PRESENT
Rachel Dretzin, Susan Krim, Miri Navasky, Alfred Souza, Eva Thaddeus
FINANCIAL REPORT
Susan reports we are in relatively good financial state.
Main Checking Account: $20,400
Savings/Capital Account: $12,900
Susan in process of changing accountants (leaving Jeff Wolf). She is meeting with Robert Patterson next week. Hopefully he will be our new accountant.
FARMHOUSE
Rent: Debbie is due for a rent increase again. We have generally been increasing the rent by about 2%, but rule of thumb has always been to follow NYC rent stabilized guidelines. This year that has gone up to 4.75%. Should we still follow that? Right now, Debbie pays about $1500/month (its low because Debbie put in for renovations herself – so we have always kept rent down) so the increase will be $70-$75 vs $30.
MOTION: Rachel makes Motion to increase Farmhouse Rent by 4.75% in line with the NY rent stabilization rules. Seconded by Alfred. Board is Unanimous.
It is agreed that Susan will let Eva know the exact amount, and Eva will inform Debbie. The change will begin in July 2025.
Work: Estimate (approx $4270) from plumbers (Bradway) about redoing the outside plumbing. Discussion of the estimate and whether Bradway is on the more expensive side. Eva believes their estimate is based on best knowledge of what has been going on there and they have done the work to date. Worry that someone who doesn’t know the situation will end up being just as expensive. (NB: Will does smaller plumbing and heating jobs for future needs)
MOTION: Susan makes motion to go ahead with plumbing work on Farmhouse based on estimate by Bradway. Alfred seconds the motion. Board is unanimous.
Eva will contact Bradway and let Debbie know.
ROAD
Burfiend’s regular maintenance on the road is delayed pending Michael and Marti’s completion of their electrical work in the area delineated by a traffic cone. Board recognizes that they are going through a difficult period, and discusses how best to help arrange the work, since Marti is so overwhelmed. Susan notes that fiber and electrical repairs need to be coordinated with others before Burfiend can do the road.
Eva volunteers to talk to Marti (and let them know we need to go ahead) and Susan volunteers to call Burfiend to find out what his understanding was to make sure it gets scheduled again.
Alfred adds that part of the problem is that the road has to be closed for a day or so — as it will impact everyone above Marti and Michael. So lets agree on dates that work.
CEMETERY
Eva reports that Will is going to start mowing/clearing out an area for cemetery, and will clear some dead branches and brush, etc. for the area. Work will take about 2 hours.
Board votes unanimously to approve the work.
Eva would like another season to fight the poison ivy before we start using it. Discussion of an event/ceremony for community gathering in September for cemetery.
FOREST HEALTH
Susan has been attending workshops and learning about resources locally about best way to maintain healthy woods and larger property. She gave Eva the name of a consultant who will do a walkthrough and look at our forests and assess whether we would be eligible for a grant from the state to have our forest managed for better health. The walkthrough would be free, but any grant work would be paid. The workshops are part of a master forester program run out of the Cornell Cooperative Extension. There’s a 3-part video series. Susan notes you can watch it on the Town of Taghkanic website (scroll down to “Town Talks.” [Note from Bruno: the CCE also maintains a YouTube channel with lots of useful videos.]
Eva thinks this would be great (we could get a fix on invasive species to target, learn about the impact of deer overpopulation on young plants. advice on tree planting, etc.).
Eva will follow up on lead and will report back. Once she has date to walk around she will invite other people and will ask Bruno if he will do the walk with her.
ANNUAL MEETING
Too many members could not make the July Meeting, so Eva will look for a date in August. The current Board is unanimously willing to run for reelection.
Eva will look for an annual meeting date in August.