Minutes of Oak Terrace Improvement Association-April 3, 2013
Meeting called to order at 7:04pm by President Greg Denny.
Board members present: Greg Zink, Jim Loring, Dan Griffin, Radu Roman, Rich Rieck, William Yarbrough, Dina Lepczynski, and Colleen Hodges. Members at large: Ann and Ray Sipowicz.
As the board members were provided a copy of the minutes of the March meeting prior to this meeting, Jim Loring made a motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting and approve them. The motion was seconded by Dina and passed unanimously.
Dan Griffin read the treasurer’s report. He shared that two properties that had been in arrears had made payments of approximately $2300 each. He also reported that a house on Hickory had asked for a payment plan. The properties in arrears are being billed with a notice of the amount owed and the added legal fees.
The total in all accounts presently is $27,977.66. The amount still outstanding is $41,336.24. Dan estimates that the number of 2013 property dues paid to this point is 50%. Radu made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report as read. Rich seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Greg reported on the status of the CICA collection efforts. The subdivision’s legal counsel, Julie Jacobson, advised that we do not have to seek legal approval to accept a deal with a property owner. Any deal we can make to bring an account to paid status will save us money in legal fees. Presently we have authorized collection on 13 properties.
Radu gave a report on his progress with having the street signs restored. He received two quotes on the installation of the signs, one from Dave Garcia and the other from the Mailbox and Flag, Co., owned by Brian Cauldwell of Hickory Street. We have six signs and this would not allow for a sign on Oak Shores. Radu reported that there are still posts up on Elmwood and Lakeview that seem good. The one on Maple needs to be replaced and new posts need to be installed on Hickory, Walnut, and Oak. They also all need new hardware. The post on Elmwood needs to be repositioned and reinstalled. There was some discussion regarding whether or not the website should be added at the top of the signs. No decision was made. The board did decide that whatever company we choose must be insured, carry workman’s compensation, and would be responsible for getting all necessary permits. It was suggested we contact Dave Frost for a bid.
Park maintenance was discussed. The need to do a controlled burn at three of our park locations would help the areas to develop appropriately. The cost to hire a company to do the burn at Lakeview Park, Hansen Park, and the rain garden at the end of the channel would be a total of approximately $2,250. Jim Loring made a motion to allocate the funds for a burn at Hansen Park and the rain garden, approximately $1,200. Dan Griffin seconded and the motion passed. Dan Griffin made a motion to allow up to $1,000 for the purpose of purchasing trees for Hansen Park. Rich seconded. Some discussion ensued with Radu bringing up the need for funds to handle the care of the lake including weed and wake control. The motion passed with seven yeas and one nay, Radu Roman. The trees will be used to line Elmwood along Hansen Park.
It was also suggested that we should ask the residents to keep up the tradition of oaks in Oak Terrace by considering planting small oaks on their property for future enjoyment.
The issue of lake maintenance was discussed. It was suggested that we set aside $2,000 for the treatment of invasive plant species. We will need to contact Margaret Resnick at MPRD in order to coordinate efforts to cover the entire lake. The quotes are due on Monday, April 8th, including the targeting of invasive plant beds as identified by the Lake County Health Department. Our ability to move forward on this plan will be dependent upon the cost per acre for our portion of the lake. After discussion, Jim Loring made a motion to allot $2,000 for invasive plant control on the portion of Diamond Lake owned by the OTIA. Radu seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Jim reintroduced the need for armor stone along the seawall for the approximately 60 feet of shoreline between the channel and the beach at Beach Park. Across the channel, at Sunset Park, another approximate 100 feet would be needed. Further discussion and information will be needed to make a decision on this issue.
At this time, we have had eleven boat ramp keys paid for by residents. Ann Sipowicz will send a reminder email for members who usually purchase a key to urge them to get the key as soon as possible. We discussed the new invoice that includes the boat ramp key and boat slip rental. Dina suggested that a contact number be included on the invoices in case our members have questions.
The need for no wake buoys was discussed. The buoys are approximately $115 each and needed to cut down on the erosion of our shoreline near Lakeview Park. Three buoys are needed. Rich suggested we check out a new type of buoy that is not destroyed if hit. He will get more information.
A reminder will need to be sent for the May 11th spring cleanup. More details will be discussed at the May board meeting.
Dina, chairperson of the picnic committee, would like a request for volunteers to be included in The Acorn.
It was suggested that we test the emergency phone at Beach Park to be sure it is functional for the summer. Mike Hodges will be asked to do a test on the phone.
There being no further business, Dina made a motion to adjourn and it was seconded by Jim. Motion passed and the meeting adjourned at 8:39pm.
Respectfully submitted by-
Colleen Hodges
Secretary-OTIA
