Present

From the Board: Susan Krim, Anne Navasky, Judy Reibel, Alfred Souza, Eva Thaddeus. Additional community members: Wendy Liddell, Deborah Meier, Michael Rosenberg .

Community Maintenance/Improvement History

Eva Thaddeus called the meeting to order and asked Anne and Judy to give a brief history of the community’s financing of maintenance and improvements. Anne related that the land was purchased for $130,000 with the farmhouse and the tenant cottage and two barns. There were 13 original members who each put up $10,000. The farmhouse was mortgaged to enable the building of the road, the pond and the tennis court. The small barn was allowed to deteriorate and fall down and was removed. Eventually the tenant cottage was sold. The farmhouse was originally used by those members that did not build immediately and was eventually rented to Deborah Meier, who had not built on her site. The original lease that was arranged was for improvements in lieu of rent. With the community’s approval, Deborah added a bathroom, a new and enlarged kitchen, a downstairs bedroom, a screened porch and paid for the necessary upkeep such as painting and repairs. At one point, Deborah wanted to buy the farmhouse and make that her official site, but that required a 100% vote of the full community and 3 members voted no. 

Unbuilt Sites

There was also a brief discussion regarding the remaining unbuilt sites in the community. Of the three sites that are not built on, one is owned by Deborah Meier, one by Jane Rose and one by the community. The taxes are very low on these sites and Susan suggested that it is worth continuing to hold the site that is owned by the community. 

Financial Report

Susan gave the financial report. At this time, we have $16,291 in checking account and $18, 133 in savings for a total of $34,424. We have $6,573 due in school taxes, a probable bill due from Carmen Barbato for the roadwork of $16,000, and a proposal (not yet accepted) from Martyn Moore-bridger for tree removal and trimming to protect the farmhouse, expected to be $3000 to $4000. 

Invasive Plants

Eva reported on invasive plants. Will mowed the invasive grass on the side of the road before it seeded. 

Barn Plans

Anne reported on the barn. We have no new estimates. She will ask Wes Coon if he can give us a written estimate for stabilizing, re-roofing and repairing siding and a new wooden floor. Eva will also look for a new estimate. Anne said that it looked as though it would cost between $100,000 and $150,000 to do this, and from her exploration for financing so far, she thought commercial financing might be difficult to obtain. The community may have to look to private financing (from willing community members) or a large assessment. 

Tennis Court

Alfred reported on tennis court repairs. He presented an estimate from a reliable tennis court provider that was for $16,000 with Cedar posts and most likely $18,000 with metal posts. He will try to get the final quote as low as possible. Susan noted that the Capital Fund would cover half of the cost of the work, and that the community would have to pay for the other half through an assessment. Anne moved that we finalize and accept the bid and assess community members $800 per member, due by December 1, 2019. The motion passed with 4 members in favor, and one abstention. 

Next Meeting

The next Board meeting was set for January 19, 2020. All members are invited to attend. With no further business to discuss, the meeting was then adjourned. 

The meeting was held at the home of Anne Navasky. Minutes submitted by Anne Navasky.