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 2^nd. 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 2^nd.

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 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 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 Board Meeting 5/11/2024  9 AM at the RFA Lakeside Theater

Present: Millie Hoekstra, John Patriquin, Ed Zambraski, Mary-Ellen Moroney, Rob Smith, Ana Wetherill, Ann Arthurs, Dave Arthurs, Jeff Zapolsky, Val Zapolsky, Dave Douglas (by zoom), Larry Malone (by zoom), Brittany DiPompo Russell (by zoom), Darren Winslow (by zoom).

Absent: Al Salvini, Sam White.

Meeting called to order at 9:05 AM. Millie welcomed all and let us know that properties are still changing hands. The Fay property has a For Sale sign, so Jeff will contact that realtor about the money owed, so we can recoup at time of sale.

Secretary’s Minutes: Approved after modified to record Sam White as absent. MSP unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report by Jeff Zapolsky.

Account Balances: We have plenty of money to do the jobs needed.

Account Receivable: Down to $16K, mostly Fay & Leggett. There are a few smaller amounts, and we have sent them to our lawyer Mills for collections, but he is too busy to do anything about it now. Jeff is happy to call a different collection agency if anyone has a recommendation.

P&L : Snowplowing was less than the minimum, so we owe that, but will wait for the final bill.

Road Fees for new construction or heavy work trucks are being collected, but please notify Jeff or Mille if you see any activity that you feel is new. We would rather hear it from multiple people than, not know at all.

Road Committee Report by Dave Douglas: There were very few complaints about the roads this winter. Roads are still posted. Dave will send a email to notify everyone when that changes. Dave has previously sent out a road repair plan. M&H will be doing the work and large sections are getting done. We have lots to spend because not much was done last year because Fidium was putting in fiber everywhere.

 FYI there is a small copper wire in with the fiber, so Dig Safe can locate it. Much of the fiber is not very deep, and was revealed with last winter’s wash outs. If Fidium/Consolidated is installing your fiber, tell them to bury it deep. Also some boxes were damaged with plowing and will be fixed.

The speed issue with Rte 4 and the Overlook entrance is slowly being addressed by the town and DOT. Sam White (board member & selectman) will make sure it stays on the town’s docket until resolved.

Ed Z. stated the town should answer 2 questions now: #1. What makes a road “residential” and therefore slower speed limits by definition? #2.  When was the traffic engineering assessment made which was used to determine the speed limits and passing zones in our area of concern?

Quiet Hours were discussed again. Town of Rangeley and HOLA quiet hours are 10PM- -7AM. It was suggested that maybe construction hours could be 7PM-7AM. After discussion it was decide to leave quiet hours as is with no “construction hours”, and handle any complaints on a case by case basis.

Waterfront Committee Report by Ed Zambraski: All kayak rack requests have been satisfied. Nile Brook washed out the waterfront road last winter, but it has been repaired. The porta-potty is in place. The geese have not yet been a problem yet. If it becomes a problem, Ed will contact the same agency as last year to have them removed. Docks will be in soon. Swim lines installation will wait for the water to get warmer.

Millie is keeping a complaint log. It is going well and she notifies the owner if the problem involves a renter.

The map of lots & owners is done. After discussion it was decided to NOT put it online, but to distribute hard copies to all board members.

Steep driveways are causing washout problems. The Road Committee will educate how to put in a driveway that drains well to the sides and appropriate culvert placement.

All committees are reminded to send budgets to Jeff in June to be addressed at the July Board meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 9:55AM

Respectfully submitted, Val Zapolsky

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