The meeting was called to order by the Chairperson, Anita Schepker, at 9:15a.m.

 

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the Chairperson introduced the members of the Board of Governors, the new Association Manager, the Tax Collector, the Treasurer and the recording Secretary. Ms. Shepker thanked Mr. Weiss for providing the coffee and donuts and further advised the community on the following:

·              The project to update the Black Point Telephone directory by Marybeth Stone.

·              The bake and plant sale being hosted before and after the meeting to benefit the Club.

·              The Board decision to offer a $500.00 reward leading to the arrest and conviction of persons involved in the break-in activity during December and January.

·              The adoption of a Social Calendar

 

Chairperson Anita Schepker then provided an overview of the meeting agenda:

 

1. To receive reports from the Board of Governors on the status of the Association and Pier and Boat Launch Repair Project.

 

Mr. Campion addressed the community and introduced the completion of Phase 1 at a total cost of $660,000. He offered progress photographs, which were posted at the front of the room, and details in the provided Capital Improvement Pier Report handout.

 

Mr. Campion explained that the Board did not proceed with Phase II as the cost for permitting and work would not provide any substantial investment return.

 

Chairperson Schepker thanked Mr. Campion and noted that we owe a debt of thanks to Mr. Paul Cianci. Mr. Cianci offered help by daily reviewing the pier repair progress and reporting to the board.

 

Member questions:

 

Q? Was the slope of the boat ramp altered?

Ans: Mr. Campion explained that additional concrete was added to extend the end of the boat ramp. Work was done during the lowest winter tide. He explained that any further change to the slope of the decking was prohibitive due to cost and permitting delays. If toxic material was to be found, the association would be responsible for any cleanup costs and the permit delays would have cancelled the project.

 

Q? Was it explored if homeland security might provide money in federal or state aid?

Ans: Mr. Campion explained that at one time the area was a fire protection dock, but that no status longer applied. The answer was “no”, funding did not apply for this type of site.

 

Q? Will new railings be added to the design of the boat dock?

Ans: New posts were put in at the ramp. More rope may be added if needed.

 

Q? The Seabreeze pier has more rip rap added.

Ans: All of the piers received more rip rap.

 

Q? Plan for the future at main beach?

Ans: The COP gives 4 years to continue to move rock. During this time we may make the piers as secure as possible. A study was done of the steel pier 5 years ago and is on file.

 

Q? Member question about extended liability?

Ans: We are putting signage and might be able to put a railing with a sign, but railings at the end of the pier require permits. Not sure if they would be allowed.

 

Q? Was the slab removed?

Ans: The slab was removed in February.

 

Member Comment: Maybe mandatory movie be shown at the beginning of the club season to give safety instruction to the children.

 

The Chairperson thanked Mr. Campion for his presentation and presented the Tax Collector.

 

Mrs. Cahill reported on tax collection.

There are 586 properties in Black Point and as of the morning there were 13 delinquents. June 15 the liens will go out. Any common property will not be available for use to members in arrears.

Ms. Schepker reminded the members that the statute requires a lien.

 

Mr. Mike Manifold, manager, reported to the membership.

Dara Flom is the new Recreation Program Director. Flyers are available at the door for those interested in signing up for club services.

 

Chris Mullins has been hired as the new Security Director and there will be (2) security guards working with him for the season.

 

Mr. Manifold reported that the tennis courts are not in very good shape and that NE Tennis is working for Black Point, the problems should be corrected including getting the sprinkler system up and running.

 

Mr. Manifold said that we owe Jim Beebe a debt of gratitude for his quick response to sort out problems and repair the boat floats and swim rafts. The boat float at the ramp is now in the water. Jim will adjust the alignment to fit the pier.

 

Q? Member question regarding the structure and timing for Mr. Beebe’s invoicing.

Ans: Mr. Manifold said that Mr. Beebe’s invoicing is to be updated to be systematic with the proposal.

 

Mr. Manifold explained that Mr. Nebelung will maintain the beaches and has been receiving clear instruction. The beaches have been done satisfactorily and are ready for the season.

 

The swim floats will be put into the water when the beach security staff starts for the season.

 

The piers will receive new painted warnings stating NO DIVING_ it is possible new language may be devised.

 

Q? Member asked about the large amount of rock being deposited at South Beach and asked if there is a solution that has not been applied?

Ans: Mr. Manifold answered that the beach is being cleaned according to instructions. He will see what might be done to assist, if something is lacking, short of any DEP required intervention.

 

2. To consider and act upon the FY2008 Operating Budget and Tax Rate of (1) mil proposed by the Board of Governors, such tax rate to be based on the East Lyme Assessor’s Grand List of October 2006.

 

Mr. Manifold presented the FY2008 budget of $216,126.00 with a tax rate of (1) mil. There is a fund surplus of $20,000.00 that has been added back now that the pier project is over.

 

Mr. Manifold mentioned that he will work with Mr. Nebelung to shift rock from the Billow Road storage area to the piers as needed.

 

Q? A member questioned if a photo survey had been done of the beaches and piers?

Ans: It was noted that photos exist and that some were required for the pier permit process. Copies of the photographs are available from the DEP.

 

Q? A member requested the swim float be placed at a further distance off the pier. Noting that the float has been moved closer to shore over time and could this be addressed this season?

Ans: Mr. Manifold said he would put the float out as far as the chain will allow, to the limit of the swim area markers.

 

Budget Resolution

Andrew McKirdy moved that the membership approve the FY2008 operating budget as proposed by the Board of Governors totaling $216,126 and a tax rate of one (1) mil to be based on the East Lyme Assessor's Grand List of October 2006.

Seconded by Maureen Fox.

 

VOTE Unanimous                Budget Resolution PASSED

 

 

 

3. To elect (3) Members of the Board of Governors, each Member to serve for a term of three years.

           

The Chairperson asked the membership for nominations to fill positions vacated by Matt Borrelli and Anita Schepker and for David Weiss, who is eligible to serve a second term.

Jim Schepker nominated David Weiss for a 2^nd term, and the nomination was seconded.

Mary Cahill nominated Joan Hayes for a first term, and the nomination was seconded by Sharon Scklar.

Maureen Fox nominated Jill S. Coscarelli for a first term, and the nomination was seconded by Ed Zito.

 

Ms. Schepker asked if there were any other nominations. Hearing none, the nominations were closed and a motion was made for the Secretary to cast one vote. The motion was seconded and was VOTE passed UNANIMOUS by the membership.

 

4. To act upon any other such business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting.

 

Mr. Manifold addressed the membership stating that the SeaView/Sea Crest walkway is not safe and members should stay off. The decking, rebar and stairs (with stone wall) on the beach will be removed.

 

Q? A Member asked a question about the removal of the East Lyme Kayak Dock on OBP Road.

Ans: Mr. Manifold explained that a Black Point member spoke directly to the DEP. The DEP’s response was to remove everything. Mr. Manifold asks that in the future, that you please contact him with any questions or problems before making direct contact with the DEP.

 

Q? Member questioned the current beach contract status with Mr. Nebelung?

Ans: Mr. Manifold explained that he will revisit the service and the end of the season for continuance.

 

Q? The seawall to the right of the boat ramp is part of the property for sale. Is the homeowner aware that they are responsible for upkeep?

Ans: Mr. Manifold felt the situation was under control but he would contact the homeowner to have the wall repaired.

 

Q? Member asked what was being done about geese control.

Ans: Mr. Manifold said that “Wingin it Geese Control” would not be hired this season. He will explore “wind moving” items to help deter geese. It is permitted to hunt the birds in the fall. Or we have to find a way to deter them in the summer.

 

 

Q? If we pursue permits for the Kayak docks will they be allowed?

Ans: Mr. Manifold explained that the permit process costs time and money. There are no guarantees that after we pursue proper permits and pay the appropriate fees we would be granted docks on Old Black Point Rd.

 

Mrs. Cahill asked the new Board to consider a petition to change the charter to allow trustees to be allowed to serve drawing on a larger portion of our membership for important positions.

 

Q? Member asked if the treasurer could provide a balance sheet at the next annual meeting.

Ans: Ms. Boyle said she would take care of it.

 

Mr. McKirdy asked membership to acknowledge the extra work done this year by John Campion, Paul Cianci, Carolyn Boyle, Mary Cahill and Mike Manifold. Mr. McKirdy acknowledged Chairperson Anita Schepker for her hard work and service as she concludes six (6) years of service. The membership greeted the comment with applause and thanks.

 

Mr. Weiss gave a review of the social calendar and said he would have it posted on the website. He highlighted some of the events and mentioned there would be live music at one of the bonfires and a D.J. at the other two (2). He is looking for volunteers to help, please contact him.

 

Pewter medallions are on sale and may be purchased by contacting Mr. Weiss.

 

Brian Comer addressed the success of the Cahill Scholarship. Due to member support and investment, (2) $1,500.00 scholarships were awarded in 2006.

 

Mr. Brendan Fox reported that the golf tournament is scheduled for Monday, July 30 2007, at the New London Country Club.

 

Adjournment

Having no further member comments or business the Chair made a motion to adjourn and was seconded by Sharon Scklar. At 10:20am the 2007 Annual Meeting of the Black Point Beach Club Association was adjourned.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Gemma Balukonis Dowd, Secretary