Meeting – 03/10/15
The first item on the Agenda was the review and ratification of votes taken by email since October 30, 2014. The list of votes taken by email was reviewed and discussed by the Directors. Paul Salditt moved to ratify the email votes, Mary Haverback seconded the motion and the vote was approved by all.
Votes taken by email:
- 44 Farview Road Construction Application (new home) – approved
- October 30, 2014 Meeting Minutes – approved
- 53 Ocean Drive Construction Application (renovation) – approved
- 28 Farview Road Construction Application (renovation) – approved
- Pool Renovation Contract – approved
- Staff end of year bonuses 2014 – approved
- 65 Anchor Road Construction Application (bulkhead) – approved
- 58 Ocean Drive Construction Application (renovation) – approved
- 12 Ocean Drive Construction Application (beach crossover) – approved
- 12 Ocean Drive Construction Reapplication – approved
Treasurer Donnee Ramelli reviewed with the Board the materials previously circulated concerning the proposed budget for 2015. Treasurer Ramelli noted that some improvement projects that had been included in the 2014 budget had been delayed while we awaited the results of the capital survey, but were now scheduled to be completed in the current year. This had the effect of reducing the 2014 amount for planned expenses and correspondingly increased the capital reserves by $281,204.00. Projects that had been delayed and plan to be undertaken in 2015 included a drainage repair and improvement plan for the north end of the neighborhood, beach scraping and pool repairs. The capital reserve study that was completed in 2014, indicated the need to increase the capital reserve level that had been maintained in prior years. An increase in the capital reserves was likely necessary to meet maintenance and repair demands in the longer term, and would be beneficial as a “head start” of partial funding in the event of catastrophic storm damage or for other major repairs such as road paving, potentially reducing the level required by a special assessment. After further discussion and questions from Board members to Treasurer Ramelli about line items in the budget, President Wilson moved to approve the budget and it was approved by all.
The spring mailing, planned for April 15, 2015, was the next item on the Agenda. Items to be included in the mailing are President Wilson’s review of homeowner comments on the Capital Survey, candidate bios, beach and umbrella set up issue changes, and Memorial Day social event information. Mary Haverback reported that the caterer for the party had contacted her and the Board agreed that the party would be handled by the same firm again this year. Mary will reach out to other neighbors for assistance with this year’s event. The Board then discussed the desire for finding a neighbor to help coordinate a July 4th picnic in the pool parking lot.
Homeowner responses to the winter mailing was the next agenda item, reviewing comments included the capital survey or management of the beach and umbrellas. From comments received by the Board, most homeowners find the new staggered “Blue Line” set up gives them more space. However, four homeowners requested the use of personal umbrellas. In response to those requests, the Board discussed the increased population on the beach and the importance of ensuring proper placement and erection of umbrellas, the primary reason for adopting this rule the previous year. After further discussion and based on input from our beach manager, the Board concluded that, on a trial basis, the community could designate two “buffer” locations for personal umbrellas adjacent to the lifeguard stands as a possibility. Umbrellas would be limited to sturdy one piece umbrellas that could be monitored by the lifeguards.
The Board then turned to a discussion of the need to assist Maureen in improving the management of the beach, and was favorably inclined to follow Maureen’s suggestion that we restructure the beach staffing. It was agreed that beach management had become increasingly demanding the past few years. President Wilson requested that the Board approve additional funding for a position as needed to retain a larger staff to assist with management of the beach for the summer. President Wilson plans to meet with the entire lifeguard staff before the beginning of the season to address such issues as operation of vehicles, beach rules and lifeguard responsibilities. Assistant Treasurer Helen Hoart suggested a meeting with Security to explain parking rules and our desire for enforcement. On street parking has increased in recent years creating visibility and safety problems around the parked vehicles. Parked vehicles made grass cutting in those areas difficult on a regular basis in the summer. The discussion concluded and overnight parking on the North Shores right of way would be prohibited by cars with temporary parking permits. Secretary Director indicated that the North Shores Rules and Regulations will be updated this year and included in the homeowner spring mailing and forwarded to Security.
The next item on the Agenda was 19 Harbor Road. The homeowners constructed a pergola forward of the county setback building line without prior review by the ARC committee and neighbor review. The pergola requires a Sussex County variance and is also partially constructed on North Shores property. Sussex County plans to send a building inspector to site. The Board has received several comments opposed to the structure from the immediate neighbors. President Wilson will ask our local attorney to handle the matter. The Board agreed that the homeowners must request a variance from Sussex County before they will consider the required construction application. Previous correspondence with the homeowners required removal of the pergola or proceed with obtaining a Sussex County variance within 30 days. The homeowners have not met this deadline but appear to be making progress toward a variance application.
Other business included defining the specific construction fines to be levied as part of the required $2500.00 damage deposit for new construction. It was agreed that the proposed fine schedule would be circulated by email for discussion and approval.
Covenant changes were the next agenda item, and after a brief discussion of some possible changes, it was agreed the Board members would email ARC Head, Paul Salditt, with their recommendations.