HOLA Annual Membership Meeting, August 31, 2019

HOLA Annual Membership Meeting 8/31/19 at 11:00 AM

The Barn on High Street

The meeting was called to order at 11 AM by Chairperson Millie Hoekstra.  Approximately 37 people were in attendance including Board Members: Millie Hoekstra/Chairperson, Ann Arthurs, Dave Arthurs, Dave Douglas, Carole Hoffmann, Anne Crump, John Patriquin, Mary Ellen Simon.

Anne Crump volunteered to take minutes in the absence of Secretary, Val Zapolsky.

Millie welcomed everyone, asked everyone to sign in on the paper by the door and to help themselves to coffee and donuts etc. The board members introduced themselves.

Secretary’s Minutes of the last Annual Meeting held on September 1, 2018 were unanimously approved.

Road Committee Report: (click here)

Dave Arthurs gave the Road Report.  M & H graded and spread 1300 cubic yards of shale on Highland, Overlook and Waterfront, and replaced culverts in several locations. Roadsides were mowed, brush is being trimmed, and we will have trees that are hanging over the roads cut as needed this fall.  Because of extreme winter (extra plowing and sanding) and the need for extra shale applied this year, we went over budget which will be taken from the Emergency Fund.

Waterfront Report: (click here)

Dave Douglas gave the Waterfront report.  We repaired spring damage.  We secured the dock and will mark rocks for easier installation next year.  We now have channel markers, electricity on both sides, and the grass seed didn’t take so we will attempt to grow grass by seeding this fall.  The canoe/kayak racks were fully assigned.  We cleared dead trees.  Geese are still a problem.  We relocated bees that took up residence in the shed.  Burr Rd. sign has been replaced with Edgewater and we are working on a sign at the fork that would say HOLA Harbor Place.

Assessor’s Report:

John Patriquin gave the Assessors report.  The Road fees will be: $210 for unimproved lots and $463 for improved lots (this is unchanged since 2008). 

Treasurers Report:

Report including Budget for ‘16/17 actual, ‘17/18 actual ‘18/19 budget, ‘18/19 as of 8/18/19 and 19/20 Proposed Budget was reviewed.  Overall we are in good financial shape, the accounts receivable have decreased again this year, the emergency fund has a balance of $39,175. The proposed budget $89,335 was unanimously approved. The dues will increase by $10 ($75) to cover increased waterfront and administration expenses. (click here for full report)

Nominating committee:

Mary Ellen Simon gave out the ballots and held the vote for board, assessor, and road commissioner.  All nominees were unanimously approved.

Open discussion by membership:

The membership introduced themselves and indicated where their property is located.

..Would it be advisable to consider purchasing lot that is for sale adjacent to our waterfront property? We will get information regarding cost of land and size of lot.

..Don Welch claimed that his 36′ parking area on Winston Rd. was impaired by snow plowing. We will look into this and come up with solution.  Winter damage is common to all of us living in Rangeley.

..Marilyn Smith who is on the Entertainment Committee suggested having community get-togethers such as pot-luck dinners or bowling.  We can do an e-blast to members to ascertain interest.

..Dick Moore brought up the problem of snowmobiles and ATVs using the roads as a trail.  We now have HOLA: Winter Guidelines for Homeowners.  These are posted on our website. These will be given to rental agencies for inclusion in the rental agreements.  We discussed penalties for homeowners of rental properties.  The owner is responsible for renters’ damage to roads, waterfront, and HOLA property.  Quiet hours were discussed: in Rangeley 10pm to 6am. It was noted that fireworks are not allowed in HOLA properties.

..A HOLA Committee sign-up sheet was circulated and members were encouraged to volunteer for a committee.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:10 PM.  All were encouraged to stay and socialize.

Next Meeting: September 5, 2020 at 11 AM.

The Board of Directors met briefly and elected the following officers for the coming year: Millie Hoekstra-Chairperson, Mary-Ellen Moroney-Vice-Chairperson, Jeff Zapolsky-Treasurer, Val Zapolsky-Secretary.