August 18, 2012 Meeting Minutes
Elk Forest Civic Association - August 18, 2012
Prepared by: Susan Deeney, Secretary
The meeting was held at the home of President Ben Roth and was opened by President Roth. A delightful barbecue, backyard games, a nature walk and the Kilby’s ice cream truck made for a pleasant afternoon.
The topics discussed were as follows:
I. Current Business
- 1. Treasurer’s Report
Cris Brookmyer, Treasurer, made her report, highlighted by the following:
- EFCA Finances for the fiscal year (8/1/2011 – 7/31/2012) began at $32,541 and ended at $33,627 with $684 interest earned.
- Collected $4,160 in dues; Paid $4,020 for mosquito spraying.
- Other expenses: $54 for the website; $571 for 2011 annual meeting; $58 for spring clean up; $54 for dues notices.
- Two years ago, we agreed to have more frequent mosquito spraying. To fund it, starting last year. we raised the dues to $60. This summer (vs. fiscal year) we are on track to pay out as much in spraying fees as we collect in dues.
- As of August 18th, seventy four (74) families out of 109 families (68%) have paid their dues. We are ahead of last years collections at this time – last year ended at 73%.
- Cris thanked Patty Truitt for reviewing the financial records for this past year, which assures the residents that the proper checks and balances are in place and that our finances are accurate.
2. Mosquito Spraying
- Ben Roth took over coordinating with APM and got them to reduce the fee. Due to cool and wet weather in the spring, APM did not begin spraying until mid-May. From then thru the end of June, they sprayed twice per week. Since June, it has been once per week for a total of 20 sprayings. There will be 2-5 more sprayings before the season ends.
- It was noted that the mosquito spray is a ‘contact spray’, just killing those mosquitos in contact. All agreed that this additional spraying has made Elk Forest much more pleasant.
- 3. River Dredging/Water Quality
- Vice President Debbie Koehler continues to work with the government to explore getting the government to dredge the Elk River.
- The Army Corps of Engineers has acknowledged that they were at fault in causing the shallowness of the river.
- Debbie has worked hard with government officials on our behalf, and would welcome others to assist. It is a slow process, made harder by turnover in the government positions that can help us.
- All agreed that the quality of the water has improved in the last few years, lack of seagrass etc. It was noted that perhaps this was due to opening of the locks on the Susquehanna or due to improved waste handling by the water treatment plant in Elkton.
- 4. Elk Forest Website
- Jerry Truitt and Mike Leshner have done a great job improving this site which is an asset for all of us.
- It has a new password ‘elk1for’
II. New Business
- 1. Election of Officers
The election of new officers was held and they are as follows:
Officers
- David Silverman – President
- Debbie Koehler – Vice President
- Joanne DeMartino – Treasurer
- Cris Brookmyer – Secretary
Board Members
- Ralph DeMartino
- Pam & Carlos Brannon (alternating)
- Bill Alzos
All attendees wished to thank the previous officers, most notably Ben Roth and Cris Brookmyer for all of their efforts on behalf of our community.
III. Other
Youngest Resident Attendee
Liam Marriott, of Elk Forest Road, just born in June, was able to attend his first meeting and seemed quite delighted to be there. We look forward to seeing him at future meetings.