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GTIA
Board Minutes
Minutes
of the Green Trails Improvement Association
Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday November 8, 2005
President Peter Bakas called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM at
Kennedy Jr High School. Board members present: Peter Bakas, John
Charicki, David Derbyshire, Joan Dudas, Tim Dudas, Wendy Elwood, Rob
Getz, Gerry Jackson, Les Lavin, Betty Long, Tom Maslanka, Gail
Robinson. Board members excused: Linda Gilbert, Marg Hough, Marty
Volpe. Management: Joe and Joanne Broda. Paula Gleason was
Recording Secretary. A quorum was present.
Open
Forum
Two Tyrnbury residents discussed their displeasure that neither
the VOL nor GTIA have maintained their entrance island bushes and
trees. They noted that the pines are dying from the Diplodia Tiplight
fungus. President Peter Bakas noted that GTIA would like to help but
the area in question is within the VOL right of way and appears to be
beyond GTIA jurisdiction.
A resident of the Oaks commented that there are many Buckthorns
growing in Timber Park and also the Oaks are not being trimmed. The
Board noted that the Park District is now clearing out some of the
Buckthorns.
A new resident from High Point was in attendance as an interested
observer.
Minutes
of the Prior Meeting:
Minutes of the prior meeting were reviewed.
Board Motion: Tim Dudas moved to approve the minutes of the October
meeting, John Charicki seconded. The motion was passed by unanimous
voice vote.
Treasurer's
Report
Joan Dudas reviewed the October Balance Sheet and Income and Expense
Statement.
Board Motion: Betty Long motioned to accept the revised check
register expenditures of $10,059.53 for November, Gerry Jackson
seconded. The motion was passed by unanimous voice vote.
President's Report
Peter Bakas stated he would cover three areas: 1) The accomplishments
for the year; 2) Plans for next year, and 3) State of GTIA finances.
1) Peter reported that the assessments collected in 2005 totaled
$343,000 with approximately $2,000 not collected for which liens were
filed, and when added to the prior years past dues result in a
cumulative past due balance of around $7,000.
There were 22 grass cuttings during the year, plus weed and feed in
the spring and fall at a total cost of $98,000. Tree maintenance
costs for the year were $15,000 for trimming, $15,000 for removal of
dead trees and $4,000 to $5,000 for new plantings. We planted 177
seedlings in the Association nursery, transplanted 25 of the existing
evergreens from nursery to College Road and in addition purchased and
planted 10 large evergreens on College Road.
As for the pathway system, the Association owns approximately 15 miles
of blacktop trails and 1 mile of concrete. In 1994, a 15-year program
was initiated to replace all of the trails at a rate of approximately
one mile replaced per year. In 2005 we replaced about one mile of
asphalt and seal coated 5 miles and crack filled another 4 miles for
approximately $130,000. By the end of 2005, of the 16 miles in
total GTIA paths, all but 1 mile of those had been replaced under the
program started in 1994.
The above items are the major costs are for the Association. On a
side note, the labeling of our light poles with the GTIA name and
clear numbers will be helpful in identifying and tracking repairs.
2) Assessments will continue at $150. We plan to add approximately 40
large trees along College Road, more perennials to accent areas and
finish the 1 mile or so of paths still left on the 15 year plan. This
will have been accomplished three years ahead of schedule. In 2006,
we will seal coat the entire path system because of the damage caused
by the excessive heat in 2005. We will continue with our aggressive
budgets for tree planting, removal and trimming. We will paint all
our entrance signs and do maintenance of all 43 islands within Green
Trails.
3) The current replacement fund balance of $319,000 will be drawn down
by $29,000 in the current year leaving a balance at the end of 2005 of
approximately $290,000. Based on the 2006 budget, the draw down in
the replacement fund will be around $30,000, leaving a projected
balance at the end of 2006 of around $260,000. This replacement fund
balance is on the lower end historically, however in 2007 path
maintenance will be significantly less than the typical $130,000
annual amount, so the expectation is that we will then be able to
build up the replacement fund balance.
Peter thanked JRM Properties for their outstanding commitment to Green
Trails and for a job well done. Peter also complimented the Board on
another successful year. He noted there is no hidden agenda and the
Board always has only one thing in mind and that is to do its best for
the Association. Peter also offered a special thank you to all the
committee members and volunteers.
Election Results
In Marg Hough’s absence, Peter Bakas reported the following election
results by area:
C - Marg Hough
D - Joan Dudas
H - Marty Volpe
K - Rob Getz
L - No Candidate
M - Gail Robinson
O - No Candidate
Management Report
Telephone log line item
Telephone log line items were reviewed. It was agreed that the
Maintenance Committee would look into the opening in the fence by the
Abbey.
Management distributed a map indicating the locations of the five
Austrian white pine and five Colorado spruce trees that were planted
along College Road.
Management requested approval for an additional cutting cycle. There
have been no additional cutting cycles this year and budgeted funds
remain available. The consensus of the Board was to approve the
cutting and recommended that the cutting take place next week.
Management purchased 30 200-bulb sets of holiday lights to decorate
the entrance signs. Volunteers agreed to put up the lights on Friday
after Thanksgiving (11/25).
Management provided a list of October 2005 newcomers. Board Directors
are encouraged to call on newcomers in their respective areas.
Finance Committee
Joan Dudas presented the proposed 2006 GTIA budget for final approval.
Board Motion: Tom Maslanka motioned to accept the 2006 budget as
presented, Tim Dudas seconded. The motion was passed by a unanimous
voice vote.
Maintenance Committee
No report.
Communications
Committee
No report.
Parks
Committee
No report.
Nominating Committee
Rob Getz will meet with the nominating committee to finalize candidate
names to be presented in December for areas L & O.
Old Business - New Business
Betty Long provided a draft copy of the revised Welcome Brochure and
requested approval for the printing to be done by Essig Printing at a
cost of $405 for 500 copies; the Board agreed. Betty was thanked for
a very nice job with the brochure.
Board Member Area Reports
Area A,
Tom Maslanka mentioned there have been complaints about the unsightly
steel box at the corner of College and Abbeywood. Other Board members
noted that this is a responsibility of the County and residents should
direct any communications/complaints to the County.
Area K,
Rob Getz reported graffiti by Surrey Ridge that has been reported to
the Park District.
Area O,
Tim Dudas reported graffiti by Valley Forge that has been reported to
Park District.
Adjournment
Board Motion: There being no further business, David Derbyshire
motioned to adjourn the meeting, Rob Getz seconded. The motion was
passed by a unanimous voice vote; the meeting was adjourned at 8:50
p.m.
Respectfully
Submitted,
_____________________________
Paula
Gleason, Recording Secretary
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