HOLA Board of Directors Meeting 9/2/2023 9AM at the HOLA Waterfront

Present: Brittany DiPompo Russell, Dave Douglas, Millie Hoekstra, Mary-Ellen Moroney, Al Salvini, Rob Smith, Darren Winslow, Ed Zambraski, Jeff Zapolsky, Val Zapolsky

Absent: John Patriquin, Ann Arthurs, Dave Arthurs, Larry Malone, Ana Wetherill

Millie Hoekstra called the meeting to order at 9:04 AM.

Announcements:

There have been many property transfers, and waterfront access purchases. We now have only 7 properties with 100 ft. waterfront rights and 11 with no waterfront rights.

The website has been updated. If you see any thing amiss then please let Millie know so she can fix them.

Tim Johnson has been working on a new digital map of the HOLA  properties. It is on the website and still a work in progress.

Sam White is nominated to be on the board, but she has a problem with the Saturday 9AM meeting time because she is currently acting as the breakfast cook for Moose Alley. They are trying to hire a cook, so it shouldn’t be a problem forever. The Board decided to still keep Sam White as the nominee and worry about the meeting time later.

Secretary’s Minutes from the July meeting: Motion to accept: Dave Douglas. Seconded by Mary-Ellen Maroney. Passed Unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report (attached): We are flush with funds due to many properties paying extra road fees for construction (those funds go into the Road & Snow Budget) and many people buying waterfront access (those fees go into the Waterfront Savings account). We did pay for geese remediation, but that was less than expected.

Upcoming Budget is overall unchanged from last year.

Jeff asked to please send him any new or changed forms now that need to go out with the HOLA bills Oct. 1^st.

Motion to accept the report: Ed Zambraski. Seconded by: Mary-Ellen Maroney. Passed: Unanimously.

Road Commissioner’s Report (attached): Fidium contact (per Rob Smith) is Tim (603-703-9240)

There are bushes at the bottom of the north end of Overlook Drive and on Morel Road that obstruct views of on-coming traffic. Dave will look into it.  There are some berms from grading that will be addressed by the committee.

Waterfront Committee Report: No complaints this summer. All kayak and boat slip requests were accommodated.

Assessor’s Report: No changes from last year.

Millie is keeping a complaint log: There have been 2 noise complaints that were referred to the sheriff. Call her if there are problems so we are collecting data.

Nominating Committee: Sam White will be the new Board member to replace Anne Crump who is retiring. Of note Sam is a Rangeley Town Selectman.

Adjourned 9:45 AM.

The Board reconvened at 12:05 PM and re-elected the same officers to the Board, unanimously.

Meeting adjourned 12:06 PM.

Next Board meeting will be Nov. 11 at 9AM RFA Lakeside Theater.

Respectfully Submitted: Val Zapolsky, Secretary

HOLA MINUTES Jan. 14, 2023 AT 9 AM RFA LAKESIDE THEATER

Present: Millie Hoekstra, Val Zapolsky, Jeff Zapolsky, Al Salvini, Mary-Ellen Moroney, Robert Smith, Dave Arthurs, Ann Arthurs, Larry Malone, Darren Winslow, John Patriquin, Ed Zambraski (via Zoom)

Absent:, Anne Crump, Brittany DiPompo Russell, Dave Douglas, Ana Wetherill

Mille called the meeting to order at 9:02 AM.

Updates: The roads are icy but well sanded. M&H is burning brush in the Overlook and the fire lasted longer than anticipated. The pile is still smoking after several days. The Fire Chief is involved. Many properties are still changing hands. If you see something new (a new foundation, or lots being cleared) then let Millie know.

Secretary’s Minutes of the last meeting:  (attached) Motion to approve: Jeff Z, Seconded: Mary-Ellen Moroney, Approved Unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report: (attached) FYI We have Zell as a payment option  thru Franklin Savings Bank now, as well as the usual check method.

There was discussion about whether the $500 fee for heavy equipment to clear a lot was in addition to the $1000 for house construction or if it would be applied toward the $1000 fee. Varying opinions were expressed and the matter was referred to the Road Committee for discussion and a recommendation for the Board.

There was a round of thanks for the great job Jeff has done.

Road Committee Report: Dave Douglas did not submit a written report, but spoke to Millie and said, “All is good.”

Waterfront Committee Report: (attached) Ed stated that our dock installer has sold his business, so Ed will be tracking down a new installer over the next few months. The next committee meeting will be in March.

Ad Hoc Committee Procedures: (attached) Larry Malone suggested that the Board give this committee specific issues to address rather than trying to create general procedures for anything and everything. He suggested issues be divided into areas such as Safety, Liability, and Cost. For example, untended minor swimmers would fall under liability. Blocking a road would fall under safety. ATVs tearing up the roads would be a cost issue. This was referred to the Road & Waterfront Committee for a list of issues in order of importance.

Other business – none.

Meeting adjourned at 9:47AM.

Next meeting  Saturday, March 11 at 9AM at the RFA Lakeside Theater

HOLA Board of Directors meeting July 10, 2021 at 9 AM in the RFA Lakeside Theater

Present: Millie Hoekstra, Val Zapolsky, Jeff Zapolsky, Ann Arthurs, Dave Arthurs, Ed Zambraski,   Mary-Ellen Moroney, Larry Malone, Darren Winslow,   Mary Ellen Simon (on the phone), John Patriquin, Anne Crump

Absent: Carole Hoffmann, Dave Douglas, Brittany DiPompo, Ana Wetherill

Millie called the meeting to order at 9:05 AM, welcoming everyone and notifying them that board meetings will be at the theater in the future.

Secretary’s Minutes of the May meeting: the was a motion to accept, seconded and passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report: (attached) Millie thanked Jeff Z. for his hard work and great collection rate.

Waterfront Report: (attached)

Road Commissioner’s Report: (attached) Dave wants to retire from the Road Commissioner position.  Millie thanked Dave (and Ann) for all the years spent as Road Commissioner and leading the Road Committee.  This is a challenging job and it is time to increase the budget to enable the road commissioner/committee to do their job.  There will be a notice sent to all the members of HOLA stating that if anyone interested in the position they should contact Millie Hoekstra.

There were 2 items related to the roads that were discussed.

1)           Dave Arthurs presented the snowplowing proposal from Dave Burgess (Burgess Construction & Property Maintenance). He wants $5000 increase to $45K per year (maximum) for 5 years and a $38K (minimum) per year. He has averaged $38K per year for the past contract, so that is a reasonable thing for us to give him. The $5000 increase is because he must pay his people more to keep them. (All employers are seeing this increase in wages.) Also he provides 24/7 coverage for us. Dave Arthurs asked around and has not found a contractor willing take us at that price or to provide the 24/7 coverage we need. A motion was made to accept this proposal from Dave Burgess. It was seconded and passed unanimously.

2)           The next discussion involved a request to increase the road budget by $20K to improve and maintain that improvement. This was figure is based on a 10-year plan for our roads. Val & Jeff measured all the road sections. This info is now available to assist with the overall road improvement planning. We have 7.4 miles of road. If we improve 1/10^th of them every year (0.74 miles) that will cost about $35K annually to return the road to a full crown. We currently only spend about $15K year on this, so we are not putting the volume of topping on the roads that we need. Many of the roads are down to the large stones base or down to ledge. Major build up of these sections is required. The $20K increase will provide the funds need to get ahead and keep ahead of our road maintenance.  The motion was made to increase the budget by $20K for roads. This was seconded and passed unanimously. The rest of the discussion was regarding how to present this increase to the members at the annual meeting.

Millie asked Ed Zambraski (Assessor) to do the calculations to determine the Road and Snow Fee for the two levels (lot with a house  and an empty lot) for next fiscal year (2021-2022).

Ed then informed the board that the snowmobile trail down to Nile Brook is closed to ATVs by the LANDOWNERS!   This is not a HOLA decision or responsibility. Snowmobiles may still use it. The trail will be blocked by logs etc.  Ed also stated that the signs we installed last year have cut ATV traffic thru HOLA by 80%.

The Nominating Committee confirmed that Carol Hoffman has completed her term and has decided not to continue on the board, but Ann Arthurs, Ed Zambraski, Larry Malone and Britany DiPompo have volunteered to serve another term.  Al Salvini has agreed to be nominated as Board Member.  This maintains the Highlands/Overlook ratio.

New legal issue: There was an FYI regarding Scott Ivers running an AirBnB in his travel trailer and running a Private Club. The Dallas Plantation and the state are involved and handling all municipal issues. HOLA concern: Ivers has restrictions in his deed regarding living in a trailer on his lot. “Mobile homes or tents for living purposes are prohibited on said lot.”  HOLA will send a letter reminding him of this restriction. It was decided the letter should come from our lawyer Paul Mills.

The Ad Hoc Committee has not yet attacked their charge.

Respectfully Submitted,

Val Zapolsky

Secretary

Addendum: The revised 2021-2022 Budget was emailed to Board Members and was approved to be presented at the Annual Membership Meeting to be held September 4, 2021 at 11 AM.

Next Meeting:  September 4, 2021 at 9AM

HOLA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING NOV.14, 2020 VIA ZOOM

Present: Millie Hoekstra, Val Zapolsky, Jeff Zapolsky, Ann Arthurs, Dave Arthurs, Ed Zambraski,  Brittany DiPompo, Carole Hoffmann, Mary-Ellen Moroney, Dave Douglas, Anne Crump, Larry Malone, Darren Winslow (new member replacing Terry Donovan)  

Absent: Mary Ellen Simon, John Patriquin, Ana Wetherill

Millie called the meeting to order at 9:11 AM.

Secretary’s Minutes from Sept. 5, 2020 – Motion to approve. No discussion. MSP

Treasurer’s Report (attached) – End of Fiscal year Sept. 30 all account balances transferred to “savings” and account started Oct. 1 at $0. Delinquent accounts as of Sept. 30 were just over $16,000.  New bills went out Oct. 1, due Nov. 15^th with over 80% paid already. Copy of this year’s tax form included for board’s information.

Our new Board member Darren Winslow introduced himself.

Road Report (attached): M&H is doing grading now. We will need to extend “Old Esker Way” next year. This is the last year of our 5-year plowing contract with Burgess Construction and Property Maintenance. We start this season with $6,405 left over from previous years on a $40K per year contract. Discussed the need to plow further down “Tilt of the Kilt” past the 2 trailer sites, and also plow the waterfront front road, now called “Nile Brook Way,” for new houses.  The new owners of the Farmhouse Inn have given permission for snowmobiles to cross their property to access the lake from the Highlands.

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, the name of the road to the waterfront is now Nile Brook Way. New rules for the waterfront have been posted. (Attached)

General discussion: Airbnb vs. BnB vs. renters vs. owners regarding use of and access to the waterfront. Millie did a lot of research into what the various deeds say regarding waterfront use/rights. There are many variations regarding guests, renters, invitees, heirs, assigns etc. and the legal definitions of such if they exist.  We are allowed to make rules, but there is the question of how to enforce any rule we do make. The discussion was tabled until next meeting. The board will do more research.

Ed Z. will send out e-blast next week. Jeff will send emails of new owners to Ed Z.

Adjourned 9:47 AM

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

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 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 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