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OPENING REMARKS
The 62nd Annual Meeting of HERCC was called to order by President
Mary Blank on a beautiful, sunny summer morning. Our esteemed
President opened the meeting with a warm and welcome salutation
to everyone in attendance.
The first order of business was to accept the Minutes of the
2004 Annual Meeting, which were unanimously approved.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Appreciation: Mary thanked Rita Amaio for masterminding the
delicious "hospitality booth" at the morning meeting
and for planting and caring for the lovely flower buckets at the
beach.
Welcome: Mary welcomed as new members of our community Brian and Marilyn Langille and their daughter, Claire.
Condolences: With sadness, Mary announced the loss of our
dear friend and long-time HERCC member, Ed Birdsey, who passed
away several weeks ago. Ed had been an active member of the Association
and a friend to many; he will be missed by all. Mary led the
group in a moment of silence in Ed's honor.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
REPORTS:
President's Report: Prior to this meeting, President Mary
Blank mailed a report to all members detailing the state of the
Association. Mary opened the floor for questions from the membership;
a query on garbage collection was raised and was addressed later
in the meeting.
Treasurer's Report: Rita Amaio presented an overview of the fiscal state of the Association, which is quite favorable. Rita reported that this past year was a good and non-extraordinary one. Larger expenses included speed bump road repair at a cost of $4500 and snowplowing at $2500. Additional details are attached in the Treasurer's Report, which was proposed for acceptance and approved by all.
Secretary's Report: Sandy Podesta reported that she is working on an updated HERCC Directory; (a copy of which is attached to this minutes -- please note that this is a temporary update; an official version will be produced following the closing on numerous home currently for sale.) On Jon Morrow's behalf, she also reported that Jon has been generously maintaining HERCC's website for several years at no cost to us. The free hosting provider that Jon had been using is now out of business; Jon has found a provider that would host our site for $240 per year, an expense the membership voted to approve -- with thanks to Jon for his efforts.
The Secretary has also been working in response to members' queries from last year on improving our garbage pick-up services. She canvassed numerous "waste management conglomerates" that serve the area and found only two that would be willing to work with us on having all or most homes served on a single day to reduce truck traffic on our roads. Only one of these firms would be wiling to offer a discounted group rate for this pickup. However, this firm is the one many families have been using with less than remarkable success; several people -- including those involved in/observant of the Beach Lot trash pickup -- have reported problems, inconsistencies, and unresponsiveness. Nevertheless, many members expressed interest in continuing to pursue this possibility so the Secretary will renew her efforts on this issue.
Board of Management Reports:
Beach Cleaning: Bob Cika reported that this year's beach cleaning
was done on an ad hoc basis, due to inclement weather.
Several individuals volunteered under Bob's leadership to clean
the beach on behalf of the entire membership and we thank them
for these efforts.
Insurance: Mary reported in Tom Connor's absence that he has been doing a marvelous job at ensuring our protection, most recently in securing coverage for the swim float. Tom also worked closely with the Surveyor who plotted HERCC property (details to follow.) Furthermore, Tom has excelled in managing our P.O. Box for Mary who greatly appreciates his travel and delivery on her behalf.
Boat Rack/Beach Shed: Ken Finkle presented his recommendation for improving the safety, appearance, and use of the Boat Rack. All members with boats are requested to affix their names to their boat. By Saturday, October 8 of this year, all members are requested to remove their boats so that the Rack can be cleaned, repaired, and painted. You should plan to store your boat on your own this winter -- not on the beach Boat Rack -- and return it to the rack in the spring. Mary Lou Fusi generously offered her truck to any members who need it to remove their boats. Next winter you may store your boat in the Boat Rack once again provided it is tied down. Boats that are not removed by this date, will be discarded and the slip given to someone on the waiting list.
Hospitality: Mary thanked Deb Paduda and Amy Stefanowski for directing the many details involved in the Annual Picnic. She remarked that in the grand tradition of our Annual Parade being led by none other than comedian/actor/past HERCC renter Art Carney, our Parade will be led in style once again this year by Steve Nikituk, Baby, and John Teich. Jennifer Eisele deserves resounding kudos from all parents, children, and everyone in between for her exceptional leadership in the area of serious fun -- thanks, Jennifer, for leading our games, parade, and prizes!
Snowplowing and Reflectors: Bill Bussmann reported his success at masterminding the installation of speed bump markers this winter by Paul Teich (thank you, Paul) Bill promises to spearhead this initiative with renewed vigor again this winter.
Roads and Speed Bumps: Paul Teich reported that the bumps survived snowplowing in wonderful condition this winter, needing only repainting rather than replacement as in the past. Mary volunteered her painter for this task and will get him started shortly.
OLD BUSINESS
Swim Float Mike Eisele reported that with insurance
and anchor ready to go, we are waiting only for approval by the
DEP, which often takes a while. Mike will continue to monitor
this closely, pressing for speed whenever he can.
NEW BUSINESS
Surveyor: As reported in previous minutes, the Board commissioned
a survey of all Association property that revealed specific information
on property lines, boundaries, rights of way, etc. Mary convinced
master surveyor Robert Hart to undertake this project, which he
did by researching old maps to pinpoint precisely where HERCC
boundaries begin and homeowners' end. This information was presented
in detail and revealed several interesting points, including:
The driveway at 85 Soundview y actually sits on HERCC's easement by prescription. This easement leads to the Sea Wall and Grace Cross Memorial Bench. Fortunately, the driveway and its owner do not impede Association members' ability to walk to the Bench and Sea Wall.
HERCC property extends well onto the Willenkin property and the Board will send a letter to the Willenkins reminding them of this.
At some point, the residents or tenants of 39 Soundview reversed the area of the property used for parking and are now parking their cars on land that is HERCC property.
After the meeting, many members walked to view marked boundaries by the Sklover, Willenkin, and Nguyen-Tan properties. Their comments will be passed along to the Board, which will continue to work with the Association's attorney to protect our rights and our rights of way.
BOARD OF MANAGEMENT ELECTION
On behalf of the Board, the Secretary read the revised By-Law
that requires staggered elections, noting that this year the seats
of the President, Secretary and three Board Members are open for
election. The Board recommended that those currently serving
in these position be re-elected and then opened the floor for
additional nominations. As no other nominations were made, the
membership voted and the following were unanimously elected: Mary
Blank as President to serve another two years; Sandy Podesta as
Secretary to serve another two years; Bob Cika, Deb Paduda and
Paul Teich as Members to serve two-year terms.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Sandy Podesta
Sandy Podesta, Secretary