Minutes of the Spring Membership Meeting - June 07, 2009
The spring meeting of the Association was held on Sunday, June 7, 2009, at the Foundation of the Arts and Sciences in Loveladies. President, Roger Smith, called the meeting to order at 11:10 AM.
Welcome: President Smith welcomed all members and asked new members to introduce themselves. He welcomed dignitaries (Mayor and Commissioners), introduced the officers and trustees of the LPOA Board, and thanked the hostesses for their help at the welcome table. He commented on the passing of board member Jerry Brown and mentioned that his widow, Mary Brown, will replace him on the Board for the balance of his term. He shared that we are always looking for volunteers to serve on the board and asked anyone interested to contact Ellen Moran, Nominating Committee Chairperson. President Smith then called for a motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the last meeting. The motion was made, seconded and carried.
Treasury: Barbara Nemroff, Treasurer & Membership Chair, reported that the net worth of the LPOA is $40,517, including a checking balance of $15,470 plus a CD for emergency use valued at $25,047.
Membership: Barbara Nemroff, reported that 574 families have joined the Association to date for 2009. This includes 12 new households, 35 households who were members previously but not last year, and 527 who were members last year and have rejoined. With 951 total households in Loveladies this equates to 60.3%.
Harbor Master, Roland Dixon, spoke to the group about state and federal requirements that anyone operating a boat or jet ski as of June 1, 2009 must have a Boater Safety Certificate. He also urged boat owners to check their insurance policies to make sure they have liability coverage in addition to towing insurance. If anyone who does not have a BSC operates your boat and has an accident you, the owner, are personally responsible and liable. See Harbor Master Report attached.
New Executive Director of the LBI Foundation for the Arts & Sciences, Chris Seiz, introduced himself to the membership and shared information about the Foundation. He thanked the LPOA for utilizing the site for meetings and encouraged anyone who has not joined the Foundation to do so. He also discussed a survey that can be taken by visiting the Foundation website, www.lbifoundation.org.
Mayor Joe Mancini mentioned the Township has purchased portable speed signs to be placed at hotspots in the Township. One location of note is Panorama in Loveladies. The sign shows the motorists speed and tracks data for use by the police department. He mentioned the warning on blue fish and striped bass due to high levels of PCBs. He also told us the state and federal governments have pulled beach replenishment funding.
Commissioner Ralph Bayard who is responsible for Public Works and the Water Department informed the group that a new trash and recycle collection service is responsible for the Township at a savings of $500,000 per year for 5 years. He said there have been kinks in the new service but asked everyone to be patient with the new provider. If there are problems we should call his office. Bayard asked all homeowners in Loveladies to conserve on water usage as much as possible especially on the south end. Harvey Cedars has increased their usage charge for water that is supplied to the south end of our community.
Commissioner DiAnne Gove who is responsible for Revenue and Finance, Community Affairs and the Health Department reported information about the Township budget for 2010. As a result of the new $22 million township budget our taxes may go up 1 cent per 100. She also mentioned activities the Township is sponsoring for homeowners, outdoor movies, concerts, etc. The list of activities is attached.
Since the Mayor and Commissioners had to leave before the meeting ended, President Smith reminded the group about the Meet the Mayor meeting on July 11 where the Mayor will answer questions from the audience from 10:00 11:00 AM.
Guest Speaker: Vice President Bob Monaco introduced Tina Overman, who volunteers at the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine, NJ. Tina gave a very interesting slide show presentation on the types of animals we might find stranded on our beaches and what to do when animals are encountered. Using a net work of volunteers, the MMSC takes in live stranded animals that are sick and injured and nurses them back to health. The speaker was well received by the group.
Closing: Roger Smith thanked Ms. Overman for her talk and presented her with a check for $200 as a donation to the MMSC for the LPOA. After reminding the membership about our upcoming September 5 meeting, he asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting which was made, seconded and approved at 12:10 PM.
After the business meeting, attending members and guests were treated to a lunch catered by Sweet Jennys.
Respectfully submitted - Eldon Hickerson, Secretary