APCP 11/18/09 Open Special Board Meeting Minutes – Page 1
A Pocono Country Place Property Owners Association, Inc.
Board of Directors – Special Meeting
November 18, 2009
The Board of Directors held a Special meeting to approve the 2010 budget on Wednesday, November 2, 2009, in the E-clubhouse.
The Secretary called the roll.
Present were Ms. Bruno, Ms. Cooney, Mrs. Harris, Mr. Herbert, Mr. Kirk, Ms. Padilla-Riss, Mr. Rametta, Mrs. White.
Also present was Mr. Schlaack, Property Manager and Robert Kimble, Controller.
Mr. Kimble began by presenting the budget, and indicated that there would be a $20 increase in dues for 2010.
Mrs. Carbonari asked whether the charge for garbage pick-up was the same for one person as it was for a family of four. Mr. Kimble advised that everyone has one tote and that homeowners are charged for additional totes.
Mr. Eden stated that the Association pays $730,000 for garbage pick-up and that if the Association purchased totes and did the garbage pick up themselves it would be cheaper. He questioned dues in other communities and stated that dues went up 32% from 2006 to 2009 which is an increase of 1/3 in 4 years and increasing the dues again adds insult to injury. Homeowners bought homes in APCP as it was economically affordable.
Mrs. Rametta stated that there was not a quorum at the meeting and a quorum was needed. Mr. Schlaack explained that this was a meeting of the BOD. The notice on Channel 80 was an oversight. The Board got an opinion from legal counsel and they agreed that this meeting was appropriately called. Mrs. Rametta asked if under the Uniform Planned Communities Act if the membership would be able to reject the budget. Mr. Schlaack stated that if the membership wanted to follow procedures it could be done.
Mr. Kimble stated that if the membership and the Board continued to fight over things like this our legal fees would be astronomical. The fighting needs to cease. Going forward Mr. Kimble will keep an eye on all line items and asked to move on.
Mr. Massaro indicated that Pocono Farms has security and wanted to know if there was going to be a quota for citations to reach an income of $200,000. He also asked if there was a discount for prompt payment of dues and Mr. Kimble indicated there is a 3% discount. He also explained the citations also include penalties. Mr. Massaro asked about a senior discount.
Mr. Frank asked whether the Association will be able to reach an 83% collection rate. Mr. Kimble explained that the collections procedure was aggressive and that past deficits were caused by setting percentage of collections too high. APCP 11/18/09 Open Special Board Meeting Minutes – Page 2
Mr. Vargas commented on the astronomical attorney fees and stated that if the Board of Directors were not dictators the membership would not have to keep fighting. There are no cuts in the budget and the membership should exercise its rights and veto this budget.
Mr. Rametta fought the increase.
Mr. Kimble explained where there were reductions and where expenses increased.
It was stated that due to the break-ins maintenance and security should not be cut but administration should be.
Mr. Eden stated that the membership should not have to pay today for indiscretions of past Boards. Motion to borrow $400,000. If increased in $75 increments over three years it would be less than it is now. Property value low.
Mrs. Rametta asked what each Board member individually recommended to cut expenses. The President indicated this question was not appropriate.
Mr. Peterson stated the numbers given were not actual and he could not decipher the numbers.
Mr. Kimble explained that going forward the numbers would be more accurate.
The Board has 100% authority to pass the budget and the membership could petition for a special meeting but did not. The Bylaws are in compliance with the Uniform Planned Communities Act.
Asked to consider waiting until membership gets actual – Saturday at least before voting the budget in. Told Mrs. Rametta it was unfair to single out certain Board members.
Ask Jeff if he would take a 10% cut and give up bonuses.
Mrs. Foster agreed with Ms. Cooney and Mr. Kimble regarding getting along. There is no way to charge members different amounts. Compare APCP to other communities. Talking about Boards over 28 years and the bad decisions that were made. A $20 increase is very small, we have to invest in the community to increase property values. The focus should be on how we can make improvements.
Mr. Eden stated we are in Coolbaugh Township and we are what we are and whoever believes that investing in the community will increase property values has uneducated philosophy.
Mr. Solomowitz asked how many times prior to 2008 have we used the following year’s revenue to pay off current debts. Have we spent more than we bring in every year?
What is happened to the 17% who do not pay? Shouldn’t homeowners get a refund when the monies are collected?
Mr. Kimble explained that dues for empty lots do not get paid and that is where the 17% comes in.
Mrs. Hettler asked why we can’t take prepayments and put it into a separate account. Make hard cuts when you run out of money. APCP 11/18/09 Open Special Board Meeting Minutes – Page 3
Motion made by Bernadette Bruno, seconded by Karen White, to adopt the 2010 budget
Yea: Mrs. Bruno, Ms. Cooney, Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Padilla-Riss, Mrs. White
Non Vote: None
Nay: Mr. Herbert, Mr. Kirk, Mr. Rametta
Motion Carried.
Mr. Rametta motioned to adjourn and Ms. Bruno seconded the motion.
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Respectfully Submitted: Bernadette Bruno, Secretary APCP 11/18/09 Open Special Board Meeting Minutes – Page 4
Motion made by Bernadette Bruno, seconded by Karen White, to adopt the 2010 budget
Yea: Mrs. Bruno, Ms. Cooney, Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Padilla-Riss, Mrs. White
Non Vote: None
Nay: Mr. Herbert, Mr. Kirk, Mr. Rametta
Motion Carried.
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