The June 13, 2009 Annual Property Owners Meeting was opened by President Jerry Bescovoyne at approximately 10:00 am with the Pledge of Allegiance. A quorum was present.

 

Jerry introduced the members of the Board of Directors, the General Manager, as well as the Community Attorney.  Annual scholarships were presented to Elizabeth Tartaglia, Kelly Moya, Jena Rivera, and Jennifer Sobi (who could not attend as she was on a trip to Washington).  Jerry Bescovoyne announced he wanted to touch on a few hot topics but the floor will not be open for questions until later in the meeting.

 

Jerry’s first topic was that of the Deer Management Program. He explained that it’s really a health and safety issue only; it was not an easy or quick decision to make.  An 83 minute videotape of a meeting held on July 31, 2008 with the USDA has been posted on the website for all property owners to view at their leisure. 

 

The use of ATV’s was also a big concern this year. The vote for ATVs was brought up because a petition containing the signature of 10% of property owners was presented to the BOD.  It was not an issue resurrected by this Board. The only action that the BOD took for efficiency in this resolution was to consolidate the special meeting required by our bylaws with the annual meeting packet. 

 

One other item discussed was the improper use of the WLE Logo and the return address at the POA office.  The use of proprietary information implies the endorsement by the office and the BOD in a recent mailing, which is the not the case. 

 

With that being said, Jerry turned the meeting over to Gina Florio who read a statement regarding the Boards consideration as to whether or not to arm our Security Officers.  She assured the membership that this subject was not a passing concept; it had been studied and debated at length.

 

At this time Elvin Quinones, Board Secretary asked for approval of last year’s minutes. 

 

Paula Whitney (4/124) requested an addition to the 2008 meeting.

 

The BOD accepted Paula Whitney’s corrections to its June 14^th, 2008 meeting.

 

Steve Sollene (7-171) made a statement that Paula Whitney was making an addition to the minutes or a correction as the minutes of the meeting along with the transcript of the meeting are already filed away.

 

Much discussion ensued as to what, if any, motions were on the floor as well as what should be included in the published minutes. Association Attorney Howard Terreri explained the minutes should be a summary of the transactions that occurred at the membership meeting, how much detail included is up to the membership since it is a membership meeting.  It’s not intended to detail every scope and word by every member. He further explained that it is atypical and unnecessary to have the minutes transcribed in this manner. 

 

After more confusion and explanation of the motion being voted upon, a show of hands of property owners to make the motion to accept the Minutes with the amendments, and seconded by Sandy Boyer (2-302).

 

Jerry turned the meeting over to General Manager John Carney.  John thanked our professionals for coming Debbie Borger and Carol Owens (Accounting Firm) and Attorney Howard Terreri.  He also acknowledged the vote counting volunteers and Vinny and his crew (for providing hot dogs).  John thanked the entire WLE staff explaining that with over 1300 homes now; 500 plus being fulltime residents the staff is kept busy year round. 

 

Mention was made of several projects that were done between last year and this year.  The fitness center, Kasper lodge, the aluminum docks down below the main clubhouse, wave runner slips, which we are hoping to add more of. In addition, Beaver Lodge had flooring and deck replaced. The new ball field, was dedicated on Memorial Day weekend.  The economy hasn’t affected our immediate area as much as some other areas.  Homes are still selling for the most part, acknowledging cost has gone down but people are not staying away.  The fourth quarter assessment receivables in 2008 were the slowest we had and continued first quarter of 2009 but now that we’re in the second quarter, we’re right on budget.  (97% assessment collection rates plus we’re still collecting prior dues.  Funds are solid, capital reserve fund, contingency funds and funds for our capital projects.  Riley has structured us in a way (that’s the vote being approved for today) with money from the operating fund going to the capital reserves all with minimal dues increases. 

 

Jerry thanked John for his loyalty and dedication to the community. 

 

The meeting was then turned over to Treasurer, Dan Braun who in turn welcomed Debbie Borger from Riley and Company. Debbie introduced Carol Owens who also works on the audit and assists Debbie with Scott Miller, who has attended meetings in the past year as well. She discussed the annual audit for 2008 and made mention that WLE is very well managed.  The financial statements that were included in the packets have been given an unqualified opinion by the firm, which is what we want to see.  The report on the financial statement are materially correct, an audit is the highest level of service that CPA’s can give to the association.  Riley works closely with John and the rest of the management of the association about reserve study, the funding of the reserves, but our association is very well financed and managed.  The 2009 budget reflects the conservatism of the Board of Directors. 

 

There was a question as to the status of the Finance Committee. Dan had potential candidates but at that time with the economy being what it was and concerns of government regulations, those qualified to serve on the committee were put in a position where they had to seek permission from the current employers to give advice to an outside source.  The employers were none to willing so  Dan carried the burden as a consequence.  However this year, the economy does not look as bleak so Dan is looking to reinvigorate the finance committee and asked for volunteers. 

 

Some of the initiatives from the prior year:

·          Successful conversion of 15 WLE-owned lots to green space.  This avoids the property tax that WLE had been paying on those lots.

·          Ongoing conversion of 30 additional WLE-owned lots to wetlands.  Upon completion of this project, WLE will no longer pay property tax on these lots, which, in some cases if adjacent to our lakes, are assessed rather steeply. 

·          Implementation of a check co-signing procedure

 

Energy saving initiatives: 

·          Hot water heaters were replaced with on demand or tankless waters heaters.  The cost to replace those in the laundry mat will be recouped within 1.05 years.

·          Lights in the Adult Lodge are using 1/3 the electricity than before

 

 

Jerry then turned the meeting over to Gina for the Legal and Administration report.  Gina stated that it had been a relatively quiet year with respect to any legal and administrative action.  Howard Terrari assisted Nancy Settepani with certain delinquencies, those that consist of foreclosures, bankruptcies and Sheriff’s Sales. Howard’s review of the sewer and water agreement is ongoing.  There was also the preparation of documents for the properties that Dan referenced, wetlands to green areas, and questions on the swapping of the Boy Scout land for the fire substation.  More recently, Howard provided guidance on the misuse of the propriety information, our logo and return address.  Gina turned the meeting over to Howard who reiterated that there’s very little to report, other than routine matters.

 

When questioned about the alleged illegal use of the WLE logo and address, Gina expanded that an in-depth discussion was held with the Post Master and it is a huge and lengthy process. A long discussion between the Board and property owners ensued regarding the situation. Gina explained it is a state and federal issue and as of right now, the Board is not going to pursue any legal prosecution.

 

 

After ample time, Jerry closed the discussion and introduced Ted Couillou to give his reports on the Building Committee and Sewer and Water.

 

Committee reports:

 

Building

Old business – finalized the color charts for siding and trim and shuts.  Propane tanks – fuel tanks may be concealed by latticework or shrubbery on only three sides.  Top must remain open. 

New business – recommended that portable storages units (PODS) be regulated with non-fee permits of 30 days renewable to a max of 60 days with a fine of $100 for non-compliance.  Effective July 1^st, registration numbers will be required for all contractors doing work in WLE as required by Pennsylvania State Law.  Issued was new house permit number 1327, 34 non-compete permits, and 14 tree removal permits.  Next meeting is July 11th.

 

Sewer and Water – Ted Couillou commended Brian and his staff.  Filter system project was completed, washer/water pump was replaced, filter received new paint, and ongoing infiltration research is being done.  Water tower work has begun on Ski Bluff, and the Indian Drive water tower is being overhauled.  Wireless meter program is moving along and volunteers are needed to assist.  Marking of curb valves is now required and a check is being done to ensure all Pos have complied. 

 

Mr. Gregg asked for reiteration of the PODS information.  Is it a one-time thing?  Does it allow for a large pod in a driveway to hold racing cars?  Another property owner (Bob Assenheimer (4-290) also wanted clarification from Ted.

 

Ted explained he only cited the minutes from the last meeting.  He read them again and stated that this is what was recommended by the Building Committee to the BOD.  The BOD will make the final decision.

 

Ray Razilli from the Building Committee (4-353) clarified that the PODS are used only for remodeling.  Property owners have to go to Building Compliance Officer Fran Raimo every time they want the permit reissued.  Fran needs to check to make sure it is movable stuff, not cars.

 

Jerry introduced Elvin Quinones to go over the Security report.  Elvin introduced Rocky Kizer who reported year to date, we have 18 medical calls, 3 domestic, 19 police assists, 71 alarms, 1 RV accident, 1 auto accident, 2 thefts, 9 vandalism, 1 unlawful entry, 2 fire calls, and illegal vehicle entry.  Rocky also teaches the children how to drive their golf carts by putting them through an obstacle course:  circles, figure 8’s, emergency stops, forward, reverse.  They take a test and end up with a license if they pass.

 

Elvin then presented Ron Soltis, one of our Safety Patrol Officers, to put a face to the statement read earlier. 

 

 

Ron explained what it takes to be permitted for the Public Safety Officers to carry a handgun. First, they must be Act 235 certified. Then there are many qualifications to meet, including meeting physical and mental requirements. They must be alcohol and drug free. In addition, they take what’s called MMPI, Minnesota Multi-Classic Personality Inventory Test.  This written questionnaire involves three hundred questions, and takes six hours to complete. Then a psychologist analyzes it. Many classes, both bookwork and practical must be taken.  To carry a handgun, you must qualified to the same standards that those cadets had to pass, that the police officer have to pass, that the State Police have to pass.

 

Much discussion between Ron and the audience followed.

 

Elvin cited statistics over a five-year report of violent crime as of 2008:  Wayne County has experienced 190 percent increase involving crimes.  Pike Country has 150 percent increase.

Our current security team (without names)

·         23 years as a security officer

·         31 years a police officer

·         20 years corrections officer

·         Retired police officer (also former weapons instructed)

·         Ex-military (currently on the ballot for constable)

·         Corrections officer

·         NYPD officer

 

At this point, Jerry suggested a break.

 

After the meeting resumed,   Jerry called the meeting back to order and saying we were  going to change this up a little.

 

Ed Lowe (4-240) – I want to make a motion to delay the implementation of a weapons program until the Community can have an open meeting like this, with an insurance representative and representation from the state police.

 

President Jerry Beskovoyne denied the motion.

 

Since the Board had already made their decision, Howard Terreri advised the motion is out of order; it’s a board issue, not a membership issue at this point.  Jerry stated if you would like to follow the procedure for resolution and get your signatures, you’re more than welcome to.

 

Henry Cowan was still counting so the meeting was continued with Maintenance and Marina by Jerry LaStella.  The winter was bitter and it raised a lot of havoc on our roads.  The clean up of the brush was done.  All the cul-de-sac culprits were cleaned.  The pools were then prepared.  They do the same thing every year but this year, due to weather, the marina was ready on time.  And the canoes now have a ramp.  Jerry did not cite the monthly report but reassured the POA that maintenance is doing their job on a daily basis, and year after year.

 

 

Jerry introduced Alan Cuccinello for Recreation who introduced Vinnie Settipani.  Vinnie stated that the $48,000 reflected under Recreation in the Budget is not for the Recreation Committee.  Recreation raises their own money from the various affairs through out the year, they are not funded by the Board. He continued and made mentioned the free events:  children’s parties (Christmas, Halloween, Easter) and Memorial Day Meet your Neighbor.  He ran down the schedule of upcoming summer concerts.  And various other supplies paid for by the Recreation Committee.  He also asked that you buy your tickets well in advance whenever it is required so he has a better idea of how much food/supplies to purchase. 

 

Alan reminded everyone Recreation meetings are open to all. He then announced a bit of Recreations summer schedule.

 

At this time Jerry introduced Henry Cowan, Election Chairman.  Henry thanked everyone for helping over the past 29 years including this year’s committee of Max Watkins, Richard Stoveland, Dan Fass, Dorothy Tufano, Al Kuehnapel, Fran Sladky.  This year we had 5 candidates.  Results:

 

529 for Gina Florio

439 ½  for Ted Couillou

403 ½ for Jerry LaStella

327 for Jack Gilleeny

286 ½ for Steve Sollenne

 

The results for the Resolution I, regarding the reinstatement of ATV use:

 

Total for Resolution #1

236 for

433 against

 

The voting results for Resolution II regarding the 2010 capital assessment for replacement reserve funding established under the guidelines of the WLE POA’s reserve cash flow projections for years ending December 31, 2009 through December 31, 2033 were as follows:

 

Mail In:

600 For

69 against

 

In person

16 For

4 against

 

Total for Resolution #2

616 For

73 Against

 

Meeting agenda was to continue with Unfinished Business but Jerry suggested that we first swear in the new officers. 

 

New officers were then sworn in.

 

Unfinished business

 

Construction of the new firehouse-a survey of the subdivision has been submitted to the township and then to Wayne County.  Everything has been approved, just waiting for final township approval on July 2.  Then WLE and the Boy Scouts will do the actual swap. 

 

New Business

 

Jerry moved on to new business. He asked that property owners keep in mind we are tightening our belts.  However, one item we hope to move forward on is the Rockledge Convenience, and this should happen once the summer season ends.

 

There was a Q&A Session at this time

 

Questions included were regarding the marina, the firehouse, the new gym and a conflict of interest clause, firearms, use of the alleged illegal use of the WLE logo which brought about a long, heated discussion

 

After the question and answer portion was closed there was a call for a motion to adjourn

 

A motion was made by Vincent Settepani and seconded by Steve Sollenne to adjourn the meeting. 

 

Meeting adjourned at 2:35 PM

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Elvin Quinones

Secretary