Black Point Beach Clubhouse

 

1. The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM and a quorum was established.

Present : Andrew McKirdy, Chair; Matt Borrelli, John Campion, Brian Comer, Anita Schepker, David Weiss

Absent: Michael Formica

Staff: Carolyn Boyle, Treasurer; Mary Cahill, Association Manager; Roberta Jordan, Secretary

 

2. Approval of Minutes

December 11, 2004 Special Meeting - Pier Repair Proposal: On the motion of Mr. Campion, seconded by Mr. Weiss, it was unanimously VOTED to approve the minutes of December 11, 2004.

March 12, 2005 Special Meeting - Pier Repair Proposal Responses: It was noted by the chair that due to an unfortunate situation the minutes were not posted to town hall as per the FOI guidelines. On motion of Mr. Borrelli, seconded by Mr. Comer, it was unanimously VOTED to approve the minutes of March 12, 2005.

 

3. Treasurer's Report

Ms. Boyle reviewed the Profit and Loss Statement for the period 7/1/04-3/17/05. She advised that she is searching for the best interest rates for our CDís and accounts. Some have been moved from Citizens to Liberty bank. Mr. Borrelli advised Fleet is advertising 2.6% and Mr. Comer advised that a Van Guard account provides 3-4% with access to withdraw. It was noted that there is no specific policy as to how or what investment vehicle is used to invest funds. Accounts will be reviewed at maturity for best solution.

Ms. Boyle noted that payroll is now being handled by Intuit. Additionally, as encouraged by our auditor, and permissible since we are a municipality, we are self-funding state and federal unemployment.

 

On the motion of Mr. Campion, seconded by Mr. Weiss, it was unanimously VOTED to approve the Treasurer's report.

 

4. Members Comments

Mr. Lombardo, East Shore Drive, asked when the floating docks/jetties go out. The Association Manager advised they historically go out mid-June after the sand is harvested, the beaches cleaned and the major spring storms have passed. Mr. Lombardo followed up asking if consideration might be given to putting them out sooner since there are more residents and boaters here earlier in the season. The point was acknowledged for further consideration by the Board.

Ms. Johnston, Sea Crest Avenue, asked if the Board would consider moving "Member's Comments" to the end of the meeting so participants could comment on the current meeting agenda items before the meeting closed.

The Chair agreed to address under New Business/Future Agenda Items. She also commented that she hoped members would be given adequate time to reply to the Capital Improvement Plan-Pier Repair Project. The Chair advised, as commissioned by the members at the September 4, 2004 Annual Meeting, that research and proposed plans would be presented to the Association Membership in May. It was also noted that a status report explaining the process and findings to date would be published before the Spring Meeting.

 

5. Correspondence

Mrs. Jordan highlighted the letters that were received and responded to during the winter months.

 

6. Chairperson's Report

An outstanding issue from the 10/28/04 Board meeting regarding how unemployment compensationshould be appropriated was being pursued with our Auditor, Mr. Lanza. Mr. McKirdy advised that issue has been resolved with the recommendation by Mr. Lanza that we file on a reimbursement basis.

 

7. Manager's Report

Mrs. Cahill provided the following:

a. The 2005-2006 Operating Budgetis $211,600 with a 1.5% mil rate increase. Each line item was reviewed and after much discussion and clarification, on motion of Mr. Campion, seconded by Mr. Weiss, it was unanimously VOTED to approve the budget and mil rate increase with minimal wording changes. The budget will be mailed to the Association Memberís prior to the May meeting.

b. On 3/3/05, a letter was sent to the DEP asking for an explanation as to why the DEP was allowing similar docks to the north and south of the Associationís on Old Black Point Road to remain. The letter to the DEP states, "We need to know why Black Point Beach Club Association has been singled out and made to remove our docks when you have apparently not taken comparable action with regard to neighboring docks."

As of the 3/31/05 meeting, a response from the DEP had not been received.

c. The following proposed bills were sent to the East Lyme Council of Beaches

* HB5601 - An Act Concerning the Lower CT River and Areas of Natural/Historical Interest

* HB5610 - An Act Concerning Motor Boat Noise

* BH 5615 - An Act concerning the Refusal to Submit to a Motorboat Sound Level Test

d. Items of Interest regarding Black Point in relation to the other members of the East Lyme Council of Beaches which is comprised of Attawan, Black Point, Crescent, Davis, Giants Neck, Giants Neck Heights, Oak Grove, Old Black Point and Pine Grove. The data is as of 12/18/04.

 

-- The total assessed value of the ELCB is $347,324,280. Black Point is the highest at $93,747,640. The total number of households for ELBC is 2030. Black Point is 535. Total properties is 579.

-- Black Point has 338 summer properties and 197 year round properties.

-- 83 Black Point Students go to town schools.

e. A word of caution to the Board. Do not ever give up our zoning to the town. If we do, they can do whatever they like.

 

8. Standing Committee Reports

a. Communications - None

b. Social - Mr. Comer advised event ideas are being looked into.

c. Capital Improvement

* Engineering Study of Piers - Mr. Campion noted the revisions being required in the Tetra Tech contract and is moving forward with them..

* Cost Updates of other Elements of Capital Plan - Regarding Cellular Towers which Mrs. Schepker has been pursuing at the Memberships request, she has been advised that Cingular Wireless is not interested in the Black Point area as a tower location. For now this has been tabled.

d. Admin. Oversight - Have Not Met

e. Financial Oversight - Have Not Met

 

9. Old Business

a. Adjacent Properties - Mrs. Schepker advised she has drafted a letter for the Chair to send to the appropriate members.

b. Demographic Survey - Mr. Borrelli and Mrs. Jordan presented a draft. Comments were solicited and will be incorporated into the final product. The survey will be mailed to the Association Members prior to the May meeting.

 

10. New Business

a. Initiation of New Association Manager Search - Mr. McKirdy presented the position for review. On motion of Mr. Campion, seconded by Mr. Comer, it was unanimously VOTED to approve the position description and April distribution to Members for first consideration.

b. July 3 Celebration - Appropriation - Mr. McKirdy advised that a committee headed by Maureen Fox is planning a festive celebration to honor Mary Cahill on her retirement. While the event is substantially self-supporting, contributions are being sought. The BOG, on behalf of the Association, agreed to appropriate $1000 to support the event. To provide the committee with working funds, the Board must formally vote on the action. On motion of Mrs. Schepker, seconded by Mr. Campion, it was unanimously VOTED to approve the $1000 appropriation on behalf of the Association to support the tribute to Mrs. Cahill.

c. Future Agenda Items - The Board unanimously agreed to solicit Member's Comments at the end of the Meetings. Member Mary Lou Weidl, Indianola Road, commented that she hoped this year if Black Point experienced any vandalism and the perpetrators were caught that they would be arrested. Jim Moffett, Sunset Avenue, inquired about the Old Black Point Road docks. The Association Manager elaborated on the DEIRequest.

 

11. Adjournment

On motion of Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mrs. Schepker, the meeting was adjourned at 10:00 PM. The next regular meeting is May 5, 2005 at 7:00PM