18 minute read
March BOD Meeting Minutes
There were nine members who gave up their dock slips for the coming 2021 season. There were several impacted by recent home sales. Beth is working with the waiting list to fill the slips. The Short -Term Rental list for the community is now down to five homes from the original twelve homes that were granted an exception. The decrease has been impacted by recent home sales in the community. By regulation once a home is sold, the Short -Term Rental Status expires with the sale. We have seventeen homes that are rented on a long -term basis (for more than 29 days.) I hope to have the deed for lot 450 Shady Glen Lane shortly. I would recommend sending an email blast to the membership requesting sealed bids for the property. We can work up the associated cost to secure the property and discuss an upset price.
There is no further news on the proposed Pocono Lake Front Development. It was anticipated that construction on the upper tier properties (cluster development), would start in April 2021. Attorney Farrell contacted Counsel for Tanglwood North regarding the response to their initial proposal for their portion of the beach assessment. TLCA Counsel is awaiting a response.
We are seeking to broker an agreement with Ertle Subaru similar to the agreement that we have with Gibbons Ford as it relates to a 10% discount on work performed. In addition, we will be provided a loner vehicle from Subaru. The agreement will ensure that all work done is through Subaru to protect warrantees. I thank Ron for making the initial contact. Respectfully, Ralph E Graf, Community Manager
Per Ralph via email, 2/17/2021:
* Princeton Hydro is addressing issues raised by the conservation district regarding the erosion and sediment plan for the project. We hope to have and review bids by mid-March. We are still investigating the use of the former adjacent property as a disposal site.
+ The issue with the proposed maintenance garage is one of a pre-existing non-conforming property. The survey map indicates the proposed building would be constructed in the right of way in the road as it is shown on the survey map. The placement of the road on the survey map does not represent where the road actually is. Based on my conversation with counsel, the proposal is to prepare a new deed from TLCA to TLCA identifying the actual location of the road. At that point we should be able to move forward. This is something that should be cleared up should the community consider any future use of this property. I have been in touch with the pole barn company and they understand what needs to be done.
Motion by: Jim Clark (PP) - Second by: Mark Ossont To approve the Community Manager’s Report. The motion passes unanimously.
Budget and Finance Committee Report, Ron Triani: February 20, 2021
The committee reviewed the January financials with no areas of concern, noting that a large portion ($14,345) of the community’s annual insurance cost ($108,502) was paid in January. The Chairman presented the Community Manager’s Postings. With regard to the property at 405 Shady Glen Lane that is being transferred to the community, the committee recommends that the property be sold through a realtor rather that through auction.
The committee reviewed and approved the 2021 B&F Committee Objectives with one minor addition, the monthly reconciliation of TLCA records with bank statements. The original document is included in the Board Book. To date, $396,000 (2021 capital obligation of $449,997) has been transferred from the Operating Account to the Capital Reserve Fund. The committee recommended the additional transfer of $54,000 to complete the annual obligation. The committee discussed the need to allocate funds to support the purchase of equipment and annual fees to enable “Zoom” board meetings at the Community Center. Since this is an unfunded project a variance is required. Motion required. (projected cost is needed for approval) Finally, the committee forwards the attached 2021 - 2025 Capital Reserve funding and spending targets for approved items (attached), noting the beginning balance of $619,669, revenue of $2,249,985 and spending of 2,264,750. The ending balance at the end of 2025 is projected to be $604,904. Ron Triani, Treasurer & Budget & Finance Chairman Motion by: Ron Triani - Second by: Grace Zoccali To allow a realtor who will give TLCA the best rate to handle the sale of the property on Shady Glen Drive. The motion passes unanimously. Ron Triani: If we are to conduct Zoom meetings at the community Center, we will need prices and a variance.
Public Works, Mark Ossont
The Maintenance crew has done a great job plowing and clearing the roads.
Public Safety should remind residents not to push snow from their driveways, etc., back into the roads after they’ve been plowed.
The bath house at the beach is sound. We need to check the foundation, siding and windows to keep costs down.
Aqua may be replacing water lines in the community. We need dates from them before the roads are re-paved.
The salt spreaders on the trucks need to be replaced. Mark Ossont: we need to place a weight limit on bulk pick-up items to 50 pounds. It could turn into a liability issue of one of our Maintenance staff is injured.
Perhaps we could have community-wide trash day events and e-waste events. Grace Zoccali and Bob Russo: It would be great to have a “meet the staff” page on the website. POA President Brian Faller: Tanglwood North must pay one-third of the costs for access to our beach.
POA President Brian Faller, New Business: It makes sense to conduct a community survey as the demographics of TLCA have changed quite a bit the last couple of years.
Motion by: Ron Triani - Second by: Jim Clark (PP) To conduct a community-wide survey using Survey Monkey or another platform. The motion passes unanimously.
POA President Brian Faller: Change the boat length requirement at TLCA docks from 22’ to 26’ with an 8.5’ beam as indicated on each boat’s registration. Motion by: Bill Vaccaro - Second by: Grace Zoccali To increase the boat size restriction to 26’ with an 8.5’ beam. In favor: Jim Clark (PP), Bob Russo, Mark Ossont, Sandra LaPorte, Ron Triani. One abstention: Rosemary Kucharski (PP) Motion by: Mark Ossont - Second by: Rosemary Kucharski To approve additional restriction in TLCA dock lease which states you cannot give up your boat slip and still retain your slip. The motion passes unanimously.
POA President Brain Faller: rack rentals will go up in 2022 from $35 to $50. There being no further business, the meeting is adjourned at 10:21 am. Respectfully submitted, Elisabeth Muller, Administrative Assistant
APPROVED MINUTES OF MARCH 20, 2021 BOARD MEETING
The meeting was called to order by POA President Brian Faller at 9:00 am. All stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Present at the meeting are Mark Ossont, Rosemary Kucharski (PP), Ron Triani, Sandra LaPorte, Grace Zoccali, Bob Russo. Jim Clark (PP) and Bill Vaccaro called in. Community Manager Ralph Graf and Administrative Assistant Elisabeth Muller also present.
Motion by: Mark Ossont - Second by: Sandra LaPorte To approve the minutes of February 20, 2021. The motion passes unanimously. Motion by: Mark Ossont - Second by: Bob Russo To approve the Executive Session minutes of February 20,2021. The motion passes unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report, Ron Triani: Treasurer’s Report
The bank account balances as of February 28, 2021: Dime Bank - Money Market $ 82,941 - Operating 290,878 - Special Fund 0 - New Capital 152,219 - Contractors 12,898 Total all Dime accounts $538,936 Mortgage loan balance $250,728 PNC Balance $249,994 NBT Balance $ 68,449 Cash position 02/28 $692,262 Vanguard $1,004,870 Receipts for 2021: Homes $881,001 83% Lots 140,128 70% Docks 101,533 90% Cash Disbursements to date: $139,072 (pre audit) Spending for Operations in February was $64,898, which includes incremental spending for snow removal of $12,083. Large expenditures include $3,680 Insurance; $3,233 Refuse/ Recycle; $1,367 Salt & cinders; $1,050 Legal fees. Reserve Spending: Loan payments of $1,126 Kubota and $464 Safety car. New Capital Spending: $0 Motion by: Rosemary Kucharski (PP) - Second by: Sandra LaPorte To approve the March 20, 2021 Treasurer’s Report. The motion passes unanimously. ...CONTINUED NEXT PAGE
The deed for the property on Shady Glen Drive is being recorded at the county. I have been approached by a property owner that inherited a property in Tanglwood that is looking to donate it to the community. The lot is located on Rosewood Drive. I contacted the owner and she is willing to bring the account current should the Board accept the property. I was able to ascertain the property failed a perk test and is assessed at $200.00 for property taxes. We are moving forward with the bidding for the removal of sediment from Lake Tanglwood. The total amount of sediment that is in the proposal is 15,000 Cubic Yards. The initial phase will be 2,000 Cubic Yards by Memorial Day of 2021 and hopefully an additional 2,000 Cubic yards in the fall depending on the budget allocation. The area that is scheduled for removal is by the dock at the Canoe Storage Facility on Indian Drive. We are moving forward with an assessment of the neighboring property as a disposal area for the sediment. This will not be in the initial phase however we need to ascertain the feasibility of utilizing this property. The early indications from our lake manager are that tree removal and grading will be required. The good news is the site is not encumbered with wetlands.
The Township Supervisors did an initial review of the placement of the proposed Maintenance Garage. The issues related to the construction is that on the current Survey Map the placement of the garage is in the right of way. The fact is the garage would be fifty -one feet from the roadway and 21 feet at the closest corner of the roadway. I met with TLCA Counsel and the surveyor and the plan is to do a new survey that indicates the location of the road and request a variance. Attorney Farrell will be preparing a new deed to identify the actual location of the road. The process is important should the community want to further develop this property.
Once again, another month passed with no decision on the spillway and the Shut Off Valve Pipe. We know from research that has been done Tanglwood is identified as caretaker of the dam and spillway, including the Shut Off Valve. I am requesting that the Board consider opening the TLCA Fitness center with the following conditions.
Members sign a new agreement that states the issues related to Covid. I checked with the insurance carrier and the recommendation is to have assigned times for the members to use and have Safety Patrols make visits during their tour to verify that only two members at a time are in the facility. The maintenance team can use the 360 Machine to prep the facility. The community roads have been closed to ten- ton vehicle traffic to protect the road surface. Darrell our maintenance supervisor will monitor the temperatures with respect to opening the roads for construction. We are permitted to close the roads for a period of eight weeks during the spring thaw as per the Planned Community Act. The staff and maintenance equipment has held up in addressing the rough winter and severe storms. We needed to have work done on one of the Dump Trucks and a good deal of the work was under warrantee.
The Safety Committee had a productive meeting and addressed the installation of cameras at the beach property and video equipment to capture vehicles violating the posted speed limit. The committee and Public Safety Coordinator will be following up in securing information for a gate access system at the beach property. The committee has recommended using tire boots to be placed on vehicles that do not have the current TLCA Identification for vehicles parked at amenities.
The Public Works Committee voted to move forward with the vinyl siding of the bathhouse as part of a renovation project. We may have to replace one window as part of the project. The fees will come from the CIF Fees as this facility is identified as a Common Element. We will use the same type of siding that is on the Community Center.
I have attached an amenity and community prep list for staff as a guide prior to opening for the summer season.
Respectfully, Ralph E Graf, Community Manager
Motion by: Grace Zoccali - Second by: Ron Triani To approve the Community Manager’s Report for March 2021. The motion passes unanimously.
Old Business:
We need better internet service to support live streaming of Board meetings. Costs for cameras and other equipment need to be determined.
Ad-hoc Beach Improvement Committee: Ad Hoc Beach Improvement Committee Mission and Objectives
Mission:
The Beach Property is one of the most valuable amenities of the Community and should reflect the importance to the Community for socializing and recreation. The Committee’s mission is to improve and identify new amenities for the Beach Property including safety, access, structural and recreational issues. The Beach Property is defined as including the beach, the parking areas, the gazebo, the bath house, and surrounding areas up to Route 507. Objectives:
Identify a diverse group of individuals to serve on the Committee by: Interviewing potential Committee members.
Identify needed recreational improvements by requesting input from the Community through:
Surveying the community; Soliciting suggestion submissions; and, Holding public meeting. Identify needed safety and access improvements by coordinating with the Community Manager, Public Safety Committee and Public Works Committee and Maintenance. Develop cost estimates for identified improvements. Develop timeline for completion of improvements.
Motion by: Mark Ossont - Second by: Bob Russo To approve the formation of the ad-hoc beach improvement committee and its objectives and mission statement. The motion passes unanimously.
Ad-hoc Marina Committee:
Mission Statement: Marina Ad-hoc Committee
The purpose and scope of the marina ad hoc committee (from this point on in this document known as the marina committee) is to manage the dock resources owned by the Tanglwood community, as a source of revenue for the community as a whole, and as a recreational opportunity for community members that choose to lease the Tanglwood docks.
The scope of responsibility for the marina committee will include the following:
All Tanglwood docks on Lake Wallenpaupack.
The dock walkways from the asphalt parking lot to the docks
The land from the shoreline to the high-water mark between docks A and D.
The launch setup / assist area above the concrete ramp by the portable toilet.
The main launch ramp from where it intersects with the main parking area roadway, to roughly 30 ft below historic low water mark. Excluded are lake Tanglwood, the parking areas, the gazebo, the beach areas, and the swim platform.
The marina committee will be responsible for providing input and SME level guidance to the Tanglwood board regarding the following:
1). Potential revenue generating opportunities for the Tanglwood marina - new features and services that can generate additional revenue.
2). Identifying the need for revenue expenditures outside of budgeted finances - as an example, repairs or required upgrades to docks or anchorage. 3). Client satisfaction - Reach out to marina clients regarding their needs as it pertains to the marina, docks, fairways, ramp, walkways.
4). Maintain a relationship with Brookfield Energy regarding events and requirements that may impact the Tanglwood marina.
5). Work with the board to maintain appropriate lease agreement content. Review and modify policies as needed to satisfy the needs of clients that lease docks, while protecting the dock assets in a way that is common with private marina operational standards, and coast guard / PFBC operational standards. 6). Work with the board and public safety to identify and enforce and marina lease, code, and or operational violations.
7). Provide guidance to the Tanglwood billing and admin staff regarding the dock wait list, availability issues, and slip transfer.
Current members: (Chair) Bill Vaccaro Carroll Gagnon Tom Koster Jeannie Miller Brian Faller Motion by: Ron Triani - Second by: Mark Ossont To approve the mission statement of the ad-hoc marina sub-committee. The motion passes unanimously.
Community Survey:
Research which platform will work best – Grace Zoccali and Sandra LaPorte will look into this; keep the survey relatively short; notify the community of the upcoming survey via email blasts.
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New Business:
Committees/committee meetings:
Make committee meetings more accessible and encourage community members to join committees. It may be a good idea to live stream committee meetings as well as Board meetings.
Rick Gaines (PP): There may be residents who have expertise in certain areas that do not have the time attend committee meetings. It may be wise to invite those members to contribute to special projects.
Fitness Center:
Ralph Graf: We are covered by insurance for any COVID-related issues. No more than two people may use the facility at a time. People must reserve a set time with no exceptions. Grace Zoccali and Sandra LaPorte: We must respect privacy laws with regard to the Fitness Center contract.
Mark Ossont: Public Safety will need a schedule so they know when to open and close the Fitness Center. We currently have a closed ventilation system which goes against CDC guidelines. Windows will need to remain open.
Sandra LaPorte: Some of the Rules for the Fitness Center need to be changed. Motion by: Mark Ossont - Second by: Grace Zoccali To open the Fitness Center on April 12, 2021. The motion passes unanimously.
TLCA Directory:
Ron Triani: Members must be able to opt out. Grace Zoccali: We need to determine costs. Mark Ossont: We will need advertisers. Tina Budd: Putting the directory together takes a lot of time. A committee will be needed.
Committee Reports:
Arbitration, Camari Gaines: We have one hearing scheduled for the second weekend in April.
Budget and Finance, Ron Triani: We are in the process of completing the external audit. Capital Improvement vs. Reserve Expenses Sediment removal of Lake Tanglwood is a one-year contract Tanglwood North must pay their share up front with an additional 2% added every year Rick Gaines (PP): The attorneys should look at the original contract between Tanglwood North, the Timeshares and TLCA. Tanglwood North should pay nearly half of the costs for the beach.
Building Codes, Mark Ossont: Please refer to the Community Manager’s Report. Entertainment and Recreation, Sandy Gulino: We would like to see the amenities like the bocci court and shuffleboard area refurbished. We’re thinking of having a golf cart parade with judges and prizes. Residents are using the tennis courts for tennis and for pickleball. We’d like to hold more outdoor activities as well.
Environmental, Janet Sellitti: We’re looking into forming a sub-committee to help protect our woodlands and trees. We hope to get a forester to help us with that.
Jerry O’Connor (PP): We need to make sure residents are not cutting down trees unnecessarily. There is an over-abundance of deer in TLCA.
Communications and Marketing, Tina Budd: We added another page to the public portion of the website – “About Us”. We would like to keep the website and the newspaper as up-to-date as possible.
Camari Gaines: It would be useful to have a list of the Board of Directors in the newsletter.
By-laws and Legal, Rick Gaines (PP): We have put a hold on gaining more ‘aye’ votes for the Protective Covenants due to the virus. We hope to resume the end of April. Nominating, Rosemary Kucharski (PP): We have put in writing the guidelines and qualities we are looking for in candidates.
Motion by: Ron Triani - Second by: Jim Clark (PP) To approve the guidelines set forth by the Nominating Committee. The motion passes unanimously.
Public Safety, Bob Russo: We had two meetings in the last three weeks. We are looking into protecting the beach area with cameras at the bath house, the gazebo, the docks and the We are researching the use of a portable radar system to monitor speed limits within the community.
Dues will not be affected as the monies for radar, cameras, etc. will come from Capital Improvement Fees.
Public Works, Mark Ossont: The plans for the new maintenance garage are moving forward. The bath house at the beach will be re-sided and one window will be replaced. We are waiting to hear from Aqua PA to decide on which TLCA roads should be re-paved. There is a culvert pipe on Eastwood Drive that needs to be preplaced. Bids will be sent out for two new electronic salt/cinder spreaders.
Janet Sellitti: We need to have better lighting at the beach, especially in the parking areas. Tanglwoolies, Rosemary Kucharski (PP): They are not meeting due to COVID.
TEAM, Judy Hildebrandt: The women in this group work very hard. We know the work TEAM does affects home sales in TLCA.
Welcome, Rosemary Kucharski (PP): There have been no coffee hours due to the virus. We are hoping to begin having the coffee hours for new residents in the spring.
Grace Zoccali: Would it be a good idea to invite committee chairs to the coffee hours? Sandra LaPorte: Perhaps we could use the banquet room at the golf club for the new resident meetings.
The meeting is adjourned at 11:24 am. Respectfully submitted, Elisabeth Muller
