Attending
Susan Krim, Annie Navasky, Joanna Dretzin, Michael Rosenberg, Judy Reibel, Eva Thaddeus. Absent: Alfred Souza. Guests: Tom Shephard, Miri Navasky, Rachel Dretzin, Barack Goodman.
Road update
Susan reported on road work to date, with the help of Tom Shephard. The trees have been cut back 5 to 10 feet from the road. The cost was about $7,000, and has been paid for already. Ditches have been dug, and 3 culverts have been replaced.
Work proposed includes crowning the steepest part of the road (from the stream culvert to the Anne Navasky house), deepening the ditch on the east side of road and lining it with hurricane rock, digging additional side ditches dug on the west side of the road, crowning the back road from Krim to Souza, and having the road regraded after the crowning work completed. The cost will be $15,000. Eva offered to ask Eric Schnackenberg to give a competing estimate. (Update – Eric said he was too busy this season.)
The board voted unanimously to go ahead this summer by August 1 to improve the road.
Farmhouse
A new boiler has been installed at the farmhouse, and the bill paid at a cost of $3500, approved earlier by phone meeting. The board also approved reimbursement to Deborah Meier for repairs to farmhouse screens and upstairs shower.
Treasury Report
As of July 1 (beginning of the fiscal year) we had $23,628 in our two accounts. Since then we have paid two additional large bills ($4,600 for taxes and $3,800 for Carmen). So in effect we have $15,000 remaining. This will allow us to pay for the projected road expenses without requiring an assessment.
Barn
Megan and Dimitri presented a preliminary estimate on the cost of three possibilities regarding the barn:
- Demolish and remove barn.
- Build a new structure in same location.
- Repair and improve existing structure.
They also presented an estimate of what each Hillsdale family would need to pay yearly if the Barn work were paid for by taking out a 30-year mortgage on the farmhouse.
The Board discussed the proposal and requested that Megan get a detailed estimate ready in time for the general meeting (August 3) for two scenarios:
- Existing structure restored similarly to the condition it was in 40 years ago, including foundation, frame, siding, flooring, roof, and painting.
- Existing structure restored and also improved to include a studio, bathroom and kitchenette that are plumbed, electrified, insulated and heated.
Orchard
The board voted unanimously (except for Eva, who abstained) – to reimburse Eva $500 for the expense of fencing materials for the orchard trees. The board also requested that such expenses in future be approved in advance.
Pond
It was noted that the tarp under the sand in the entrance area is coming up in places. Discussion about whether to add more sand was inconclusive. Some were in favor; others pointing out that the pond gradually fills up if we keep adding sand, and that it has already gotten noticeably shallower. The decision about more sand was deferred. Miri volunteered to cut the ragged edges of the tarp this summer and see if that helps.
Recycling
The recycling bin is being used for a variety of materials including things that are not recyclable. The board agreed to ask David Mizner to make a list by the annual meeting (August 3) of what can and cannot go into our recycling bin. Annie volunteered to circulate that list to members [ed. note: it can also be posted on the website]. Alfred and Fabiana are asked to make sure their renters see this list once it has been created.
Invasive Plants
Eva raised the issue of various invasive plants that are making inroads in our community. She has been on a personal crusade against barberry and burning bush, and Bruno and Melissa have spent time removing water chestnuts from the pond and garlic mustard from the roadsides. Eva and Bruno were asked to create a visual guide to some of the invasive plants – one that can be presented on August 3 and also posted on the website.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of Hillsdale Neighbors will be held on August 3, 2019, at the home of Anne Navasky.
The meeting was held at the home of Anne Navasky. Minutes submitted by Eva Thaddeus.