CLIIA - Cousins and Littlejohn Islands Improvement Association

Minutes of the Annual Meeting

Sunday, September 10, 2006

 

 

1.      The meeting was called to order at 5:00pm by Co-presidents Sharon Fuerst and Bill Hoffman. Introductions of those present took place.  There were about 25 members present.

2.      Treasurer’s Report:  Vinny Fuerst, Treasurer, handed out the Income and Expense Report for 2005-06. As of the year ending, Aug 31, 2006, the balance is $4,666.81 including checking and CDs.   Income was reported at $1,089.09 and expenses at $1700.49. Line items were reviewed and will be further discussed by the Board. 

3.      Community House Report:  Sharon summarized the CH Rental Report. This year’s income from rentals exceeded previous years. The role of CH Rental Coordinator was described, and anyone interested would be welcomed to relieve Marti Mayne, present Rental Coordinator, from this position. Bill summarized CH Maintenance Report: The chimney has been taken down and the wood heater will be replaced with a propane stove and direct vent. Mike Darling was hired by the Town to do the work.  Andy Sanford suggested Sharon and Bill investigate whether or not the gas stove will have historic character. Several members expressed their preference to have the propane tank located behind the building where it would not be seen from road. The septic system was pumped and is now on the Town’s maintenance schedule.  The handicap ramp needs painting/staining.  Students from YHS may want to take this on for community serve credits.  Also, some used bricks from the fireplace will be set aside for future use at the CH property (outdoor barbeque/mantle).

4.      Report of Year’s Activities: Andy and Lisa Sanford reported on the Halloween Party, which was well attended.  Motion was passed and voted on to hold it again this year on Oct. 31st with a budget, same as last year’s, not to exceed $160. The Spring Potluck was not as well attended, yet a good time was had by all. Additional planning will take place for next year’s event, and a new date TBA.  The Fall Harvest Supper is Sat., Sept. 30.  George and Karen McEntee will be chairing the event again this year. Thanks was given to about 20 volunteers who helped trim the Bittersweet at Tinker Property last April.  Next year’s date will avoid conflict with school vacation. Discussion took place regarding the new Proposed Plan for Madeleine Point. The town welcomes the opinions of islanders, and all residents with interest are encouraged to attend the Public Hearing on Sept.,26 at 7pm at Town Hall. Some discussion took place about the need to protect the Camp Soci Property from development as well.

5.      Old Business:  Paul Knoll maintains the CLIIA website:  www.cousinsandlittlejohnislands.com (or .org) and is always looking for more pics/info. Discussion took place on how to alert residents to important news items on website. A red flag at the bridge was suggested. Discussion on the best way to distribute newsletters: hand delivery that avoids the use of mailboxes and availability at the CH property were two methods suggested. Bill Hoffman discussed the Bittersweet Management at Tinker Property.  It was agreed that a Wildlife Committee would be established to watch over milkweed preservation [to keep and promote the Monarch Butterflies] and to erect additional Osprey nest sites. Sue Hammerland DeSmith, Paul Knoll and Katherine Loren volunteered to serve on the Wildlife Committee.

6.      New Business:  CH Rental Agreement:  Bill Hoffman distributed a letter from Nat Tupper, Town Manager, suggesting the need for a formal agreement on the use and rental of the CH.  In his letter Nat mentioned a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that formally transfers scheduling, prioritization, routine cleaning, planning responsibilities, etc. to CLIIA, since it’s already ongoing.  Also handed out was a draft of the “Conditions for CH Rental and Use”, which includes a written agreement to be signed by the applicant/user.  Bill Hoffman will reword the application to include purpose and dates of use and the need for user to have personal liability to cover their days of rental.  Bill also distributed copy of the By-laws.  It was proposed that a By-Laws Committee be formed to discuss and review amendments such as memberships and annual budget.  Joy Ahrens and Peter Grunwald have volunteered to head this committee.

7.      New officers & members for 2006-07:  Sharon Fuerst and Bill Hoffman will continue as Co-Presidents for one more year; Treasurer, Vinny Fuerst; Joan Santora volunteered to be Secretary.  Board members:  Sue Hammerland DeSmith, Lisa and Andy Sanford, George and Karen McEntee.  Karen McEntee, Ray Santora and Paul Knoll volunteered to be on the Nominating Committee to find the 2006-07 Board Members and Officers.

8.      In summary the following Committees were formed and will be active during the coming year.

Wildlife Committee [Monarch butterfly habitat, Osprey nest protection and establishment], By-Laws [review and updating the existing text], Nominating [next year’s slate of officers], and Maintenance [CH projects]. Additional committee members are always welcomed.

9.      Meeting was adjourned at 7pm.

 

Respectfully submitted:  Joan Santora, Secretary