Minutes from the OTIA General Meeting- November 6, 2013

The meeting was called to order by President Greg Denny.
Board members present included: Greg Denny, Radu Roman, Dan Griffin, Ramona Triebold, Frank Cirrincione, Al Johnsonbaugh, Jim Loring, and Colleen Hodges.

Members at large present included: Brooke Daus, Ray and Ann Sipowicz, Laura Shifley, Larry and Mary Shifley, Don Ferris, Denise and Evelyn Juern, Nancy Gilchrist, Brian Novak, Barbara Jill Bates, Jody Matza, Louis Triebold, Jim Snyder, Don Martin, and Tracy Kleinschmidt.

Invited guests included: Diana O’Kelly- Fremont Township Supervisor/Lake County Board Member, Bill Grinnell- Fremont Township Highway Commissioner, Mike McNally- Countryside Fire Protection District Fire Marshall, Julie Jacobson- OTIA Attorney. These guests took questions from members and addressed issues that pertained to their field of expertise.

Dan Griffin gave the treasurer’s report. He reported that as of November 6, 2013, the OTIA has a total of $6,726.71 in all accounts after all debts for the fiscal year have been met. The annual treasurer’s report was available for viewing at the meeting and will be posted to the website. Dan also reported that we have fifteen members in collections presently owing $13,843.08 in back dues, $9,195 in interest, and $7,072 in lawyer’s fees. Four of these members are on payment plans. Twenty-one members owe
principal only on dues for 1 year which amounts to $3,150. Seven members owe 2 years totaling $1,775. The interest on both of these amounts totals $544. The OTIA is in the process of collecting these payments. Nancy Gilchrist made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report. Brook Daus seconded and the motion passed. Questions were raised about the “real worth” of the association. A resident stated that if the association collects more than $10,000 than we have budgeted, that amount should be put in the reserve account. Questions were also raised about the possibility of dues going down once the back dues, interest, and fees have been paid. The Board will take these issues into consideration

The budget for 2014 was presented. Many questions were asked and a great deal of discussion ensued. Greg Denny and Dan Griffin explained the costs of maintenance, the most costly portion of our budget. The reserve account was explained. We will be setting aside 10% of our projected income for this account to be accumulated and used in the case of emergency need. Some residents suggested a $5,000 cap on capital improvements such as beach buoys, signs, and improvements at the parks, i.e. the Lakeview walkway. Ann Sipwicz suggested the subdivision look into the possibility of putting a shed In at Beach Park to store the items stored in the current storage locker. This would also be a capital expense. It was explained that this would work fine for buoys, tables, etc, but would not work for the storage of OTIA paperwork which we are legally bound to store for several years. After much general discussion, Jody Matza made a motion to accept the budget as presented. Jill Bates seconded this motion. The motion passed by the count of 12 in favor, 7 against.

Larry Shifley raised questions about the cost of the treatment of the lake for invasive species. He explained that for the last several years MPRD had stopped spraying our portion of the lake. He went on to explain that we had entered into an agreement with them to have our side of the lake sprayed at the same time, by the same company that they were using. The many problems with this year’s spraying were reiterated for the members. Greg explained proper notification was not given to our residents, the job was not done completely or well, and the vendor had to come out at least two more times as the spraying in some areas was ineffective. He went on to share the board’s desire to have a more “hands on” relationship with MPRD in the choosing of the vendor this year. The board feels that MPRD treats the lake as a recreational facility and not a living thing. Greg explained that he has been trying to put together an organization to be stewards of the lake, but has struggled to gain momentum. Radu continued the discussion of the budget dedicated to the cost of treating the lake saying that the lake is an asset to our community and the invasive species eradication is the biggest problem we are facing presently with the lake.

Resident Jim Snyder stated that he feels that the budget presented and passed this evening is overblown and filled with areas where costs must be cut. He further stated that he would consider the board fiscally irresponsible if we do not work to slash the budget.

Ramona Triebold shared the difference between a projected budget and the actual income/expenditures of the organization.

Ann Sipowicz stated that she believed the board need to prioritize, placing needs before wants.

Tracy Kleinschmidt stated that she feels the OTIA needs to create a 5 year forecast and that the board needs to become fiscally responsible. Tracy offered her help with developing this plan.

The results of the vote were announced by SecretaryColleen Hodges. Officers reelected for another two year term were: Jim Loring, Radu Roman, Dan Griffin, and Colleen Hodges. The newly elected officer to serve a two year term was Tracy Kleinschmidt.

There being no further business, Ann Sipowicz made a motion to adjourn. Ramona Triebold seconded the motion. The general meeting adjourned at 9:42pm.

The board met immediately following the general meeting for the purpose of electing officers for the 2014 board. Colleen Hodges nominated Greg Denny for the office of president. Ramona Triebold seconded the nomination. Jim Loring nominated Al Johnsonbaugh for the office of vice president. Ramona Triebold seconded. Greg Denny nominated Colleen Hodges for the office of secretary. Dan Griffin seconded. Jim Loring nominated Dan Griffinof the office of treasurer. Ramona Triebold seconded. This nominative slate became the elected slate with a unanimous vote. The need for
someone to take over dealing with the maintenance issues of the subdivision was discussed. Jim Loring and Al Johnsonbaugh offered to be the liaisons between the OTIA board and maintenance providers.

There being no further business for the board a motion to adjourn was made by Radu Roman and seconded by Jim Loring. The motion passed and the board adjourned at 10:03pm.

Respectfully submitted by Colleen Hodges- OTIA Secretary