Annual Meeting – 05/28/11
NORTH SHORES ANNUAL MEETING
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Call to Order and Quorum
President Margot Anderson called the meeting to order at 10 a.m. She introduced the Board Members present: Paul Salditt, Vice President, Carl Schwarz, and Daniel Ramelli. Secretary/Treasurer Joan Churchill is unable to attend. President Anderson introduced long time staff member Phyllis Donovan. Ms. Donovan announced that a quorum of the homeowners was established. (There were 66 properties represented in person and 76 by Proxy)
MINUTES
The 2010 Minutes have been previously distributed by mail to all homeowners. The reading was dispensed with and after motion and seconding, the minutes were approved.
REPORTS
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW – Paul Salditt reported that the Board and the community had developed specific rules for construction of houses which relate to size, height, property lines, water run-off, etc., in addition to the general provisions in the community covenants. He stated that these guidelines are followed in reviewing plans for houses to be constructed. This year there were several new houses being constructed, with five on Holly Road alone. In reviewing these plans the Board has to remain objective, must follow the specific guidance given in the covenants and architectural restrictions, and cannot make decisions based on color, etc. In order to modify the Board’s parameters in reviewing plans, we would have to re-visit and re-write the Covenants. This would involve the written approval of the majority of the community.
In response to an inquiry from an owner about whether there are height limits and if they are being followed, Mr. Salditt replied that height limits are included in both the North Shores regulations and Sussex County permitting rules, and both are being followed in the review process. However, he pointed out that the design of the roof lines may give the illusion of added height in certain circumstances.
BATH & TENNIS CLUB – Maureen Brown reported that most of the staff has returned from last year, with three new people hired for this year. She believes we have a very good crew for the summer. She reminded everyone that it helps to know when you will be in town so the beach crew will know when to place your umbrella/chair order. The pool will be open from 10am to 5pm until Father’s Day when the hours are extended to 6pm. The beach lifeguards are on stand from 10am to 5pm daily.
An owner asked about extending the hours into the early evening. Maureen said this was tried several years ago without much response from the community. The owner asked if they might try this again, and Maureen said she would discuss it with the Board, since this will require additional staff time. Another owner asked about the adult lap swim times. She said that 10am – 10:45am is set aside for this. The homeowner asked if this time could be extended. Once again Maureen said she would have to discuss this with the Board.
Maureen commented on the crosswalk signs and feels they are working very well. She also reported that a new Mule [ATV) has been purchased and that for persons with mobility issues, the staff will be happy to assist them onto the beach utilizing this vehicle. Anyone who desires to take advantage of this is asked to call the pool office to make arrangements.
Mrs. May asked again if there is any way to regulate outsiders from using our beach. The Board agreed to look at this situation again. The Board is open to suggestions. In the meantime, if an owner sees someone who is not from the community, they can nicely remind the person(s) this is a private beach and ask them to leave. If they fail to heed this request, residents should contact the lifeguard and/or Security can be called. If the trespasser still fails to leave, the State Police can be called. It was also suggested that the Board might send a letter to local Realtors, stating that North Shores is a private beach, and ask that they not direct renters from outside the community to our beach. It was also suggested that we could add more signs stating that North Shores is a private beach and that residency/guest requirements would be enforced.
LAWSUIT – Carl Schwarz reported that the lawsuit, which the Board has been dealing with for about three years has been settled. As reported previously, two counts in the lawsuit were dismissed by the Master. Mediation was used to settle the remaining “nuisance” portion of the suit. The Plaintiffs have dropped the suit with prejudice, which means they can never revisit this issue. An owner asked if any thought had been given to recovery of legal fees. Mr. Schwarz stated that most of the fees had been recovered from our insurance coverage, and that there was little chance of ever being able to recover more than this. An owner thanked Mr. Schwarz and the Board for their many hours of hard work on this lawsuit
SECURITY – Lee Stewart reported that there were five break-ins, all around the construction sites. Each of these houses had no alarm system. He urged all homeowners to look into installation of alarm systems, or at least to give the appearance of having an alarm system. He suggested placing a sign outside the residence, of which he presented an example. Anyone interested can contact him for information.
He reported that the State Police will respond to calls regarding unauthorized persons on private beaches. An owner suggested that perhaps a sticker could be placed on homeowner’s bikes. This is a good idea, except for the fact that some homeowners/renters may rent bikes from in town, and the stickers could not be placed on them.
A homeowner said there is a lot of growth of greenery along Ocean Drive. Mr. Stewart said Delaware DOT has this trimmed at least once a year, but he will call them to see what might be done about further pruning. Another owner asked about operating golf carts in the community. It was suggested the Board might pass a rule that anyone operating a golf cart must be a licensed driver. (Current rule states: Golf carts and other motorized vehicles must be operated in accordance with State Law, including licensing of operators and insurance.)
TENNIS COURTS – President Anderson reported that a contract has been negotiated and signed for the complete resurfacing of the tennis courts. The new surface will have a 25 year guarantee. This work will begin when the temperature reaches 85 degrees, and will take five days to complete. During the time our courts are unavailable for use, the Club staff will help with arrangement for use of the State courts by our members/guests.
TREASURER’S REPORT – The Treasurer’s Report was distributed to all homeowners with the Annual Report. Ms. Donovan asked if there were any questions. One homeowner asked about the frequency and cost of cleaning the beach. Dion Johnson, Property Manager, reported that a contractor has cleaned the beach twice this week and will be cleaning the beach at least once a month during the season and more often if necessary. He reported that there seems to be excessive debris in the form of matted straw this season, and every effort is being made to control this.
BEACH & ROAD REPORT – Unfortunately, Dan Anderson, Chairman of the Beach Committee, is in the hospital and unable to attend the meeting.. However he has been in touch with Tony Pratt, DNREC, who monitors our beach every month. Mr. Pratt has reported that in November there will be beach replenishment in Rehoboth Beach. At this time it appears North Shores will not need replenishment, but if this changes, Mr. Pratt and the Board will work toward our being included in this project. Luckily some of the sand from Rehoboth will migrate to our beach. The Board also has engaged an engineering firm who is measuring our beach to be sure we are maintaining a good level.
With regard to the roads, we believe all problems have been addressed and that our roads are in good shape.
NEW OWNER DIRECTORY – President Anderson thanked Phyllis for her work in preparing the Bi-Annual North Shores Homeowner Directory. Those present at the meeting today have received their copy. Those absent will receive them in the mail.
BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE – Pat Stallings, Chairman, reported that the new flowers are looking bright and beautiful She thanked her committee for their help. She has received many nice compliments and is happy with the results. Everyone was reminded that if they see a tree that needs trimming, or other landscape issues, they should contact Dion at the office, and the Board will determine responsibility for the work to be done and will proceed as warranted. An owner commented that before any new planting of trees, surrounding owners should be consulted.
Since the landfill will no longer accept yard waste and clippings, it was reported that Grizzly’s will pick up this waste for a nominal fee. You can contact Grizzly’s at 302-644-0654.
HOMEOWNER QUESTIONS & COMMENTS
An owner asked if the Board has thought more about the possibility of renovating the pool area. President Anderson stated the Board has started with the tennis court renovation, and will look into this next year.
An owner expressed appreciation to the Board for addressing the pile driving issue. It was nice to not have to deal with the noise this year.
An owner asked if any progress had been made toward Wi-Fi installation for the community. This has been visited, but it is a very expensive proposition and there was concern about how to fund this. Other owners noted that local Wi-Fi can be configured within private homes (with Comcast or other internet service) for a nominal fee.
Mrs. Boorman asked that the Board consider adding color restrictions to the Covenants. It was explained that a written vote would have to take place to make such a change, and there was some discussion of the experience of other communities on the Issue of paint colors and other decorative choices such as roofing materials, plantings, etc. The Board will consider the matter further, and may want to seek further resident views on the issues. Residents with views on the matter are invited to submit comments for consideration by the Board.
President Anderson reported that the ocean front townhouse owners fully funded the resurfacing of their parking lot, and reminded everyone that this is a private area, and no parking is permitted for anyone other than these townhouse owners and their guests.
An owner asked If construction during the summer can be banned. For legal reasons, it is difficult to ban all construction, but the Board has adopted rules on pile driving, which are believed to address the most pressing disturbance issues during the summer months. Hours during which other work can be done has been regulated.
A question as to whether or not smoking should be banned from the beach was raised. In a straw vote of those present in the room, there was some support for an effort to consider such a regulation. The Board will consider the matter, and residents with views are invited to submit comments for consideration by the Board.
BOARD ELECTION
Donnee Ramelli has served on the Board for three years and has consented to run again for another term. It was pointed out that he is a full time resident and is available most of the time to respond to resident concerns. Bruce Wilson, owner of two properties in the community, has submitted his name in nomination. He is an attorney by profession.
A vote was taken on these two nominations, and the vote was unanimous for election to the Board. Appreciation for his service to the Board was extended to Carl Schwarz who has decided to retire.
NEW BUSINESS
A homeowner expressed her appreciation to President Anderson and the entire Board and staff for their hard work in maintaining our Community.
President Anderson reminded everyone of the Party to be held at the pool. Kudos to Sara Simon who has chaired the Committee for this event.
Mr. Boorman presented proposals for the Board’s consideration with regard to the Covenants and their enforcement. He suggests the Board use more resources by hiring a professional architect to advise them with regard to plans. He suggests that a Compliance Bond be required when anyone. is doing construction in the community, refundable when the job is completed without problems. Mr. Boorman also raised concerns about the application of the architectural covenants relating to roof decks on houses constructed next to lower-built houses. The Board heard comments from other residents on these issues and will further consider the matters.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:40 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
PHYLLIS A. DONOVAN, ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Note: Accepted by Association, 2012 Annual Meeting.