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Elk Forest Civic Association Association Meeting Minutes - 8/15/1999

 The annual meeting of the Elk Forest Civic Association was held at the home of Richard and Mary Guttendorf, August 15, 1999. The meeting was called to order by President Guttendorf at 2:20 PM. After commenting on the excellent attendance, the minutes of the last meeting were read by Secretary Renie Poole. They were approved as read. The president then presented the treasurer’s report The report indicated that we have in our treasury, $26,898.64 . Of that total, $1540 is receipts from annual dues for the past year, representing 77 residences. The report was approved as read. Pat Twiford gave a brief explanation of why the treasury is so wealthy. Several years ago the Corps of Engineers purchased a piece of land from the Civic Association to gain entrance to Welch Point. These funds have been growing annually as they are invested in a CD. Harry Roberts has audited the books. Everything is in order and he complimented Laurie on her outstanding bookkeeping ability. Bills for annual dues and mosquito spraying will be mailed shortly to those who have not already paid. Although mosquito season starts before Memorial Day, the spraying doesn't since it is done by teachers hired for that purpose. Spraying fees for FY99 came to $600. Total disbursements for the year came to $1514.36.

OLD BUSINESS:

Reporting for the Waterways Committee, Richard Noennich told us he and a few other citizens are putting in 20-30 hours a week keeping track of plans for deepening the canal and other dredging projects. At this point, they have disputed the findings of the Corp on environmental impact of the project and the Corps is reevaluating their data. The amount of spoils to be deposited has been reduced by 2/3's. The next two months will be critical decision making time. Although the meetings of the Corps are private, due to intervention by Cong. Gilchrest, a few private citizens, including Richard, are able to attend. Our president mentioned that in a private conversation with the resident engineer, Jim Thomlin, Jim stated that "he wished Richard Noennich would go away". Evidently he is creating problems for the Corps and their projects. We thanked him for his efforts. Richard Guttendorf also mentioned that Jim told him some boat ramps previously closed, have been reopened to the public over the protestation of the neighborhoods, for launching fishing boats. He also said this is creating problems in those areas. After some discussion of use of Welch Point, Richard Noennich said that Bill Martin of DNR did tell him they are beginning to ticket offenders.

Reporting as Co-Chair of the Law Enforcement & Safety Committee, Richard Guttendorf reported that the "No Outlet" sign discussed last summer was in place within two days of calling to request it.

Reporting for Pest Control, Pat Twiford again told us that the gypsy moth count is done in January and to let her know if anyone has egg masses on their property. She will let the county know to include that property in the annual count. Although the gypsy moth has not been a problem for the past couple of years, they killed many trees in the area a few years ago. We need to remain alert for their presence. Information about identifying the gypsy moth will be included with distribution of these minutes.

Reporting for the Nominating Committee, John Poole presented the slate of officers for the coming year. Since all were new in 1999, most were willing to continue for the next year.

The slate of officers for 2000 is as follows.

  • President: Dick Guttendorf
  • V. President: Joyce Monaco
  • Secretary: Renie Poole
  • Treasurer: Laurie Walz
  • Directors:
    • Gene Monaco (past President)
    • Harry Roberts
    • Richard Noennich
    • Jim Brown
    • Ralph Cope
    • Pat Twiford (Chr. Nominating committee)

The slate was accepted and officers were voted to serve for the FY2000. John also noted that on the back of the Elk Forest directory, our Treasure's phone number is wrong. Please note it is 885-3590. He also encouraged people present to please indicate a willingness to serve on committees or as officers when signing the attendance sheet.

Our president then gave a brief overview of the various committees and who chairs them.

The Historical Committee, Chr. Ray Ruhmann, is recording events of historical interest as well as investigating the history of the area.

The Social Committee, Co-Chr. Gene Monaco and Ray Ruhmann, coordinate the Christmas party and any other social events that may happen.

The Government and Social Concerns Committee, Chr. Gene Monaco, is responsible for representing the civic association at government meetings, as well as maintaining contact with our elected officials.

The Canal and Waterways Committee, Chr. Richard Noennich, has the responsibility of keeping the association aware of events taking place on the waterways that are of concern.

The Law Enforcement and Safety Committee, Co-Chr. John Poole and Richard Guttendorf, maintains a relationship with the local law enforcement personnel and are the ones to be contacted if there is a local concern that needs the attention of the civic association.

NEW BUSINESS: The Christmas party is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 4th, 6:00 PM at the fellowship hall at St. Rose of Lima Church in N. Chesapeake City. St. Roses' fee for the hall is $50. Since the by-laws state that dues cannot be used for social events, the cost for the party will remain at $5/couple. All bring finger foods to share. Funds left over from last year will go toward purchasing wine and sodas. Ray Ruhmann expressed concern that some may not be willing to serve as president of the association due to the cost of providing food and beverages for the annual picnic. There is a question whether the by-laws prohibit reimbursement for this. Joyce Monaco will meet with two other lawyers to review the by-laws and determine if reimbursement is allowed if requested. She will report findings to the Board of Directors.

Richard Guttendorf suggested all in the community try to ensure that they and their guests keep well away from piers and swimmers when using powered watercraft. He also mentioned that there seems to be an increase in racing from the end of the road. John Poole will contact the Sheriffs office to discuss this concern.

Someone remarked about the crab traps in the area, thanking those who use bright markers and encouraging everyone to please use as bright as possible markers.

A question of wells indicated that two wells on the Stubbs property on Elk Forest Rd. have gone dry.

John Poole asked for anyone interested in developing a resource list within the community, of preferred vendors, to please see him after the meeting. The idea is to provide a list of persons in the area that have provided successful business transactions to the area as well as indicate those we've been unhappy with. John said he was willing to develop the list and it was suggested that it be included in the directory. There being no further new business it was moved the meeting be adjourned, the motion was seconded and approved. The meeting was adjourned, the cooking started, and a pleasant afternoon of food and fellowship followed.

Minutes respectfully submitted by,

Renie Poole, Secretary