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audio link of the Annual Meeting.
Annual Meeting Minutes
August 29, 2008
Opening:
The annual meeting of the Oquaga Lake Improvement Association was
called to order at 7:54 pm on August 29, 2008, at Scotts Family Resort
by President Jim Bennett.
It was noted that, as the Friday of the
Annual Meeting is also the evening of our Annual Progressive Dinner
with cocktails at the Chestnut Inn followed by dinner at Scotts, next
year's dinner at Scotts will start at 6pm rather than 6:15pm, and the
annual meeting will begin at 8pm. This is because many of our
neighbors, including the Board, use this occasion to support the two
businesses on our Lake, in addition to providing information to the
general membership We encourage all members to support these events in
future years.
Present:
Twenty-nine of 93 paid association member properties being
represented, constituting more than 30% of the Association membership;
therefore, a quorum was present. (By-Laws require twenty percent as a
quorum.)
A. Opening Comments
Jim thanked Doris and Ray for once again opening up their facility for
the annual meeting.
The new owners and members on the lake were acknowledged; Ron and
Carol M (present) and Thomas and Therese H (not present). Ed W added
that Heather and Ben H (not present) are now the owners of 68 Hanson
Rd (formerly the Harvison’s property), as of this week.
B. Approval of Minutes and Treasurer's Report
The minutes of the August 31, 2007 meeting were read by secretary
Barbara M. Jim commented that there is now a State Trooper’s station
located in the Deposit and the nearest sub-station is no longer
Kirkwood. With no further changes, Herb S moved that the minutes be
approved as amended; seconded by Bill T.
Marie D presented the Treasurer’s report, noting that expenditures are
within budget so far this 2008 year. Copies of the income statement
and expense statement and summary of funds were distributed. Marie
noted that again there was an anonymous donation to the fish stocking
fund and Koen thanked the unknown contributor.
The list of paid/unpaid members was distributed. Two more members paid
dues prior to the meeting. A third invoice has been sent to those who
did not pay and members were encouraged to contact their non-paying
neighbors.
The question was asked why the year did not end at the end of August
(that is, this meeting). It was explained that previously the year end
had been the end of August; however, bills continue to be submitted
after the end of the season, and it is easier and more clear for the
Board to prepare a budget for next year with a cut-off date of
December 31 of the current year.
A question was asked why the three categories on the assets sheet did
not add up to the total listed. [Note for the record: The CD,
purchased this year, was not included in the total assets and the
total assets is $52k.]
C. Committee Reports
Fish Committee: Stocking was done the week before Mother’s Day this
year and once again the number of stocked fish is down. The rainbows
caught are looking very healthy. We do stock fewer browns and we
periodically hear of those being caught.
Regarding the J Elmer Crowley Fishing Derby, Koen commented that there
were three or four times as many participants than last year, possibly
because he wasn’t there, or more likely because it was held on Fourth
of July weekend. He commented 1) it was great to see so many children,
and 2) of course, Skip K was the winner as always. Next year the event
will be the same weekend, the Fourth of July.
Field Day and Water Sports: Brenda reported that getting someone to
coordinate the Field Games and Water Sports is difficult, although we
do get many volunteers on the day of the event and especially
appreciate the teenagers who participate that day.
Brenda put together a list of small committees and asked that we get
several people to be in charge of these activities to break up the
job. [Note after the meeting: several people signed up and volunteered
for next year.] Past volunteers and coordinators were thanked for
their participation.
Sewer: Barbara M commented that the sewer district is being well
maintained by Brad Hubbard and his staff, who officially work for the
Village of Deposit’s sewer board and are contracted by the Town of
Sanford to support us. Brad recently told Barbara that his staff
enjoys working for the Lake Association, and finds our residents to be
friendly and pleasant people who are constantly offering his team food
and beverages in return for their efforts.
Jim B read a letter from Town of Sanford Supervisor, Dewey Decker,
regarding the discovery of e-coli in the well water of some properties
near the 480 to 500 property numbers. It was noted that the problem
includes Shreve, Paulsen, and the Chestnut Inn, although the
Chestnut’s water is chlorinated and therefore safe. Neighbors affected
have been notified by the Town of Sanford. More information will be
provided as it is available, from the Town of Sanford and the engineer
they have hired to investigate.
NYSFOLA/Water Quality: Mark M explained the CSLAP program and noted
that the CSLAP water quality report for 2007 is available on various
websites, including Oquaga.com. As in the past, the water quality is
excellent. It was noted that the water is clearer now than most people
can remember.
Boating: There are many instances of poor boating practices and safety
is a serious concern. Parasailing has been noted and the lake is too
small for that. Several incidents of unsafe boating and skiing have
been reported. Members were encourage to help with this: If you
observe somebody violating the rules, please address the violators
directly. If this is not effective, you may call Jim B, but we must
approach this as individual members of an Association.
Steve S has written a letter that will
be sent out with the next opening packet. An article about boating
safety will be included in the opening Oquaga Lake News newsletters as
well
Unsafe swimming practices are also part
of the safety issue.
It was suggested that we there should be a published time when skiing
and tubing should be stopped. Seven pm was suggested.
Also, it was pointed out that it is important to remain in boating
pattern; cutting directly across the lake is not acceptable and must
be pointed out to violators.
D. New Business
Fire District/EMT Consolidation: The Town and the Village are putting
together a plan to consolidate the Fire district and the EMT services
to get some control over expenses and services. We have been informed
that a letter will be sent by the Town to all property owners to ask
for their support in this matter. It was important to note that this
is appears to be an issue that will be decided by property owners,
whether or not you are a year-round resident. Members were encouraged
to respond once the letter is received.
Gas Drilling: Jim presented a comprehensive summary of the history,
issues, and concerns of gas grilling. Protection of our Lake is a
major concern of the Board. Major issues include noise, roads (due to
truck traffic), runoff and by-products, and the huge amounts of water
needed in the process.
Jim also read the letter from Scotts regarding their views on this
issue. The membership applauded Scotts’ continued consideration for
the safety and protection of the lake.
Jim noted that several lake land owners have received lease agreements
from gas companies. Presumably, the sole purpose of these leases is
the drilling rights to a water well, as water key to the drilling
process.
Jim has done a lot of research into this topic and he encouraged the
membership to do their own research as well
Jim summarized the following as our responsibilities as Lake owners
and residents:
1) Ask everyone on the lake, or its aquifer table not to sell out our
lake.
2) Our lake is a water generator, so we look like a good prospect for
these people.
3) Inform our county commissioners that they need to protect our roads
from heavy traffic. Get a repair to original condition Bond and repair
roads as required during use periods.
4) Ask anyone who wants to sign a lease to seek legal advice .
5) Support the lake association as we try to protect our lake.
Nominating Committee: The following
terms expire this year: Richard S, Bill B, Herb S, and Jim B. Richard
S has stepped aside and Larry T has volunteered to fill the seat. All
others volunteered to remain. There were no nominations from the
floor. Motion by Brenda L to accept the nominations, second by Ferris
A. Passed unanimously.
Open Discussion:
· Water Level: A member stated that every year we get ice damage
because the water level of the lake is high. Some lakes lower their
lake one to two feet every year to reduce the amount of damage and
possibly reduce repair costs for owners. It was stated that the
control of the height of the lake water rests with the Scotts by deed.
Also, we have no history or experience with how lowering one to two
feet would impact the Lake. The Board will look into this.
· From Childrens Day Care: Barbara C reported that ten school age
children came for a day at Scotts, had a wonderful time, and Barb
thanked those who had made it happen. It was much appreciated. She
brought a thank-you card from the children.
· Sign Up for Field Games and Water Sports: There was a reminder to
sign up for the Games and Water Sports for next year. [Note: Several
people signed up following the meeting.]
· Walk on the left side of the road: There was a reminder that it is
the law to walk facing traffic; drivers are complaining about
dangerous incidents.
· Opening Party of Saturday: When asked, the consensus was to have the
Opening Party on Saturday, as many people go home on Sunday.
Adjournment:
Jim asked for a motion to dismiss; several people moved for it and
many seconded. Accepted unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:24.
Minutes respectfully submitted:
Barbara M
OLIA Secretary
August 29, 2008
Board of Directors Meeting to Appoint
Officers
Attending: Ferris Al, Jim B, Bill B,
Marie D, Koen G, Dick H, Brenda L, Barbara M, Doris S, Herb S, Larry
T.
As required for the By-Laws, the meeting of the newly appointed and
existing Board members convened at 9:28 pm on August 29 to elect
Officers. Brenda L made a motion that the existing officers should
remain in place, and she requested this be done by acclamation.
President B asked if someone else wanted to be president. As there was
no response, Barbara called the motion and Herb seconded Brenda’s
motion. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned unanimously at
9:30 pm.
Annual Meeting Attendees (29
properties)
Dinner Attendees (23)
Last modified:
08/05/12
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