equipment.
· The maintenance group got new equipment for working and driving. The new Kubota vehicle really saves gas; they don’t have to get the big truck out for all of the driving that they do in the community.
· The ticket sale will be held at Friendship Hall on May 6th instead of Settlers Hall due to the renovations. Also, the time for the sale is 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM due to a conflict at Friendship Hall.
· We have changed our lawn mowing contract with LMS to “as service is needed basis” instead of a general contract. It helps us control when they are here and saves money as we call them for each service.
· The financial report is positive for this year. We are under budget by $413,000 and continue to stay within budget guidelines. As part of this savings, we put $188,000 back into the Association dues which has lowered your new monthly fee. If you have any questions concerning the budget or need an explanation, please call the office anytime.
Motions:
1. One T-Bill expiring in the amount of $50,000.00 – Motion by Al Capri; second, Bob Quinn. Motion carried, unanimously.
2. One T-Bill expiring in the amount of $50,000.00 – Motion by Al Capri; second, Bob Quinn. Motion carried, unanimously.
Both will be invested for twenty-six weeks (Capital Projects)
3. One T-Bill in the amount of $75,000.00 to re-invest Operating Funds for thirteen weeks. –
Motion to accept the T-Bill investments was made by Al Capri; second, Bob Quinn, motion carried, unanimously.
New Business
None
Old Business
None
Statements from the Audience for the Good of the Association Homeowners
Susan Costales, 21 Picardy Place
I would like to compliment the Trustees on the great job that they are doing, excellent job and we have no complaints. Hiring MAMCO, great job and I guess everyone in LeisureTowne is happy, out of 3,000 people, this is all we have in attendance.
Don Hetzel - 2 Wooton Drive
In the next Watchdog coming out, the Community will be notified about the Memorial Day ceremonies that will be held in Vincentown. We will participate in the Memorial Day parade, which is the 130th parade in Vincentown. Any veteran from the community is welcome to ride on the float; we gather in the parking lot of the Municipal building at 9:15AM. If you bring a spouse or friend, a bus is available to take them to the Grange to watch the parade. After the parade is over, we’ll have a nice lunch for friends and family right there at the Grange. On Tuesday, May 31st, LeisureTowne own service and luncheon…time is 11:00 for the service, following the service is the luncheon in Laurel Hall.
Motion to adjourn meeting made by Dave Myers, Seconded: Jon Minder – Unanimous approval.
Adjourned: 10:55 AM
Submitted by:
Signature on File in AO
__________________
Barbara Polesir May 24, 2011
LEISURETOWNE ASSOCIATION, INC.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
Open Meeting 10:00 AM Settlers Hall
May 24, 2011
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Members Present: |
Richard Stoetzer, President |
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Dave Myers, Vice President |
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Al Capri, Treasurer |
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Barbara Polesir, Secretary |
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Dick Weiner, Asst. Secretary |
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Bob Quinn, Trustee |
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Members Absent: |
Jon Minder, Trustee |
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Also Present: |
Carol A. Sinclair, Recording Secretary |
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Carrie Poster, Community Manager, MAMCO |
I. Pledge of Allegiance Frank Dietl
II. Call to Order
The Executive session was called to order at 10:00 AM by Richard Stoetzer, President.
III. Approval of Minutes
Minutes Board of Trustees Open Meeting for April 26, 2011 approved. Motion was made by Barbara Polesir, Seconded by Dick Weiner. Motion carried, unanimously.
IV. Announcements and Communications Richard Stoetzer
After evaluating the pool policy, the BOT decided that the children clause of 5:00 to 7:00 PM for Laurel Pool will not take place. The next question is light snacks at the pool. We are going to keep the light snacks in the policy for this year and evaluate the merit of this decision at the end of the season. Some people have health issues like diabetes and light snacks are appropriate for those issues. As you know the pool deck is a carry in and carry out area and that rule is strictly enforced. We will give it a trial period.
Jon Minder is not here today due to health problems. We miss him.
V. Recreation Committee Dick Weiner
The flea market was successful and a large crowd was noted in the community. We would like to thank Jean Gallimore for handling the event and the Deborah Chapter for the refreshments.
June 4th Cocktail Party is “Sold Out”.
June 11th Meet and Greet – June ticket sale and tickets are still available.
June 12th Bus Trip to Ocean County Community College for Gilbert and Sullivan HMS Pinafore. Tickets are still available.
July 14th Lunch cruise on the Philadelphia Belle is $47.00 per person. Limit of two tickets per resident.
No Friday night movie in June due to the cocktail party and no matinee movies during the summer months.
VI. Community Manager’s Report
1. We are back in Settlers Hall and most of the renovations are completed. We are right on line with the budget, not to exceed $125,000. We are pleased with Purcell Builders.
2. Old Forge dam – We are working with the engineers regarding preliminary work and full understanding of the cost to repair the dam.
3. Bingo license was approved from the Township so we can now go forward with bingo.
4. Install chlorinators. We installed a smaller system using tablets to chlorinate the pool.
5. Today the board will approve resurfacing the tennis courts.
6. Financial Report – April 1 to April 30th is on target as planned. Our biggest expense has been professional fees $21,000, which include engineering costs that included FWH to monitor the work being done on the buildings. Grounds maintenance $59,000, includes the Kubota and maintenance equipment. Thanks to Al Capri, we sold our old tractor for $3000. The landscaping/grounds crew are now on an “as needed” service instead of a blanket fee.
7. Moved salaries for Carrie Poster, Community Manager and Wade Donaway, Maintenance Supervisor to professional fees because LeisureTowne does not pay their payroll taxes.
8. Incinolet electric incinerating toilet is being installed in the Route 70 guard house. If the installation is successful then the BOT will purchase another toilet at the Retreat Road gate.
9. We purchased a used pool table for $2000, and purchased a new treadmill. Both items are included in this current budget.
10. We installed the fire monitoring and alarm system in the Association office and TOUCH office.
11. Just to let you know that I will be in Utah for a family wedding the second week of June.
VII. Motions
The motion was made by Bob Quinn to resurface, repair cracks and repaint the tennis courts. This work will be completed by Nickolaus Construction. Included in this motion is an upgrade in the electrical area. The electrical upgrade will be completed by Richardson Electric. The Capital Project Fund will be used not to exceed $14,726.00. Seconded by Dave Myers. Unanimous approval.
The motion was made by Albert Capri to re-invest one T-Bill in the amount of $53,000 for twenty-six weeks. Seconded by Bob Quinn. Unanimous approval.
New Old or New Business
None
Statements for the Good of the Community
Susan Costales
21 Picardy Place
I have a question regarding paying the dues for one whole year. Do we get the discount?
Answer: We will look into this for the next budget year.
Motion to adjourn meeting made by Dave Myers, Seconded by Bob Quinn – Unanimous approval.
Adjourned: 10:25AM
Submitted by:
Signature on File
______________
Barbara Polesir June 27, 2011
LEISURETOWNE ASSOCIATION, INC.
Board of Trustees Meeting
June 27, 2011 7PM
Laurel Hall
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Members Present: |
Richard Stoetzer, President |
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Al Capri, Treasurer |
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Barbara Polesir, Secretary |
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Bob Quinn, Trustee |
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Jon Minder, Trustee |
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Members Absent: |
Dave Myers, Vice President |
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Also Present: |
Carrie Poster, Community Manager, MAMCO |
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Carol A. Sinclair, Recording Secretary |
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Beth Cohen, Financial Assistant, LTAI |
I. Call to Order
Executive session was called to order at 7:00 PM by Richard Stoetzer, President
Pledge of Allegiance Don Hetzel
Call to Order/Introduction of Dais Richard Stoetzer, President
Approval of Executive Board Meeting Minutes May 24, 2011
Motion was made by Al Capri, seconded by Richard Weiner. Motion carried unanimously.
President’s Comments
We are working on the possibility of using solar panels and this is one of the largest projects that LTAI has undertaken. The BOT would like to thank the Finance Committee for their help.
Trustees Reports
Recreation Committee Richard Weiner
Ř The special dance in July and August on the 3rd Saturday of each month.
Ř Bingo on the 2nd and 4th Friday in Laurel Hall.
Ř Trenton Thunder baseball game on August 25th. All you can eat hot dogs and hamburgers and $2.00 beer. Please see Len Millman or purchase tickets at the ticket sales in August.
Ř Meet and Greet ice cream social in October.
The Recreation Committee would like to revitalize the community with old events that LTAI had in the past years such as picnics in the park, fashion show, bike club and the garden club. We need volunteers to chair events and offer ideas to serve on the committee.
Transportation Committee Richard Weiner
The Transportation Committee is researching the possibility of purchasing a new bus to replace the old bus that is over 15 years old. We will update you on the purchasing process.
Community Manager report Carrie Poster
Please enjoy the slideshow that highlights LTAI community. We are happy with the completed work on Settlers Hall and Lookout Park. We are right on budget and we want to thank the Finance Committee for their assistance and recommendations for this project.
We asked the Nimble Thimble to make a quilt to display at Friendship Hall. The quilt is beautiful and on display right now. We want to present the group with a plaque as part of our appreciation for the quilt.
The audit has been completed by the auditor and the report from the auditor is that LTAI is well sustained. We changed the auditor and we are pleased with the new auditing firm. The auditor was pleased that we reduced the Association dues. A copy of the audit is available here and at the office if you would like one.
We are bidding farewell to Richard Stoetzer and I want to say that I personally learned a great deal about LeisureTowne from Richard Stoetzer. I appreciate all of Richard’s knowledge and experience about LeisureTowne. We welcome Carolyn Sullivan to the BOT and I look forward to working with the new BOT.
Financial statement
There is a copy of the financial statement in your packet, dated through to May 31st. I say this every time that we are under-spent except for the swimming pools, which is an expense for the summer season. The grounds maintenance in the bracket ($12,000) was used from the Reserve Fund. Next month, the grounds maintenance will show normal expenditures.
Al will give you the complete report during the Annual Meeting. If you have any questions, please come to the office.
Legal report Caroline Record, Esq.
Ms. Record spoke about two areas briefly. The first is collections, which is discussed every quarter and as you know the economy is wreaking havoc everywhere. Currently, there are 20 homes in collection, down from 23 homes. LTAI is pursuing 10 homes that are in foreclosure, which is an increase of 2 homes in the last quarter. There are also five additional homes in foreclosure which are free of mortgage. One of the homes is in bankruptcy. There were no new homes this quarter. There are 2,255 homes in the community and as little as 1% of the homes have a financial issue. The BOT has a generous heart but the BOT has a fiduciary responsibility to the community. Richard wanted to mention that given the state of the economy, we only have 1% of the homes in financial difficulty.
Motions
Motion to re-invest Capital Projects Fund and Operating Funds maturing July 21, 2011 as follows:
Capital Projects Fund
Two T-Bills expiring in the total amount of $193,000 which will be invested for thirteen (13) weeks.
Operating Fund
Two T-Bills expiring in the amount of $100,000 which will be invested for thirteen (13) weeks.
Motion to re-invest Capital Projects Fund and Operating Funds maturing July 7, 2011 as follows:
Capital Projects Fund
Four T-Bills expiring in the total amount of $260,000 which will be invested for thirteen (13) weeks.
Operating Fund
One T-Bill expiring in the amount of $75,000 which will be invested for thirteen (13) weeks.
Motion made by Al Capri; seconded by Bob Quinn. Motion carried.
Old Business
None
New Business
None
Motion to adjourn the meeting made by Jon Minder; seconded by Barbara Polesir at 7:20 PM. Unanimous approval. for investments operating funds, t bills.
Signature on File
__________________________
Barbara Polesir, Secretary July 12, 2011
LEISURETOWNE ASSOCIATION, INC.
Board of Trustees Meeting
July 26, 2011 10:00 AM
Settlers Hall
Members Present: Al Capri, President
Barbara Polesir, Vice President
Richard Weiner, Secretary
Bob Quinn, Treasurer
Jon Minder, Asst. Secretary, Asst. Treasurer
Carolyn Sullivan, Trustee
Members Absent: None
Also Present: Carrie Poster, Community Manager, MAMCO
Carol A. Sinclair, Recording Secretary
Beth Cohen, Financial Assistant, LeisureTowne Association
I. Call to Order
The Board Meeting was called to order at 10:00 AM by Al Capri, President
II. Pledge of Allegiance Al Capri
III. Call to Order/Introduction of Dais Al Capri
IV. Approval of Minutes of the Board Meeting of June 27, 2011 approved.
Motion was made by Jon Minder and seconded by Bob Quinn. Motion carried unanimously.
Reorganization Meeting Minutes June 27, 2011- Motion was made to approve the minutes by Bob Quinn and seconded by Jon Minder. Unanimous approval.
President’s Comments Al Capri
This is one of the most informative meetings of the year. In an effort to provide information in a timely fashion, I will take each item individually. The BOT and the Finance Committee are always looking for new opportunities to invest LTAI money to improve the community or increase revenue. One of the ways that LTAI would like to improve the community is obtaining a solar panel field.
1. The solar panel field is one of the largest projects that LTAI will undertake. The recommendation from the Finance Committee was reviewed by the BOT. We will have a special meeting on August 9, 2011, at 7:00 PM at Laurel Hall. At that meeting we will have the vendor discuss and explain the system, how we expect to get there and the cost saving factors that directly affect LTAI. A cover letter and ballot will be mailed by August 5, 2011 to the entire community. We want the involvement of the entire community as we have promised transparency and accountability throughout this BOT’s tenure. Please mark your calendar for the special meeting and tell your neighbors as well. We reviewed nine different companies, of the nine; we retained three bids that met our criteria. We reviewed those bids and will review them at the special meeting.
2. We have been in litigation since 1995 regarding the storm water pipes and Southampton Township. Finally, within the last month with enormous credit to Carrie Poster and Wade Donaway, we have arrived at an agreement with Southampton Township and the legal action is over.
3. I want to thank everyone as I serve my first open meeting as President. Thank you for your support and I hope to carry the BOT into another successful year. I’d like to formally introduce the new member of the BOT, Carolyn Sullivan. Dave Myers gave his resignation several weeks ago and we have accepted his resignation. We would like recommendations for his replacement. If you know of anyone that is interested in serving on the Board of Trustees, please give us their name and resume so we can review it.
4. In the Trustees’ Corner – I’d like to read a portion of the article that I wrote in the Trustees’ Corner. “In this coming year the Board will be faced with many initiatives, some ambitious, some troubling, some lingering and seemingly never ending, but all very demanding. The Board will be working very hard this year to put these to rest. Some of these initiatives ahead of us are the lowering of our energy cost through the acquisition of a solar system, culmination of the Old Forge Lake Dam situation, acquiring lingering properties that your Association has been maintaining taxes on, and trying to settle the storm water system pipe fiasco with the Township that has been ongoing for too many years at a considerable cost. These and many other demanding issues are ahead and I feel confident that the Board will be up to the challenge of trying to resolve these objectives. As you might be aware, all of these have to do with the “pocket book” of the Association. The Board is fully aware of this and will strive to protect your interest. It’s a very tough road ahead but I hope the ending will be rewarding”.
Trustees’ Reports
Treasurer Report Bob Quinn
Each month there will be a short financial report in the Trustees’ Corner. This is a work in progress.
If you have suggestions to improve the report, please see me; however, publishing the financial report in the Trustees’ Corner is an opportunity for the report to be viewed by a bigger audience. We will publish the delinquencies each month instead of waiting for the quarterly report. The financial reports will still be available in the Association Office and this is a condensed report. The report is attached to the minutes.
Special items to note: Coupon books – Beginning in September, if you lose your coupon book the cost will be $4.00 to replace it.
We have a great group of volunteers serving on the Finance Committee and a new committee called the Information Technology Committee, which Jon Minder will discuss.
Recreation Richard Weiner
There will be a special video and dance event on September 10th at Laurel Hall. The event starts with a one hour video of Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons and then dancing after the video. The tickets are $6.00 and available at the September ticket sale. This event is the first major event for the fall season.
There are tickets still available for the Trenton Thunder baseball game. The ticket price is $11.00 per person, which includes free hot dogs, hamburgers and $2.00 beer.
TGIF Movie night on Friday August 5th – 7:00 to 9:00 PM at Laurel Hall.
There is no matinee movie in July or August. The matinee movie will resume in September.
There is a bus trip on September 29, 2011 to the Media Theater in PA to see “Chicago” for $49.00 a ticket, which includes the bus, show and lunch.
IT/Transportation Committee Richard Weiner
The BOT will present a motion at this meeting to purchase a new 24 passenger bus to replace the old bus #6. The Finance and Transportation Committees have done a thorough and exhaustive study on the bus purchase.
Audio Visual Committee Jon Minder
This new committee will address all the audio visual needs that we have in the community. We have immediate issues such as a server needed in the Association Office. We had our first meeting last week and will move forward with changes in the audio visual needs within the community.
Community Manager’s report Carrie Poster
LeisureTowne has tentatively settled with Southampton Township. The Township approached us about a settlement regarding the pipes that interact with the Township and LTAI. The Board liaison assignments have been established and you can pick up a copy at the office. Old Forge Dam repair-we are reviewing the recommendations from FWH and RealMark. The Transportation Committee, Finance Committee and BOT worked very hard on the new bus purchase. The small bus is more efficient for the shopping trips throughout the week. The tennis courts are finished and look absolutely beautiful.
Settlers Hall pool was hit by lightning. We had it fixed and we were hit again. Now, we will place an electrical component to ward off the lightning.
The Township meeting went well. The Township will paint the traffic lines in section 11 in a couple of weeks.
Laurel Hall will have the rugs and the floors cleaned August 15th through August 18th. The building will be closed. A vendor will do the work because they will do it faster than our maintenance crew.
Just a reminder, when you are in the buildings at nighttime please turn the lights off when you leave. The utilities are expensive.
The maintenance crew painted this room (Settlers), waxed the floors and pressure washed the outside of the building. They also cleaned the in-flows and out-flows of the lakes, and fixed the French drain in the bathrooms in Laurel Hall.
Indoor Shuffleboard is available in Settlers Hall. Brand new and ready to go!
Financial Report from Community Manager
We received a refund from Workers Compensation Insurance, $10,000.
The Audit was completed at a cost of $5500.
I am available for any questions at the Association Office.
Motions –
Capital Projects Fund and Operating Funds Maturing August 4, 2011
Capital Projects Fund – One T-Bill expiring in the amount of $ 56,000.00
Operating Fund Three T-Bill expiring in the amount of $ 175,000.00
Motion to re-invest Capital Projects Fund and Operating Funds made by Bob Quinn, Seconded by Jon Minder. Unanimous approval.
Purchase a 2011 Glaval Universal 24 passenger commercial bus
from Wolfington Body Company of Hainesport, NJ.
This bus will replace #6 which will be traded in at the time of the purchase.
The Capital Project Fund will be used not to exceed: $ 65,000.00
Procurement of the new bus: Motion made by Bob Quinn; seconded by Richard Weiner –
Unanimous approval
Old Business
None
New Business
None
Questions/Comments from the Membership
Deborah Neidrich, 224 North Plymouth Court
Rentals – I know that we have 42 units for rental properties but I know of at least one case where someone died and immediately someone moved in. How do you monitor the rentals? Most rentals are not kept up the same. How many units are you allowed to be owned for rentals? I believe there is a limit of two rentals with the same owner.
Al: There is a limit of two rentals by one owner. Lynn does the rentals, and there is a waiting list. Some people are grandfathered into the process, since 2002. If a homeowner dies, the immediate family can move into the property. There are regulations that their name must be on the deed or title.
What is the penalty for unauthorized renting in the community? Al: They are subject to eviction. The homeowner will be fined.
Library – I donated hundreds of books; where are the books? I am not happy with the library when all of the shelves are empty. I am shocked that the books are all gone. How can we get the books back into the library?
Al: These were decisions of the library committee. They wanted one library. We are trying to offer more space to all of the clubs and committees and nobody wants their space invaded. The Library Committee should revisit the library situation. We would like to encourage you to join the Library Committee. Carrie will look into the library situation. Carrie: The Library Committee did not get rid of classics, just discarded old and tattered books.
I’ve lived here for three years and it is the best decision we ever made to move here. We hope you’re not taking down a lot of trees to install the solar field. Al: There is a section of trees that we have to remove but it is in an obscure area and if we don’t tell you where it is, you won’t even notice that the trees are gone.
The eyebrow in front of my best friend’s house looked beautiful and now it is unattended. Al: very simple solution… call the Township regarding the eyebrows and voice your complaints. It is your tax money.
Addling the geese eggs? As of last week, I had 19 geese in my yard. Al: We contract as needed. We will continue to monitor the geese situation. When the population gets unbearable we do handle it.
John and Carol Urmson – 13 Narberth Place
We are trying to get the Recreation Committee going again. We want to get the committee up and running again. We used to have parades, picnics, and different activities. We just lost the Bike Club, shuffleboard, why don’t we have these events? Does the community want to have these events? We will put something in the Watchdog and Trustees’ Corner. There seems to be some interest to have our own Garden Club but somebody’s got to lead these clubs. We have plenty of volunteers but we need leaders. We would like to form a canoe and kayak club. Please get in touch with me with ideas, how about model trains, train club; is there is an interest in a car club? Don’t forget, Jack Peacock will be performing on September 10, 2011, he has a great act and we will have a great night. It is the 20th anniversary concert of Frankie Vallie. Marie Dunman couldn’t get the trip to see “Jersey Boys” so we came up with this idea.
Frank Marzullo - 59 Finchley Court
At the last meeting, we talked about wheel chair accessibility for the bus. I’d like to know if bus #7 can accommodate a foldup wheel chair. Where will the green poker table be located when Laurel Hall is closed?
Has anyone approached the BOT about a dog park? Al: The issue of a dog park has been brought up several times and denied several times. As of now, the park been dropped. Carrie: One reason is the location. LTAI does not own a lot of vacant property in the community. Al: You can always apply to the BOT for the dog park.
Susan Costales – 21 Picardy Place
I had a conversation with my neighbor who got a letter regarding mold and she was very upset. I would like to know why you can’t talk to the person first instead of a letter.
Carrie: the letter is just a reminder, nothing but a reminder. A second letter is more concern to the Resident. We have rules that we try to maintain. We will review the letter to make it friendlier. How about a knock on the door? Al: No, we don’t want to put the Association Office staff in a difficult position by knocking on the door.
Harry Offord - 41 Picardy Place
About the dogs….we put up a lot of signs saying “no feeding the animals”. We want signs that say “No dogs allowed at Canterbury Pond”. When we have a picnic at our house, we must watch the dogs go to the bathroom. We are not happy about it.
Jean McCord - 36 Kingston Way
I’ve gotten calls from numerous residents regarding scams going on within the community. One caller said they were from AARP, my concern is if you have older residents in your neighborhood; please watch out for your older residents. We have the Watchdog, Trustees’ Corner and the open meeting to keep you updated.
Loretta Offord – 41 Picardy Place – When do you plan on security for the halls? Carrie: We are researching motion lights right now. We will keep you updated.
Motion to adjourn the meeting made by Jon Minder, seconded by Bob Quinn at 11:30 AM
Unanimous approval.
Submitted by:
Signature on File
____________________
Richard Weiner, Secretary August 23, 2011LEISURETOWNE ASSOCIATION, INC.
Board of Trustees Meeting
August 23, 2011 10:00 AM, Settlers Hall
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Members Present: |
Al Capri, President |
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Richard Weiner, Secretary |
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Bob Quinn, Treasurer |
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Jon Minder, Asst. Secretary, Asst. Treasurer |
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Carolyn Sullivan, Trustee |
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Members Absent: |
Barbara Polesir, Vice President |
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Also Present: |
Carrie Poster, Community Manager, MAMCO |
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Carol A. Sinclair, Recording Secretary |
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Beth Cohen, Financial Assistant, LTAI |
I. Call to Order
The Board Meeting was called to order at 10:00 AM by Al Capri, President
II. Pledge of Allegiance Don Hetzel
III. Call to Order/Introduction of Dais Al Capri
IV. Approval of Minutes of the Board Meeting of July 26, 2011 approved.
Motion was made by Jon Minder and seconded by Bob Quinn. Motion carried unanimously.
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President’s Comments |
Al Capri |
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Solar Installation |
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We had a little exercise in democracy. On Tuesday night August 9th we had a meeting with a full house. There was a lot of misinformation beforehand about the solar project and the meeting got carried away. The meeting was robust but we had 800 approval votes to move forward and 308 votes not to move forward. We are going forward only if everything works out. The vote only gives us the opportunity to move forward to reduce our expenses. The way it looks now, we will achieve that but if something happens we won’t move forward.
Trustees’ Reports
Treasurer’s Report Bob Quinn
Each month there will be a short financial report in the Trustees’ Corner. This is a work in progress. If you have suggestions to improve the report, please see me; however, publishing the financial report in the Trustees’ Corner is an opportunity for the report to be viewed by a bigger audience. The delinquencies for this month are $120,931. We will publish the delinquencies each month instead of waiting for the quarterly report. The financial reports will still be available in the Association Office and this is a condensed report. The report is attached to the minutes.
Recreation Richard Weiner
There has been a good response to the Frankie Valli and Four Seasons video and dance. Tickets are still available. The tickets are $6.00 and available at the September ticket sale. This event is the first major event for the fall season.
The next Meet and Greet gathering is scheduled for October 15th – 2:00 – 4:00 PM in Friendship Hall and is an ice cream buffet social. Please RSVP to Len Millman and indicate whether you will bring a container of ice cream or topping to contribute to the buffet.
An evening of Rock and Roll music from the 1950’s to 1980’s will be held in November in Laurel Hall. The evening will be for listening and dancing which will be a little different. The tickets are also $6.00 per person including snacks and set-ups. Tickets are available at the September ticket sale.
Tickets may also be purchased at the September ticket sale for Marie Dunman’s bus trip on Sunday, October 16th to the New Candlelight Dinner Theater, in Ardentown DE, for a performance of the musical “Damn Yankees.” The cost of $49.00 per person includes the bus, show and lunch. Tickets are limited to two per resident, and are sold to residents only.
Wii games resume on Wednesdays in September from 10:00AM to 12:00 Noon in Settlers Hall.
TGIF Movie Nite – Friday, September 2nd at 7:00 PM in Laurel Hall – “Moonlight Mile”, a 2002 romantic drama.
Matinee – Wednesday, September 21 – 1:00 PM in Laurel Hall “We Are Marshall”, a 2007 drama.
Security Carolyn Sullivan
Burlington County Sheriff Jean Stanfield and her Home Defense Department were contacted by several members of the Security Committee. Copies of the free Security Audit application form are available at the LeisureTowne office. A priority reply will be given to LeisureTowne residents. Please stop in the office for an application. The Sheriff’s Department will contact you to let you know when they will be in the area. The trustees are looking into placement of cameras and motion detectors in the halls. Renee Borstad, Director of Burlington County Consumer Affairs, is very impressed with TOUCH’s referral program. She would like to have a regularly scheduled visit here. In the past weeks there have been a few reported break-ins of homes in LeisureTowne. Although this is disturbing it should not be a reason to consider the community as an unsafe place to live. Please call 911 immediately to report any suspicious or unknown person around your home.
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Environmental Committee |
Carolyn Sullivan |
The water lilies on Canterbury Lake were treated. An additional treatment has been completed. Curling of the leaves should be noticeable in September. Maintenance Supervisor, Wade Donaway will follow up on removal of the plants.
Waterfowl removal and egg addling by the USDA APHIS Wildlife Services is completed for the calendar year. Please remember that the storm drains on our streets empty into our lakes. Be aware of what your household or contractor sweeps or hoses into the street.
Community Manager Carrie Poster
We had 325 signatures for attendance at the Solar project meeting on August 9th. We had a great attendance with many people who did not not sign in because of the line to sign in. I want to thank Dottie and her group that came in on Saturday and counted the ballots. Lynn opened the office for the volunteers and I appreciate their willingness to work on Saturday.
I also want to thank Bill Weaver for all of his hard work as Compliance Chair for many years. Bill has resigned from the position at this time and we will miss him. Joe Glowacki has stepped up to the position and we look forward to working with Joe as Compliance Chair.
Jon Minder, Bob Quinn and I attended the Township meeting last week. LeisureTowne has tentatively settled with Southampton Township. The Township signed the resolution for a settlement regarding the pipes that interact with the Township and LTAI. Now we can move forward with the waterways mapping and get this project completed. We have a meeting scheduled on August 31st at the Township office with the DEP to discuss Old Forge Dam. RealMark will be there also to try to get a settlement regarding Old Forge Dam.
Regarding burglaries that are taking place in LeisureTowne, we have supplied any information that we have available to the State Police and we have assisted them in their investigation regarding break-ins at LeisureTowne.
The floors were completed at Laurel Hall this week and they look beautiful. Our maintenance crew did the job and worked diligently to provide clean and professional floors in Laurel Hall.
Be sure to check out the new recycle containers at Laurel and Settlers Hall and make your choice of size. The sizes offered are either 64 or 96 gallons. There is a very short deadline of September 2nd to decide which container you prefer. The Township of Southampton will be implementing the new containers which will be used for paper only until the County goes single stream. When that happens, sometime at the end of 2012, you will be able to put paper, plastic, glass and aluminum in the can together. So, keep that in mind when you choose the size you want. If you do not choose a size you will be delivered the smaller 64 gallon container.
During today’s meeting the BOT will approve the Investment Policy which governs the financial management of the Association. LeisureTowne has never had any policy in writing. It is basically a policy to protect the community. The Finance Committee has been working on this policy for 4 or 5 months and the document has been reviewed by our attorney and the BOT.
The financial report is available for your review. If you did not receive a copy, please stop by the office and get a copy for your records.
Motions –
Investment Policy
Motion to accept the Investment Policy made by Bob Quinn, Seconded by Richard Weiner. Unanimous approval.
Old Business
None
New Business
None
Questions/Comments for the good of the Community
Dottie Copsetta, 7 Marlborough Drive
We will be having the Fourth Annual Blood Drive in LeisureTowne. It will be sponsored by TOUCH and held on September 23rd, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Call the TOUCH office 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Monday thru Friday to register to give blood. You will need a photo ID or Donor Card. I also want to mention that Lynn did an excellent job assisting us on Saturday. Lynn did a great job! One more question to Carolyn, was it just the addling of the geese eggs or was there more?
Carolyn: The addling of the geese eggs has been completed for the year…just geese eggs.
Richard Stoetzer, 21 Sterling Place
On the container…are you talking about it replacing the blue container that we already have?
Carrie: In the future the larger container will replace all of the containers that you have right now.
On the break-ins…has anyone been caught? There is a gray area here, usually; we encourage the residents to call the gate to have the guard check to see if the person lives in the community. This is just a comment.
Carrie: No, at this time, no one has been captured.
Last comment: The by-laws, they were reviewed by the Review Committee and they were reviewed by the BOT and given to our lawyers for review; now when do you plan to give the by-laws to the people?
Al Capri: They are not be scheduled to be sent out yet, due to lingering questions and I am not at liberty to discuss in the open meeting.
Richard: We are the people, what is the reason?
Al Capri: We are not ready to send them out because we are talking to another attorney and I’ll keep you updated.
Marshall Edelman, 71 Finchley Court
I am sorry that I missed the “fun” meeting. It was too crowded and that is the reason I couldn’t get in. I want to tell you that I did not vote for it, not that I am against solar. I am not happy that you are libeling me and everyone else here to $1M. So, my point is if you get permission from the Township and the Public Utility Commission, the Pineland Reserves and PSE&G, before you sign a note for $1M to approve installation, I believe you have an obligation to send a letter out stating that if LeisureTowne defaults on the note, what is the liability of every homeowner in the Association? Because, if you must do an assessment, I would like to know what my responsibility will be.
Al Capri: That is why we have a Finance Committee. The vote cost us over $1K just for postage; we will not send another notification out again about this project. We’ve gotten word that we are getting paid off, it is not costing me anything, but let me tell you that whatever you pay as the homeowner, I pay the same as well. The thing you must understand is that we just did something that no community has done before; we saved over $400K last year and lowered the assessment fee. We will keep you updated, but I told you before that nothing will come out of your pocket.
Frank Marzullo, 59 Finchley Court
My question is directed to Carolyn. With these attempted break-ins, some actually entered homes, some attempted, is there a way to communicate the actual happening like the Watchdog or something to communicate the accurate information? How many break-ins to date? Have they been identified? Are they coming in from the front gate or the back gate?
Carolyn: What we know is that they are entering through Lookout Park. There are rumors of 25 to 45 homes; however, that number is not true. The break-ins as of today are 9 incidents reported to the State Police. Two of them were suspicious people, the other incidents were attempted break-ins.
Jon Minder: If you see something suspicious you must call 911, not the office or the guard house.
Frank: Isn’t there anything else we can do with the guard house? Can’t the guard call the resident that a visitor is coming onto the property?
Al Capri: These are Township streets, we are not a gated community. We have cameras at the guard houses, we have Town Watch; also, the State Police have increased patrol. The main thing is to protect your home by locking windows and doors.
Sue Costales, 21 Picardy Place
This is from Christine Hazzard – 152 Huntington Drive…she wanted to know if we could get a bus service to the college pool on Tuesday and Thursday during the winter. Our buses do not run on Tuesday or Thursday; is that possible?
Al Capri: Please present your request in writing, letter form, to be discussed at the BOT level.
Sue: Can we have rain days (as make up days) at the pool? Can we have just the residents of the community at the pool for an additional couple of weeks?
Al Capri: As I just said, please put your request in writing.
Pat Roskey, 10 Stamford Place
I was wondering if quarterly we could get a report of incidents of crime in the community? By giving the community a quarterly crime report, you are giving them an understanding of why you are telling them to lock their doors. I am a victim of crime here; however, it was my vehicle. We are lulled into the fact that because we are a senior community crime does not happen here.
Al Capri: We do that even more than quarterly. You have to read the Trustees’ Corner and the Watchdog and we offer that kind of information every month in the Trustees’ Corner.
Carolyn: This is something that all of the members have discussed at every meeting. You cannot get people to comply. I will bring it up at the next Security meeting to gather ideas to get the information out to the community.
Bob Quinn: I can’t emphasize enough that we must report our concerns to the office, the State Police and the guards so we know what is happening in the community.
Rocky Johnstone, 48 Dunstable Road
Just want to comment on the previous lady’s concerns, we are in a 9-11, you have to lock your doors and your car. You can contact the Burlington Sheriff’s department and they will come to your house and do a complete inspection for safety. You have to be on top of your own security.
Al Capri: We are going through times that are abnormal, the economy is aggravated, it is prevalent all over. We’ve been here for a lot of years, but the economy is a big problem right now.. Just be observant, lock the doors and be vigilant.
Carol Cucetta, 83 Gramercy Place
We have the woods in back of us and I am very scared at night. It is nothing to do with garage doors or doors, it is the windows. We have heard quite a few stories and we are all worried.
Al Capri: We get the message; you need to protect yourself by keeping your windows locked.
Motion to adjourn the meeting made by Bob Quinn, seconded by Jon Minder at 11:30 AM
Unanimous approval.
Submitted by:
Signature on File
__________________
Richard Weiner, Secretary September 27, 2011