DRAFT
HARFORDS POINT ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA
August 4th, 2018
11:00 in the Kliem Field
1. Welcome and Call to Order –Sophie Sevey, President, 11:00 am
2. Directors Present: Keith Smith, Wayne Erkkinen, Herb Olsen, Mike Holmes, Peter Kliem, Tom Perry, Susan Nevins, David Sinclair, Philip Lander. Directors Absent: Charlie Quimby, Mike Cutlip
3. Old Business:
a. Minutes from the 2017 Annual Meeting
Susan Nevins presented the draft minutes. After a motion to accept, the vote was unanimous.
b. Treasurer’s report
Sophie Sevey presented the Treasurer's report because the Treasurer, Charlie Quimby, was unable to attend. The report had been reviewed by an audit committee of the Board as required by our bylaws.
Fred Altimore had a question about the budget saying that he thought the HPA has operated with a deficit a number of times over the past several years. He questioned spending for the picnic tents and suggested that the HPA resume holding the annual meeting at the community room in Greenville.
Suzie McKendry, the former Treasurer, did not agree and suggested that we review the reports from the past several years. Peter Kliem also cited ways that the Association has been saving money in managing the picnic expenses.
The Treasurer's reports for the past several years will be posted on the website.
After the discussion there was a motion and second to accept the Treasurer's report; unanimous vote to accept.
Sophie Sevey then introduced a request by Judy Enright on behalf of Greenville Schools alumni to contribute to their fundraising effort. Diana Olsen questioned whether this should come up under new business instead, but Sophie stated that since contributions are a major part of the HPA budget it would be appropriate to discuss them at this point. Several alternatives were discussed:
- Bonnie Erkkinen suggested substituting a contribution to the school in place of the library this year
- Beth McHugh suggested splitting the contribution with the library
- Suzie McKendry suggested making a one-time contribution to the school.
Charles Dean Memorial Fund $600.00
Greenville Fireman’s Assoc $400.00
Greenville Food Cupboard $400.00
Shaw Public Library $400.00
School Alumni Fund $200.00
The motion passed unanimously.
c. Membership Update
Susan Nevins reported that recent membership was as follows:
- 2015 – 112 members
- 2016 – 116 members
- 2017 – 107 members
She encouraged members to use the website (harfordspoint.org) to view meeting archives, see announcements, and look up member contact information. She also encouraged members to communicate any questions, difficulty with the website, or updates by email at harfordspoint@gmail.com.
Sophie Sevey thanked Mike Cutlip for creating and maintaining the original website (harfordspointmaine.org) for many years.
d. Sign Update
Dave Sinclair is now responsible for adding names to the sign. All dues-paying members may have their name added. After a member has not paid dues for two years they will be notified that their name will be removed unless they choose to renew.
4. New Business
a. Nomination and Election of Directors to the Board
Following a vote by ballot, Susan Nevins was reelected to the Board and Carol Whitney was elected as a new Board member.
The HPA Board members for 2018 are:
Wayne Erkkinen (2019)
Mike Holmes (2019)
Peter Kliem (2019)
Sophie Sevey (2019)
Herb Olsen (2020)
Tom Perry (2020)
Cynthia “Charlie” Quimby (2020)
David Sinclair (2020)
Carol Whitney (2021)
Susan Nevins (2021)
Sophie announced that the date of the 2019 Annual Meeting and Picnic will be July 27th.
b. Guest Speaker: Kent Nelson, Forest Ranger Specialist
Last Fall the Maine Forest Service conducted a wildfire assessment of Harfords Point in which they surveyed 30 random properties on the Point. The average score was 48 (50 is high). They assess for access, response time, availability of water, and vegetation near structures.
The best thing homeowners can do to prevent the spread of wildfires is to clear vegetation (particularly softwood) within 30 feet of their structures. To help with this the forestry service has a free annual chipping program which means for that each community they will do one free day of chipping per year. They will chip brush that is piled (butt end out) by the side of the road for 20 homes in the community. They will leave or take the chips depending on the property owners’ preference. The day for Harfords Point this year will be August 16. Kent left forms with Sophie Sevey for interested homeowners.
c. Other New Business
- Donna Mabee requested that owners who use the Sunday trash pick-up service be careful to use barrels and cover their trash. Birds will quickly spread the trash if it’s not covered. If owners are leaving after putting out their trash they can ask a neighbor to move the barrel back off the road.
- Roger and Bonnie Johnson are selling their property and requested that we put the flyer on the website. Sophie Sevey agreed.
- Peter Ancona asked about how the level of the lake is determined. He is concerned that the level has not been going down which has prevented repair work on his permanent dock. Keith Smith said that the level of the lake is determined by the contract between the power company and the State of Maine. There are also fishery management issues involved.
- The issue of ATV use on the road was raised. They are currently not allowed but Herb Olsen said that the County Commissioners will be taking a vote on the issue. Board member Wayne Erkkinen is a County Commissioner and confirmed this vote. After discussion there was a motion to send a letter to the County Commissioners to express the opposition of the Harfords Point Association to allowing ATV use on the road. The motion passed 24 to 11. The date of the Commissioner’s meeting will be posted on the website and members may attend to express their views.
- Herb Olsen raised the issue of having a dry hydrant installed on the Point. This would allow the fire department to access lake water any time of year. This increased access will improve safety and may help reduce insurance costs. Kent Nelson said that there is state program to help communities install dry hydrants and contribute up to $2500. There will be a sub-committee of Board Members formed to begin researching how to move forward with this process.
- Sophie Sevey thanked Joe and Theresa Brooks for their willingness to cook at the picnic again. Sophie also thanked Joe for mowing the picnic site and Peter Kliem for lending the site.
- Fred Altimore questioned what was happening with a permit to run a cable from Harfords Point to Moose Island. Keith Smith said that there has been no permit because the applicants did not have right title.
- Mike McKendry thanked Dave Sinclair for all his volunteer work in cleaning up after the fall storm.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Nevins
Secretary, Harfords Point Association