August 25, 2013 Meeting Minutes
Elk Forest Civic Association - August 25, 2013
David Silverman called the meeting to order. Forty-five adults and fifteen children/teens were present. David introduced the Board:
President: David Silverman
Vice President: Deb Koehler
Treasurer: Joanne DeMartino
Secretary: Cris Brookmyer
Board members: Bill Alzos, Carlos Brannon (not present), Pam Brannon, Ralph DeMartino, and Ben Roth (past president)
Webmaster: Mike Leshner
David proposed that the current Board remains in place for the upcoming year. It was approved by unanimous vote. He emphasized that next year a new slate will be proposed.
Joanne De Martino gave the treasurer’s report.
Elk Forest has a fiscal year that runs from August 1 through July 31.
For the fiscal year just ended (i.e., July 31, 2013), the Civic Association finances are as follows:
Started the year with $33,627 and ended up at $32,897
Collected $5,400 in dues
Paid $5,040 for mosquito spraying
Received $404 in interest from the CDs
Paid $54 for the web site, $344 for last summer’s annual meeting, $35 for the spring clean-up, $850 for winter meeting, and $212 for postage and supplies
This year, dues notices went out on June 8, with reminders sent out July 27. As of today, we have collected dues from 77 families out of 110 (70%). We plan to pursue those residents who do not pay their share and attempt to encourage them to do so by sending a third notice. By way of comparison, at this time last year, we had received dues from only 74 families out of 110 (68%). We eventually collected dues from 88 families out of 110 (81%), which is the highest collection rate ever!
On the mosquito front, Ben Roth coordinated the spraying contract with APM. He got them to agree to the same rate as last season. Spraying began in April. From April through the end of May, they sprayed twice per week. From June through August, it has been once a week, for a total of 26 sprayings to date. There will be one more spraying before the season ends. The additional spraying has clearly paid off, as the mosquitos are less plentiful than in past years.
Finally, I’d like to thank Cris Brookmyer for all her assistance in helping me with the accounting spreadsheets and mailings; also, for reviewing the financial records for this year. Her efforts provided the “check and balance”, so that the community is assured that the financials are accurate.
The financial report was accepted by unanimous vote.
David talked about the potential need to draw down on the CD if the price for mosquito spraying goes up.
Barking Dogs – There have been some complaints to the board about barking dogs. As a civic association, we cannot force residents to do anything, but we can inform them. We did so via the most recent newsletter, which contained the latest Cecil County dog ordinance. It is the responsibility of the dog owner to be sure that the dog does not disturb the neighbors. The ordinance puts the onus on any person who has an issue to contact the dog owner to resolve it before contacting the county.
Sludge dumping – There had been a request for a permit to use human waste (sludge) as fertilizer on the fields on Locust Point and McKeown roads. One farm removed its request due to the outcry. Supposedly, it takes 3 years for the sludge to be safe to walk or drive upon. This waste is processed by the waste treatment plant prior to distribution. Some believe this renders it harmless other than the heavy metals that remain. Others are not so sure that all of the hazardous pathogens can be removed. Human sludge has been used by farmers in other parts of the US. There was a public meeting last Wednesday. Deb Koelhler will follow up with one of the meeting attendees.
Accomplishments – The Board has been very active this year. It updated the website; published quarterly newsletters; reinstated and enlivened the holiday party; conducted the annual road clean up; as well as coordinating the mosquito spraying.
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Cris Brookmyer