SMITH FARM MASTER ASSOCIATION, INC.

MASTER BOARD WORKSHOP MEETING

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2004

 

MINUTES

 

 

PRESENT:

ALAN LAMPERT, PRESIDENT

ELIZABETH KEKEMPANOS, TREASURER

PAM CANTELLO, SECRETARY

LEO KLEBANOW, DIRECTOR

 

ABSENT:

OLIVER HOWELL, VICE PRESIDENT

 

DICKINSON MANAGEMENT, INC.

TONY SERRATORE, COMMUNITY MANAGER

 

A quorum was established and the meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.

 

HBO INCREASE IN ASSESSMENTS

 

Allan Lampert shifted the order of the agenda and began with the HBO increase in assessments.  Allan asked Management to explain the proposed plan to distribute and notify residents on the billing process for the increase in the quarterly assessments.  Allan asked the Board Members for their input on the increase in assessments and notification.  Pam and Leo both suggested that a letter should accompany the new coupon book to explain the increase.  A motion was made to increase assessments in the second quarter with a letter from the Board showing a positive flow of information.

 

MOTION TO APPROVE ALLAN L.  SECOND PAM C.  ALL IN FAVOR

 

REAR GATE SECUIRTY GUARD

 

Management was asked to explain to the Board and Membership the positive feedback from residents pertaining the presence of a Security Guard at the rear gate.  Leo asked for a description of how much vandalism occurs within the community.  Management explained to Leo that every month the Management Report contains a list of all reported vandalism within the community which Leo would be given copies of. 

 

 

 

Management was asked about the damage to the rear exit gates.  Management explained that there were no witnesses, an insurance claim was made and the Association should receive $1086.00 (from insurance) from a quotation of $2086.00 to repair the gates.  There were three proposals presented to the Board to repair and two to replace the existing gate with swing arms.

 

1). Weld the existing gates                        $2086.00       West Gate Sheet Metal

2). Install new gate arms                   $4671.16            Complete Assess Control

3). Install new gate arms                   $5777.00       TEM Systems, Inc. 

 

Several discussions ensued between Board Members regarding tire shredders, gate arm replacement expense and liability.  Management was asked to reproduce the information that was submitted last year to the BOD on tire shredders as well as contacting our legal counsel for advise in liability for the tire shredders.  Leo asked if the new arms were part of a future plan for our community.  Management asked Jerry to present the research on security upgrades for Smith Farm.  Jerry further explained that this change in gate would be a step in the right direction.  A motion was made to replace the existing gates with swing arms with the installation of tire shredders.  Motion is contingent upon the installation of tire shredders and the Associations liability.

 

MOTION TO APPROVE ALLAN L.  SECOND PAM C.  ALL IN FAVOR

 

SALARY INCREASES

 

Allan then advised the BOD that discussions on annual salary increase for

 Tony Soldano and Deb Ross would commence.  Allan asked Management to present his evaluation of Tony Soldano.  Management explained the BOD the recent occurrences with Tony.  A motion was made not to give Tony a raise this year as he had a 25% increase last year and that he needed to improve on his performance.  Tony will also be placed on a 30-60 day probation period or The Board after careful consideration decided to dismiss Tony due to poor work performance and insubordination.

 

MOTION TO APPROVE ALLAN L.  SECOND PAM C.  ALLIN FAVOR

 

Management was then asked to provide the BOD with and evaluation of

Deb Ross.  Management asked the BOD to review the written evaluation and gave a high recommendation for Deb.  A motion was made to increase Deb’s hourly rate by $1.00 at this time.

 

MOTION TO APPROVE PAM C.  SECOND ELIZABETH K.  ALL IN FAVOR

 

 

 

 

NEWSLETTER DISCUSSION

 

Allan addressed the BOD, Newsletter Committee and the membership present on his views of the Newsletter.  Pam clarified to the Newsletter Committee that she is not against the newsletter and that the Board had agreed to fund the newsletter for only three issues.  Also, that the community should have a say in the money used to produce the newsletter.  Pam further explained that the BOD should have final approval of the newsletter prior to printing and mailing.  Pam expressed her feelings on positive and negative flow of information.  Her example was the article regarding the recent election.  Elle addressed the BOD asking for a liaison.  Pam indicated to Elle that she would like by-lines used in the newsletter so that readers would know who made the statements in print.  Leo complimented Jerry and Elle on integrity of the newsletter.  Elle expressed her feelings on advertising that she was not against it just that she does not want to do it.  A discussion ensued between the BOD and the Newsletter Committee.  A motion was made to have a Board Member act as a liaison between the committee and the BOD.  The motion made Leo the liaison and Pam the secondary.

 

MOTION TO APPROVE ALLAN L SECOND PAM C ALL IN FAVOR

 

 

MOTION TO ADJOURN AT 9:50 PM:

 

ALLAN L.  SECOND PAM C. ALL IN FAVOR

 

 

Respectively submitted by:

 

Tony Serratore, Property Manager

Smith Farm Master Association, Inc.