Western Shores Second Addition Association, Inc.<?xml:namespace prefix = o /> 

Annual Meeting Minutes 

 

 

January 11, 2010

 

The annual meeting was held Jan. 11, 2010 at Silverlake Church. Sign-in inspectors were Nancy Loso and Thearon Sheidler. Bert Allen opened with prayer. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by President Diane Reese. A quorum of 32 had been met. A total of 34 owners or their proxies were counted.

The minutes of the last annual meeting were read by Secretary Gail Watson. Ray Tuholski moved and Harold Loso seconded that the minutes be approved.

The Treasurer's report indicated that the Association is spending more than it is taking in. Don Taylor asked what the solution to that problem might be. It will be addressed later in the meeting's agenda.

Curt Navarro's resignation was announced due to work scheduling difficulties. Members running for election were introduced: Judy Barbaro, Evelyn Nevins (who was not present due to family issues), and Ray Tuholski (who asked for insurance coverage for board members as a stipulation of his willingness to run). There were no nominations from the floor. Ballots were collected. (There is a need for extra ballots to be provided at the meeting as several members had left theirs at home.)

New Business: Proposed Budget for 2010

The proposed 2010 budget generated much discussion. Fees need to be raised, but the board was trying to postpone that until the revised deed restrictions are passed. The Association has insurance on common areas and the trailer lot but not on board members. Ken Rider explained that any lawsuit against the board would need to prove gross negligence on the part of the board. Judy Barbaro suggested that insurance expense to cover the board would only amount to about $12 per lot owner. Joyce Norcross suggested a committee to investigate insurance coverage and expense. Ken Rider stated that he had investigated the options thoroughly already and had the most reasonable price. Don Taylor moved that liability insurance be purchased for $1,000,000 coverage at a cost not to exceed $1000. Seconded by Joe Collier. Motion passed. How will we pay for that coverage? Judy Barbaro said we need to raise fees now. Harold Loso reminded everyone how cheap our dues have been for many years. Judy Barbaro moved that dues be raised to $100 per year (from $70 previously) plus the road fund fee. Marie Taylor seconded. Motion passed. Should the road fund fee be increased too? Ken Rider estimated that we'd need an increase of $70 per lot owner to prepare for the future needs of the road. Geoff Norcross stated that the board had made a bad decision about paving and had wasted money. Don Taylor agreed that the petition for paving was handled badly. He said the board didn't have the right to do what the petitioners requested (paving). Mr. Taylor continued to express his frustrations about the roadwork when the President reminded him that this discussion was about the proposed budget for 2010. He stated that he had the floor and would continue to speak even if the board had to schedule another meeting. The President countered that he could not tell the board what to do. At this point Mr. Taylor admitted that he hadn't paid the $500 road fund fee and would not do so. He said the resurfacing causes his property to flood. Several laughs were heard. Mr. Taylor asked what the laughter was about and then proceeded to leave the meeting (stopping to speak with the Norcrosses who also got up and left). Judy Barbaro said that people need to be made aware that road fund fees will increase over time. Nancy Loso said that we need an initial increase now. Rosalie Dubie suggested a $20 increase in road fund fees. This would make road fund fees $50 (from $30 previously) for a total of dues and road fund fees of $150. The residents of Carl Rd. and Hodges do not pay fees for the road fund. Roger Dubie moved for the $20 increase in road fund fees. Judy Barbaro seconded. Motion passed. It was noted that this road fund fee amounts to about $1 per week. Trailer lot fees will not be increased at this time. It was asked if there were any other additions or changes to the proposed budget. Joe Collier moved to accept the budget with the fee changes. Roger Dubie seconded. Motion passed.

Election results were announced: Judy Barbaro-31 votes, Evelyn Nevins-31 votes, Ray Tuholski-28 votes, Marlene Conklin-2 votes, Don Lewis-2 votes, and Lucretia Helton-1 vote.

Judy, Eveyln, and Ray were elected and should remain for a brief meeting of officers afterwards.

Old Business:  The Proposed Deed Restrictions

The proposed deed restrictions have not had many changes by this board. Diane Reese read some of the original deed restrictions set down by the developer of Western Shores II. They were amended in 1990. Each board has tried to clarify and simplify restrictions and listen to the desires of the community. A major change to official 55 plus community status would actually be a technicality because we already meet the requirements for such status. Ray Tuholski read a statement asking for less micro-managing with respect to restrictions. The President stated that the board tries to address all comments and suggestions from members, but after the April mailing of the revisions, there were no responses received. The board did its best to revise and update restrictions. Bert Allen stated that his written suggestions were not all addressed. He questioned "major repairs" and feels that needs clarification. Concerning the pet restriction, he feels the words "in any manner" are not necessary. He also feels that the 75% needed for approval of changes and revisions is too high a number and suggested 60% might be more appropriate for our community. Parking boats in screened carports may need to be allowed as we are a boating community. Bert also stated that some people fear that their children couldn't inherit their property if we become a 55 plus community. However, 20% of the owners can be less than age 55. Most people assume this community is already a 55 plus community. Bert feels we should simplify and improve the language of restrictions where possible. He agreed to work with the board to implement his ideas. Ray Tuholski stressed how wonderful our community really is! He shared some statistics about The Villages that were unfavorable. He feels we need to try to resolve issues with neighbors without involving the board. He wants no "rule-phobia" and no "dictatorship". Diane Reese asked that any suggestions be written out and submitted to the board or emailed. Joe Collier cautioned that we need to be careful and considerate with changes. Harold Loso cautioned about making the percentage for approval too low, because these restrictions are the laws of our community. Any corrections and/or suggestions need to be made as soon as possible so we can start collecting signatures for approval. This process requires a great deal of time. Diane Reese proposed that anyone with ideas on rewrites please submit them no later than Feb.11. The board will give feedback to all suggestions received.  Concerning the building of conventional homes, Judy Barbaro stated that such building will impact our roads and road fund. Owners building would be responsible if any damage should occur. Barry Holcomb wanted to know who was in favor of site-built homes. Why was that restriction changed? Gail Watson responded that the board was doing what people had asked.  Many restrictions need to be "tweaked", but those present felt the board was moving in the right direction. 

Harold Loso moved for adjournment and Joe Collier seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 8:20.

The newly elected board members met with the rest of the board following the annual meeting. Diane Reese will remain President. Ken Rider will remain Treasurer. Judy Barbaro will serve as Vice-President. Evelyn Nevins will serve as Secretary. Ray Tuholski will serve as Director.  The next board meeting will be Thurs. Jan. 21 at 6:00 PM at the home of Bert Allen. 

Respectfully submitted,

Gail Watson - Secretary