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.

PRESENT

Eva Thaddeus, Susan Krim, Rachel Dretzin, Miri Navasky, Alfred Souza (remote)  

ELECTIONS

Miri moved that the board continue in the same roles as the previous year. Rachel seconded the motion.  The motion was approved unanimously.

The board will continue in the following roles, as noted:

• Eva – President
• Alfred – Vice President
• Susan – Treasurer
• Rachel & Miri – Secretary 

The board encourages all community members to consider board service for next year. 

POND

Discussion continued on short and long-term proposals to mitigate algae in the pond, weighing the importance of getting the pond swimmable, especially for the older people in the community, against the concern about the unintended consequences for the ecosystem of the pond. The board agreed that if copper is used, it should be the lightest treatment possible and don’t want to open the door to having the chelated copper done repeatedly. Eva raised the question of  it being so late in the summer.  Wonders as the weather gets colder will the algae disappear anyway.

The board decided to get a second opinion from another consultant as soon as possible. Susan volunteered to coordinate. Board will hold vote for second opinion, and then vote over email on short term solution, or call for an additional board meeting if more discussion is necessary.  

Susan moved to approve up to $500 for a 2nd independent opinion on the pond. Rachel seconded the motion.  Board was unanimously in favor.  Questions were suggested for second consultant: 

• Can you do water testing?
• What is the lightest treatment possible (is 1.2 gallon per acre foot the lightest?) 
• Is it a small enough pond that you can do in one treatment? 
• How quickly after treatment can you swim? 
• How quickly does it take effect?
• What happens to dead algae after treatment
• Do you also recommend Fishing out the fish? 

 [Note: Susan, Jenny and Bruno met with the second consultant on August 21. He will submit a proposal to Susan. As of Aug. 23, with colder evenings the algae has dropped to the bottom of the pond, and community members found the pond to be easily swimmable, with little visible surface algae.]

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

Present

Deb Adamsons, Marti Bone, Rachel Dretzin & Noah Goodman, Susan Krim, Wendy Lidell, Roger Meier Annie Navasky, Jenny, Miri & Bruno Navasky, Judy Reibel, Alfred Souza & Fabiana Viso (remote), Eva Thaddeus

Financials

As of the end of fiscal year 2025, we have $17, 356 in the maintenance account, and $12,937 in the capital account, with one outstanding Assessments (Michael and Marti) and $207 outstanding in rent on the Farmhouse.

Will Chase was paid $1,680, mostly for last year’s services. It continues to be difficult to get him to bill us regularly. We do not have a bill yet from the new accountant and bookkeeper. We can anticipate high costs for road maintenance this year since we did none last year.

Recycling

People have not been following guidelines for recycling. Wendy has posted the guidelines on the bin, and Bruno will add them to website. All members are requested to share guidelines with service people, guests, and renters.   Please note: plastic bags go in regular trash, not recycling. Shredded documents can be put in a paper bag and placed in the recycling bin. Check the Hillsdale town website (see link in sidebar) for hazardous waste collection and document shredding schedule (next dates: September 8-19 at Town Hall). Staples will take anything electronic, and Claverack Library will accept old batteries.

Compost

Some members have suspended outdoor composting because the black bears have been visiting. Electric indoor composters for individual homes are available that can turn compost into good soil very quickly (contact Bruno or Melissa for more information). The Hillsdale Facebook page or town website may have more information. Noah Goodman will research local composting options.

Road

Susan spoke with Lou Jennings, who is managing the electrical work for Marty and Michael. The pole for the wires has been placed, but there are trees that need to be trimmed back, and NYSEG won’t do it because it’s a private line. Lou is talking to someone to get it done. The wires need to be run in time for Paul Burfein to do the roadwork, so it can be plowed this winter. Susan will follow up with Lou, and Wendy offered to reach out to Marti to offer assistance moving forward.

The town seems to have extended their area of responsibility up the road somewhat, so portions look better than usual. A perennial puddle has broadened into a large pothole on the spur road just before Wendy’s house. 

Tennis Court

The surface looks fine, and the vines growing along the sides need to be cut on a yearly basis. This is on the to-do list for community work day. 

Rachel and Jesse will look into adding lines on the court for Pickleball and Basketball, as well as a method to close the gap in the fencing with netting or a free-standing fence.

Barn

We’ve added a few more chairs, and a sturdy wood coffee table to complete the sitting area behind the hammock in the community space. We’ve also added a Foosball table in the center of the space (thanks, Megan and Dmitri, for the donation). We are now looking for shelving: a small bookshelf to hold games, general supplies, and a community book-share, and shelving/bins for pond, sports and gardening equipment in the storage bay. Please contact Bruno, Rachel or Megan regarding donations.

There are mouse droppings that follow one of the rafters.  We’re looking into options to treat the one beam to make it less palatable, but it seems unlikely we’ll be able to animal-proof the barn. We keep a large broom in the storage bay of the barn, and members are encouraged to sweep debris out the door.

Discussion continues regarding adding solar panels to the back roof of the barn to power a light and ventilation fan. Other possible uses include an outlet, a small fridge, and a wireless router for internet accesss. Eva, Deb and Noah volunteered to look into options regarding tax credits and options for installation.

Bruno volunteered to price out options for a patio or deck on the side of the barn, with seating, sun protection, and possible space for a grill. Susan recommended Chris Preusser. We will price out steps for the front and back doors of barn at the same time, as well as a ventilation fan, and a possible outhouse against the woods behind the barn. Roger notes that community members who ask are welcome to use the facilities at the farmhouse.

Orchard

The orchard has apples and pears for the first time!! We planted two new trees this spring, a plum and a Macintosh. Eva thinks the reason the trees have been dying is due to underground rodent activity. She will look into what we can do about it, the big trees are solid now. The young pawpaws are growing really well. 

Work Day

A community work day is set for Saturday of Labor Day Weekend, with Sunday as the rain date. The orchard needs pruning, weeding, and a cage for the young trees to protect from deer during the winter. The tennis court needs clipping of vines and there are some weeds growing along the back of the barn. Eva will circulate an email during the week so people can sign up.

Woods

Susan reports that there is state money available to restore and preserve local forests. She and Eva have hired Annabel Roberts McMichael, a forester who will do a 1.5 hour walk-through of our woods on Saturday, October 18th with any interested community members, and make a comprehensive assessment of the health of the forest with potential risks and recommendations for action steps and funding. She asked what the community priorities were for the woods. Fire safety, nice walks, resilience against invasive insects and plants, a wildlife refuge, addressing deer pressure for the understory, and encouraging native regrowth were all mentioned.

McMichael asked if our community would consider having a relationship with a hunter. Overpopulated deer can create pressures on local woods. The community was generally in favor, providing we can pick the hunters. Bruno suggested we explore opening our woods to the man who hunts Truman land. 

Susan and Deb recommended the Cornell Cooperative Extension which also has master foresters. They may be useful for a second opinion.

Memorial Grove

Eva has been working with Will Chase to ready the site for the memorial grove, located under the pine trees which were planted when the community was founded, at the corner of the meadow by the pond, across from the path to the tennis court. It will be a place to remember our family and community members, with a place to sit, and ashes and/or markers.  Eva has been spraying the poison ivy, and Will will mow nearby vegetation for easy access. Eva found a gravestone place and will share. Susan suggested that plans to for placements in the grove be submitted to the board for approval, and Bruno seconded the suggestion, which was met with general agreement. 

Pond

With the heat this summer, the amount of algae in the pond has increased. Susan, Miri, and a number of other community members met with a pond consultant, who submitted a proposal with short-term and long-term components at $450 for short-term treatment and $1300 for long-term treatments next year. Short-term treatments would center around use of a chemical to kill the algae, and long-term treatments include both plantings and chemical treatments for nutrient mitigation. Other treatments such as dredging and mechanical aeration were dismissed as too expensive. The community agreed that the board should consider both the importance of swimming to some community members and environmental impact of treatments as it looked at proposals. It was agreed that the board should get a second proposal for due diligence, and Susan volunteered to follow up with contacts she had.

Carp in the pond were also discussed. It’s possible that they eat algae, but more likely that it’s not the kind that is causing a problem in our pond. Also, the carp that we stocked previously to graze back the cattails resulted in an influx of geese, who liked the easier access to the water, and goose poop is one of the nutrients entering the pond that causes growth of algae. 

[Note: With the shift to colder evenings shortly after the annual meeting, algae had mostly disappeared and swimmers reported the pond pleasant for use; a second pond consultant made a visit and submitted similar recommendations, so the board has good options for treatment going forward. Both consultants noted that the pond was generally safe and healthy, and recommended maintaining growth all around the pond, which has now been implemented with Will Chase, who is going to leave a margin of growth along the near side of the pond, with the exception of the beach area for community members.]

Swimming Pool

Annie Navasky raised the idea of a salt-water community swimming pool behind the barn. She suggested that funds be raised through optional donations as we did with the barn restoration. Support for the idea was mixed, with objections including potential maintenance costs, aesthetic issues, dilution of support for the pond, and environmental concerns. Annie also suggested that she could build a private pool on her site, there was discussion of whether a pool is permissible under the community’s by-laws and declaration of restrictions. Annie and Deb volunteered to do initial research and look into costs.

Communication

Wendy requested more communication around board meetings. Bruno noted that board meetings minutes are archived on the website, and that there is a sign-up tool on the front page for email notification. Bruno also volunteered to set up a community mailing list to facilitate discussion, as the manual information emails sometimes omit addresses inadvertently, or don’t get read. 

The meetings was held at the home of Anne Navasky. Minutes submitted by Rachel Dretzin.

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.

Present

Susan Krim, Miri Navasky, Eva Thaddeus (Alfred Souza & Rachel Dretzin remote)

Election to Roles

All agreed to continue in their current roles:

• President: Eva Thaddeus
• Vice-President: Alfred Souza
• Treasurer: Susan Krim
• Secretary: Miri Navasky & Rachel Dretzin

With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned.

On August 9th, the board met remotely to address the culverts. Susan Krim made a motion by email to authorize Paul Burfeind to create two additional culverts near Judy’s house as described in the attached estimate #1524 dated 5/31/2024 at a cost of $7,600.

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

Present

Eva Thaddeus, Annie, Miri & Bruno Navasky, Susan Krim, Marti Bone & Michael Rosenberg, Judy & Noah Reibel, Dmitri Cavander

Financials

• $5,800 in capital Funds
• $14,900 in operating account

Overall at this point in the year we have spent $6000 more than we took in (partly due to road expenses but primarily due to Farmhouse repairs of $14,000 on roof).

Roads

• Looking good. only problem left is the area around Judy’s house.  
• Burfeind recommended we put in 2-3 culverts.  He estimates the total to be $7600 (it concludes excavating them).  He thinks this will immediately fix problem. Only decision is whether to do do both culverts at once or do it over 2 years.  Worry that the Work at Debra’s house is going to cause more problems – should we wait until it’s done? Susan will discuss with Burfeind and then report back to Board.   Board will vote on culverts. 
• Limiting plowing will also help with road. Anne Navasky says her road does not need to be plowed with only a few inches of snow. 

Fast Drivers

• Signs – Miri/Izzy made speed signs to put up on trees. 
• Speed Bumps – Susan raises idea of putting speeds bumps on road (the kids that are reusable). Only issue is that they will have to be removed before plowing.  Community unanimous to try at least a couple of speed bumps. Susan will follow up

Kiosk for Packages by Dumpster

• The community discussed adding a kiost for packages by the dumpster at the pond, to reduce trucks on community roads.
• Anne and Miri Navasky will look into pre-made kiosk to put near Garbage area but would need signage with everyone’s House number/Name?  Annie/Miri also talk to Wesley about the cost of building a small one? 

Barn

• Dmitri raises garbage left in Barn.  Please clean up after yourself.
• Dmitri raises peeling paint on Barn.  Annie offers to reach out to Wesley about doing touch ups.  
• Bruno discusses furniture in Barn. Including projector. 
• Discussion of electricity in Barn (preference towards solar). Dmitri to reach out to electrician Caleb to do estimate on electrifying Barn – both for grid-connected electricity and self-contained solar electricity.  Dmitri will reach out. 

Pond

• Noah raises the desire to test pond water.  He will do some research about pond care and water quality. Though what difference will it make unless we fence the pond from nature.  He will still look into it.  Bruno has obtained a test, and offered to work with Noah to test the water.
• Susan raises all the floaty things left around pond.  Clean up! 

Tennis Court

• Some cracks need to be fixed but we are not budgeting for that this year.
• Old Sitting Area needs to be torn out (Alfred will organize a group to break up deck)
• Vines growing on fences not good. (Bruno and Annie and Dmitri will do some clearing)
• Still would be nice to close off area of fence in back. 

Orchard

• Workday took place at Orchard (took fences down, quinces are great, pears for the first time, paw-paws and apples)! 
• Eva will ask Board to purchase new apple and plum tree for fall planting.

Additional Things

• Deb’s lot – Deb has been suffering from long Covid and construction of her house is on hold for now.  Plan had been to build in 2025 but will likely be delayed.
• Willow Tree – Marti raises idea of planting a willow tree at pond.  Eva will research.
• Stilt Grass – Question of whether it’s worth it to continue to try and mow back all the stilt grass if will is cheap enough – but generally people feel maybe we are losing battle. Eva will ask Debra what she thinks.  
• Open Meadow – Will will continue to mow open meadow once a year. 
• Dumpster – seems to be working. 
• Cemetery concept – would be nice to have an area for ashes or just memorial stones some where.  Miri and Eva will walk land by pond over Labor Day to see if they can find good placement. 
• Board discussed modest Increase in Dues. There were 7 or 9 years where there was no increase.  Then we raised it 3 years ago by $200.  Now Board would like to do a modest increase more frequently but by smaller amount.  Board proposes raising $50 per dues so $100/year starting in January. And do that every couple of years. Susan says lets reassess/reevaluate every 2 years and not just automatically raise it unless we need to.  Vote is have a regular reassessment of dues every 2 years (in even number years).  Unanimous YES.  
• Vagueness in bylaws about whether community approval is necessary for maintenance changes. Bruno proposed a change in wording to the by-laws, to leave maintenance fees to the discretion of the board. Old version: “Maintenance Fund and Improvement Fund charges shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors and shall be submitted for approval to the membership.” Proposed change: “Maintenance Fund and Improvement Fund charges shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors. Improvement Fund charges shall be submitted for approval to the membership.” Unanimous YES.
• Re-election of Board – all willing to serve in same positions.  All in favor of reappointing current board.  Unanimous YES. 

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

PRESENT

Rachel Dretzin, Miri Navasky, Alfred Souza, Eva Thaddeus

FINANCIALS

Susan was unable to attend, but sent in the following summary which Eva presented: 

We are in a relatively healthy financial situation: 

• Main Account = $14,317

• Savings/Capital Account $7796

Susan is planning to transfer the money from January dues/rent to Capital account, but needs to go through in more detail first.   She is away, so not yet sure if Debbie has sent in her dues/rent for April (total of $4386). Will check when she is back. 

• Plowing :  Susan paid Martin in February – so we are up to date there unless there has been more plowing since then.  We are unsure, but do not think there has been a lot.  And he has not emailed any other invoices yet. However, we do not think it will be a big plowing year. 

• Susan is back on Wednesday and will update us if there are any further invoices.   She expects one more invoice from Carmen – has had difficulty getting it from him.  

GARBAGE & BEAR

Bear got into garbage again.  Was reported earlier in the week by Noah to Bruno and Eva.  We think that when Barbato empties it he does not put the strap back on.  Not sure what to be done about this. 

[Note from Bruno: Wendy organized a clean-up meeting and the garbage was put away relatively quickly. There was some damage to the dumpster lid, but Barbato picked up the trash and popped it back into place. We’ve contacted them to ask for options on a bear-proof dumpster, and hope to have information in time to report at the annual meeting. Generally, the raids on the dumpster happen once or twice a year, almost always in the spring before other foods are readily available. Noah suggests that during the interim people hold their garbage until Sunday when possible, to minimize time in the dumpster. (Barbato picks up the trash on Mondays.)]

MOWING

Will is supposed to mow the meadow — need to find an appropriate time with him when the quality of meadow is not too muddy, etc… Eva will follow up.  The meadow should be mowed every couple of years — otherwise shrubs will grow back, etc…

COMMUNITY GRAVEYARD

Discussion of whether we could carve out an area of space down by the orchard to use as graveyard/burial/memorial of sorts for ashes, memorial stones etc…for those in the community that might want to make use of it.  Board is all in favor and felt we should put it out to the community as a whole.  We discussed all sorts of possibilities from locations to slate stones similar to those in the orchard, sculptures, etc…We will put it on the agenda for the June 15th Community Meeting for approval by whole community. 

RAISING OF DUES

There is no need to do a large increase, but we haven’t raised the dues for 2 years and there has been 8% inflation this year – so we feel it is right to do a modest increase at this time as costs for everything – plowing, mowing, barbato – are likely to increase. 

Rachel:  Motion to raise dues approx 4% for an annual increase of $100 (biannual increase of $50).  All members voted yes — will put to the general community for a vote

COMMUNITY DAY, ORCHARD & TENNIS COURT UPDATES 

Discussion of tennis court needs (cleaning up moss, removing rotted deck).  As well as Orchard needs (eva is hoping infestation is over – time to take fences down, weeding, replanting in areas that didn’t survive).  Board is in favor of creating some kind of community day of work that would happen annually (tentatively thinking the weekend of July 4th or possibly June 15th when full community meeting is happening).  will also discuss at community meeting – but might send out email ahead of that to alert people (i.e. planting of trees might be better to happen in June). 

ANNUAL MEETING

The date of the annual meeting was set for Saturday, June 15, in the Hillsdale Neighbors community (location to be determined). All board members have indicated that they are willing to stand for re-election.

The meeting was held by video. Minutes submitted by Miri Navasky.

PRESENT
Rachel Dretzin, Susan Krim, Miri Navasky, Alfred Souza, Eva Thaddeus.

PLOWING
The board discussed renewal of the plowing contract. Eva noted that Martyn’s manager contacted us to ask if we were ready to recommit for the season. (Others were unable to take on the work).  The board decided to renew, with the condition that whoever is going to plow comes and does a walk-through before, and agrees to a plowing plan.  Eva will email the community to gather all the issues with individual properties, then she will do a walk through with someone from Moore-Bridger before the winter starts.  We especially want whoever is plowing to respect the markings that are placed down (do not go over the yellow lines). 

Motion to renew agreement with Martin Moore Bridger for snow plowing for the winter, but to come up with a plan ahead of plowing, and ask everyone to lay down markings.   Susan seconded motion.

Board voted unanimously to renew with advance planning as noted.

WENDY’S ROAD REQUEST
Board discussed Wendy’s request for reimbursement from the community for work she did to fix run-off issues around her driveway and home. There was disagreement between Paul and Wendy about the cause, necessity and the urgency of the work done, and the request for reimbursement after the fact was not in line with community policy, so the Board determined not to reimburse, as it would set a bad precedent.

FARMHOUSE
An exterminator has been out to the farmhouse, found multiple insect issues, and exterminated.  The new contractor determined that the roof needs to be redone in areas (there is a leak inside).  He will repair and get rid of any kind of mold that is there, and Eva will coordinate with Debbie and put them in direct touch regarding any conflicts and in case she wants/needs to vacate the premises during the work. 

MISCELLANEOUS
Will has agreed to do a regular ditch clean out on the roads.

Rachel’s builder had a cancellation so wants to start the work on her house much sooner (they are changing the footprint only by pulling some of the deck into the kitchen).  Eva asked that she send the plans so that we can sign off on them.  

UPDATES

11/3 – Eva communicated to Viviana, Martyn’s manager, that we would renew our contract on the condition that the entire snowplowing team came out and reconnoitered, and told her what the problems had been.  She responded well and the plowing team has scheduled a visit to our community at Thursday, 11/9, 3PM.  Eva will let everybody know to have their markers placed before then.

11/3 – Eva communicated with Wendy about the road work and the community process, and is agreed to a follow-up meeting with Wendy and Paul to discuss the work. 

11/5 – Motion to allow Deb to put a port-a-potty on her property during construction.  She expects the construction of her house to last 15-18 months. The board voted by email unanimously to approve .

11/17 – Susan plans to meet with the insurance agent to re-evaluate our insurance coverage in light of updates to the community. 

11/19 – Motion to approve Dretzin house renovation plans. Rachel abstained, but all members voted YES over email on 11/20. 

The meeting was held by video. Minutes submitted by Miri Navasky.

PRESENT

Rachel Dretzin, Susan Krim, Miri Navasky, Alfred Souza, and Eva Thaddeus.

BOARD OFFICERS

The board determined to maintain their current offices, with Eva as president, Alfred as Vice President, Susan as Treasurer, and Miri and Rachel sharing the roles of Assistant Treasurer and Secretary.

With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned.

The meeting was held at the home of Anne Navasky and remotely by Zoom. Minutes submitted by Miri Navasky.

PRESENT
In person: Debra Adamsons, Susan Krim, Wendy Lidell, Anne & Victor Navasky, Bruno Navasky, Judy & Noah Reibel, Marty Bone & Michael Rosenberg, Alfred Souza & Fabiana Viso, Eva Thaddeus. By video: Dmitri Cavander/Megan Gelstein, Miri & Jenny Navasky, Rachel Dretzin

FINANCIAL REPORT
Susan delivered the financial report (see attached document).

ROAD MAINTENANCE
We spent close to $7000, double what we did the last couple of
years. Paul Burfeind does the road repair. Susan spoke to him and reported that he said this year was a bad year because we didn’t get a frost and the road wasn’t hardened when the plow came, so there was
more damage. He didn’t seem to think it was a problem with the plowing. Burfein did the road and will maintain it annually and he thinks we should budget about $7000/year for that. If we need work on individual driveways, we can call Burfeind, or let Susan know. We’ll have him come annually in early summer to look at the road.

The Board reported on extensive plowing discussions. Snowplowing has gone up by about $2000 this year to about $8000, which is in line with what was anticipated (Martyn Moore-Bridger’s fee varies according to how many times he plows, while Carmen charged a flat fee per season). Some of the problems we had with the plowing spewing up dirt and gravel were unavoidable, but there were other complaints. We decided to go with Martyn again for this next season, but Eva will give him an list of issues, and ask that he and whoever plows with him does a drive around with Eva before the winter and look at problem areas and ask that they become familiar with it and are sensitive to what was messed up. Martyn is a tree person, and not really a plower. His equipment is old and he told Wendy he’d stop plowing before getting new equipment. The board is considering getting a quote from Bob Host in case Martyn doesn’t want to continue.

A general discussion of plowing issues this year followed:

• Dmitri’s new wall got nicked. Martyn was pushing snow into the driveway instead of across the street.
• Wendy and Alfred’s hubcab sign got knocked over, Wendy’s sign for 180 got completely ripped out, and the reflector sticks she put over the edge of her garden for the plower got knocked over. There’s no more gravel on her driveway because of the plowing of the gravel over the edge. He came back as promised and she no longer has a gravel driveway, she has a dirt road. She had terrible runoff. He swore up and down it wasn’t anything they did. Last week with the rain, she had a huge gulch in her driveway. Annie suggested we ask Burfein to look at it. Wendy has a company coming next week to assess. Judy and Annie had what they felt were similar problems and Carmen put in a drain. Wendy has a company called Green Flow Property coming in to do an assessment. Susan suggested Wendy ask Burfein to come in for a second opinion.
• Judy would like Green Flow to look at her property as well.
• Susan: they took part of her corner wall. Also they’ve knocked a couple of her huge rocks in her driveway,
• Bruno reported that Martyn generally seems to scrape deeper, but thought it was an issue of time and technique rather than equipment. Also, the runoff from their driveway runs into the center of the road and is damaging it. It would be great if he could scrape less, and if Burfeind could do some minor work to rechannel runoff.
• Miri reported an issue with ice, but there was a question as to whether this was a plowing issue.

The community resolved to hire Will Chase on an annual basis to clean out the ditches of the road in the fall so the stuff doesn’t gum up the road. He will also clear the tennis court of vines. Will mostly does lawn mowing, weed whacking, clearing land and falling trees, provided
wood. THE COMMUNITY VOTED TO SEND WILL CHASE A WEDDING GIFT OF $500.

POND
Do we need sand? Discuss pros and cons of sand. Agree that we should wait and decide after the season. Bruno says the sand attracts the geese. The sand does make it easy to get in and out. Maybe we can look at some kind of big rubber mat or other way to make it easy to get into the pond for Debbie. We have to be very careful about design and execution so
that they don’t become a hazard in and of themselves. The huge flocks of geese are a recent phenomenon and they like sandy beaches.

ORCHARD
No fruit this year. We agree to replace the trees we’ve lost. MOTION PASSES TO AUTHORIZE UP TO $500 FOR REPLANTING. We will have a planting party in the fall and perhaps remove the deer cages on the ones that have surpassed deer height. What about a willow tree? They grow really fast and like the water. We could use some of the $500 for a willow.

PHONE/INTERNET
We have a three year contract ending this year, and then can renegotiate pricing. We can talk with the sales rep. We should renegotiate as a community. MIRI WILL CALL CONSOLIDATED TO DISCUSS. Access problems at individual homes can vary in their causes, but most should be fixed by Consolidated for free. Individual community members can contact them directly for repairs .

BARN
Bruno delivered a report on the barn. Current furnishings include the ping-pong table, a hammock, two small tables, several chairs, and changing area. Possible significant future improvements include solar panels, a refrigerator, electric lights and maybe an exhaust fan or hot air outlet. We agreed at our last community meeting that we didn’t want to charge fees for anything, so these will be considered by the barn committee and board as capital expenditures. Before we think about electricity, we need to work on basic furnishings for general use and community events. THE BARN COMMITTEE WILL PUT TOGETHER A PROPOSAL TO THE BOARD for chairs, tables, storage containers, shelving and other items, including costs. Questions from the community included the feasibility of wireless internet and/or phone service, and the possibility that installing solar may change the tax status of the barn.

TENNIS COURT
A freestanding fence would be far cheaper than getting someone to fence it in. They’re about $80 for six feet. You could buy sections of fencing you put there instead. Bruno reported that Nicky Meier had noted that the net will last longer if we take it in for the winter.

We will try to add a makeshift bridge to the tennis court using some of the discard lumber from the barn restoration. The old beams are really desirable, and THE COMMUNITY AGREED TO ENTERTAIN AN OFFER from Deb Adamsons, who might want to use them for her house. Initially Tom Shepherd saved them with the thought they might be used to make a loft over the second bay, adjacent to the storage area, but realistically speaking, the cost and possible complications to barn infrastructure and potential insurance risks make this unlikely in the near future.

TRASH/BEAR
The bear visited the dumpster twice again this year, both times in the spring/early summer. Bruno spoke to Carmen Jr. who reported that there are bear proof dumpsters that start at $2500 and go up to $10,000. Bruno asked him to look into the cost of one with the possibility of either us purchasing one or him purchasing one and renting to us. Carmen said the nails he’s used have worked for most of his clients, or a metal bar that makes the dumpster unopenable without removing it. Carmen thought seniors in the community might have difficulty with both the bar and the specialized dumpsters, and that his people would leave it on the ground when picking up the trash. Three options were discussed: 1) purchase or negotiate rental on a bearproof bin; go with the metal bar, or continue to pick up scattered trash when necessary, which hasn’t been overly onerous to date. BRUNO SAID HE WILL CONTINUE TO LOOK INTO OTHER OPTIONS and the community agreed to stick with status quo in the meantime.

Community members were alerted that hazardous waste, large metal items, and electronic equipment cannot go into the dumpster. Hudson maintains a free recycling center in Greenport, and Barbado has a transfer station as well, and will accept many items for free.

For community members who need papers shredded, town hall sponsors free shredding events periodically. You can sign up on the Hillsdale town website for the newsletter to keep apprised of these.

TREES
Deb reported on the spongy moth caterpillar situation. Green Cross was here, went to everyone’s property to estimate how many oaks there were in each house envelope. There are a few properties that don’t have any high-risk trees at all, so it might not be equitable if we all chip in. Deb says they are very thorough and very good. They spray the trees, but you have to do it just after the eggs have hatched in the beginning of May. They priced the various properties as follows:

• Farmhouse (129 Bushnell): no oaks
• Susan (140 HNR): two small oaks, plus birches $700
• Marty and Michael (171 HNR): many oaks, $1700
• Wendy (180 HRN): a dead ash, $750
• Alfred (182 HNR): $1400
• Judy (201HNR) : $1000
• Deb (214 HNR): not sure
• Annie (307): five dead ashes, $1250
• Miri/Bruno/Jenny (314): Many dead oaks. (included in prev?)
• Rachel (287 HNR): $950
• Megan/Dmitri & Eva (no estimate?)

DEB WILL GET A COMMUNITY PRICE FROM GREEN CROSS, AS WELL AS PRICING FOR Eva’s house, and the orchard and dumpster areas. Other dead trees: SUSAN WILL ASK CHRIS to look at the big tree between farmhouse and the road that is going to fall one way or the other.

FARMHOUSE
Chris cleaned roof of moss, and the other work that needed doing. Has
painting/ staining of decks on his radar, weather has made it difficult.
For future large events, THE COMMUNITY AGREED THAT WHOEVER IS HOSTING THE EVENT MUST SUBMIT PARKING AND OTHER PLANS to the board in advance for approval, and then upon approval the community should be notified, either by the board or the person holding the event. We should expand the parking across from the dumpsters. THE BOARD WILL LOOK INTO costs of having Burfeind do it when he comes to do the rest of the work.

BOARD ELECTIONS
With all members willing to continue to serve, and with no other candidates standing for election, the board was unanimously renewed for the current term.

The meeting was held at the home of Anne Navasky and remotely by Zoom video. Minutes submitted by Rachel Dretzin.