Minutes of Annual Meeting – December 11,2008
Meeting called to order by President, Jesse Silva @ 7:30 P.M.
Board members present : Marty Brown, Glen Cassella, Pat Kelleher, Jerry Neeff, Jesse Silva
Club members present: Milt Breenberg, John Catlett, Bob and Debra Dewing, Almeda and Dan Freeman, Phil Geygan, George Jackson, Jack Kahrs, Meg Richards, Greg Vairo
Welcoming words by Jesse
Commendation to Cheryl Marier – Jesse mentioned how much Cheryl would be missed on the Board { her term expires Dec. 31,2008 }. He commented on how hard she had worked and how much she had contributed to all the Boards efforts.
Special Announcement re: recent death of the last living founder of Park Lakes, past president Charlie Hyson ,at the age of 102 years. Park Lakes made a donation to the Visiting Nurse Association of Northern N.J. Hospice Program in his memory .
Election of Board of Trustees for 2009 – 27 proxies presented - 19 electronic, 8 verbal. 27 affirmative for entire slate consisting of Meg Richards, Nick Roccaforte, and Phil Rosenthall. Unanimous vote of those present to accept slate , terms effective January 1,2009, ending December 31, 2011 .
Proposal for an Amendment to the By-Laws – The Board will consist of no less than 7 nor more than 9 active members in good standing of the Club in the fashion already established by the current By-Laws. Quorum will be reached with the presence of 4 members of the Board when it is composed of 7 or 8 members and 5 when it is composed of 9 members. After a brief discussion the proposal was approved unanimously.
Membership – Jerry Neeff – currently 108 members; member, John Catlett, suggested we advertise in the weekly Herd Football Team Program, in addition to the Home and School Bulletin.
Social – Glen Cassella –urged better attendance . John Catlett suggested we hold socials in the late afternoons or early evenings rather than mid-day. This would avoid a conflict for our members whose children are involved in sports ; these sports often schedule morning or mid-day practices and /or games. Point well taken by all present. Member George Jackson, suggested an end- of – season paddle party. Jesse concurred saying Board will plan one for March.
Tennis / Paddle – Jesse noted the Park Lakes Club has recently been,accused by some members of becoming somewhat cliquish. Several ideas were proposed by members : Milt suggested we do a better job of promoting week-day Scrambles. Formerly scrambles were held on Wednesdays from 10:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. but attendance was poor . Milt suggests we advertise again and have someone in charge, so all who come do get to mix. Marty feels the Paddle Ladder is helping members to mix and Jack said the web-site does list members looking for games. Debra expressed interest in encouraging juniors to come out for paddle , perhaps offering a mentoring program to give them some experience { particularly those juniors NOT affiliated with a high school team.} Pat suggested a sub-committee ,composed of non-board members, be formed to further look into these ideas, hopefully with Debra as Chair. In reference to Tennis Clinics offered by Pro Bob Nunez { those subsidized by Club, which run for 8 weeks at a nominal cost to members} Member Dan Freeman suggested the timing be changed from day-time to evening as there are several members, including he and his wife who would like to participate but are employed and/or otherwise not available during the day. Point well taken; Bob will be approached re: same. Jesse proposed we investigate resuming “three club “tournaments {tennis / paddle} as we did in years past. The three at that time were Lake Valhalla, Park Lakes, and Rockaway River. This activity may increase member participation.
Web-Site – Jesse expressed appreciation to Andy Bulfer for all his work in
keeping the site updated. The site will soon direct inquiries to the particular chairman or Board member best able to answer the questions.
Review of 2008 Major Projects – Jesse –
Bathroom renovations – included acrylic surrounds in the showers, all walls and ceilings painted, new carpeting, new windows and ventilation fans plus aesthetics, e.g. shower curtains, bath mats, door mats.
Driveway Re-surfacing – remedial patching done ; full re=surfacing planned for 2010 or 2011.
Tax Review – additional review still pending; Jerry Neeff met with then town manager, Gary Webb, last November. Suggestions {previously reported} include dedicating some property, e.g. wetlands, for open space conservancy, which would reduce taxes ,but only insignificantly. Another option would be to donate entire property and facility to M.L. Boro. Since the discussed options don’t offer much relief to us Jerry, Jesse, and perhaps, Jack Kahrs plan on meeting with the current town manager shortly, to pursue additional options. Jack, remarked on a study done 2 years ago by ex-member, Toby Frey. Jerry’s and Toby’s conclusions were basically the same., Member, Mayor George Jackson, noted the Boro’s tax re-assessments will be announced in a week or two and strongly recommended our committee meet with Rick del Guercio, the tax assessor , very soon. He also said we should go to said meeting with a specific request planned.
Treasurers Report – Jesse – Cash flow for 2008 and 2009 reports and projected budget for 2009 distributed as well as 2008 income statement .All financials are available for review @ January Board meeting. Jesse has confirmed with bank we still have a $15.000 line of credit available to us should we need it.
Jesse to re-visit the possibility of arranging a reciprocal agreement with the Mountain Lakes Club. {they play paddle ; we have access to their Dining Room}
Jesse will meet with the Board of Trustees to explore possibilities.
Motion to adjourn by Glen, seconded by Marty .Meeting adjourned @ 8:35 P.M.
Respectfully submitted.,
N.B. – Next board meeting – Wednesday, January 14, 2009 @ 7:30 P.M.