HOLA Board Minutes November 2025
HOLA Board meeting Nov. 8 at 5PM at the RFA Lakeside Theater
Present: Dave Douglas, Ana Wetherill, Val Zapolsky, Jeff Zapolsky, Millie Hoekstra, John Patriquin, Larry Malone, Brittany Russell, Mary-Ellen Moroney, Sam White,
On Zoom: Ed Zambraski, Rob Smith, Darren Winslow, Dave Arthurs, Ann Arthurs
Absent: Al Salvini
Millie called the meeting to order at 5PM.
There is still a lot of construction happening. If you see any new foundation or heavy work being done, please let Millie know.
Secretary’s Minutes of August 30, 2025: Motion to approve- seconded and passed unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report (attached) by Jeff Zapolsky: Summary – we have plenty of money in savings/emergency accounts for waterfront & roads to cover unbudgeted expenses.
169 out of 203 owners have paid their invoices for 2025-2026 season = 68% so far (better than last year).
Leggett properties in the Overlook are under contract, the closing of the sale has been delayed awaiting a survey of the boundaries of the properties. Since Leggett has had overdue invoices for several years (and we have a legal lien on the property); we will collect around $10K when the sale in finalized.
AdHoc Committee report (attached) Larry Malone:
Motion – We should have some sort of fine system for rule violations. – 3 no, 1 abstain, 11 yes
Much discussion of the AdHoc Committee report occurred with several amendments. Since the report was very long, Val will write up the motion with amendments and email to the board for an email vote to approve.
Larry recommended legal review of the final document. No second. Val recommended we use LEGAL ZOOM, if we decide to go that route. The RFA has used them for several years as very inexpensive access to any legal specialty and legal docs.
Road Commissioner’s Report – Dave Douglas : Burgess will be doing the plowing and sanding again this winter. Our roads are in good shape as we enter the winter season. Dave reminded everyone that since winter is here, EVERYONE NEEDS TO SLOW DOWN so we can avoid accidents and have a safe winter season on our roads. The members of the Road Committee for 2025-2026 will be presented at the next meeting.
If you see ATVs breaking rules, some identifier is needed to follow up on the complaint, such as a license plate or name if you know it. Violations should be reported to the President/Chairperson of the HOLA Board of Directors.
Waterfront Report – Ed Zambraski (attached): Docks have been removed and the invoice has been paid. All boats slips are assigned for next season, but a few kayak spots are left for 2026. There are a couple kayaks remaining at the waterfront despite everyone being told to remove them before winter. They will be removed from the racks and held until we hear from owners. Ed presented the list of members for the Waterfront Committee for the 2025-2026 year. Ed Zambraski, Angelo DeSanctis, Dave Douglas, Mary-Ellen Maroney, Nick Sampson, Rob Smith, Gary Wadsworth, John Patriquin, Sam White, Holly Pierce were approved for the HOLA 2025-2026 Waterfront Committee.
New Business: Harry Simon (HS) submitted a complaint regarding John Patriquin’s (JP) request to remove trees on Kendall’s Farm Road to the Board (attached). Harry had planned to attend this meeting but at the last minute was unable to do so. Harry emailed his Presentation to The HOLA Board of Directors on November 8th.
John Patriquin presented his proposal in person. HS’s property is between JP’s property and Route 4. JP’s property is on the uphill side of Kendall’s Farm Trail and HS’s property is on the downhill side. There are some trees across the road from JP’s property that are growing and blocking his view of the lake. He has been trying for several years to work something out with HS to allow cutting of the trees involved but to no avail, so he paid to have a survey done to see if the trees were actually on HS’s land or on HOLA owned road land. Two of the trees are on HOLA land and the rest are on HS’s property. JP requests permission from HOLA to cut the trees that are on HOLA land and are blocking his view.
The growth of trees within HOLA has been a concern for many years; we are losing our view of the lake. Lake views increase our property value by $15,000 to $20,000. To address the concerns of our members; several years ago the HOLA Board suggested we investigate the possibility of mass tree cutting for views and safety. Unfortunately not enough HOLA members responded to move the project forward. For more than 20 years or so, HOLA has had a practice of allowing property owners to cut trees within the HOLA owned road property at their own expense. This has opened our roads up to more sunshine which helps to prevent ice buildup during the winter and the danger of trees falling into our roads. Owners were also encouraged to work with their neighbors with regard to tree growth and losing lake views. For clarity, we feel it is time to make this long term practice an official policy.
Motion: If a homeowner wants to cut trees or brush on HOLA property, they may at their own expense with HOLA Board permission. No: 3, Abstain: 1, Yes 11. Motion passes.
John Patriquin has 2 HOLA trees blocking his view that are across the road from his property. He requests permission to cut them at his expense. John presented evidence that the 2 trees are HOLA’s (not Harry Simon’s). Harry’s submitted statement offered no possible injuries to him or his property from this proposed tree removal.
John was dismissed from the meeting and subsequent discussion.
The board decided there were no road contradictions to cutting these trees (drainage, wind, or plowing problems).
Motion To allow John Patriquin to cut trees within the HOLA road property that are blocking his view at his expense. No: 3, Abstain 1, Yes:10. Motion passes.
Snowmobile access to the lake on the Highlands side is currently changed and may be blocked, because the lot across from the Farmhouse has sold and the new owner does not want snowmobiles driving thru his yard. Dave is looking into other access.
Meeting is adjourned at 6:40 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Val Zapolsky, HOLA Secretary