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OPENING REMARKS

The 61sth Annual Meeting of HERCC was called to order by President Mary Blank. Mary opened the meeting with a warm welcome to everyone in attendance.

The first order of business was to approve the Minutes of the 2003 Annual Meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Thanks: Mary thanked Rita Amaio and Kathleen Logiodice for, once again, generously providing refreshments for one and all during the meeting. She also thanked Deb Paduda, Jennifer Eisele and Kim Ruggiero for their hard work on the Annual Parade, Picnic and Children's Games.

Condolences: Mary informed the membership of the loss of longtime Association member William Delahunty who passed away this year. On behalf of the Association, Mary extended our condolences to the Delahunty family.

President's Report: Prior to this meeting, President Mary Blank mailed a report to all members detailing the state of the Association. Mary asked for questions from the membership; none were raised.

Treasurer's Report: Jon Morrow presented an overview of the fiscal state of the Association, which is quite favorable. Jon reported that HERCC took in $9255 in income last year and paid out expenses of $6105, which is detailed along with other financial data on the attached reports. He presented a budget for the forthcoming year which he recommends remain the same as the year just ended. Jon also reported that we have a healthy amount of savings should we need to tap this fund for emergencies, rebates or any other purpose. He recommended that each family be given a $500 rebate, so as to reduce the excess balance of money in the HERCC accounts, and to allow members to earn better rates of return on this money. A brief discussion among members ensued but was temporarily tabled; the issue will be raised again for all members when additional details can be made available.

INTRODUCTION OF THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT AND COMMITTEE REPORTS

The President introduced individual members of the Board so that everyone would know what each person handles and whom to contact with any questions or issues. These members include:

Sandy Podesta, Secretary, handles the minutes of Board and Annual HERCC meetings, the HERCC Directory, and miscellaneous communications, as required.

Jon Morrow, Treasurer, handles all financial matters including dues.

Tom Connor handles the Association's insurance coverage.

Bob Cika handles the Jetty and Beach Cleaning efforts on our behalf and recently tamed the overgrowth on the Beach Lot for the visual and pest-reduction enjoyment of all.

Paul Teich manages general maintenance of our collective property including roads and fences and most recently spearheaded the acquisition of new road signs, repairing and powerwashing the fences, and having the speed bumps repaired.

Judy Merriam handles the Boat Rack and Beach Shed and helps with the Annual Picnic. A copy of the recently reconfigured Boat Rack assignments is attached.

Deb Paduda and Kim Ruggiero, Hospitality Chairs, manage the Annual Winter Gathering and Summer Picnic and Parade.

All HERCC Board Members were gratefully recognized for the many contributions they make to everyone's welfare.

OLD BUSINESS

Grace Cross Memorial Bench ­ Mary was pleased to report that the Cika and Cross families' generous donation of a bench in memory of longtime member Grace Cross was ready for dedication. The bench has been installed on the Right of Way between the Mantilla and Morrow properties. All Members were invited to attend a dedication ceremony following the meeting. At this dedication, Paul Teich made a heartwarming tribute to our darling Grace and reflected on the many hardworking Association members who created HERCC and were an important part of its illustrious past.

NEW BUSINESS

Throughout the course of the meeting, many items of new business were raised, including:

Need for Volunteers -- Mary entreated everyone to consider volunteering to help with the many tasks that need doing including fence painting, beach cleaning, jetty repair etc. The alternative would be to pay a handyman from the Association coffers to manage these tasks, an expense that would diminish our readiness to respond to emergencies like jetty rebuilding in the event of a catastrophic storm. A Member asked that the Board prepare a list of chores and how often they need to be done so that we can solicit volunteers; the Board will do so. In the meantime, Mary welcomes volunteers, thoughts and ideas on this subject brought to her or any Board Member.

Garbage Collection ­ A Member proposed contracting with a single garbage collection service for all Association households in order to reduce costs for everyone. The Board will take this up at the next meeting and report back to the membership.

Swim Float ­ Mike Eisele completed his research on the swim float and made a formal proposal to the membership. (As you know, since the meeting, a copy of his proposal has been mailed to each Member along with a Ballot on which members can vote yea or nea. A majority will determine the outcome of this issue.)

Beach Use ­ Some members reported that non-HERCC members are using our Beach. All members are reminded that non-members are not permitted to use the beach either on a one-time or regular basis.

A Plea for Visual Consideration ­ Once again, a member asked that neighbors trim hedges and trees and fold down umbrellas when not in use so as not to block the spectacular view many of us have of our lovely beach, marsh and neighborhood.

Coyotes ­ A member reported that the number of coyotes has grown significantly and with it, confrontations with people and pets. A number of coyotes are believed to be living in the thicket on the corner of Ridgewood Avenue and Neck Road. A proposal was made, seconded, and approved that the Board look into having the thicket cleared and consider hiring someone to trap the coyotes. In order to hire a trapper or have the town provide one, the police must have on record a sufficient number of complaints from local residents. Therefore, members are asked to report any sightings or incidents to the Madison Police Department so that we will be able to acquire a permit for a trapper should we wish to engage one.

BY-LAWS CHANGE AND BOARD OF MANAGEMENT ELECTION
On behalf of the Board, Sandy Podesta read the recent change in the By-Laws that called for staggered elections of Board Members and then presented a slate for nomination and asked for additional nominations from the floor. Tom Connor's name, which was erroneously omitted from the ballot, was added and members then voted in the new Board Members. The votes were tallied following the meeting, and the following were elected: Rita Amaio as Treasurer to serve a two-year term; Tom Connor to serve another two-year term, and Ken Finkle and Bill Bussman as Members to serve two-year terms.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandy Podesta
Sandy Podesta, Secretary