Hillsdale Board Meeting November 16th @ 7:30pm

PRESENT

Eva Thaddeus, Susan Krim, Alfred Souza, Miri Navasky, Rachel Dretzin. Guest: Wendy Lidell

MEETING MINUTES

There are several missing minutes from past meetings. The board agreed to try to send to Bruno immediately following meeting. [Note from Bruno: Don’t worry about formatting, I will take care of that. It’s important to record the following: attendance, location, any votes or policy decisions, financial reports, and any concerns or comments from community members or other guests. You can also include other subjects discussed and main contours of discussions if you like.]

FINANCIAL REPORT 

Susan reported that we have $16697 in kettle account, and $16330 in our regular account. She noted that we didn’t spend much on road this year, so suspects it will be much more next year.  Snow plowing costs in previous years were:

We also have farmhouse Floors coming up — paying 1/2 of $3000. Susan looked at itemized insurance renewal, and realized we were insuring a swimming pool for 200$. The new accountant, Robert Patterson is also the accountant for the town of Hillsdale. He’s cheaper, very easy to work with and very helpful. 

POND

Susan reported on proposals to treat the algae in the pond that has been appearing during the hottest portion of summers. Two companies were consulted and she preferred the Pond & Lake Connection [PLC].  She shared three proposals [see below] from PLC and moved to approve up to $1000 for them to come and give a single treatment next summer. Miri seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously by the board. The board also determined to ask Bruno to follow up with Pond and Lake to discuss details of treatment and make a final recommendation to the board.

ANNIE NAVASKY HOUSE ADDITION

Eva shared a sketch from Annie Navasky for an additional room on her studio. Susan noted that Section 3 in the community Declaration of Restrictions prohibits a second dwelling or building on the property other than studio or garage or carport.  A discussion of the intent and history of the rule followed. As Annie was in no rush to have the work done, the board agreed that it would be helpful to hold a meeting this winter to carefully examine and consider the community bylaws and declaration of restrictions, including pros and cons of amending them. 

WOODS  

Eva shared and reviewed the report from the woods walkthrough with Annabelle.  Annabelle felt $3000/year to put towards the care of the woods ($125/per family per dues) could go a long way. There are a lot of possibilities for action in selected areas to address specific threats.  

The board considered whether it made more sense to hire Annabelle to write a grant proposal for a one-time fee, rather than spending that sum annually to have her do the work, but would need more information about the different grants available, what strings might be attached, what the work would entail, etc. Eva moved that the board invite Anabelle to attend a meeting during the winter to discuss further, and this was approved unanimously.

The board also agreed that they would love Deb to lead some volunteer work on the woods, with awareness that there are limits to what can be done, given both the scope of work, and the availability of volunteer labor. 

The meeting was held remotely by Zoom. Minutes submitted by Miri Navasky.