102 Conashaugh Road Milford, PA 18337 570-686-4000 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Newburgh, NY 12550 PERMIT NO. 335 SUMMER 2014 CLC ASSOCIATION Security Reports 3 From the Office 4 Conashaugh Lakes Budget Proposal 6 Reserve Analysis for End of Financial Year 2012-2013 7 Budget Talk with The Treasurer 8 CONASHAUGH NEWS Your Medical, Health & Science News 9 Conashaugh Letters 9 CLCA Bus Stop Reminders 10 Trash Revisted 10 Classifieds 10 Thank You to Maintenance Crew 11 SPORT& RECREATION Gardening 101 14 Continued on page 12... LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! www.facebook.com/ conashaughlakes “Vandal” Mystery Solved! When the snow finally melted in April, we began receiving calls from homeowners on the lake. There was a concern regarding what appeared to be vandalism to trees in that area. An inspection of the trees revealed at least one very busy beaver was at work over the winter cutting down trees for its lodge. Some of the trees were damaged as high as three feet from the ground and it was figured that the depth of the snow this winter allowed Mr. Beaver to reach new heights. From the appearance of the tree in this photo he must have some strong teeth and a good dentist. The Summer Issue of the Conashaugh Courier is our prelude to the Community's Annual Meeting. It includes information regarding the 2014/15 proposed budget and a copy of the CLCA reserve schedule along with minutes from last year's Annual Meeting. There are also editorials and articles for your information. This year's meeting is scheduled to take place Saturday September 27, 2014 at the Parish Hall at St. Vincent's Church (just south of Conashaugh SAVE THE DATE! Annual Meeting Saturday Set For September 27, 2014 Lakes Community). Start time for the meeting is 9:00 a.m. All members will receive their Annual Meeting packet in August. If you do not receive a packet by August 30, 2014, please contact the office. The packet contains your ballot. Votes can be cast by mail or in person. If you are returning your vote by mail, it is important that you use the provided envelope addressed to our Accountants, Beck, Gogolski and Poska. Do not
Transcript
102 Conashaugh Road Milford, PA 18337 570-686-4000
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage
PAID Newburgh, NY
12550 PERMIT NO. 335
SUMMER 2014
CLC ASSOCIATION
Security Reports 3
From the Office 4
Conashaugh Lakes
Budget Proposal 6
Reserve Analysis for
End of Financial
Year 2012-2013 7
Budget Talk with
The Treasurer 8
CONASHAUGH NEWS
Your Medical, Health
& Science News 9
Conashaugh Letters 9
CLCA Bus Stop
Reminders 10
Trash Revisted 10
Classifieds 10
Thank You to
Maintenance Crew 11
SPORT & RECREATION
Gardening 101 14
Continued on page 12...
LIKE US ONFACEBOOK!
www.facebook.com/conashaughlakes
“Vandal” Mystery Solved!When the snow finally melted in April, we began receiving calls from homeowners on the lake. There was a concern regarding what appeared to be vandalism to trees in that area. An inspection of the trees revealed at least one very busy beaver was at work over the winter cutting down trees for its lodge. Some of the trees were damaged as high as three feet from the ground and it was figured that the depth of the snow this winter allowed Mr. Beaver to reach new heights. From the appearance of the tree in this photo he must have some strong teeth and a good dentist.
The Summer Issue of the Conashaugh Courier is our prelude to the Community's Annual Meeting. It includes information regarding the 2014/15 proposed budget and a copy of the CLCA reserve schedule along with minutes from last year's Annual Meeting. There are also editorials and articles for your information.
This year's meeting is scheduled to take place Saturday September 27, 2014 at the Parish Hall at St. Vincent's Church (just south of Conashaugh
SAVE ThE DATE!
Annual Meeting Saturday Set For September 27, 2014Lakes Community). Start time for the meeting is 9:00 a.m. All members will receive their Annual Meeting packet in August. If you do not receive a packet by August 30, 2014, please contact the office. The packet contains your ballot.
Votes can be cast by mail or in person. If you are returning your vote by mail, it is important that you use the provided envelope addressed to our Accountants, Beck, Gogolski and Poska. Do not
President John CrerandVice President Mike StevensonSecretary Bob WeedTreasurer Fred KlineDirector Larry FarnumDirector Reggie IglesiasDirector Neil JohnsonDirector Joe Kistle
OFFICE STAFF
Jeanne Calabrese Administrator
Liz Sori Administrative AssistantDawn Cuneo Book Keeper
SECURITY
United American Security Sara Gabell - Sergeant Officer Aaron Duckett Officer Ray Kalejian
PUBLISHER Niki Jones Agency, Inc.39 Front Street, Port Jervis, NY 12771P: 845.856.1266
Disclaimer: The comments, statements or written opinions expressed in Conashaugh Courier are the sole responsibility of the signed individual/author and/or committee and are not edited. All letters to the editor and paid advertisements do not reflect the opinions or views of the Conashaugh Lakes Property Owners Association.
Conashaugh Courier is not responsible for typographical errors, mistakes or misprints. All advertising, including photographs are the property of Niki Jones Agency, Inc and not that of the advertiser. The advertiser has purchased rights of reproduction in Conashaugh Courier and does not have the right to reproduce ads in any other place or publication without written permission from the publisher. Conashaugh Courier reserves the rights to exercise its discretion in the selection of advertisement.
CLCASSOCIATION
President's MessageI would like to begin by acknowledging and thanking outgoing Board Members, Larry Farnum, Mike Stevenson and Neil Johnson. Each of them are at their end of a well served six year term. Thank you also to former Board Member Paul Kelleher whose resignation was tendered in June for personal reasons. Director Reggie Iglesias assumed the role of Recreation Liaison upon Paul's departure and hit the ground running by also volunteering to chair the Annual Community Picnic.
There are many things we would like to do but we the Board do not want to put the burden of the expenses associated with them on our members in the form of higher annual dues.
Safety and the enforcement of rules are important to us. We are confident that our current rules are reasonable while at the same time not adversely impacting or imposing upon the comfort or rights of those who live here.
There always seems that something new is coming down the pike in this business. This past January we along with other dam owners in the area were informed by the Department of Environmental Protection that beginning July 1st there would be an annual fee imposed for owning a dam. Failure to pay the fee came with a threat from the DEP of an order to drain our lake. Fortunately, with our dam being a non-hazard, category 2 dam, the fee was 800.00 which is nominal compared to some of the neighboring communities with multiple and/or high hazard dams. There are other interesting fees that the DEP would like to impose on our communities relating to dams. This is a concern to me and should be to you as well. I along with other community leaders in the area wrote multiple letters to agencies ranging from local township and county supervisors to legislators to everyone in between regarding the impact these fees are causing to our communities and asking for intervention. As of this writing only one elected official, Senator Lisa Baker responded.
The payment of dues is of utmost importance for the continuous operation of any Community. Thankfully a majority of our members are diligent with this responsibility. Non-payment of dues will only result in placing your account in collections and finally judgment and a lien on your property. It is not something that we like to do but, if you ignore requests for payment and have no contact with the office you leave us no choice. News released in February by the Bureau of Labor Statistics show volunteering in the nation is at a ten year low. Volunteers have been scarce here also. With parents working more and the demands of family life when you return home from work, sports and school, it is no wonder about statistics. Most of our committees have trickled to small down to zero participation. We are thankful for whatever contributions are made, large or small.
The CLCA Board of Directors works cohesively and strives to hold down dues costs while at the same time maintaining the stated requirements set forth in ACT 180. The Board throughout the month prepares for the monthly meetings to accomplish the tasks as approved by the Board. 2013/2014 brought with it a harsh winter, a tougher economy and increased pricing. The Finance Committee and Board worked very hard on the budget before you this September for a vote. On that note I am asking that our members join me in approving the proposed budget for the 2014/2015 fiscal year. If you have any questions about the proposed budget, please contact the CLCA Office staff and they can direct you to my office if needed..
JAN 04-10, 2014: Car in snow bank; truck off road; car off road; broken gate. Lots of radar stops. Many patrols. Lots of compactor runs.
JAN 11-17, 2014: Speeding; contaminated water. Lots of radar stops. Many patrols. Lots of compactor runs.
JAN 18-24, 2014: Car off road; violation; heat alarm!;stop enforcement; two more stops; then another one. Many patrols. Lots of compactor runs. Bird in trees; squirrel on ground. Nature all around us.
JAN 25-31, 2014: Three stops; two more; three more; bad weather, limited patrol; witness statement; bus monitor; one more stop; and then six more. Not good. Snow on roads. Dangerous. Trouble brewing. What’s wrong with CLCA drivers? Many radar details. Lots of compactor runs.
FEB 01-07, 2014. Pages missing. Hungry bear? Paper worms? Car 4, car 54,Where Are you?
FEB 08-14, 2014: Two stops; then another, two more; car off road;bad weather; car Off road, again; truck eluded security; limited patrol due to weather, but that did not stop two more stop enforcements. Compactor of course. Many safety observations continued; lots miles continued to be patrolled.
FEB 15-21, 2014: Bad weather still, thus limited patrol. Lots of snow. Ice on trees. A winter wonderland. Who needs it? Safety observations. Stops of course, many. Radar details. Van broke down; alarm went off; a citation. Same old compactor Runs, same old safety observations. You will notice that I do not give mileage Figures and citation runs, for they are tabulated daily and I am too busy to add them up and besides, who cares, really? If there are any out there who wish to volunteer to write up the security reports, report to the CLCA office. But volunteering? Here? At CLCA? How silly! At Dumpster Day the median age of the CLCA volunteers lifting great weights and helping to make our community the cleanest and the purest on 739 was 64; the average age was 58. A shame!!!
FEB 22-28, 2014: Alarm went off; tailgating; speeding; gate broken. And of course compactor runs, safety observations, stop enforcements, radar details, and one foot patrol.
MAR 01-07, 2014: Broken gate; another broken gate; dogs at large; dog jumped in ?car. (Not out? Strange.) Found. (In car? Strange.) Many stop enforcements, Many radar details, many safety observations. We are a safe community, devoid of The excesses of the criminal mind. Pot and heroin busts and DWIs thankfully happen in other places. Let us continue our law abiding habits.
MAR 08-14, 2014: ATV on road; lights not working; speeding citation, a rare one because the roads are dangerous and we all wish to live, and we all love our CLCA children; telepad broken; dog at large. Same old stuff with compactor.
MAR 15-21, 2014: The week began with many radar details, many safety observations, many, many stop enforcements, no doubt because of better weather and more irresponsible drivers. If this is happening in March, can a dangerous spring be far behind? Please, CLCA folk, why can’t we all get along safely on our roads?
MAR 22-28, 2014: Two citations; two incidents; many times the same stuff: radar, compactor, safety, stops. We continue to be safe and secure.
MAR 29- APR 04, 2014: Compactor of course; stops yes, but a black Kia sedan ran a stop sign and fled the community; lettuce find this perp. Radar details; power out; witness statement about vandalism; back gate broken; .gate stuck; a citation.
APR 05 -11, 2014: Junco Ct road depressed; stops; radar details; screens missing and owner notified; stops encore; new car #906; pictures taken of cats on Philwood, ATVs on Indian Run; compactor runs, many.
APR12-18, 2014: Another broken gate; noise complaint; safety observations; stop enforcements; speeding white truck; damage at Pequot; alarm went off somewhere; another again main gate broken; citation for broken green van at broken gate, citation; gate; tailgating citation; more cats and photos on Philwood; garbage left outside compactor; another gate broken and fixed Is this a plot by the lumber companies?
APR 19-25, 2014: Compactor runs; radar runs; safety observations; stop enforcements; noise complaint; patrols; same old stuff with gates and cats; burning outside; a citation.
POINTS OF INTERST FOR MAY 2014: Lady hit a deer; I shot a deer in my pajamas but how he got into my pajamas I don’t know, said Groucho; possible gas leak; dogs at large; gates; garbage; trash outside bins; Drunk male trying to get into the community on 19 May; citation; fender bender; now a sober bear trying to get into a house on Oneida; bear at compactor [mother and three cubs seen throughout April by many of us; cute cubs, watchful mother; don’t take any chances; gate came down on car; checks; stops; safety observations; radar details.
JUN 01-06, 2014: Compactors; safety observations; radar details; stops; what a lovely incident-free week, so let us give three Huzzas!
JUN 07-13, 2014: Compactors; safety observations; radar details; stops; but also a break-in; one citation.
JUN 14-21, 2104: Compactors; safety observations; radar details; stops; windows open; white tail deer kicked in (a door? Window?) dogs at large, citation; loud music; patrol with PO.
JUN 22-28, 2014: Compactors; safety observations; radar details; stops; white tail call for break-in, music complaint , shed open; our bear on Iroquois; another music complaints Seneca!; baby deer hit by car; game commission called. No comment necessary.
Get into the LOOP We have over 700 email addresses on our mailing list for folks to receive announcements of events at CLCA. You too can sign up by sending a request to [email protected]
Mr. Schonhorn is a volunteer for the Communications Committee and has compiled the above report.
The last time I wrote we were up to our eyebrows in snow. As I write this now it is a balmy 90 degrees and summer is half way through. It was a busy winter and a very late arriving spring. The following are developments since the last report:
Properties: There are 563 Homes, 275 Lots and 28 contiguous lots. As of this writing, there are four foreclosed properties that have transferred back to the mortgage holders. By the time you are reading this, those homes will likely be sold. Foreclosure properties once transferred back to the mortgage companies are selling very quickly. There hasn't been any new tax sale activity since the last report. As of July 23, 2014 the Wayne Pike Realtor MLS site showed sixty properties for sale in the Community. In that mix are homes and undeveloped properties.
Roads There will be major road repair occurring on Conashaugh Trail early this fall. The road was originally scoped last year however, funds were not enough to complete the repair. A majority of this road will be repaved. One culvert pipe was removed in the vicinity of Sandy Pine Trail and at least four others will be removed. Additional information regarding paving will be posted on the LOOP and CLCA's Facebook page as I receive it.
Security In early July the patrol division of Vector Security was purchased by United American Security. The purchase did not affect our existing contract. Officers working at this site for Vector maintained their positions.
Officer Sara Gabell was promoted to site Sergeant. We are happy to have her here at our Community. She has been doing an excellent job.
Due to a period of mischief and vandalism in the community, a security initiative was taken to monitor guests entering the Community. Volunteers worked on Friday and Saturday nights from 9 p.m. until midnight signing in guests. We would like to continue these random security checks but are in need of additional volunteers. If you are able to help please call the office. Thank you to John Crerand, Joe Lalor, Patti Havekost,
From The OfficeJEANNE CALABRESE
Rick Hordyszynski and Mike Stevenson who joined me volunteering in this project.
Illuminated Sign The housing for the sign at the mailbox parking lot was constructed by our Maintenance crew. A special thanks to Dave in Maintenance who personally milled a lot of the finish pieces on the sign. It came out fantastic and there has been positive feedback.
Trees All members must obtain permits before removing any tree greater than 1' diameter. Inspections will be completed by Maintenance before a permit is issued. Please allow seven days for the inspection to be completed. Removal of trees without a permit is a violation subject to a fine.
Trash We recently renewed our contract with Waste Management. Pricing for trash will remain the same with a slight (20.00 per month) increase for recycling charges.
As a reminder, the compactor is for household trash. This does not include building materials, wall to wall carpeting, large appliances, yard equipment or yard waste(leaves, branches, wood, rocks).
We are charged by the weight of the compactor bins. Can you imagine our trash costs if everyone threw their leaves in the compactor? Please rake leaves into your woods or have them removed by a landscaper.
Recycling Waste Management began a two pick up per week schedule in July and will continue through the end of September. Unfortunately people occasionally still use the recycle bins to dump household trash or unwanted items. Do not do it. The area is under surveillance. People have been caught and fined. And by placing your unwanted items with a "FREE" sign does not earn you a get out of jail card. Same goes for dumping at the compactor. If you have something to give away, put it on the LOOP or Facebook. And as a reminder:
* Our recycling program is single stream. You do not have to separate your items. Glass, paper, aluminum, junk mail, newspapers, cardboard and most plastics are recyclable. Our hauler currently does not have a program to recycle plastic bags.
* Do not place plastic bags in the recycle bins. If you transport recyclables in bags, please deposit the empty bag in the marked receptacle located next to the bins. There is one exception for placing bags in the recycle bins and that applies to bags containing paper from shredding machines.
Spring Dumpster Day A total of 4 thirty yard dumpsters were used to collect items. 3 dumpsters were used during the event held on May 17th, one of which was for collecting metal. A fourth dumpster was called in for additional items that could not fit in the 2 collection bins.
A total of 14.83 tons of trash and fees totaling 2343.00 were collected.
For a comparison Fall 2013 Dumpster Day a total
of 9.05 tons of trash was collected Total charges by County Waste was 1143.75.
There will be a fall dumpster day announced shortly. Please use these opportunities to clean up around your properties and dispose of larger items not appropriate for the compactor.
Road Clean Ups Don't worry, the maid will get it. That's what runs through my head when I pick up trash along the road when I walk the in my neighborhood. On that note I know that I am not alone in my efforts and want to take a moment to thank the following people who have also voluntarily cleaned up our roads; Bobby and Barbara Keller, Elizabeth Herman and family, Annette and Josh Musano. Thanks for caring and doing. Thank you also to anyone else who picks up in their neighborhood.
Dogs Dogs at large continue to be a problem. The dog warden has been in the Community and hefty fines administered. Unfortunately some are using the ball field to walk dogs and not picking up after them. Children play there and maintenance has to cut and weed whack the area. It is pretty unpleasant when you bring back a tractor with its wheels full of poop or hit one of those loads with a weed whacker. Have some consideration and do the right thing.
USDOT As previously reported CLCA participates in random drug and alcohol testing. In February we received a report from the lab that performs lab testing of urine specimens s for the period between July and December 2013 during which time one pre-employment and four random tests were performed. All five specimens reported negative results
Dam News Beginning July 1 of this year we were required to pay Annual Fees to the DEP for owning a dam.
Pennoni Associates conducted our annual dam inspection in early July and we are awaiting the results of that inspection.
New Well A new well was drilled for Conashaugh in July. The well will service the Rec Building, Pool and Maintenance yard. The well that previously serviced these areas is still intact as it is servicing two homes on the lake.
Lightning Strikes....Again Our member only entrance gate was struck twice by lightning over the 4th of July weekend both times taking out the card reader and the second time a dvr. We are not the only victims of these strikes. Other communities have had similar problems. Fortunately there are now surge arrestors on that gate and while nothing is guaranteed to stop lightning damage, they have certainly helped to keep damages to a minimum.
Facebook Page A number of other Communities shudder at the thought of having a Facebook Page. I am happy to report that ours has been up and running for several years with very little incident.
Just a note about the page. It is there to share
CONASHAUGHCOURIER • SUMMER2014 PAGE 5
CLCASSOCIATION
information about our Community. It is not there to tear down the Community with negative comments and/or personal opinions/misconceptions about the operations, employees, projects or your neighbors. If you have a concern, comment or question pick up the phone or visit the office.
You can also send a personal message via the Facebook page or an email to [email protected].
Dues All payment plans need to be paid in full by August 28th. Our new fiscal year begins October 1st. Outstanding accounts will be sent to collections before the end of September. Please be advised that once an account is placed in collections, it will not be recalled. Current accounts with collections without successful recoveries will be reviewed and recalled for judgment at the Magisterial Court. Likewise once suit is filed it will not be withdrawn until all payments are satisfied.
Know Where Your Kids Are There have been reports of break ins on some foreclosed or developing property homes. Please have some dialogue with your kids about the dangers and consequences of doing this. These homes are all owned by someone or a bank. Entering the homes is trespassing and a punishable crime. They are not club houses! Some owners have requested checks by security. If you wish to have a home check please contact the Security Office at 570-686-1130.
Congratulations!Congratulations to CLCA resident and Bear Cub Pack 1003 member Alex on winning a 2014 Space Camp Limited Edition Patch!
Conashaugh Lakes Budget Proposal
BOD APPROVED BUDGET 2014-2015INFLOWS
Home Owners Dues 648,488.17 Lot Owners Dues 270,917.35 Contiguous Lot Dues 18,668.19 Old Dues CLCA & Collection Agency 30,000.00 Due Discount (15,100.00) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (75,000.00) Late Payment Fees 4,000.00 Earned Interest 4,000.00 Resale Certificates 3,000.00 Renters Fees 2,000.00 Fines 2,000.00 Transfer Fees CIF/2/97 21,500.00 Miscellaneous Fees & Income 250.00 Associated Badge Fees/Gate Cards 300.00 Miscellaneous Income 2,000.00
TOTAL ALL INCOME 917,023.72 GENERAL OPERATING ACCOUNT
Advertising 100.00 Bank Service Charges Incl CR Card Fee 2,600.00 Community Badges 150.00 Court Filing Fees 150.00 Dues & Subscriptions 350.00 Insurance - General Liability 37,000.00 Insurance - Health 34,000.00 Miscellaneous Expense 1,973.72 Miscellaneous Tax & Permits 500.00 Lot Purchase 4,000.00 Payroll 107,000.00 Payroll Bonus (Oper & Maint) 4,500.00 Payroll Tax Expense (Oper & Maint) 31,000.00 Postage 3,000.00 Sunrise Credit Collections FEE 7,000.00 Accounting Service 7,500.00 Legal & Collection Service 8,000.00 Professional Services (P/R) 2,000.00 Property Taxes 500.00 Computer Service 500.00 Water Testing Office 1,200.00 Copier Lease 3,000.00 Supplies - Office 4,000.00 Utilities - Electric 15,000.00 Utilities - Propane 7,000.00 Utilities - Telephone 8,500.00
290,523.72ENVIRONMENTAL
Lake Testing 450.00 Lake Stocking/Habitat (Beaver Remvl) 750.00 Lake Treatment/Maintenance 500.00 Environmental Program/Education 500.00 Environmental Project/Inspection 1,000.00
3,200.00
RECREATION
Annual Picnic 3,700.00 Family Events 2,600.00 Youth Activities (Swim Team) 0.00 Recreation Supplies (Pool, Ballfield,etc) 2,000.00 Pool Water Testing 750.00 Pool Supplies/Operations 28,000.00 37,050.00 MAINTENANCE
Vehicle Maintenance 10,000.00 Cleaning Supplies 150.00 Dam Repairs 500.00 Drug & Background Testing 1,000.00 Equipment Refurbish/Repair 8,000.00 Grounds Maintenance/Parking Lot 5,500.00 Grounds Tools 800.00 Main Dam Project 5,000.00 Wood Dam Project 1,000.00 Backhoe/Cat Skid Repairs 500.00 All Building Repairs 4,000.00 Payroll (P/R Taxes incl in “OPER”) 125,000.00 Pool Repair 1,160.00 Road Repair 25,000.00 Road Paving 150,000.00 Safety Equipment 1,000.00 Snow & Ice Removal Equipment 4,000.00 Snow & Ice Removal Materials 18,000.00 Vehicle Fuel & Oil 19,000.00 Vehicle Registration & License 1,700.00
381,310.00SUMMARY
General Operating Account 290,523.72 Environmental 3,200.00 Recreation 37,050.00 Maintenance 381,310.00 Trash Compactor 48,000.00 SECURITY 93,840.00 SECURITY - Monitoring, etc. 8,000.00 Bus Monitor 5,100.00 RESERVE CONTRIBUTION 50,000.00
TOTAL ALL CATEGORIES 917,023.72
Diff INCOME vs EXPENSE => (0.00)
# of Home 563 # of Lots 275 # of Contiguous Lots 28TOTAL Homes & Lots 866 2013-2014 2014-2015 Dues - Homes 1,140.44 1,151.84 Dues - Lots 975.40 985.15 Dues - Contiguous Lots 660.12 666.72
Home Owners Dues 648,488.17 Lot Owners Dues 270,917.35 Contiguous Lot Dues 18,668.19 Old Dues CLCA & Collection Agency 30,000.00 Due Discount (15,100.00) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (75,000.00) Late Payment Fees 4,000.00 Earned Interest 4,000.00 Resale Certificates 3,000.00 Renters Fees 2,000.00 Fines 2,000.00 Transfer Fees CIF/2/97 21,500.00 Miscellaneous Fees & Income 250.00 Associated Badge Fees/Gate Cards 300.00 Miscellaneous Income 2,000.00
TOTAL ALL INCOME 917,023.72 GENERAL OPERATING ACCOUNT
Advertising 100.00 Bank Service Charges Incl CR Card Fee 2,600.00 Community Badges 150.00 Court Filing Fees 150.00 Dues & Subscriptions 350.00 Insurance - General Liability 37,000.00 Insurance - Health 34,000.00 Miscellaneous Expense 1,973.72 Miscellaneous Tax & Permits 500.00 Lot Purchase 4,000.00 Payroll 107,000.00 Payroll Bonus (Oper & Maint) 4,500.00 Payroll Tax Expense (Oper & Maint) 31,000.00 Postage 3,000.00 Sunrise Credit Collections FEE 7,000.00 Accounting Service 7,500.00 Legal & Collection Service 8,000.00 Professional Services (P/R) 2,000.00 Property Taxes 500.00 Computer Service 500.00 Water Testing Office 1,200.00 Copier Lease 3,000.00 Supplies - Office 4,000.00 Utilities - Electric 15,000.00 Utilities - Propane 7,000.00 Utilities - Telephone 8,500.00
290,523.72ENVIRONMENTAL
Lake Testing 450.00 Lake Stocking/Habitat (Beaver Remvl) 750.00 Lake Treatment/Maintenance 500.00 Environmental Program/Education 500.00 Environmental Project/Inspection 1,000.00
3,200.00
Reserve Analysis for End of Financial Year 2012-2013
INFLATION
AGES BASED ON YEAR 2013 3% “SHOULD BE”
RECOMMENDED CONTRIBUTON COLUMN FOR ‘13-’14 PROJECTED REPLACE. 2012-2013 INFLATION
My name is Fred Kline and while I have served a number of years as a Director holding various seats on the Board, this was my first year as Treasurer. During the past year I've worked closely with Office personnel and members of the Finance Committee reviewing income and expenditures for the Community.
This year has been challenging. Record winter temperatures and snow had a large impact on our Maintenance lines along with continued foreclosures on properties and the overall increased costs of doing business. The good news is that with only a couple of months left in the fiscal year and despite the hurdles, we are in good financial shape and don't anticipate any surprises to change that direction through the end of September. Income has been sufficient to fund both the Roads and General Reserve Accounts as planned for in the current year's budget. Efforts by CLCA Office staff and Sunrise Credit Services, our collection agency, have resulted in the recovery of old dues which has helped offset current uncollected funds. Old dues are monies that were due prior to, but not collected, before the current fiscal year started.
Recognizing old dues as income while still considering doubtful accounts was one of a couple of different approaches I used for preparing the proposed budget. I also compared last year's actual expenses and the expenses through eight months of the current fiscal year and moved numbers within the budget lines to arrive at a proposed increase of 1.0% which translates $11.40 more than last year's
CLCASSOCIATION
Budget Talk With The TreasurerBY FREDERICk kLINE
budget for the year or .95 cents per month. Our biggest single expense this year as in the past several years will be road work. As of this writing, a majority of Conashaugh Trail is slated to be repaved. It is one of three major roadways in the community and with that comes much wear and tear. This road came up as a recommended paving project last fall, however a collapsing section of Overbrook Run, another major roadway, and a number of smaller deteriorating roads were a priority. A number of folks have posed the question "why do we repave" roads that are already paved instead of paving the remaining unpaved roads. It is very important to keep our main roads maintained as best as possible and address any potential problems before they turn into greater problems. When funds allow additional new paving is considered. A majority if not all of the money used for these projects is from CLCA's Road Reserves.
One new expense being imposed on communities are fees by the Department of Environmental Protection. In anticipation of current and perpetually anticipated fees from this agency, a line has been added to the CLCA Reserve Schedule. Please see comments in the President's column regarding these new charges and how they are impacting communities in our area.
In closing I ask that you join the Board and myself in approving the 2014/15 proposed budget. I am satisfied that it is a fair budget and one that will allow for us to operate for another year. If you have any questions regarding the budget, please contact the office.
2014/2015 Board MeetingsAll meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month and begin at 10:30 a.m. in the Recreation Building. Everyone is welcome!
TO: Conashaugh Lakes Community, CLCA Staff, and Board of Directors
After residing 24 years in Conashaugh Lakes Community, my wife, Helen, and I have decided to start our lives anew in Fredericksburg, Virginia. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank my neighbors, the CLCA Staff, and the Board of Directors for many great memories while living in Conashaugh.
I will miss you all and will always fondly remember what I consider the best community in northeast PA.
To all - God Bless, and best of luck to everyone.....
Dan Scerbo
CONASHAUGH LETTERS
Your Medical, health & Science NewsBY DR. SCHONHORN, PH. D.
• Is there anything we can eat or drink to cut the bites of mosquitoes? Not much.
• Infrequent exercise once in a while is better than not exercising. Exercise.
• Blood pressure BELOW 120 is even more beneficial than the maximum of 140.
• Sugar, most of all, and fried foods and trans fats, can damage the liver.
• Low-dose aspirin can also reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer.
• We will soon lose all, all of our ash forests because of the Asian beetles.
• Babies conceived in the spring may have a greater risk of being premature.
• Air pollution may raise the risk of appendicitis. Keep CLCA clean & pure.
• Brain changes-not good-occur in preschool-age children with depression.
• A new book, FRANKEINSTEIN’S CAT, has thoughtful things to say about animal research and animal manipulation.
• Teen-agers living in the Southeastern US have an INCREASED risk for stroke.
• Obese men may have an increased risk for future prostate cancer.
• Some exercises increase bone density in the spine. Jump and hop. Backward too.
• Stress may increase may affect a woman’s ability to become pregnant.
• Read Thomas Piketty’s book on income INEQUALITY in America.
• America does not appear to be NUMBER ONE in the issues that make for a healthy and promising life. Sad but true. And so it goes.
Got Stuff?Don’t forget to send your CLCA (non-commercial) Classifieds to [email protected] .
Please include a description of the item for sale along with the asking price and your contact information.
You may also include a photo (jpg). Call the office at 570-686-4000 if you have any questions.
LOTS FOR SALE:
LOT 1: 102 Black Oak Ct. Lot 817, Sec 2. Lot on a short Cul-de-sac and very private. 1 mile from Lakeshore and the Tennis courts. LOT IS 1.108 ACRES. Septic permit. Price $18,000.
LOT 2: 160 Overbrook Run Rd. Lot 2010, Sec 17. Lot is 1.189 acres. 7 minutes’ walk to Lake shore and the Tennis courts. Septic permit. Price $18,000.
LOVING CAT NEEDS hOME Mrs. Schonhorn has been suddenly scheduled for surgery in NYC. Her physical therapy will also be undertaken there. We have tried to acclimate our Tigercat to our NYC apartment, but he was miserable. He cried all day and night, lingering at the apt’s door. He needs and deserves a loving home. He is 14 years old, male, altered, and in good health. He likes to be out at night, chasing chipmunks and mice. He roams close to home. He sleeps much of the day. He has been content to rest in the sunroom, watching the animals feed on the deck outside the glass door. He needs a home without other animals. He likes to doze next to a warm body on a couch. He slept with me during the winter months. He has been a lovely pet. If someone cannot take him, maybe he can be fostered until we return. He comes with litter boxes, cat carrier, much food wet and dry. Our CLCA # : 570-686-1932. Our NYC # : 212-662-8660. Our cell # 570-730-7327. Email: [email protected] and [email protected]
PATIO SET FOR SALE Includes chair, rocker chair double glider, coffee table, 4 side tables, with cushions that are brand new! Must sell $175,00 A must see.
Friendly Reminders CLCA Bus StopWith the fast arrival of school reopening we are asking all of our drivers to please reacquaint themselves with bus stop procedures.
Please leave enough time to arrive at least five minutes before your scheduled bus. Stop at stop signs and do not speed. Children should be in seat belts, not hanging out of a window or sunroof.
Please do not park outside the bus stop for drop off or pick up of students. It is not safe to have adults or children crossing the exit and entrance lanes to the community. Parking lot lanes are one way only. Please follow direction signs. Elementary and Primary School afternoon pick up no vehicles are to be moving in the lot when buses are present. If you arrive after the buses have entered the lot please park immediately in an available space or in the bus depot area. Do not wait in aisles, do not pull up behind buses.
Please be understanding and kind to others. We have a number of new residents and the bus stop will be a new experience. If you see someone struggling or confused, give them a hand. Thank you for your cooperation.
Trash RevisitedBY ANNETTE MUSANO
Several years ago I wrote an article for the Courier entitled "Trash Begets Trash". In its contents I cited the duration of time it takes for various trash items to decompose/biodegrade. At this time I have no intentions of repeating any of that information other than to remind my readers that aluminum foil, plastic bottles and Styrofoam cups are not biodegradable. It is quite obvious to me that many of the litter offenders out there either didn't read my article or just don't give a darn as this continues to be a significant problem along the various roads and common areas of Conashaugh. I want to say that despite the fact that my son and I are growing somewhat weary, the constant new supply of trash will not deter us from our mission of trying to keep the roads litter free. It does, however, continue to boggle my mind that the littering somehow defiles the laws of physics in this Community. How else can you explain the mere fact that a person can walk along the road carrying a container full of liquid but once the product is consumed, the empty and obviously lighter weight receptacle can no longer be held on to and must but tossed on the road as if it is too heavy to carry.
As I see it, it all comes down to one simple word - RESPECT; respect for the earth, respect for the environment, respect for your Community, respect for your friends and neighbors, respect for yourself. In the immortal words of Forrest Gump, "That's all I have to say about that."
CONASHAUGHCOURIER • SUMMER2014 PAGE 11
CONASHAUGH NEWS
Thank you
To our talented and dedicated Maintenance Crew, Dave, Terri, Brian and Pete. They do it all through sun, rain, heat and snow!
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CONASHAUGH NEWS
Annual Meeting Saturday Set For September 27, 2014 Continued from Page 1
include dues payments or other correspondence with your ballot and do not return your ballot to the CLCA Office. It is very important to follow all instructions with the ballot and be aware of the deadline for returning it, if using the mail. The deadline is strictly enforced along with voting
Gold Medal!David Weed celebrates his 50 Meter Swim Meet Gold Medal won at the May 30, 2014 Special Olympics Summer Games held at the College of New Jersey. Way to go David!
eligibility. If you prefer to vote in person at the meeting you will be provided a ballot upon sign in.
Included on your ballot is a section to assign a proxy. A proxy is a written authorization empowering another to vote or act for the signer. CLCA
recognizes proxies at the Annual Meeting. This gives members the opportunity to continue to vote beyond the initial mailed ballot. If additional voting is needed during the meeting and you are not present to vote or have not assigned a proxy your voting power ends after your initial, mailed-in vote. Situations where additional voting may be required at a meeting includes a failed or tied budget.
If you assign a proxy on your ballot, it is important to be familiar with that person's position and visa-versa regarding matters such as the budget and candidates. The proxy designated by you is not informed as to how you voted on your mail-in ballot and, without knowing your position will likely use your proxy to vote their own conscience.
If you have any questions regarding proxies or ballots, please contact the CLCA Office.
Ice Cream SocialLast day of school, first day of pool and an ice cream social. What’s better than that? Thank you Elena Luyando for the picture submission!
GARDENING 101Ideas for establishing a garden or making the one you currently have more beautiful begin one step at a time. The following jobs during the gardening season can lead to a garden that is easier and more satisfying for the current as well as the next growing season.
Feed the Soil. Start with great soil and you'll wind up with great plants. Healthy plants get less diseases, attract less insect pests and require less water. Plus you won't have to remember to fertilizer every other week. Start with a good analysis of your existing soil. You can have all the essential nutrients tested or just test the pH. Many nurseries provide this service as well as your local Cooperative Extension Service. If your soil is deficient in any minerals or nutrients, amend the soil according to recommendations. Slow release, organic fertilizers can help supplement
deficient nutrients. Then keep adding organic matter, like compost, regularly. Time Released Fertilizer and Water Polymers. It's not practical to use compost or garden soil in containers and so some supplemental feeding is necessary to keep the plants going. Containers also dry out more quickly than garden bed soil, especially if the bed is mulched. So start your container gardening season by adding some slow release fertilizer pellets and some polymer crystals that grab, hold and slowly release water to the plant roots. Add both at planting time. These products are widely available at garden centers.
Water as Efficiently as You Can. Water is a precious resource and no gardener can afford to waste it. You can capture water in rain barrels and route to garden beds using perforated soaker hoses. Mulch. Many gardeners only view mulch as decoration.
Mulch does make a garden look more attractive, but it also keeps the soil and plant roots cool, retains moisture so you can water less often, prevents weed seeds from seeing the light of day and sprouting and feeds the soil. Right there you've cut down on watering, weeding and fertilizing time.
Weeds. A completely weed-free garden is almost impossible to achieve. One approach is to limit their numbers with vigilance rather than try to eradicate them with extreme measures. By making weed prevention part of a weekly gardening routine, the task becomes less daunting over time.
Pesticides. When it comes to pest control, start by identifying the enemy. Once you know the pest you're fighting you can choose the best strategy. Soft-bodied insects like mites, aphids and immature mealybugs can be treated with a spray of 1 to 2 tablespoons of dish soap added to 1 gallon of water.
Choose Lower Maintenance Perennials. Make the backbone of your garden perennial flowers that can take care of themselves. Plants like Astilbes and Sedums, that look good all season and don't need deadheading, pinching or staking. Here are even more low maintenance perennials: Black-Eyed Susans, Bleeding Hearts, Boxwood, Lavender, Peonies, Russian Sage and Spirea.
Well, there you have it. You can add plenty of beautiful landscape plants to your yard without a lot of work.
Scouts Earn Swimming PinsCLCA Pool Manager Karli Van Duzer working with Bear Cub Scouts Alexander Rodriguez, Joseph Moreno and William O’Toole to earn their Swimming Elective Pin #19 and Swimming Sports Pin #3
United American Security Phone Numbers Guard House at Front
Entrance 570-686-1130 Guard on Duty at CLCA 800-682-4722
Shop LocalSUPPORT THE LOCAL BUSINESSES FEATURED IN THE CONASHAUGH COURIER
When paging please advise the operator that you are calling to have the officer on duty located and provide the location where the officer is needed (i.e., your home, compactor or other location). Always call 911 in an emergency!
