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KNIGHTS HILL ASSOCIATION, Inc.

Bridgton ME 04009

Board of Governors Meeting

June 2, 2007

 

 

The meeting was called to order at 8:35 a.m.

 

In attendance were board members:

Pam Ambrose, President

Tom Kearns, Vice-president

Jeff Witherell, Treasurer

Phyllis Ginzler, Clerk

Peter Silva

Tom Tanner

 

Also in attendance were 7 KHA members.  (Sign-in sheet attached.)

 

President’s Remarks

Pam Ambrose asked for a moment of silence to remember neighbors Mike and Ginny Picardi who lost their son, Michael, age 23, in a motorcycle accident.  Pam thanked the volunteers who showed up for our annual clean-up day that was well organized and successful.  She also noted that KHA member (and husband) Dana Ambrose earned his Class 1 Maine state water license and has offered his services as a volunteer back up to our manager in the event of a water emergency.

 

Secretary’s Report

Phyllis Ginzler reported that KHA had received 304 signatures to date voting to renew the KHA Declaration of Property Restrictions and Easements, well over the majority votes needed to pass. 

 

Jeff Witherell made the motion to accept the minutes of the May meeting.  It was seconded and passed.

 

Treasurer’s Report

Jeff Witherell reported that KHA’s accounting system software is up and running and performing the necessary financial and accounting functions.  He noted that we currently have $183,000 in cash.  He reminded members that, in order to maintain positive cash flow through this fiscal year, we need to send out bills and collect monies for the special assessment for the replacement well.  Jeff noted that KHA is owed approximately $14,000 (representing about 15 lots).  These will now be moved to the small claims process.

 

Tom Kearns made the motion to accept the treasurer’s report.  It was seconded and passed.

 

Manager’s Report

Fred Fortier covered the following items:

  1. Water System.  Water usage is down vs. the same time in 2006; Fred stressed the need to continue to practice conservation.  Fred noted that he is implementing practices that should save energy usage at the pump house.
  2. Docks.  Four new docks were built and numerous repairs were made on existing docks to improve safety.
  3. The pool is uncovered and there are no problems.  Fred anticipates that the pool will be ready for swimming around June 15.
  4. KHA now has 2 certified pool operators: Fred and Heather Rickert.  Heather is in the process of developing a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the pool operations.  Fred noted that we need 2 emergency switches to turn off suction devices.  We also need an eyewash for emergencies.
  5. Tennis courts are open.
  6. Fred said that he plans to mow and trim grass areas on a regular basis.
  7. Fred discussed a “trash-in/trash out” policy that he would like to see implemented.  It would help to improve the esthetic quality of our common areas and would also save money for KHA.
  8. Fred would like to install a flagpole near the Bullwinkle to display the American flag and the KHA flag. 

The question was raised about the bathrooms at the pool being opened for early morning tennis players.  Fred noted that there was no way to provide access to the bathrooms until the pool was opened.  However, if players let him know, he’ll try to accommodate their request.  To a question regarding notification of boat slips, Fred said that postcards had been mailed.

 

Tom Tanner made the motion to accept the manager’s report.   It was seconded and passed.

 

Committee Reports

Building.  Dan Weygandt reported no new requests.  The Board thanked Dan for constructing a bulletin board and for framing the association property map (created by Tom Tanner).

 

Declarations.  Norma Gelles provided to the Board a copy of the motion to renew the Declaration of Property Restrictions and Easements at the upcoming annual meeting.  She noted that KHA attorney Matzen made minor changes and approved the wording of the motion.  Related to this, Norma reminded the Board of the need to pass the motion to approve all actions of the Board during the 2006-2007 session.  The next step in the process is to certify our vote In Portland.

 

Nominating Committee.  Tom Tanner, representing chairperson Joie Tanner, reported that to date there has been no response for candidates.  Pam Ambrose said she will include a notice in the annual meeting packet.  Phyllis Ginzler will send an e-mail to the KHA distribution list.  Current board members who plan to seek another term are Pam Ambrose and Phyllis Ginzler.  Jeff Witherell has decided that he will not seek another term.

 

Social Committee.  There were only 4 families who showed interest in a yard sale.  It was suggested that instead of a KHA yard sale, members could donate their goods for the Harvest Hills annual yard sale.  

 

Tom Tanner made the motion to suspend the yard sale.  It was seconded and passed.

 

 

Old Business

1.      Well invoices.  The total cost for the replacement well was $39,503.46.  Divided by 287 lots, the assessment per lot is $138. (rounded up)  This will be sent out by June 5 and will be due August 1.  There was discussion about partial payments and about the wording in the cover letter regarding “good standing”.  It was noted that this assessment is permitted under Article 6, section 4 of the By-laws.

2.      Pool and pool regulations.  Fred will paint the numeric pool depth at the perimeter of the pool for safety.  There will be a phone hook-up for local 911 only.

3.      2008 Budget.  Jeff Witherell noted that dues will remain the same as 2007:  $875 per lot (dues and water).  The Board reviewed the line-by-line comparisons with the 2007 budget.  Interest income is projected to increase, as is legal and accounting expenses.  Payroll is projected to decrease.  Other budget increases are capital improvements, recreation, and utilities.  To a question regarding a reserve account in the budget, Jeff said that we have consolidated our accounts to gain interest.  Instead of a separate reserve account, it will be consolidated with others.  As a line item, KHA reserves are currently about $28,000.  The Board asked Fred Fortier to investigate a line of credit.  To a question about payroll, it was noted that Heather Rickert is an hourly employee, and her pay-hours are processed through payroll at an hourly rate.  To questions about additional compensation for the manager, it was noted that Fred receives a vehicle allowance.

 

Tom Kearns made the motion to accept the proposed 2008 KHA budget as the budget the Board presents at the July 21, 2007 annual meeting.  The motion was seconded and passed.

 

New Business

1.      Mosquito spraying.  This is scheduled for June 7 and June 27 (or 28).  The latter date will be posted in the Bridgton News.

2.      Phyllis Ginzler made the motion to install a flagpole in an area to be determined by a committee of three.  The motion was seconded and passed.  Alma Richards, Phyllis Ginzler and Dan Weygandt will work on this project.

3.      The annual meeting cookout will be free to members and their families.  We will include a “tear-off” form with the information packet sent to members.

4.      There was a discussion about re-instituting an annual dinner for board members and their spouses.  This was an annual event for many years until recently and was suspended because of other priorities.  It was decided to announce the resumption of this dinner at the annual meeting.

5.      Trash in/Trash out.  The Board decided to postpone implementing this policy.

6.      Dog waste at the watershed area.  The board discussed the problem of pet owners walking their pets on Morgan Lane, very near the KHA wells and watershed area.  Fred suggested that a sign be placed at the start of Morgan Lane.  Tom Tanner made the motion to post a sign.  The motion was seconded and passed.

7.      Use of Fred Fortier’s construction equipment.  It was agreed to compensate Fred for the use of his construction equipment.  The Board asked Fred to keep a log of fuel and time.

8.      To a question about the painting of the bathrooms, Fred said that they would be painted over the next few weeks.

9.      Norma Gelles asked that the Board make a motion at the annual meeting to amend Article 6, section 4 of the By-laws.  (Copy attached)  Tom Tanner made the motion to include this motion to amend at the annual meeting.  It was seconded and passed.

 

Tom Tanner made the motion to adjourn.  The motion was seconded and passed. 

 

Meeting adjourned at 10:35 a.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Phyllis Ginzler

Recording Clerk

Board of Governors

Knights Hill Association, Inc.

June 19, 2007