Executive Board Meetings
Executive Board Meetings
2020 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING SEPT. 5, 2020
HOLA ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING SEPT. 5, 2020 AT 11 AM AT THE WATERFRONT (wipes and sanitizer provided)
Meeting called to order at 11:05 AM by Millie Hoekstra.
Present: 73 homeowners (including the board) highest attendance ever!
Millie thanked the Board for all their work and introduced each by name to all. Everyone is a volunteer and gives lots of time to keep the organization running smoothly. Thank You to Terry Donovan (retiring) for serving 6 years on the board.
Everyone was encouraged to sign the attendance sheet and give contact info if it has changed. If you want to volunteer on a committee email Millie ASAP.
New Owners were welcomed. They were encouraged to talk to a Board Member, volunteer and become involved. Our website: www.holarangeley.org has a great amount of information—check it out. ATV trail maps were just added.
Minutes of the last Annual Meeting Aug. 31, 2019 – Approved MSP
Road Report (attached): This is the last year of our snow plowing 5 year contract with Burgess Construction and Property Maintenance, so plowing probably will go up and we will need more dollars to continue to care for our roads. We have not increased our road fees in 13 years. Other area HOA fees are $1400 – $3200. We get a bargain, but expect an increase next year.
Red-orange marks on roads are by Dig Safe because we will be digging to replace some culverts and ditching and cutting back brush. All are welcome to cut fallen trees that block road, but do inform Dave Arthurs that the tree is down.
There are piles of shale at the end of Kendall Farm Trail (Highlands) and by Dave Arthurs house (Overlook) for filling potholes. Everyone was encouraged to take a 5 gallon bucket and fill potholes near ones house.
If you have an issue with the roads, please call our Road Commissioner (Dave Arthurs)—do NOT call our contractors who are doing their best on our roads.
Waterfront Report (attached) – M&H Construction will remove dead trees and will add riprap to harbor entrance in October. In the process of getting a 911 number, we are changing the name of the waterfront road to “Nile Brook Way”.
Treasurer’s Report (attached) – Account Balances look good. We have $25,899 in Emergency Funds. Franklin Saving Bank Operating Account = $23,900 which will get us through the end of Sept. New Fiscal year starts Oct. 1st. Roads are over budget on calcium, but under on plowing, so okay as well. Delinquent accounts are down to just over $16,000 (previously this amount was over $30,000). Budget was sent out to all prior to the meeting. There were no questions. HOLA Budget for 2020-2021 MSP.
Assessors report, based on budget needs and improved and unimproved properties, the road fees will remain at $210 for unimproved lot and $463 for improved lot. Expect an increase next year.
Ballots (attached) were verbally presented and voted by a show of hands. All slates passed unanimously.
Next Annual Meeting will be Sept. 4th, 2021. Location TBD.
Adjourned 11:45 AM
..The Board of Directors met briefly and voted to keep the same officers for next year.
PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF LOCATION DUE TO COVID-19…BRING A CHAIR!
July 2020
Dear HOLA members:
2020 has been a very different year. Covid-19 is impacting our activities in Rangeley; although we do not know of any local cases thus far. Summer has arrived in the Rangeley Region, but the town is still a little quiet. Many seasonal residents and vacationers are delaying their return this year. There have been many programs and events postponed or cancelled for the summer. But the outdoors has not been cancelled and there are many opportunities to enjoy our beautiful region.
Our roads survived the unusual winter and we have done some maintenance and grading but most of the work will be done in the fall. We hope you will soon be enjoying the waterfront and picnic area, the docks and new swim lines are in and ready for your pleasure. We are very thankful for the several volunteers who have cleaned up the area, planted grass and cut some of the overgrown bushes. We have decided to mow less grass this year to see if this will be an effective “geese deterrent” and hopefully this will work.
Our HOLA Annual Meeting will be held at the The Barn at 4 High Street in Rangeley on Labor Day weekend—Saturday, September 5th at 11 AM. Please wear a mask. The road warrant is enclosed for your information. We will be electing members to the Board of Directors, a Road Commissioner and approving the annual budget. If appropriate come September; a coffee and donut reception time will be held at 10:30 AM prior to our annual meeting at the same location; come and visit with your neighbors observing social distancing. If anyone is interested in serving on the HOLA Board of Directors or one of the committees, please let any BOD member know of your interest. A healthy organization requires widespread involvement of the membership.
Please check our website www:holarangeley.org for the minutes of the Executive Board and financial reports of this past year. To enable us to communicate with you more cost effectively, please send us an email with your email address: milliehoek@gmail.com. An email newsletter is sent every few months. Please update your contact information.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the members of the board at anytime.
Sincerely yours,
Millie Hoekstra
Millie Hoekstra, HOLA Chairperson
milliehoek@gmail.com
HOLA Board Meeting Minutes, September 5, 2020
Present: Millie Hoekstra, Val Zapolsky, Jeff Zapolsky, , Ana Wetherill, Ann Arthurs, Dave Arthurs, Ed Zambraski, Brittany DiPompo, Carole Hoffmann, Mary-Ellen Moroney, Dave Douglas, Anne Crump, Larry Malone, John Patriquin, (non-board attendee: Ben Wetherill)
Absent: Terry Donovan, Mary Ellen Simon
Millie called the meeting to order at 9:06 AM.
Secretary’s Minutes from July 11, 2020 – Motion to approve. No discussion. MSP
Treasurer’s Report (attached) – Account Balances look good. We have $25,899 in Emergency Funds. Roads are over budget on calcium, but under on plowing, so okay as well. Delinquent accounts are down to just over $16,000.
Budget proposal – Assessors report, based on budget needs and improved and unimproved properties, the road fees should remain at $210 for unimproved lot and $463 for improved lot. MSP
Road Report (attached): This is the last year of our 5 year plowing contract with Burgess Construction and Property Maintenance, so plowing budget probably will go up and we need more dollars to continue to care for our roads. We have not increased our road fees in 13 years. But expect an increase next year.
Waterfront Report (attached) – M&H Construction will remove dead trees and will add riprap to harbor entrance. In the process of getting a 911 number, we want to change the name of the road to the waterfront from Burr Road (name of previous owner) to Nile Brook Way. MSP to change the name to Nile Brook Way.
ATVs are not permitted on Rte. 4 thus they have no legal way to get to the waterfront. No ATVs at waterfront will be added to waterfront rules. MSP
General discussion: There is no access to ATV trails except in town at Depot Street. Discussion regarding ATVs using powerline (not allowed), joy riding on our roads (not permitted). We have installed signs, but there are no consequences. Can we establish fines? Board will review the Bylaws, if it is possible by statute and how it could be done and enforced.
Adjourned 10:15 AM
9 AM Via Zoom
HOLA BOARD MINUTES JULY 11, 2020 AT 9 AM VIA ZOOM
Present: Millie Hoekstra, Val Zapolsky, Jeff Zapolsky, Mary Ellen Simon (on phone), , Ana Wetherill, Ann Arthurs, Dave Arthurs, Ed Zambraski, Brittany DiPompo, Carole Hoffmann, Mary-Ellen Moroney, Dave Douglas, Anne Crump, Larry Malone
Absent: Terry Donovan, John Patriquin
Millie called the meeting to order at 9:03 AM
Secretary’s Minutes from May 16 were accepted without changes. MSP Unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report: Jeff reviewed Account Balances, P&L and Unpaid accounts. No questions. Overall, we are in good shape.
2021 Budget was presented. It was discussed that we shouldn’t rent The Barn for meetings next year since we aren’t using it due to Covid. Otherwise all approved the budget to be presented at the Annual Meeting. MSP
Road Commissioner’s Report: See attached report. Roads have some problems that will be addressed at the next Road Committee.
Sign options were presented to help keep snowmobiles, off-road motorcycles and ATVs off our roads. The signs were unanimously approved. They will be ordered and placed as directed by the Road Committee. A proposed letter from all of HOLA to the Town of Rangeley regarding ATV travel on Rte. 4 was discussed and approved. Millie will sign it.
There is a damaged section of road on the Overlook by Tim Allen. Millie stated it is Tim Allen’s responsibility to repair it.
It has been noted that the Rte. 4 entrance to the waterfront is very narrow and difficult to see entering or exiting. There has been a recent minor accident. An estimate from M&H to widen the top to 21 feet for 50 ft long (i.e. 2 lanes at the top) will cost a bit over $4K. This will come from Road budget. The expense was approved and should be viewed more urgent than other road work.
Waterfront Report: See attached report. Canoe & Kayak Rack racks are full. Still waiting on the Code Enforcement Officer to get a 911 # for the waterfront.
There was a recent incident at the waterfront where 2 young children (7 & 8 years old) were swimming without any adults present. The episode was resolved without further problems, but it was felt this was unsafe. Suggestions for signage were discussed. It was referred back to the Waterfront Committee.
Nominating Committee Report: Val reported that board members whose terms are expiring are: Dave Arthurs, Anne Crump, Val Zapolsky and Terry Donovan. All but Terry Donovan are willing to continue on the board. Thank you to Terry for the years served on the board. Darren Winslow (Highlands) had recently spoken to Val about wanting to join the HOLA board. Val nominated Darren. The slate was accepted by the board and will be presented at the Annual Meeting.
Other Business:
Consolidated is repairing underground “poles/boxes/towers” that were knocked over in past winters. Let Millie know of any you see.
The Annual Meeting will be Sept. 5 at the waterfront RAIN or SHINE. Bring your own chairs, drinks and snacks. We will have a PA system so all can hear.
Next Board meeting will be at 9 AM Sept. 5 at the waterfront RAIN or SHINE
Having no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:50 AM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Val Zapolsky
HOLA Board Meeting Minutes, May 16, 2020
9 AM VIA ZOOM
Present: Millie Hoekstra, Val Zapolsky, Jeff Zapolsky, Mary Ellen Simon (on phone), John Patriquin, Ana Wetherill, Ann Arthurs, Dave Arthurs, Ed Zambraski, Brittany DiPompo, Carol Hoffmann, Maryellen Moroney, Dave Douglas, Anne Crump Absent:, Terry Donovan, Larry Malone
Millie called the meeting to order at 9:03 AM
Secretary’s Minutes from March 14 were accepted with out changes. MSP Unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report: (click here) Jeff reviewed Account Balances, P&L and Unpaid accounts. No questions. Overall we are in good shape.
Road Commissioner’s Report: (click here)Roads have minor problems that are being addressed. All within budget. Grading to start soon. Still looking into signage to keep snowmobiles and ATVs off our roads. Will be discussed at next Road Committee meeting. The cost would be $75 from Signworks in Farmington. Suggestions were made to ask for free signs from Snowmobile Club and look on-line.
Waterfront Report: (click here)Canoe & Kayak Rack Lists are posted. Port-a-potty is ordered. Hydroseeding was done and minimal damage from the winter has occurred. Still working on getting a 911 # for the waterfront.
Having no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:25 AM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Val Zapolsky
HOLA Board Meeting Minutes, March 14, 2020
HOLA Board meeting March 14, 2020 at 9 AM the Barn
Present: Millie Hoekstra, Val Zapolsky, Jeff Zapolsky, Mary Ellen Simon (on phone), John Patriquin, Ana Wetherill, Ann Arthurs, Dave Arthurs, Ed Zambraski, Terry Donovan, Larry Malone, Brittany DiPompo, Carol Hoffmann, Maryellen Moroney Absent:, Dave Douglas, Anne Crump
Call to Order: By Millie at 9 AM.
Secretary’s Minutes to that last meeting were accepted. No discussion. Motion to approve MSP unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report: Jeff reviewed Account Balances. No questions. P&L shows we have spent $35K as of the end of Feb. on snowplowing & sanding. This is a lot as we average $9K per month and we still have March and April to pay for. We may go over the $40K budgeted amount, but we will see what happens. The comments were that there was more snow last year, but more ice this year so that more sanding is needed.
Unpaid accounts: A letter was sent from us and sign by Millie explaining that if they pay us at least we get all the funds, but if the account is paid after going to collection then we only get 2/3rds. The rest goes to the lawyer, so please pay us now. ONLY 2 paid; the rest went to collection. Overall unpaid accounts are small.
We have accounts at FSB and SSB. Pros and cons of such were discussed. No changes made.
Road Commissioner’s Report: (Attached) As discussed above the winter road cost will probably run over budget. Dave had looked to other plow companies, but those costs look to be even higher.
It was asked if people noted a difference in renter behavior (driving, parking & snowmobiles) since we developed the HOLA Winter Guidelines for Homeowners. Maybe, because there have been no calls to Dave about people not being able to drive up their road, but snowmobilers have still been on our roads. There was much discussion about how to address the issue. It was decided to see about having a sign at the IGA for snowmobilers to let them know that all trails above the IGA are private access and those below are the official trails. Millie and Dave will work on verbiage, feasibility and cost.
Waterfront Report: (Attached) May need scuba to move mooring for swim lines and dock. Scuba options were discussed. They will replace old swim lines with $300 of new ones.
Meeting adjourned 9:47 AM.
Next Meeting: May 16, 2020, 9 AM
HOLA Board Meeting Minutes, January 11, 2020
HOLA Board Minutes January 11, 2020 9 AM at the Barn
Present: Millie Hoekstra, Val Zapolsky, Jeff Zapolsky, Mary Ellen Simon, John Patriquin, Ana Wetherill, Ann Arthurs, Dave Arthurs, Anne Crump (phone), Ed Zambraski (phone), Ben Wetherill–guest
Absent: Terry Donovan, Maryellen Maroney, Dave Douglas, Larry Malone, Brittany DiPompo, Carole Hoffmann
Millie called meeting to order at 9:01 AM.
Secretary’s Minutes of the Nov. 16, 2019 meeting were approved. MSP Unanimously.
Treasurers Report : Attached. Overall account balances are good. Income is only under budget by $3000 and Expenses for plowing and sanding for Nov. and Dec. were only $14,000. Very low compared to last winter. Of note the $200 waterfront expense was to remove the bees. The accounts receivables are divided into 3 sections:
- Those that won’t pay until the land sells. These are just continuing to accumulate until then.
- Those paying on installment plans.
- Those that only pay when sent to collection. It was suggested that a last letter be sent from the HOLA President and Treasurer explaining the benefits of paying us vs. the lawyer.
Report was approved. MSP Unanimously.
Road Commissioner’s Report: Attached. Real Estate Agent for Janet Ray’s (Brewster) properties has asked the status of the proposed road at the end of old Esker Way so she may list them correctly. Janet Ray is in arrears, so she has no standing to ask for the road to be completed. However, when the property sells, the new owner may ask that the road be completed once they have paid their road fees and the $1000 new construction fee. Then we will have to complete the road. Report was approved. MSP Unanimously.
Waterfront Report: Attached
Meeting Adjourned 9:35 AM.
Next meeting March 14, 2020 9 AM at the Barn.
HOLA Board Meeting Minutes, November 16, 2019
HOLA Board Minutes Nov. 16, 2019 9 AM at The Barn
Present: Terry Donovan, Millie Hoekstra, Val Zapolsky, Jeff Zapolsky, John Patriquin, Brittany DiPompo, Ana Wetherill, Carol Hoffmann, Ann Arthurs. Ben Wetherill–guest
Absent: Maryellen Maroney, Mary Ellen Simon, Ed Zambraski, Anne Crump, Dave Douglas, Larry Malone, Dave Arthurs
Millie called the meeting to order at 9 AM.
Motion to approve the minutes of the last meeting MSP unanimously.
Treasurers Report: attached.
Overall, for fiscal year ending 9/30/19, we spent more than we collected. We used emergency funds for the harbor dredging and some road repair. Payments are coming in well; so far 78% collected.
Jeff reviewed the unpaid accounts and no new ones will be sent to collection. He wants to propose a different payment plan to the most recent non-payor. MSP unanimously.
Waterfront Report: attached.
Road Report: attached.
It was thought to be a good idea to put the “Winter Rental Rules” in the eblast again.
John Clark, our longtime HOLA resident and board member has passed away. Motion to send $100 to AmVets in his memory was MSP unanimously.
Meeting adjourned 9:40 AM
August 2019 HOLA Board Meeting Minutes
8/31/19 HOLA Board Meeting 9:00 AM
The Barn on High Street
Anne Crump volunteered to take minutes for this meeting.
July meeting minutes were approved.
Attendance: Dave Douglas, John Patriquin, Mary-Ellen Maroney, Dave and Ann Arthurs, Ana Wetherill, Mary Ellen Simon, Millie Hoekstra, Carole Hoffmann, Anne Crump
Road Committee Report: Road Commissioner, Dave Arthurs reported with Dave Burgess (plowing contractor) that Don Welch on Winston Rd. had problems with large rocks being moved by the plowing. As a board we discussed how best to handle the issue. The problem needs further investigation in order to find a solution.
About 1,300 cubic yards of shale were used to repair roads and culverts, and because of the excess snow plowing and extensive road maintenance; we are $7000 + over budget. Next year Winston Rd. needs a culvert and ditching. DiGiovanni dug for electric work to power line across road leaving the road in need of repair. The ditch along Overlook Road 9C, Giovanelli to Larry Malone needs work to remove dam in that area to reroute water. Trees hanging over the roads will be marked and removed. (click here for full report)
Treasurer’s Report: motion to approve report as presented was made by Mary-Ellen Maroney and seconded by Ann Arthurs was passed by all.
Waterfront Report:
Mary-Ellen Maroney reported that a meeting was held at 8:30 AM. Bees were relocated from shed. We would like to have signage that says HOLA Harbor Place. The shed will be stained. The grass will be reseeded probably this fall. Talk of trees being planted, but not for sure. Committee are looking into a new ramp and possible further dredging for boats to launch. She reported that renters of Air B&B can launch boats but cannot have a slip.
Assessors Report
John Patriquin gave report which was
approved. Motion to accept by Ann Arthurs and seconded by Dave Douglas was
passed by all.
The road fees will stay the same this year and dues will increase by $10 this
year. ($210, $463, $75)
Nominating report:
Mary Ellen Simon reported that all board members with expiring terms have indicated they are willing to remain on the board for another term.
Other items:
..Winter Guidelines were reviewed and will be given to all rental agencies and included in e-blast and our website.
..Concern about ATVs and Snow machines using our roads inappropriately was discussed. More signage should be considered and communication with local clubs.
Meeting adjourned at 10:05 AM
July 2019 HOLA Board meeting minutes
Present: Millie Hoekstra, Val Zapolsky, Jeff Zapolsky, Ann Arthurs, Dave Arthurs, John Patriquin, Larry Malone, Dave Douglas, Ana Wetherill, Mary Ellen Simon
Absent: Carole Hoffmann, Brittany DiPompo, Mary-Ellen Moroney, Anne Crump, Ed Zambraski, Terry Donovan
Millie called the meeting to order at 9 AM.
Minutes to the last Board meeting were approved. MSP unanimously
There was a correction noted to the last Road Commissioners report. Dave Arthurs agreed to the correction.
Jeff Zapolsky reviewed the Treasurer’s Report.( Attached). He reviewed how the proposed $10 increase in Annual Dues would be divided between Waterfront and Administration. Report approved. MSP
Dave Arthurs reviewed the Road Commissioner’s Report. (attached)
Waterfront Report was emailed to all. No corrections.
Nomination Committee reported a full slate for slots at annual meeting. Present members with expiring terms are willing to serve again.
Dave Douglas, Millie Hoekstra, Mary-Ellen Moroney, John Patriquin, Mary Ellen Simon, Ana Wetherill, and Jeff Zapolsky
The Combined HOLA Info Sheets were emailed. There was a request to post a copy at the waterfront.
Next meeting August 31, 9 AM at the Barn. The Annual meeting will follow at 11 AM.
Meeting adjourned 9:47 AM
May 2019 HOLA Board Minutes
HOLA Board Meeting Minutes May 18, 2019 9 AM at The Barn
Present: Millie Hoekstra, Mary Ellen Simon, Ann Arthurs, Dave Arthurs, Carole Hoffmann, John Patriquin, Dave Douglas, Ed Zambraski, Larry Malone, Brittany DiPompo, Jeff Zapolsky, Val Zapolsky
Absent: Ana Wetherill, Mary-Ellen Moroney, Terry Donovan, Anne Crump
Millie called the meeting top order at 8:55 AM
Minutes of the last meeting were approved MSP unanimously
Treasure’s Report: Click Here We have adequate money for the rest of the year. There is an increased administrative cost for rental for meeting space of $300/year. The increased in misc. is for a new Quickbooks program for HOLA accounting compatible with Windows 10 cost $210.95. Jeff’s old computer was Windows 7 which is going away, so he needed to get a new computer for Windows 10. Overall, we are okay for this year, but the proposed 2019 budget will run a deficit, so the motion was made to raise dues about $10. MSP unanimously. This will be brought to the Annual Meeting for approval.
Road Report: This was a long and snowy winter and we are overbudget on plowing by $4718. Unfortunately, the north entrance to the Overlook that has been firm and dry for years, this year has a spring in it and mud. It was suggested that we delay paving and treat this section with excavation, blanket and rock that has worked well before. M&H will do the work. The Highlands roads are frost free and ready for grading. Overlook is not quite ready. Dave will all M&H to start grading on the Highlands side.
Waterfront Report: Docks are not yet in, but scheduled and we will have new swim lines. It was suggested to mow less and keep the mown part cleaner, to save mowing costs and the long grass doesn’t get as messy with goose poop as the mown parts do. Ed will try that and we’ll see how it goes.
Winter & Summer Renters’ Recommendations were reviewed. Two versions of each were presented. Ed will combine them and these will be brought to the Annual Meeting. They were found to be very helpful by the rental agencies, so they will be distributed as a working document pending approval.
Next Meeting Saturday, July 13, 9 AM at The Barn
Meeting adjourned 10:10 AM.
Respectfully submitted, Val Zapolsky – Secretary
March 2019 HOLA Board Minutes
HOLA Minutes March 9, 2019 9 AM at The Barn
Attendees: Maryellen Maroney, Val Zapolsky, Jeff Zapolsky, MaryEllen Simon, Ed Zambraski, Carol Hoffman, John Patriquin, Ana Wetherill, Larry Malone, Terry Donovan, Dave Arthurs, Anne Arthurs
Absent: Millie Hoekstra, Dave Douglas, Anne Crump, Brittany DiPompo
Maryellen Maroney called the meeting to order at 9 AM. She stated that Dave Burgess, our snowplowing company, was coming at 9:30 to address the Board, so Dave Arthurs would present his Road Commissioners Report first.
Road Commissioners Report – Basically the snow started early, It snowed often and there have been 6 ice events necessitating sanding, all of which are costly. Burgess has already reached the $40,000 cap for this season. Much discussion ensued, but it was tabled until after Burgess spoke.
Secretary’s Minutes were approved. MSP
Treasurers Report was approved. Then Jeff reviewed the past several contracts and actual costs for snowplowing. Click Here
Dave Burgess presented his information that it has been a long hard winter. He went thru all his sand and had to buy more at top price. All the ice breaks plows more often necessitating costly repairs. There are more homes being rented and the renters come in cars that are not appropriate for Rangeley winters. They call often for sand. The rental agencies have been calling Burgess directly, not Dave Arthurs. Dave Arthurs has told Burgess to have them call him. Dave Burgess was thanked for his input and left.
Discussion from earlier resumed. It was decided we have 2 issues:
The plowing cap has been reached and we are expecting snow tomorrow and often it snows into April. It was decided that the cap is for our budget benefit and many years it has cost us less than the cap.
There was a motion to pay Burgess for time and materials for the rest of this season. MSP unanimously.
Renters come inadequately prepared for Rangeley winter driving, so a Renters Guidelines will be developed that warn against 2WD with all season radials as inappropriate as well as other information to ensure an enjoyable vacation in Rangeley . Drivers that are unable to navigate our roads will be given then name of private towing services. Burgess will not be servicing our roads to be passable by 2WD with all season radials. The rental agencies and owners will be advised of these guidelines. Jeff offered to compile these guidelines. Anyone who has a suggestion should send it to Jeff.
Waterfront Report: Snowed in.
Adjourned at 10:20 AM Respectfully Submitted, Val Zapolsky
Next meeting: May 18, 2019 9 AM