Loyd Called to  order – 11:10

 

Introduction of the Board – Rosemary, Tim, Jim, Loyd, Claudine, Loyd

 

Report on the minutes from the last general assemby meeting that voted the lease down.  No questions.

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Treasurer’s report – reported out by Tim:  Money collected by JEMS via property owners has been graciously received.   Expenditures explained – setting up the website was one of the larger sums spent out.   Other subscriptions for Essex County for selling and purchasing information.  For the upcoming years, should not have such a cost for maintaining the website.  

 

Currently we have 341 members (230 homeowners;  111 lot owners)

 

Mr. McAlevey questioned the balance transfer for the legal funds:  money was transferred from legal and tennis fund to the operating account.    Mr. Macalevey indicated that the legal fund should not be used and should be preserved.   Questions clarified;  no other questions about the budget.

 

Tim commented about the trails and the new one that goes around the lake.  Also for the reminder that if those are still interested in maintaining trails, please comment on the dues form as those volunteers will  be called for over the summer. 

 

Election of the Board of Directors- Rosemary

 

Mrs. McAlevey wanted to comment on those members of those organization that cannot be here and accept their proxy.  Motions are null and void if they are in violation of the constiution.   Tim indicated that all members of the board were not notified of absentee ballots so it would not be appropriate for this meeting.  Seconded

 

Discussion – Mr. McAlevey indicated that there have been absentee ballots in the past.   There are interested homeowners in the election and have indicated so.    Another member felt that if it is not available to all members it would not be fair – discussion as to having a deadline and how would this be communicated to other members if considering proxy/absentee voting.  Questioned about proxy votes and absentee votes – essentially the same thing.  Board of Directors sets out a period of time before the meeting with the form and designated who would be the proxy voter and reported on.   Tim indicated that one of the Board members is not here today and should be fair to use them only if all members were informed.    It does not say no proxy in the consititiution.  Loyd commented that the bylaws can take nominations from the floor – and if so then there are ways that we can amend the consitution to reflect that this can be done to take absentee ballots.  Concerns with not knowing who these people nominated are, along with who the current board members are.  Only some of the candidates have small bios on the unofficial website.  Also, need to have this available for mailing for those do not have access.

 

Amended motion– to accept the few proxys for todays meeting, then extend to make the amendment to the consitution to address this discussion ;  Seconded. 

 

Discussion – board to be prepared to have some proposals in the future to anticipate these issues and have the answers to these questions.  Election information will always have to be mailed out.   

 

Voted on – 14 in favor

Opposed – 20;  motion is defeated

 

Motion –  board will address the issue for the absentee/proxy ballots in the future elections and presented at future meetings.  Seconded;  approved unaninomously

 

Discussion – first time in over 20 years we have had to have an election.   In the past, it has been difficult to find members to volunteer to commit to being an active memebr of the board. 

 

Make the motion to have the consititution amended

 

Motion to suspend the election for today until Board can make the determination appropriately absentee and proxy ballots.  Seconded;  unanonmously defeated.

Are able to accept the nomination from the floor and the term that is being requested.   Need to vote a maximum of 3 names in each column.   Explained the 1/3 of the board up for election after today.  

 

No nominations from the floor for 3 year term, 2 year term or 1 year term.   Will try to have the count by the end of the meeting.

 

Architectural committee- 13 new homes have been approved.  6 garages and 3 improvements.  The town of Jay have issued 112  permits townwide.   Did have a committee that has been abolished at the end of the summer.   There were no plans coming in and winter is slow.  In the spring – if picks up will start a new committee and Loyd will not be on that committee as there may be a conflict of interest as he is the President and is a builder.  

 

Discussion – question the responsibility of this Committee and waht falls under their jurisdiction .    We have only had the architetrureal committee for only a year and a half.   Current Issues will be addressed by the Board.  

 

Concerned with the website and how some have had difficulty accessing the site.  It is www.ausableacres.org and some are confused with the website that John S. created voluntarily over the summer to provide information regarding the proposed lease.   Will have this straigtened out to at least have the link from the unofficial site to the official one.   If you google Ausable Acres, it is listed in the top 2 of a search.

 

Christmas lightening contest – the Demarco’s (Sawmill), Hannerhan’s (Cherry Lane);  Parker’s (Goosebery Lane);  Runner ups –

 

House numbers for 911 are available or can be ordered – need to let Loyd know.   Membership dues can be dropped off today. 

Motion – Tim to adjourn

Meeting is adjourned at 12:30