Black Point Beach Clubhouse

 

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson, Andy McKirdy, at 9:15 a.m.

 

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the Chairperson introduced the members of the Board of Governors, the Treasurer and the recording Secretary.  He noted that this was Mrs. Cahill’s last meeting as Association Manager.  After 35 years as she is retiring effective 6/30/05. In recognition and appreciation of her dedication and commitment to Black Point, the community honored Mrs. Cahill with a standing ovation.

 

1.  To consider and act upon the reports of the Secretary/Treasure and the Board of Governors. 

 

It was moved, seconded and carried to accept the reports.

 

2.  To consider and act upon the Budget and tax rate proposed by the Board of Governors, such tax rate to be based on the East Lyme Assessor’s Grand List of October 1, 2004

 

Mrs. Cahill explained the proposed $211,600 budget and the 1.5 mil rate, which remains unchanged.  She noted that it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain the budget and mil rate given the pier renovation review and other needed capital improvements.  She explained that the minimal increase between the 2004-2005 budget and the proposed 2005-2006 budget was due to the pier engineering study currently being pursued.

 

It was noted also that the budget format had been modified to include actuals through March, 2005 as had been requested at last years Annual Meeting. 

 

Mrs. Cahill noted that we should be proud of our financial track record and explained we are the only association that has a certified auditor

 

A member asked why the Taxes were budgeted at $132,650 when the estimated year end was projected to be $140,235.  Mrs. Cahill explained that the difference takes into account the fact that 100% of the taxes are not collected.

 

Mr. John Stone asked why the Floats and Lines were estimated to be $32,000 up from $9900 in 2004-2005. Mrs. Cahill explained that the proposed budget reflected a greater number of itemized categories as was requested at last years meeting.  For a valid comparison Beaches and Jetties should be reviewed in conjunction with the Floats and Lines.  The appropriate estimates are reflected in each line item.

 

Mr. John Shea noted that the Surplus Fund was to be outside of the budget and asked where this was reflected.  Mrs. Cahill noted that “CD#2” on the bottom of the budget sheet was the fund in question.  Only the interest earned is reflected in the budget.

 

Mr. Joseph Attardo commended Mrs. Cahill and the Board for maintaining the budget and mil rate and made a motion “to accept the proposed 2005-06 budget and mil rate.”

 

This was seconded by Mr. Manuck and voted in unanimously.

 

3.  To elect two (2) Members of the Board of Governors, each Member to serve a three year term (05/05 to 05/08).

 

Mr. McKirdy noted that Mr. Formica’s term was expiring and having served two terms was no longer eligible to serve.  Brian Comer was ending his first term but was eligible for a second term.  The Chairperson then solicited nominations from the floor.

 

Mrs. Maureen Fox nominated Mr. Ray Fitzgerald.  She provided a brief statement regarding his credentials and experience and it was seconded.

 

Mr. Jim Schepker nominated Mr. Brian Comer for a second term and it was seconded.

 

Mr. McKirdy 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 for Mr. Fitzgerald and Mr. Comer.  Mrs. Candlish seconded the motion and it

was voted unanimously.

 

4.  The Chairperson asked Mrs. Cahill to step out of the building while the next topic was discussed. 

 

Mrs. Cahill graciously obliged. Mrs. Maureen Fox then commented on the July 3^rd Retirement Celebration in honor of Mrs. Cahill.  Mrs. Cahill returned for the remainder of the meeting.

 

5.  To act upon any other such proper business as may come before the Meeting.

 

Mr. McKirdy updated the Members on the Association Managers Search.  Several applications have been received to date and the close date is 6/1/05. Mr. Joseph Attardo asked who would be the acting Association Manager if a new manager was not named by 6/30/05.  Mrs. Cahill agreed to fill in until a replacement was named.  Mr. Attardo thanked Mrs. Cahill for her contributions to the community and stated that she should be given the title Association Manager Emeritus.

 

Mr. McKirdy asked the Board Members to provide a brief summary of the activities currently underway.

 

Mr. John Campion outlined the status of the Pier Engineering Study. He advised that based on a listing from the Department of Environmental Protection, 16 companies were sent a Request for Proposal.  The response deadline was 2/18/05.  Four Companies replied.  On 3/12/05, the Board met to discuss the responses. 

Two candidates were selected, Tetra Tech and George Torello Engineers, P.C.  The committee voted Tetra Tech as the company that best fit the need.  As such, Mr. Campion, in cooperation with our legal council, was given the direction to negotiate an Engineering Study with Tetra Tech. In determining the terms of the contract, negotiations stalled and Tetra Tech ultimately withdrew.   Mr. Campion was then directed to negotiate an Engineering Inspection with George Torello Engineers which is currently underway.

 

The overall plan is to do an inspection before the season fully begins.  The outcome being a comprehensive study of what will be required to retain our piers.    

 

Mr. George Parsons asked what Tetra Tech’s issue was.  Mr. Campion advised it was related to liability exposure. 

 

Mr. John Stone asked if the Inspection was expected to be $20k and if there was a ball park figure for the effort overall.  Mr. Campion advised that $20k was an estimate and that we were trying to negotiate a better deal.  Mr. Campion commented that there is no ball park estimate at this time.  The Inspection is critical to determine how we proceed.

 

A member asked if there was a possibility we would go to one dock. Mr. Campion advised the Inspection has to tell us the useful life of the structures before any decisions are made.

 

Mrs. Karen Marvin asked how the Members would be kept informed of the progress. Mr. McKirdy advised that the Board meets regularly and the community is welcome to sit in. Additionally, minutes are posted at the club and on the East Lyme web site.

 

Mrs. Anita Schepker updated the Members on the Capital Improvement Plan (non pier related items).  She advised the Old Black Point Road boat launch was removed at the direction of the DEP as it was not legally installed based on their aerial photos. Tennis Courts are being evaluated to determine best use.  The Rights-of-Ways are being reviewed for possible landscaping.  Storage Facility to house the floats, lines etc. is being costed and a feasible location looked into.  Clubhouse property is being reviewed for a park like setting.  A plan will be formulated once estimates can be secured.

 

Mr. Peter Stempien asked if the Board was looking into any revenue generating opportunities.  For example, the cell towers.  Mrs. Schepker advised this was looked into and we were politely declined since we are not in a good location for towers.

 

Mr. Campion provided alternative kayaking locations in the absence of the Old Black Point Road boat launch.  Since boats can’t be launched within a swimming area the following locations were offered:   
(1)  Sea View Avenue – Right side,
(2)  Sea Spray Avenue  - Right side,  
(3) Osprey Road (South Beach) - Left side
(4)  Town of East Lyme Launch at the bottom of Woodland Street –not sure how accessible it is but there is a dock for East Lyme residents.

 

Mr. Hayden asked if it were possible to mow the area by the Old Black Point Road dock owned by the Association.  Mr. Campion advised that upon removal of the dock you can see that there is a fresh water feed into the bay creating a muddy area.  Mowing would be tough.  The area will be evaluated as part of the Engineering Inspection Pier Project.

 

Mr. Ken Rohan asked if other owners along Old Black Point Road lost their docks. Mrs. Cahill explained how it came to be that the Black Point dock was removed.  She advised that the DEP received an anonymous complaint regarding a neighboring dock not being environmentally correct.  In researching that complaint, they observed other docks that were not in compliance and issued Notices of Violation.  Black Point was a recipient of that notice.  Given the financial penalty that would be incurred if we did not comply with the notice to remove the dock, the Board agreed to its removal when notified in October, 2004. Mrs. Cahill stated she is not sure who else received a notice but she was advised we were not alone.

 

Mr. Matt Borrelli commented on the Survey mailed to the membership in April.  To date, approximately one third of the community has participated.  Those who had not submitted their inputs were encouraged to do so.  Forms were available at the meeting. Responses will be accepted until 7/1/05.

 

A member asked if there could be better access to the Tennis Courts.  It appears the sign up sheets are inside the courts and the gates are locked making scheduling difficult. It was agreed this would be looked into.

 

Brian Comer provided a status of the Cahill Scholarship Fund. The committee plans to accept applications earlier and they are looking to increase the amount presented.

 

Doctor Fox provided an update on the Golf Tournament which is a fund raiser for the Cahill Scholarship Fund.  The tournament is scheduled for 8/1/05 and the fee is $100.

 

Mr. Tom Sheehan asked parents and all members to be aware of the rules regarding

Scooter licensing.  It was noted that they should be published in the Black Pointer.

 

Ms. Margaret Casey inquired about the chains and Pedestrian Only signs on the Rights-of-Ways.  Mrs. Cahill advised they have been there for years (just updated) and that the areas were for the use of all members (no dogs).  As noted previously,landscaping is being considered as part of the Capital Improvement Plan. Several members living on Sunrise and Billow asked the membership to be wary of the stop sign and curve.  There are several children in the area and the speed at which cars proceed is very dangerous. Mrs. Cahill thanked Jim Beebe for providing the donuts for the meeting and the Candlish’s for the coffee and set up.

 

6.  In introducing Mrs. Cahill for the last time in her official capacity as Association

 

Manager, Mr. McKirdy advised the Membership that as a community, Black Point was at a pivotal point in its history.  After 35 years of growing, guiding, and enforcing Black Point’s rules, the "good shepherd" and "Mayor of Black Point" as she is affectionately known, has decided to retire.

 

Mrs. Cahill expressed her love for Black Point and its Members and thanked the community for their support and friendship over the years. She stated she strived to do her best to enforce the Boards rules and hopes she will be remembered as being fair.  She commented that she is ?proud of this Association? and reminded the community that it can continue to be successful if they ?stand together?.  She encouraged the members to continue to elect people who care.  In closing, Mrs. Cahill expressed her gratitude to the Membership for all they had given her and hoped that she has been able to give something back.

 

7.  There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned by voice vote at 10:25 a.m.

 

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Respectfully Submitted,

Roberta C. Jordan, Secretary

Black Point Beach Club Association