MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING - September 5, 2009
The Annual Meeting of the Association was held on September 5, 2009 at the LBI Foundation of the Arts and Sciences, in Loveladies. President Roger Smith called the meeting to order at approximately 5:15 PM and welcomed all attending members and guests. He introduced all trustees and officers who were present and thanked the host and hostesses who signed in the meeting attendees. Because it was such a beautiful day and Labor Day weekend there was a discussion with the members about starting future meetings at 6:00 PM instead of 5:00 PM. This will be discussed by the Board.
President Smith introduced Mayor Joe Mancini who addressed the audience regarding:
Beach replenishment: The Township has a section of Brant Beach that will be ready for beach replenishment after the Harvey Cedars beach replenishment project is completed. There is $5 million identified and another $5 million requested to cover the project.
HC street project: The Township is opposed to reducing the number of lanes on Long Beach Blvd. in Harvey Cedars from 4 lanes to 2 lanes with a turning lane in the center. He would rather see them add more street lights or move the power poles in from the road (or bury them) to allow for a wider shoulder. When asked who owned the right of way along the boulevard he said the County does.
Resurfacing of Causeway Bridge: According to the Mayor, the bridge resurfacing scheduled to begin in September, will take place at night to ease the traffic problems. There was no discussion of the proposed new bridge.
Commissioner Ralph Bayard responded to requests included in a letter to him from the LPOA Board. As a result he will look into the following:
Water lines to the beach access for washing sand from your feet as you leave the beach. This would be at the north and south pumping stations.
New gravel, in the north and south parking lots to cover the sharp rocks there now.
The possibility of installing a pedestrian ramp at Coast Avenue if it does not interfere with the vehicle access to the beach.
Potential water meters for Loveladies if mandated by the State. According to Bayard, the State does not yet require water meters, but if and when they do, the Township would start at the north end where water is purchased from Barnegat Light and Harvey Cedars.
Ralph mentioned that the LPOA Board had formed a street committee that evaluated the streets in Loveladies and submitted recommendations to the Township for action. The Public Works department will make recommendations to the County that does the work.
Ralph mentioned there were some issues in the beginning with our new trash contractor, Pinto Brothers, but those have been ironed out. Anyone having trouble with PB should contact his department at the Township. When asked for a schedule of pick up dates, Ralph told the questioner to call the Borough Hall and request a copy. (We save a half million dollars per year using PB VS Waste Management, the previous provider.)
Commissioner DiAnne Gove, who is also the acting State Assemblywomen (replaced Daniel Van Pelt who was forced to resign when indicted for bribery) addressed the group. She reminded attendees that sewer bills were due September 1st. She thanked the group for supporting her as past Mayor and currently as Commissioner. There were no questions.
After the government officials spoke, President Smith asked for a motion to dispense with reading of the minutes of the last meeting. A MOTION WAS MADE FROM THE FLOOR, SECONDED AND APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY.
Nominating Committee Chair, Ellen Moran, introduced committee members, Lee Lubowitz, Bob Monaco and Mindy Posoff. She then introduced the following slate of candidates for election by the membership (all nominees were asked to stand and be recognized as they were introduced):
Eldon Hickerson for a second four year term as LPOA Secretary.
Mary Brown as Trustee to begin her first full three year term in a position vacated by her husband Jerry, who passed away earlier this year. Jerry had served as a Board Trustee for five and a half years and Mary was appointed to complete the remainder of his sixth year. President Smith recognized Jerry for his dedicated service.
Dave Young was nominated as Trustee to fill a vacancy created by a resignation last year.
Three Trustees, Joanne Cohen, Mildred Hrbek and Lee Lubowitz have completed 2 consecutive 3 year terms, and according to our by-laws, must step down. (Asked to stand, thanked for work.)
Replacing these three positions, Chairperson Moran nominated Paula Chapman to replace Joanne Cohen, Denny Kean to replace Mildred Hrbek and Tim McWilliams to replace Lee Lubowitz.
A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SLATE PRESENTED BY THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE WAS MADE FROM THE FLOOR, SECONDED, AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Membership Chair, Barbara Nemroff, reported current membership at 606 members representing 63.8% of the total property owners in Loveladies. There were 12 new households, 39 homeowners that rejoined from prior years and 555 renewing members. Barbara asked attending members to reach out to neighbors who have not joined and ask them to join next year. She also suggested anyone with email should sign up for the electronic newsletter.
Treasurer, Barbara Nemroff, reported net worth as $35,426 with a checking account balance of $10,379 and a CD of $25,047. These numbers do not include the membership meeting expenses.
Barbara then presented the following contribution recommendations as approved by the Board of Officers and Trustees:
Marine Mammal Stranding Center $ 200 (June)
Barnegat Light First Aid Squad $ 500
Barnegat Light Volunteer Fire Company $ 500
High Point Volunteer Fire Company $ 500
Long Beach Township Beach Wheels Program $1,645
Total Contributions $3,345
Before the membership was asked to vote on the contributions budget, Barbara introduced Don Myers, Long Beach Township Beach Patrol Supervisor. Don brought a sample adult Beach Wheels Cart to the meeting for the membership to see. He gave an interesting talk about the program that was started in the Township in 1992. The Township now has 40 adult and child carts and not one was paid for with taxpayer dollars. All are the product of donations and contributions. A member of the audience (Kathi Smith) asked Don if a Beach Wheel could be stored at the Townships garage by the north tennis courts (161 in Loveladies) for use by our community. Myers thought it was a great idea and said he would pursue it. After the presentation, Barbara asked the members to vote on the list of contributions as presented.
A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONTRIBUTIONS BUDGET WAS MADE FROM THE FLOOR, SECONDED, AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Secretary, Eldon Hickerson, presented changes to the LPOA by-laws for membership approval. The changes were as follows:
Paragraph Four: Change the fiscal year that is now May 1 of one year to April 30 of the next year to the calendar year, January 1 to December 31. The membership year remains May 1 thru April 30.
Paragraph Four: Solicitation of dues is changed from May 1 to March 1 making it possible to solicit dues earlier.
Paragraph Six: Currently allows Membership Meetings only in September. The change would allow us to have meetings in August or September.
A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BY-LAWS CHANGES WAS MADE FROM THE FLOOR, SECONDED, AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Vice President, Bob Monaco, presented the absentee ballot process to the membership. It is important for anyone who is registered to vote in Loveladies but will be in Florida or some other warm weather area when an election takes place. By sending an absentee ballot, their vote can still be registered. Note: The absentee ballot is on the home page of (this)LPOA website.
The meeting was adjourned by President Smith at 6:10 PM. Attending members enjoyed a buffet dinner provided by Sweet Jennys.
Respectfully submitted,
Eldon Hickerson, LPOA Secretary