Annual Meeting – 05/24/08
NORTH SHORES ANNUAL MEETING
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Approved May 23, 2009
Call to order & Quorum
President Margot Anderson called the meeting to order at 10am. The Secretary/Treasurer Joan Churchill was in attendance. Also in attendance: Vice President Paul Salditt, and Board Members Frederick Rockwell and Edward Betz. Phyllis Donovan, Office Manager, and David Weidman, counsel to the Board were also present. Ms. Donovan announced that a quorum of the homeowners was established, with 32 properties represented in person at the start of the meeting, [more came in later] and 66 by proxy.
Introduction of Board Members, Staff and Counsel
Margot Anderson, President, introduced each of the Board Members and commented on their contributions to the Board. Board Members Frederick Rockwell and Edward Betz were thanked and commended for their willingness to fill in the vacancies created by the resignations after last year`s election. They each agreed to serve until the next Annual Meeting, but are not running for election today. Counsel David Weidman was introduced.
Staff
Phyllis Donovan is working from home, part time as our book keeper, after her retirement last year. Daniel Donovan our Maintenance Manager was given special thanks for working 3 days non stop after the recent severe storm. He has handled our office needs over the winter. His daughter Jessica Donovan was introduced. She was hired to work in the North Shores office during the summer months from 10am-2pm, Mondays through Fridays.
Minutes – Joan Churchill, Secretary
The 2007 Minutes having been previously distributed by mail to all homeowners, a reading was dispensed with. The minutes were approved.
REPORTS:
MARINA BASIN PROJECTS – Rob Whitford, Contractor & Fred Rockwell, Board Member
Rob Whitford, the owner of Precision Marine, reported on the work done by his firm in connection with the dredging project, and proposed work to replace the failing bulkhead.
DREDGING
Rob Whitford reported that he applied for the permit on October 19, 2007, received it n November, and began work in December. They dredged the channel and boat slip areas. In total, 3000 cubic yards were pumped into bio bags. 2 of the 4 bags have been removed; 2 bags are still drying. Hauling was delayed due to traffic; he expects the hauling to resume on Tuesday. The spoils are all being hauled away, none is going back into the marina. No sand was found in the spoils which would be suitable for fill dirt in the neighborhood. He expects the job will be completed in 2-3 weeks. DNREC has been inspecting the site weekly, and has found no issues.
COMMUNITY BULKHEAD
Board Member Fred Rockwell reported that the Board commissioned a survey in December 2007 by a structural engineer who advised that NSBG watch for continuing deterioration of the bulkhead for the foreseeable future. Rob Whitford suggested that when the Board is ready, the bulkhead be repaired by covering it with a bulkhead made of vinyl, which carries a 50 years warranty, and that a floating dock be installed that is made out of aluminum, which would be less expensive and last longer than a fixed wood dock. He explained that a single permit would be required to repair and replace the bulkhead and dock, and that he expects that a permit would be granted to add 4 boat slips. His current cost estimate is about $235,000 to remove and replace the existing bulkhead and dock.
The Board invited discussion re funding options in anticipation of the project. The options of a special assessment or building up the reserves in advance with a higher general assessment were discussed.
PRESIDENT`S REPORT – Margot Anderson
President Margot Anderson reported that the Board met 12 times this year, some times by conference call, and sometimes in person. Topics with which the Board has dealt include: the dredging project, the condition of the community bulkhead, building violations – primarily involving driveways, the beach umbrella service, the dunes crossovers, enhancing the use of email and the web site. She reported that the dunes were not breached over the winter and the beach is in good shape. She reported that doggie bag dispensers have been placed on the beach, and she urged everyone with dogs to use the bags. She expressed her hope that everyone would be able to attend the Annual Pool Party that evening.
VICE-PRESIDENT/ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW – Paul Salditt
Paul Salditt, Board Vice President and Chair of Architectural Review reported that there had not been much new construction during the year. He mentioned that driveway issues center on the need to use permeable materials. He encouraged everyone planning work to provide a copy of the Covenants to their designer.
SECURITY
Lee Stewart, Chief Patrol Officer, our Security Supervisor, reported a relatively calm year. He reported that he notified all owners of property that suffered damage after the recent severe storm, such as trees down on their property. He recommends that car doors be locked. He suggests that Security`s phone number be provided to the alarm company as the first place to call, to obtain the fastest response. Security is available 24/7. In response to an inquiry he explained that it is the responsibility of owners to call for towing of cars improperly parked on their private property.
Allison Libshitz expressed appreciation on behalf of 21 Ocean to Security for the service they have been providing inside the condo over the past year.
BATH & TENNIS CLUB – Maureen Brown, Manager
Pool:
10am-5pm: Next 2 weeks
10am-6pm: When school lets out
10-10:45am: Adults only
Lap lane: All day while pool open
Beach:
10am-5pm, Life guards on duty
10am-6pm: Dogs not permitted on beach during the summer season.
5:00pm: All bathers must come ashore.
Rules:
Bathers can go back in the water after the ocean is cleared at 5pm.
Surfing is not allowed on North Shores Beach. It is allowed on Gordon’s Pond Beach just to our North.
Tennis Court:
Reservations may be made 1 day in advance.
The fee continues to be $3 per hour for a court.
UMBRELLA/CHAIR SERVICE
Changes this year: Tags will be used for the umbrellas, which specify the spot on the beach where the equipment will be set up. Tags are ready for those who submitted seasonal orders in advance. Equipment will be set up pursuant to set up order confirmation requests, specifying which dates the equipment will be used. The confirmation requests can be made on the web site, or by email or phone, or in person at the pool office.
The web address is: www.northshores.org
Email address is: nsbp@verizon.net
The pool office phone # is: 302-227-0959
The Beach crew will be stationed on the beach under red umbrellas. Ms. Brown requested patience as the crew works out any kinks in the system, and makes adjustments as needed.
TREASURER`S REPORT – Joan Churchill
Treasurer Joan Churchill reported that the finances are in good shape. Over 50 of the assessments for 2008 have already been received. NSBG is maintaining $100,000 in reserves. Reserves are kept in a Vanguard money market account, which has generated more income than the savings account in which they were previously kept. She suggested that additional reserves could be helpful to deal with sudden large maintenance needs like the upcoming bulkhead replacement project.
KAYAK/CANOE RACK
It was announced that the Board was looking in to obtaining a kayak/canoe rack if there is sufficient community interest. Owners interested in leasing a shelf on a kayak/canoe rack were invited to leave their names at the door, or contact the office.
DUNES CROSSOVER DISPUTE AND THREAT OF LAWSUIT
None of the complaining owners was present to explain their concerns. During discussion, owners were assured by Carl Coan, a member of the North Shores Legal Committee, that all North Shores owners have easement rights to use the beach access paths to access the North Shores Private Beach.
NEW BUSINESS – Suggestions/Comments by Residents
Carl Coan suggested covers on construction dumpsters.
Kathleen Barrett suggested different type mulch for the children`s playground, and new equipment. She was assured that arrangements for both had already been made.
There was an inquiry re whether mosquito spraying was ordered for this year, as none had been observed the prior Friday.
James McIntyre suggested a Beautification Committee. President Anderson indicated that she would appoint Pat Stallings to chair the committee.
Anne Santorelli suggested that the office acknowledge receipt of emails directed to the Board. The Board promised to do so.
A resident expressed appreciation to the Board, and to the Secretary/Treasurer in particular, for the increased and improved level of communications to the residents.
REMARKS BY OUTGOING BOARD MEMBER – Edward Betz
Ed Betz expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve and his regrets that he must leave the Board. He commended the work of the current Board.
ELECTION OF BOARD MEMBERS – Paul Salditt
Paul Salditt assumed the Chair during the election. It was announced that there are 3 seats on the Board to be elected. Each of the candidates for the Board was introduced and made a few remarks:
Margot Anderson
Carl Schwarz
Daniel Ramelli
Carl Coan moved that the 3 candidates be elected by acclimation. The motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
The Meeting was adjourned at 11:50am.
JOAN CHURCHILL, Secretary