Aerial view of the Elk Forest peninsula between the Elk River and the C&D Canal
The Community of Elk Forest Website for the neighborhood of Elk Forest, Maryland

August 10, 2024 Meeting Minutes

ELK FOREST CIVIC ASSOCIATION, ANNUAL MEETING/PICNIC  - August 10, 2024

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:

ELK FOREST RESIDENTS PRESENT: There were 32 people signed in, with an additional 2 guests and four children, representing 18 households. According to EFCA membership records, 4 of the 18 households present, have not yet paid their 2024-2025 membership.

VERIFY QUORUM, CALL MEETING TO ORDER: At 2:30 PM the secretary confirmed that a quorum was present, and the meeting was called to order by JS.

MEETING MINUTES: The meeting minutes from the June 4, 2024, meeting (which were previously posted on the website and available for review) had no additional comments. Motion to approve as submitted made by CL1 and seconded by Cris Brookmyer. With no additional discussion held, the motion was approved.

FINANCIAL REPORT: As the EFCA Treasurer was not present due to sickness, the financial report was presented by DS. The report showed (as of 7/31/24) a Balance of $8,252.27 in the Checking account and $29,346.75 in CDs. Total funds balance of $37,599.02 (see attached financial report). A motion to accept the financial report as presented was made by CL1 with a second by Cris Brookmyer. With no additional discussion held, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Spring Cleanup:  JS reported that the expected turnout (approx. 12 - 15) joined at the corner of EFR and SFR around 9:00am for coffee and donuts. Teams headed west towards Welches point and East towards Sinking Springs. JS thanked ML for collecting a truckload of bagged trash and DS for coordination the Donuts and coffee. A question as to what the “Sinking Springs” responsibility to clean the roads is and it was explained they do maintain the roadside from their entrance to the corner of McKeon Road. Thanks to all that turned out.

Progressive Dinner: CL2 reported a good participation, although not as many “non board members” as expected. The Italian theme was a hit, and the finish location (LaPense property) was a big hit with all. CL2 explained that participants do not need to host a stop, just come out to enjoy. The next dinner is planned for October 5th (see new business)

Elk Forest Sign, repair, paint, and solar light. JS thanked “The Mitchells” (SM, DM) for their repair, painting, and installation of the new solar light on our entrance sign.

Mosquito Spraying: SM reported the status to date of our agreement with the County to spray the neighborhood. To date, the neighborhood has only been sprayed 4 times (1 in June 2 in July and, so far, 1 in August) due to weather. Extensive discussion ensued on effectiveness, costs, other options, private contracts, continuing the contract with the county, ending the contract, etc. After much back and forth, SM summarized the discussion into a motion: that we (EFCA) run the current contract until its end (September 2024) and not renew it for 2025 (to see if there is a difference in not spraying); revisiting the issue at the 2025 Annual Meeting. The motion was seconded by CL1. Motion passed (12 to 4). (Note: POTENTIALLY, up to 4 of these votes may not be valid (non-members) but that is not enough to change the outcome. 

NEW BUSINESS:

Progressive dinner – CL2 explained to all what the dinner is, how it works and how to participate (host, participant, both) CL2 will be coordinating the Progressive Dinner on October 5th, 2024. Details to be firmed up and published.

Annual Board Elections:  JS presented the slate of candidates being nominated by the Nominating Committee (CL1 and LL) Nominating Committee. Additionally, JS asked if there were any nominations from the floor at this time. With none being noted, a motion to accept the proposed slate of officers was made by Cris Brookmyer, seconded by TM. The secretary cast a single vote to approve the vote. The following candidates were voted into office effective at the close of this meeting.

Co - Presidents:  Sherri Mitchell & Laurie Leone
Vice President:  Bill Class
Treasurer:  Lule Megahed
Recording Secretary:  Christine LaPense
Immediate Past President:  Joanne Silverman
Webmaster:  Dave Mitchell
Board Members:  
  Christian LaPense
  Ralph DiMartino
  Tom Melnick
  Travis Hembree

JS Thanked David Silverman and Mike Leshner (who will be stepping down to allow others to participate) for their many, many years of service on the EFCA board.

OPEN DISCUSSION:

Community Shredding: Dan Bowerman asked if anyone would like to have a community shredding event. There were a few indications of interest.

Contractor reference page: One of the residents asked if there was a “contractor” reference page on the website, she would like to look at some contractors that have been used by EFCA residents.

EFCA Facebook Page: Discussions on having an EFCA Facebook page and the requirements to have a manager of it. Nicky Morrison stepped up to take this on and be the FB Manager.

2024 – Upcoming Events:

ADJOURN:

With nothing else to discuss, JS asked for a motion to adjourn. Motion to adjourn made by DS, seconded by CL1. Meeting adjourned at 3:10PM.

The next EFCA Board meeting will be on November 14, 2024 @ 6:30PM.

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