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    WALLENPAUPACK LAKE ESTATES

    PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

    ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

    JUNE 9, 2007

     

    The June 9, 2007 Annual Property Owners Association Meeting began with the pledge allegiance to the American flag.

    Ed Weidler inquired of the staff at the front door who were signing members in to the meeting, if there was a quorum present. The answer was yes. Ed also queried as to the number of proxy votes. There were 186.

    President Ed Weidler, presiding, introduced those sitting at the dais. Present were, Vice-President Steve Sollenne, Secretary Paula Whitney, Treasurer Ted Couillou and members Anne Marie Madison, Jack McIntyre, Gina Florio and General Manager John Carney. Also present were Debbie Borger of Riley & Company, our accounting firm, and Howard Terreri, legal counsel

    Copies of the June 2006 minutes were made available to the membership prior to and at this meeting. The minutes were not read at this meeting.

    Motion to accept the minutes was made by Max Watkins and seconded by Sandi Boyer. The minutes were passed as presented.

    General Managers Report- John Carney

    John explained that WLE was one of the few communities in Pennsylvania with a TAP status (501 C-3) which makes us a non profit association. Debbie Borger of our accounting firm keeps the community in line as to what we can and cannot do to keep this rating. One of the items being voted on at this meeting is the transfer of funds from Operating to the Capital Replacement, which is an aid in helping us keep the tax exempt status.  John stated that if we were to be audited by the IRS, our minutes will reflect that we have a membership approval on the transfer. John reiterated what he has explained many times in the past; this is not in addition to your annual dues, this is a portion of the dues that is taken out and put in the Replacement Fund. This was now a vote that would be taken yearly.

    John said he was pleased to be able to say that the Marina and both pools were open for the season, the May weather had really cooperated with our work schedules. With the late April snow storms, it was possible that we might fall behind with our Spring/Summer preparations, but with a lot of hard work from all departments, everything was done in one month. A little more attention to details regarding such items as the older staircases and railings, will be looked at during the installation of the Marina next year. Additional golf cart parking is also being researched. John exclaimed that we now have a daytime Dock Master and a nighttime employee was being looked into. He also explained that we have begun to utilize the use of surveillance cameras at several amenities, and we were considering their placement at the Marina, however, we have been told that it is not an easy task and could potentially be expensive.

    Another project underway is the campgrounds. Some of the end sites are still be dressed up. We seen a rise in requests for seasonal sites, we have done our best to answer the demand. More water and electric sites are being fashioned.

    The U-Dock down below the Main Clubhouse has been installed. Additional stair casing is being installed. That whole area in itself is being refurbished; however, we must obtain permits and approval from PPL, the DEP and the Army Corp of Engineers which hinders the process.

    Beaver pool has a handicap ramp ready for installation and we are looking to created additional parking alongside Red Hawk Drive.

    Furthermore, John reported that at the site of the old skating rink in Section 4, shuffle board courts will be set up.

    John began discussing the new Kasper Lodge. He explained that the process began last November when they contact an architect, builders and the Township regarding permits. It is now June and we are still in discussions but the plans are in and we are just awaiting final approval. With the new building codes, the originally proposed pole building was no longer a possibility. When we first submitted the plans, they were returned to us with some minor items to be addressed. John explained that we would be acting as the general contractor with regards to the building. That is, we would sub out the different facets of the job, such as hiring one contractor to do the excavating and another to do the electrical etc. Some of the plumbing will be done in house. The excavator is ready for us, he is just waiting for the final go ahead.

    Another projected venture that was approved by the Board of Directors is the new Fitness Center. Hopefully the foundation will be erected this Fall.

    John then touched on the topic of 911 signs and pressure reducing valves. The pressure reducing valves will be addressed later in the Sewer & Water report. As far as the 911 signs, Chief Kizer is inspecting the erected signs to see if they meet the mandatory criteria. If it doesn’t, a letter will be mailed to the property owner giving them 30 days to install a proper sign.

    John then addressed the road work being performed. Again, due to weather restrictions, the road work began later then what we hoped for. Extensive road patching was done, improving road edges and tar and chipping all took place. In recent years, more budgeted money has gone to drainage then to roads, but that has proven to be very helpful. If funds allow and Board approval John said that he would like to initiate another, less expensive road program in the Fall.

    John started to explain that many times as a community grows, it tends to disassociate itself from the outside communities and vise versa. However, Wallenpaupack Lake Estates is quite involved. Brian Schan, Director of Sewer & Water is on the Wallenpaupack Watershed District. This all began because there was a time when the communities with central sewers were perceived as problematic. There were people who believed that sewage was being pumped into Lake Wallenpaupack. Brain decided to enlighten the local population as to how the process works, so he got involved with the district, and now serves on the watershed Board of Directors. Chief Rocky Kizer is involved with the Security Chief Association. Presently, their biggest task is pushing local legislators that associations need more enforcing powers. The surrounding towns have no immediate intention of getting township police, which is a matter we have discussed with Paupack Township. Since this is not a possibility and the State Police are at a minimum, it is a project that will be ongoing. John stated that he, himself is involved with the Wallenpaupack Communities Association. Their objective is to help other communities around Lake Wallenpaupack by way of seminars and speakers who represent various professions that can aide some of the smaller communities that don’t have professional staffing. John reminded the membership that we are fortunate to have our own Security staff and that we maintain a good relationship with the State Police.

    John mentioned that during the recent primary election, Jerry Bradley along with Alice Marz and the Women’s’ Luncheon Club, held a Meet the Candidates in the Main Clubhouse. WLE held the biggest audience the candidates addressed and they expressed their gratitude to our residents for their presence and respectfulness. After the meeting John had a chance to speak with Mr. Zimmer, a candidate for Wayne County Judge. Mr. Zimmer claimed that he was impressed with our operations, form the issuance of a citation, to the Citation Review Committee and the appeal process from CRC to the Board of Directors. We have basically set up our own judicial system which helps minimize the need to escalate instances to the Magisterial or County level.

    Lastly, John mentioned the progress with regards the Lakeville Fire Substation. WLE has held various meetings with the fire department. In past years a lack of volunteer firefighters proved to be a challenge that has since changed. There are approximately 50 people on their roster, 12 of which are WLE residents. Lakeville is looking to purchase a new fire truck, if that transpires, we would hopefully inherit the old engine which will be housed in WLE at the Maintenance building or possibly on a WLE owned lot on Goose Pond Road. Of course there is no final approval for this yet. As far as the available funds for this project, Lakeville is looking into possible grants. We are also considering various fund raisers. If any property owners have ideas for generating money for this project, the association is open to suggestions.

    At this time John thanked outgoing Board members Anne Marie Madison and Jack McIntyre for their services.

    Ed Weidler resumed officiating the meeting and gave his thanks to John Carney for the great job he does, reminding people it is not easy to run the Association.

    Next Ed stated that department reports would be reviewed, beginning with financial matters.

    Treasurers Report – Ted Couillou

    The meeting was turned over to Ted Couillou, Treasurer. Ted in turn introduced Debbie Borger of our accounting firm, Riley & Company. Debbie started by saying that the firm she represents has been working with community associations in the Poconos and northeast Pennsylvania for approximately 40 years. Debbie further explained that they provide all kinds of services from audits to other financial savings, tax returns and consulting work. She proclaimed that Wallenpaupack Lake Estates is well managed and that our management listens to the comments and suggestions and follows through with what is in the best interest of the association. Debbie announced that a full set of the financials are available in the office. The audit means that they are accurate and materially correct. As auditors, it’s their job to verify the numbers presented in the financial statement. They also check records, speak with management and employees and look at receivable and payable dues. Next Debbie reiterated what John spoke of earlier regarding the vote on the money transfer.

    Ed thanked Debbie for all of her hard work with the Association.

    Sewer and Water Report – Steve Sollenne

    Then Ed explained that Brian was out on property working on a water leak and would not be able to attend the meeting. In his place, Steve Sollenne read Brian’s report. The Sewer & Water Department is working on several projects this summer. They will begin working on the headwork’s building and constructing a pavilion to house two portable generators to protect them from the weather. A new sewer pump is being installed at Pump Station 3. There were some water flow issues over the Memorial Day Weekend, that were quickly resolved. Two new booster pumps are scheduled to be installed before July 4th at the Indian Drive water tower, which will give a good backup flow during high demand. The department is still working on the pressure reducing valve program. Rough numbers estimate that approximately 540 property owners have complied with the pressure valve regulation. Approximately 100 homes fall into the time frame where they are part of the plumbing installation. Brian stated that his 2 new employees, Tom McKane and Chuck Fenstermaker are working out well.

    Maintenance – Jack McIntyre

    The meeting was now turned over to Jack McIntyre for the Maintenance report. Jack exclaimed that Maintenance hands in a comprehensive report each month and he is happy to report that they are doing their job.

    Security Report – Anne Marie Madison

    Next, Ed introduced Anne Marie Madison for the Security report. Anne Marie introduced Rocky, who would speak on Security’s behalf. Rocky started by breaking down all calls to Security varying on the following issues.

    58 ambulance calls                    16 domestic calls                      45 police assists

    174 alarm calls                         15 auto accidents                      8 RV accidents

    33 thefts                                   49 vandalism acts                     5 unlawful entries (1 false)

    11 fire calls                               8 unlawful vehicle entries

    In addition, 489 citations have been issued in the past year. Rocky claimed that they were cracking down on underage drinking and drug use. He then commended his hard working officers.

    Ed once again took the floor and reiterated the rules on fireworks use with a cautionary reminder that a $500 fine would be issued to anyone caught lighting fireworks.

    Legal and Administration – Gina Florio

    At this time the meeting was turned over to Gina Florio to report on legal and administration. Gina stated that with the exception of Section 6 and Bill Spillane, the legal department has been relatively quiet. She then introduced our Attorney, Howard Terreri Esq. Howard agreed with Gina in regards to it being a quiet year which he attests to the work of the Board and the Association staff. On the matter of Section 6, we are in negotiations to provide sewage service. We are required by law to provide the sewage facility being as it was approved for the entire community.

    Howard also informed the audience that collection activity has heated up. The Board is cracking down on chronic delinquents. Other than those 2 items to report, Howard said all other matters are routine. On another note, Howard explained that the township generates considerable revenue from WLE and we are entitled to more services. The association should not hesitate to demand more services from the township and we should utilize our political force.

    Property Owner – Would you clarify the Section 6 situation. Some people may be confused. We are responsible for their sewer system but they have no other entitlements to this development be it the use of our amenities or use of our roads, docks or anything else? Howard responded by saying that was correct.

    Jim Clark (7-031) – I just want to know how you plan on collecting sewer fees because you’re going to have to be doing it as individuals. Howard explained that we were not proceeding in an individual fashion. We will be dealing with the developer as a single entity or the successor property owners association. Since we have no idea how the community will be run, it makes negotiating difficult.

    More discussion on the possible sewage service to Section 6 continued.

    When a property owner inquired about our collection procedures, Howard took some time to explain the steps involved leading all the way up to a Sheriff’s Sale.

    Ed thanked Howard for his time.

    John expanded on the information regarding the Section 6 sewage service hook up. He explained that yes, if we needed to expand to feed the other area with our services, that they indeed would be financially responsible. However, it is feasible that as our community grows, we may have to expand to suit our own needs. This was calculated during the 1992 expansion when two phases were planned. It has always been the intent that someday we would have to go to the next phase. If we were to break ground immediately for another plant expansion, the funds are already in place.

    Recreation – Paula Whitney

    Ed now introduced Paula Whitney to report on Recreation and the new scholarship fund. Paula began by thanking Pat Mongalieri and Vincent Settepani, the co-chairpersons of Recreation. Paula listed the many events taking place this summer.

    Regarding the scholarship fund, John Rechinda had proposed making a scholarship available to children and grandchildren of property owners. The Board of Directors took it a bit further by deciding to grant 4 $1,000 scholarships each year. Paula and John will put together an application. The first scholarships will be awarded at next years Annual Meeting. The applications will be available in the fall, with a deadline for submission sometime in April. A Scholarship Committee will be set up.

    Henry Cowen was introduced to announce the election results for the candidates running for the Board of Directors. Henry reported the following results:

    Jack Vetter - 290 ½ votes

    Elvin Quinones - 283 ½ votes

    Jerry Beskovoyne - 195 votes

    Conrad Zabransky - 130 votes

    Henry then thanked Steve Sollenne, Judge of Elections and the Election Committee. The resolution results would be read later, after the voting was complete.

    At this time the new Board Members were sworn in.

    Ed once again thanked outgoing Board Members Anne Marie and Jack.

    There was a short break as the last of the resolution ballots were counted.

    Ed repeated what John stated earlier about volunteerism in WLE. He claimed that there are many, many property owners and committees in the Estates that help both inside and outside of WLE. He thanked everyone who volunteers their time.

    Henry again took over the meeting with the resolution results.

    The Transfer of Funds Resolution passed 347 ½ for and 3 against.

    The Address Change Resolution passed 371 for and 11 against.

    The floor was now opened to the membership.

    Diane Kitchell (1-508) – questioned as to whether citations were issued to unsightly lots specifically pertaining to junk cars. John answered that Rocky gave citations for this problem and if the situation is not rectified by a certain date we can have the vehicle towed out.

    Ken Stopsky (5-193) – questioned how the Board was going to address the cutting down and replacement of trees. Ted Couillou, Board liaison to the Building Committee stated that the Board, as well as the Building Committee and the Building Compliance Officer are aware that there is a problem and they are looking into ways to resolve it.

    Karen Zanelli (5-236) – inquired about the sign on the strret for Deer Lake Dam Failure. Can someone explain? John said it is a sign that is mandated by the DEP. Any dam in that category has to have the sign posted in case of failure. There is a report available in the office regarding that matter, in addition to copies for the Township and the EMS building in Wayne County.

    Bob Assenheimer (4-290) – was wondering how next winter, more specifically during February, March and April, we will enforce the road ban. John explained that through Act 180 we are allowed to close the roads for so many days within the Spring/Fall period. We can’t just close it for a certain time; we have to abide by the actual allotted time period. We have a sign that indicates when the roads are open or not. However, between utility vehicles, emergency vehicles, propane trucks and PPL trucks, they cause more damage then any contractors. Who determines when the roads are closed? John stated that between himself, the Building Compliance Officer and the Maintenance Supervisor, they make the decision together. More discussion on this topic ensued.

    Ed Nagel (7-070) – asked why the long range planning states that there have been provisions made for an addition to Kasper Lodge, a building that has not even been erected yet. Ed explained that the building was designed for possible future expansion in needed.

    Lois Kuehnapfel (4-023) – complained of teenagers hanging around outside of the Adult Lodge until late at night making a lot of noise. Ed asked Rocky to look into it.

    Diane Kitchell (1-508) – Going back to roads, are all of the roads going to be tarred and chipped? John said no, the process of deciding what roads get done is formulated between what is budgeted and what is most in need of repairs.

    Ed Weidler asked for a motion to close the meeting.

    Motion to adjourn was made by Paul Cuskley and seconded by Max Watkins. Meeting adjourned at 12:25 PM.

    WLE Annual Open Board Meeting June
    Open Board Meeting November

     


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