Millie Hoekstra
HOLA Board Minutes July 12, 2025
HOLA Board Minutes 7/12/2025 9AM at the RFA Theater
Present: Darren Winslow & Dave Douglas on Zoom, Dave Arthurs, Ann Arthurs, Ana Wetherill, Rob Smith, Val Zapolsky, Jeff Zapolsky, Ed Zambraski, Millie Hoekstra, John Patriquin, Larry Malone, Brittany Russell, Al Salvini
Absent: Mary-Ellen Moroney, Sam White
Millie called the meeting to order at 8:52 AM.
Secretary’s Minutes (attached)of the May meeting were approved unanimously without discussion.
Nominating Committee: All current board members whose terms are expiring are willing to serve again:
AdHoc Committee (attached): Larry Malone wanted to speak early in this meeting as he had another meeting to get to. He had emailed the results of the AdHoc Committee’s report out to the board prior to the meeting. Rob Smith asked if we have to formalize the penalty system. The general consensus of the board was, yes, that is why the AdHoc committee was formed. However, several board members had not reviewed the committee’s report. Ed Zambraski handed out his own version (attached). Some discussion ensued and it was decided that the board will review the committee’s report and conduct an email discussion with “reply to all” responses.
Treasurer’s Report: (attached) Account Balances are all good. Delinquent payors are unchanged. Please inform Millie if you see any new foundations going in. Budget for the next year was presented. It is basically unchanged from this year’s. The board unanimously approved the budget. Jeff presented a new bill format that is easier for him and help us to budget better. The board gave him it’s blessing to change the format.
Road Commissioner’s Report: Some work was done at the bottom of the Lynn Way, but most work has been done and almost finished on the Overlook side. M & H Construction will be getting to the Highlands side shortly.
Waterfront Report (attached): Ed had one addition, that the USDA found only 10 geese on the whole east side of Rangeley Lake and had them removed. The waterfront has been very free of geese droppings. The system is working! The size of the boats docked in our harbor will be reviewed by the Waterfront Committee and report any needed changes for the 2026 reservation form to the board of directors at a future meeting .
Additional items:
Dave Arthurs stated that the ditch beside the Overlook sign and garden is very deep and the gardeners are at risk crossing the ditch and that perhaps we should put in a bridge across the ditch. Some discussion ensued and it was decided to look into it further.
Val Zapolsky stated that someone was shooting a gun off as target practice on the Highlands side. She called the sherriff and was informed that HUINTING is not allowed, but shooting is as long as it is more than 100 yards to the next house. She thought we should change our rules to NO SHOOTING. It will be looked into.
Ed Zambraski proposed issuing some ATV rules update to all homeowners. His proposal was reviewed and the board felt that it was unnecessary. No further action is needed since this issue was studied by the appointed ad hoc committee last year. Their findings and policy changes (based on current Maine law/statutes) were discussed at a previous board meeting. At that time, the board reaffirmed the ATV Road Use and established a new Waterfront ATV Use policy. A memorandum (see attachment) was emailed to all members in January. These policies are listed on our website.. HOLA Policy and Procedure Updates – Rangeley Maine Highlands Ovelook Landowners Association
Meeting was adjourned at 10 AM.
Next meeting 9AM on August 30 at the waterfront before the Annual Meeting at 11 AM.
HOLA Annual Membership Meeting 8/30/2025 Held at 11 AM at the RFA Lakeside Theater
75 Members Present
HOLA Board Present: Darren Winslow(zoom), Dave Douglas, Dave Arthurs, Ann Arthurs, Rob Smith, Val Zapolsky, Jeff Zapolsky, Ed Zambraski, Millie Hoekstra, Larry Malone, Brittany Russell, Ana Wetherill, Al Salvini, Mary-Ellen Moroney,
Millie H. (President) called the meeting to order at 11 AM. She welcomed everyone.
Each board member introduced themselves and all were thanked for their service to the organization. The membership was reminded that the board members are all volunteers and people were encouraged to get involved either on a committee or considering volunteering for the Board in the future. The sign-in sheet and committee sheets were passed around for everyone’s consideration.
Millie asked how many folks used the HOLA website. More than 2/3rds of those present raised their hands. The Board was very happy and surprised at that result. Communication is key and members were encouraged to visit the site for information, give us your emails and talk to a board member when questions arise.
Secretary’s Minutes of the last membership meeting were presented by Val Zapolsky, Secretary. The minutes of the meeting held on August 31, 2024 were approved by acclamation, MSP. Thanks, Val, for all your time serving as our secretary for many years.
Road Committee Report was presented by Dave Douglas Road Commissioner. (attached) No questions. Dave and the Road Committee were thanked for the many hours of overseeing our roads and upgrading them again this year.
Waterfront Report was presented bt Ed Zambraski (attached). There were no questions or comments. Ed and the Waterfront Committee were thanked for their many hours of keeping our waterfront property in great condition again this year.
Treasurer’s Report was presented by Jeff Zapolsky Treasurer. (attached) There were no surprises on the overall budget P & L for 2024-2025. No changes needed for the proposed budget for the coming year. The 2025-2026 HOLA Budget (attached) was approved by acclamation. Jeff was thanked for his many, many hours of service as Treasurer for HOLA.
Assessor’s Report was presented by Jocelyn Kinlock Assessor committee chairperson. There have been some changes to our number of Improved lots vs Unimproved lots this year with the building that is happening. Jocelyn thanked Jeff for his assistance in preparing the report. The road budget is $104,650 thus rates will be: Unimproved lots–$258, Improved lots–$568, no change (5th year) for coming year. Jocelyn and committee were thanked for their service. Dues also remain at $75
Nominating Committee Report – All board members with terms are expiring have agreed to continue. The nomination slate for board members was all voted in by acclamation. (attached) The nomination slate for Assessors Committee was all voted in by acclamation. The nomination for Road Commissioner was voted in by acclamation.
Questions/Comments –
John Caggiano asked about setback requirements. His deed and the neighbors’ deed say 25 ft. LUPC says that setbacks in Sandy River Plantation are15 ft. What to do? The board advised him that HOLA has no authority to decide or give variances. The legal documents are the deeds, and he should talk with his neighbors to come up with a solution.
Bob Boothby asked if it was ok to use his chain saw to help clear brush from the ditch for better visibility. Dave Douglas , Road Commissioner, informed him that HOLA roads include the ditches and the Road Committee needs all the help they can get, Thank you.
Dave also informed everyone that any tree limbs overhanging roads and ditches may be trimmed back by HOLA since it will enable the sun to help keep the road free of ice.
Tim Johnson inquired about the wires that were hanging on Overlook Road. Dave D. replied that Fidium has been contacted and is the process of fixing the situation.
Susan Welch spoke about some recent fireworks use on the Overlook, and she spoke in favor of establishing more rules for everyone’s safety. Millie informed everyone that if someone is breaking rules, then owners in the Town of Rangeley should call Rangeley Police and those living in the plantations should call the Franklin County Sheriff’s department.
Millie reminded everyone again that we are a special community. Please be good neighbors, respect others property, fireworks are not permitted especially with the drought we are experiencing, use common sense and be considerate, kind and helpful members of HOLA.
Meeting adjourned at 11:47 AM.
Respectfully submitted, Val Zapolsky, Secretary
W A R R A N T
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a meeting of the members of the HIGHLANDS OVERLOOK LANDOWNERS ASSOCIATION (HOLA) will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at The Waterfront – Nile Brook Way, (in case of rain-The Theater at 2493 Main Street, Rangeley) for the election of a road commissioner who with the assessors shall assess costs to service all HOLA roads (Lynn Way, Kendall Farm Trail, Kendall’s Farm Trail Ext., Marion Drive, Tilt-of-the-Kilt, Overlook Road, The Circle, Winston Road, Old Esker Way, Chandler Road, Aerie Trail, Summit Road, Left Branch, Eagle Lane, Morel Road, The Loop, West Loop Road, West Elbow, Paul’s Path, and Barbara Lane).
Thereafter, he/she shall be empowered to contract for the labor and materials necessary to provide suitable maintenance for said private ways. For those individuals who do not pay their share of said costs, the remainder of the owners may furnish the services and recover expenses therefore from those who do not pay in a civil action pursuant to 23 M.R.S.A. # 3102.
At said meeting, the owners may authorize a contract for the maintenance of the ways, raise money for said purpose, and shall choose assessors to assess the cost to the owners in proportion to their interest.
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND AND BE HEARD as the results of this meeting could affect you personally as you are served by those ways.
Dated at Rangeley, Maine this day of June 2025
Signed___________________________________________________________
Millie Hoekstra, HOLA Board of Directors Chairperson
Signed in my presence
Cynthia Egan, Notary Public
HOLA Board Minutes May 10, 2025
HOLA Board Minutes May 10, 2025 at the theater
Present: Millie Hoekstra, Darren Winslow (Zoom) , Rob Smith(Zoom),Ann Arthurs, Dave Arthurs, Jeff Zapolsky, Val Zapolsky, John Patriquin, Dave Douglas (Zoom), Al Salvini, Mary-Ellen Moroney, Brittany DiPompo Russell, Ed Zambraski Ana Wetherill, Larry Malone,
Absent: Sam White
Millie called the meeting to order at 9:01 AM. Properties are still changing hands. We have signed for the USDA goose control again.
Secretary’s Minutes (attached)– March meeting. Motion to approve, seconded and passed (MSP)unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report (attached)– Jeff reviewed the account balances. We were just at the minimum for snowplowing. We have plenty of money for the road projects this summer. .P&L is on target for income and expenses, except for CMP because of rate hikes. The delinquent account list is getting shorter and some of those properties are for sale, so we may recoup those.
Road Report (attached)– Dave Douglas The committee is starting the assessment of the roads for repair starting in June. Road Committee members should review the roads and send comments to Dave. Many thanks to those who cleared their ditches of alders. There are new piles of gravel on each side of HOLA for pothole repair.
Waterfront Report (attached)– Ed reports that the port-a-potty is in and the boat piers are in. Swim docks will be later. There was a request with a recent property sale that the boat slip assignment for the season go with the property, as opposed to the alternative, which would be to assign that slip to the next person on the waiting list. This was discussed and there was general agreement that the slips and racks are given out on a first-come-first-served basis of paid HOLA members, so that the slip should be given to the next person on the waiting list. If we allowed the slip to travel with the property it would imply ownership of the slip. There was a motion that “boat slips and kayak racks are assigned on a first come fist served basis and are NOT transferred with a land sale” MSP Unanimously. This decision by the board will be posted on the website. Dave Douglas asked about dredging the harbor, The Waterfront Committee will look into it.
AdHoc Committee Report – Larry Malone. The committee discussed the ideas of fines for HOLA. Not all were in favor, but they are directed by the Board to create a framework for fines. There currently is a COMPLAINT LOG which Millie maintains. We do currently assess fines for damage to the roads.and waterfront. The AdHoc Comm. decided that we should have a clear process for fines, avoiding any need for interpretation. We need a clear process for appeal. They suggested that:
Step 1 – talk to your neighbor is they are doing something they shouldn’t. If they listen and comply. Then no complaint is made.
Step 2 – A second or severe transgression a complaint is made to Millie. That complaint is brough to the Board and the HOLA Board offers a warning that continued complaints will result in a fine.
Step 3 – First fine = $100 (may be it should be more, but it shouldn’t be variable).
Step 4 – Second fine =$500 (may be it should be more, but it shouldn’t be variable).
Damages are assessed immediately . No warning/no free pass.
The Board liked what Larry presented. Now that committee will clarify all the above and bring a policy back to the Board for a vote.
HOLA Budget – Thought the budget should remain unchanged for the following year. Regarding billing in October, currently the Admin is mixed with the Waterfront. Jeff asks that the Roads, Waterfront and Administration Fee be billed separately as it will be easier for him to do, but won’t really change the bills. All agreed he should do what is easiest for him.
Meeting adjourned at 10AM.
Respectfully submitted < Val Zapolsky
HOLA Board Meeting March 8, 2025
HOLA Board meeting March 8, 2025 at 5PM at the Congo Barn
Present: Millie Hoekstra, Darren Winslow , Rob Smith,Ann Arthurs, Dave Arthurs, Jeff Zapolsky, Val Zapolsky, John Patriquin, Dave Douglas, Al Salvini, Mary-Ellen Moroney, Brittany DiPompo Russell, Ed Zambraski (Zoom) Ana Wetherill, Larry Malone,
Absent: Sam White (ill)
Millie called the meeting to order at 5PM. She received thank-yous regarding the new ATV policy and the transparency around it. She reports that LUPC is being very difficult, so difficult that a realtors has stated they may stop taking properties in the plantations.
There are ongoing constructions and a few new sales pending. There is one property on Kendall Farm Trail that has not progressed from a cellar hole in over 2 years. It is a town policy that construction must be finished within 2 years. It was mentioned that the property has a lien from the town for unpaid taxes.
Secretary’s Minutes of the January meeting (attached). No comments or revisions. MSP to approve unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report (attached) – Account Balances are fine. P&L is on track. We have only the few usual bad debt properties. We have a lot of extra $$ in waterfront and road savings.
Road Report – Plowing is under budget and Burgess has been providing good service this year. No problems since the late November storm. Dave will ask the town to change the dotted line to a solid line to slow traffic and passing, along the HOLA area of Route 4.
Waterfront Report (attached) – There are 20 people on the wait list for kayak racks. We have to request the USDA remove the geese now if we want it done this year. MSP unanimously to have the USDA remove the geese again this year. It was mentioned that the harbor should maybe be dredged again. This was discussed, but we need a new permit as the last one has lapsed. Dave & Ed will contact DEP to look into it.
Report on possibly having they ability to pay fees by credit card. (attached) In summary, it can’t be done with Quickbook Desktop. We would have to move to the cloud version which by all reports is a worse product with less functionality and it will take more time to administer. It is also more expensive, $350 – $700 per year; and we would have to deal with the 3.5% or more service fee. All the board agreed to not change at this time.
Fines for HOLA rule breaking, offenses, road damage etc.- was referred to the AdHoc Committee chaired by Larry Malone. Larry requested direction. All board members will forward ideas for fee levels and appeals process to Larry. By statute the Road Commissioner of an HOA has the power to fine.
Next meeting May 10, 2025 at 9 AM at the RFA Theater.
Adjourned at 5:57 PM.
HOLA Board Minutes January 11, 2025
HOLA Board Meeting Sat, Jan 11 at 5pm at the Congo Barn
Present: Millie Hoekstra, Darren Winslow , Rob Smith,Ann Arthurs, Dave Arthurs, Jeff Zapolsky, Val Zapolsky, John Patriquin, Sam White, Dave Douglas, Al Salvini, Mary-Ellen Moroney, Brittany DiPompo Russell, Ed Zambraski (Zoom)
Absent: Ana Wetherill, Larry Malone,
5PM Millie called the meeting to order and thanked everyone for being flexible about scheduling.
Property owners are still having problems with LUPC. There are new houses going in and land transfers are still happening.
Minutes of November Meeting: Correction: Add to Sam White’s motion “Due to Rt. 4 safety issues”. Correction accepted and minutes approved unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report – Jeff Zapolsky (attached): Account Balances are good. Income is up and expenses are down. Almost all have paid, but those unpaid by Jan.1 are getting a late fee of $25 added.
Road Report – Dave Douglas: The Thanksgiving storm caused some problems due to inadequately equipped vehicles and poor driving conditions, but since then the roads have been good. The response from state and local officials regarding our concerns about speed limits and passing zones on Rte. 4 (from Lynn Way to Overlook Rd,) have been looked into and noted but they will not change at the present time. We can continue to pursue.
Waterfront Report – Ed Zambraski: No issues. There is a waiting list of 20 for the kayak racks. We will not build new racks at this time due to spacing issues. Ed will ask people with 2 spaces to compress into 1.
ATV Ad hoc Committee – Rob Smith: After considerable feedback from many sources, Rob is okay with our decision/policy of the Nov. meeting. Dave Douglas spoke against that, as did Ed Zambraski. Dave Arthurs spoke in favor of the new policy and clarified the current statutes. Rob Smith presented his discussion with the Game Warden (ATV enforcement). Dave Douglas withdrew his objection. The policy will go out in a memorandum to the HOLA Membership via email.
New Business: Ed Zambraski asked if HOLA should have a method for members to pay by credit card such as Square. Paying via a website button is possible as is via Quickbooks. Both will cost for the program and then there are processing fees. We will look into the costs and labor. People can currently pay via ZELL and their own bank’s online bill-pay systems.
Meeting was adjourned at 5:55 PM
Respectfully Submitted, Val Zapolsky – Secretary
HOLA Board Meeting Minutes 11/9/24
HOLA Board Meeting 11/9/2024 at 5PM.
Present: Millie Hoekstra, Larry Malone, Darren Winslow (Zoom), Rob Smith,Ann Arthurs, Dave Arthurs, Jeff Zapolsky, Val Zapolsky, John Patriquin, Sam White, Dave Douglas, Ana Wetherill, Mary-Ellen Moroney, Brittany DiPompo (Zoom) Russell, Ed Zambraski (Zoom)
Absent: Al Salvini
Millie called the meeting to order at 5 PM. It has been a busy fall . Thank you to all the volunteers that keep our organization working.
Secretary’s Minutes from Aug.31 Board meeting. No discussion. MSP unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report– Jeff Zapolsky (attached): Dues are coming in at the same rate as last year, 70% collected so far. After 11/15 an email reminder will be sent to those not yet paid. Mills was doing our collections but is so busy that he has stopped doing collections. For us this was only 1 person. On long-time delinquents, 2/3 are for sale, so we will collect at sale. Our Federal taxes have been filed. We pay no tax. Roads & Waterfront accounts were over budget this year, but that was expected and we had money in both previous years’ savings to cover both. We collected a lot in construction fees this year. Overall we are doing fine.
Road Commissioner’s Report – Dave Douglas (verbal report, committee met at 4:15 today): The Road committee members for 2024-2025 were approved ( Dave Douglas, Val Zapolsky, Larry Malone, Al Salvini, Ed Zambraski, John Patriquin, Bob Boothby, Millie Hoekstra, Dave Arthurs, Ann Arthurs). A lot of work was done this year and it has had time to pack down well before winter. Some minor brush work in the ditches is needed. Let the committee know if there are any potholes etc that need to be addressed. There are known problems on the Overlook side that will be taken care of soon. Burgess is still in the 5-year contract with us ($38Kmin – $45Kmax).
Waterfront Report-Ed Zambraski (verbal report-all good): Waterfront Committee was approved (Ed Zambraski, Gay & Nick Sampson, Dave Douglas, Sam White, Rob Smith, Mary-Ellen Moroney, John Patriquin, Butch DeSanctis, Gary Wadsworth). The waterfront is ready for winter. The committee decided against replacing the swim raft. The kayak spots are 100% full for spring and the boat slips are 80% assigned.
ATV Ad Hoc Committee Report (attached): Committee members: Rob Smith, Dave Arthurs, Larry Malone, Darren Winslow. They were charged with reviewing state laws & regulations about ATVs and clarifying & documenting past and current ATV HOLA policy. They presented the information and their recommendations. Much discussion ensued. The committee was thanked for a very comprehensive report and the time and diligence put into this project.
Sam White made a motion to prohibit all ATV access to the waterfront due to Rt.4 safety issues. Larry Malone 2nd. Motion failed: 2 YES (Ed, Sam), 13 NO
Motion to the Board by Larry Malone. Val Zapolsky 2nd:
Motion to the Board #1
That HOLA policy regarding ATV use within the geographic boundaries of HOLA, as defined by HOLA’s By-Laws, be as follows: Road Use: ATV use on HOLA roads is permitted on a limited basis under the guidance of the 1998 Road Use policy, to wit: “ATVs are not allowed to use the HOLA roads for pleasure riding. Members and guests may use the roads to go directly from property to property within the HOLA road system.” ATV riders who operate an ATV as a danger to HOLA members, causing unnecessary damage, or violate such policy may be subject to fine, to lose such privileges and pay for damages caused.
This passed: 14 YES, 1 NO (Ed)
Motion to the Board #2:
Waterfront Use: Eligible HOLA residents and guests may park an ATV in the designated waterfront parking area, while they otherwise enjoy the waterfront area, and while showing the same consideration of others and care for the waterfront environment as expected of every user. ATV riders who operate an ATV as a danger to HOLA members, causing unnecessary damage, or violate such policy may be subject to fine, to lose such privileges and pay for damages caused. As per the HOLA Bylaws, HOLA reserves the right to revoke all ATV access to the waterfront. It is advised that all ATV users be familiar with Maine state statutes with regard to accessing private property and riding ATVs on public ways (state and local roads). It is your responsibility to comply with the applicable laws.
This passed: 12 YES, 3 NO (ED, Sam, Ana)
Motion to the Board: Larry Malone, Sam White 2nd.
That the proposed preamble, below, be approved by the board for attachment to and recorded with each policy and/or procedure adopted by the HOLA Board of Directors. Further, each policy and/or procedure adopted shall be documented by a unique serial number, specifically fiscal year and a sequence number, as in the example below. Approved board actions shall be recorded at the HOLA web site indefinitely.
Preamble
The policy below as with all HOLA policies and procedures has been put in place by HOLA members elected to the board of directors. The board’s charge by Article II, Sections 1 & 2 of our bylaws is as follows:
ARTICLE II Section 1: the purpose of HOLA shall be to formulate policies and procedures in order to maximize the usefulness and value of all properties located within the geographic areas as outlined in
Article II. Section 2: To fulfill this purpose, HOLA, through its officers and committees, shall be responsible for road and snow plowing maintenance, common areas, the local environment and the enhancement of the aesthetic surroundings to best serve its members.
This passed unanimously.
The subject of fines will be referred to an ad hoc committee per Millie.
Meeting adjourned 6:35PM
Respectfully submitted,
Val Zapolsky
HOLA Board Meeting Minutes 8/31/24
HOLA Board meeting 9 AM HOLA Waterfront 8/31/2024
Present: Millie Hoekstra, Larry Malone, Al Salvini, Darren Winslow, Rob Smith,Ann Arthurs, Dave Arthurs, Jeff Zapolsky, Val Zapolsky, John Patriquin, , Mary-Ellen Moroney, Brittany DiPompo Russell, Ed Zambraski,
Absent: Sam White, Dave Douglas, Ana Wetherill,
9 AM – Millie called the meeting to order.
2024 UPDATES:
13 Transfers of ownership, several new houses in process, several trailers on properties while building, 5 noise complaints. We have 10 pm to 7 am as quiet hours. . Property map on-line is still being updated.
Secretary’s Minutes July 2024 Board meeting (attached) – MSP unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report (attached) No questions, MSP unanimously. Thanks to Jeff for his hard work
Road Committee Report (attached)Dave Douglas –Old Gate on Lynn Way has been removed, Rte.4 speed limit/no passing zone request is in process with Maine DOT. It was noted that some new driveways are very steep and runoff may erode our roads. It was recommended that Dave Douglas discuss this with homeowners/builders before the winter. It was noted there is a hole at the bottom of Overlook Road. It is marked with a flag. It was agreed that there has been a lot of work done on the roads this summer and Dave has done a great job.
Waterfront Report (attached) Ed Zambraski – The recent geese have been migratory only. Thank you to Ed and his crew for cleaning up prior to our meeting.
Assessor’s Report (attached) – Same rates as last year
Nominating Committee Report – Expiring terms: Ann Arthurs, Larry Malone, Brittany Russell, Al Salvini, Ed Zambraski. All are willing to serve again.
New Business: Responses to ATV policy email – several property owners have been upset and a couple positive responses.
Next meeting: Nov. 9, 2024 at the theater Time to be determined.
Meeting adjourned at 9:50 AM
Meeting reconvened at 12:05PM. Current slate of officers were reelected unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 12:07PM
Respectfully submitted,
Val Zapolsky – Secretary
HOLA Board Meeting July 13 2024
HOLA Board meeting July 13, 2024 at the RFA Lakeside Theater
Present: Millie Hoekstra, Larry Malone, Al Salvini, Darren Winslow (zoom), Rob Smith,Ann Arthurs(zoom), Dave Arthurs(zoom), Jeff Zapolsky, Val Zapolsky, John Patriquin, Dave Douglas, Ana Wetherill,
Absent: Sam White, Mary-Ellen Moroney, Brittany DiPompo Russell, Ed Zambraski,
8:58 AM – Millie called the meeting to order.
Announcements: The geese have been relocated from the HOLA Waterfront.
Much construction is happening. If you see a new foundation go in, please alert Mille.
Secretary’s Minutes from the last meeting. Accepted with the typo corrected. MSP Unanimously
Treasurer’s Report (see attached): Budget for the coming year was presented and accepted. MSP unanimously.
Road Commissioner’s Report (see attached): We are $72K over budget, but that was expected because we were under budget last year due to Fidium installations and the weather. We used our savings from previous years to cover the excess. Road improvements have gone well and calcium chloride is down. We don’t have a service or equipment to mow our shoulders, so if you can please mow those close to your property, that would be nice. There will be a few new STOP signs installed. Owners can use the available gravel piles in the Highlands and Overlook to fill any potholes. HOLA’s request to lower the Rte. 4 SPEED LIMIT until after the Overlook entrance is in process with Maine State DOT.
Waterfront Report (see attached): Kayak racks are full and there is 1 boat slip available. Please remember that ATVs are not allowed at the waterfront. Please educate those who don’t know.
Nominating Committee: No new suggestions for board members. Ann Arthurs, Larry Malone, Brittany Russel, Al Salvini, and Ed Zambraski all have terms expiring. They are all willing to serve again. They were unanimously nominated for another term.
New Business: ATV use. We have ATV & Snowmobile rules posted on our website. In the past we have posted signs and blocked prohibited trails with logs. These have been removed. The powerline, where the problem occurs, is ALL PRIVATE PROPRTY. The homeowners* are encouraged to post signs every 100 ft. that ATVs & Snowmobiles are prohibited. Then if there is a transgression, it is a matter for the Sheriff. Confronting trespassers is discouraged.
Meeting Adjourned 9:50AM
Respectfully Submitted,
Val Zapolsky
*note for clarification: IF owners do not want ATVs on their property
HOLA Annual Membership Meeting held August 31, 2024 at 11 AM Minutes – 68 Members Present
Board of Directors (BOD)
Present: Millie Hoekstra, Mary-Ellen Moroney, Al Salvini, Brittany DiPompo Russell, Rob Smith, Darren Winslow, Ed Zambraski, Jeff Zapolsky, Val Zapolsky John Patriquin, Larry Malone Absent: Ana Wetherill Dave Douglas, Sam White, Ann Arthurs, Dave Arthurs
Millie Hoekstra called the meeting to order at 11 AM
The Board Members were introduced and thanked for the many hours of volunteer work to get everything done and our community running smoothly, care of our roads and waterfront property. We have no employees. Our community spans the four townships of Rangeley, Rangeley Plantation, Dallas Plantation and Sandy River Plantation.
Secretary’s Minutes from the 2023 Annual Meeting: No questions. No changes. Accepted by acclamation. FYI all minutes are posted on the HOLA website. The minutes of the Board of Directors meetings for the past year were approved.
Road Commissioner’s Report (attached): We have done a lot of road work and spent a lot of money on the roads this summer. We overspent this year’s budget but we had leftover funds in the Road Savings account to spend. Call Dave Douglas for any concerns. Thanks to Dave for the many, many volunteer hours.
Waterfront Committee Report (attached): No questions. Ed and his volunteers were thanked for their excellent care of the waterfront. One member asked where the raft is. Ed stated that it was rotted and not replaced because if it breaks free of it’s mooring, it could wreck our new docks.
Committee Sign-Up List is available. Please sign up for any that interest you. You do not need to be a full-time resident to participate. Let Millie know if you are interested. We can zoom for any meeting.
Treasurer’s Report (attached): We received more funds than anticipated due to many properties paying extra road fees for construction and a few people buying waterfront access. There are basically no changes to the budget proposed for the next year. There were no questions. The budget was passed by acclamation.
Assessors Report: No changes. The fees will be the same as last year: $258 for a lot, $568 for a house plus (for both) $75 dues.
Nominating Committee (Ballot attached)
The slate for the Board of Directors was approved by acclamation.
The slate for the Assessors was approved by acclamation.
Dave Douglas was approved for Road Commissioner by acclamation.
Members to address the Board:
A couple members spoke strongly in favor of ATV use within HOLA especially to be able to go to waterfront from the Overlook. Members were reminded that there is no official ATV trail accessible from HOLA properties. The powerline is all privately owned land, so ATVs may cross with permission, but If the property is posted “NO ATVs” or “NO TRESPASSING” then you may not cross. Several members spoke up and gave permission for ATV access. A few spoke of ATV trespassing. Millie encouraged people to talk to their neighbors. The board will look into this issue further.
Kim Syrel (arborist) presented information on the Brown-Tailed Moth.
Meeting was adjourned at 12:05 PM.
Respectfully Submitted: Val Zapolsky, Secretary
2024 HOLA Annual Meeting on August 31 at waterfront
