April 22, 2025 Board Minutes

Bacon Hill Homeowners’ Association
Board of Directors Meeting
April 22, 2025
Administered on Zoom by Kathy Adams

Present: Roger Stackpoole, Chris Adams, Kathy Adams, Michael Foor-Pessin, Tyler Wainwright, Chris Fesko, Chris Sedlack, Jim Richardson, Brian Davis, Rob Hole

Absent: Pat Gannon, Jim Colling

Terry Foor-Pessin, Secretary

Meeting called to order at 7:05 PM.

President’s remarks: There has been a 31% increase in the waterfront project (installing a fence/shed around the porta john platform) quote. Fortunately, there have been more people volunteering to work on the waterfront project. He noted that the volunteers are proceeding with building this resulting in significant savings. Jim Richardson shared that he has discussed this with Jim Colling and offered solutions for improved support for the enclosure.

Roger requests that there be several more Board meetings in the near future in order to prepare for the Annual meeting and to work on this year’s projects[RS1] .

The minutes of the last meeting were sent to Board members, so they are not read aloud tonight. Michael Foor-Pessin makes a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Kathy Adams. Motion carried.

Roger notes that we will not wait for the revisions to the Declarations, Covenants and Bylaws to be completed before holding the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting. The meeting will focus on highlights of progress made and projects planned in the Association, as well as emphasizing escalating costs of road maintenance and premiums on insurance, and the need for more volunteers. It is pointed out that the percentage of inflation over the past 23 years is greater than our increases in dues over the same period. We will note that we are trying new approaches to lower costs, are working on improving the waterfront area, and have finalized the mooring policy. It was noted that we will also cover other standard business such as treasurer’s report, elections, etc.

Roger states that as discussed in a prior meeting(s), the Declarations and Bylaws will have a stand alone meeting after the revisions are completed, and time will be allowed for members to review the changes before voting on them.

Chris Sedlack notes that in 2025 so far, an additional $1,000 in legal fees has been spent on the revision of the Covenants and Bylaws. He also reports that the one lot owner not up to date on his dues has stopped paying additional dues. Chris has been advised by the attorney handling the issue that it will be expensive to respond to this and that we “may not want to take this on.” No further financial report at this meeting, as figures remain the same as from the April 17 meeting.

The Board discussed the standard agenda for the Annual Meeting including a President’s Report, committee reports and Board elections. The Board agreed that Pat Gannon will be asked to chair the elections, as he has done for many years. Kathy Adams will assist Roger Stackpoole, Terry and Michael Foor-Pessin in assembling a packet to mail to shareholders by May 1.

There are currently 12 Board members. Kathy and Roger recalled for the Board that our attorney recommended having an odd number of Board members increasing the Board to 13 members and establishing a minimum of 7 members. The minimum is to ensure the Association can continue to operate even if we lack a preferred number of volunteers and the odd number to reduce the incidence of ties on votes.

Roads report: It was noted that there is a problem with water runoff down Lavery ‘s Hill. Erosion causes shale to build up until the water goes over the bridge. Tyler explained that we need to add water runoff breakers or channels. Jim Richardson volunteers to donate the use of his equipment. Jim R. has spoken with Ben Lavery and Ben supports this improvement. It is agreed that once done, this area needs to be maintained to prevent future erosion.

Mooring Policy: Roger notes that Tom MacDonald did a lot of work to generate the Policy and was using the Policy as an operating document. Brian agreed to take over the Beach Chair position. Brian states that it is a challenging position, with moorings going unused, problems with damages and people who won’t respond to questions about damage. Brian reports that there are currently 12 mooring spots in the primary mooring field. Of these, five are problematic: two have occasional jet skis moored, one has not been used in five years, one is being used by a relative who does not (may not) own a lot and one mooring is moving and is too close to the swim area and dock. In the north mooring field, there are six mooring spots. One was not used by the lot owner last year. Three of the people situated in the north field want to move to spots in the primary mooring field. One lot owner is requesting a mooring which he may plan to allow renters to use. Roger noted that per the Mooring policy and our revised governing documents, tenants are not eligible to utilize BHHOA moorings.

Brian states it is important to ensure fairness and equity across the HOA.

A number of Board Members stated that they recall the Board previously approving this Mooring policy. Roger suggested the Board review and approve the policy at this meeting and reflect that approval in the minutes. The Board then discussed whether we should add a fee for people who are using the mooring spots, given expenses related to annual inspections. After some discussion, it was agreed this topic requires more assessment and conversation and will be tabled until a future meeting. Mike Foor-Pessin suggests that in the future we may want to consider adding a number of jet ski ramps for daily (not overnight) use by Members. Brian notes he has been developing a registration form requiring people to provide information about their boat, boat insurance and NYS registration in order to use a mooring.

Michael Foor-Pessin makes a motion to finalize approval of the Mooring Policy, as an operating policy (not part of Covenants and Bylaws), including the final edits presented during this meeting by Kathy Adams. Kathy Adams seconds, and the motion is passed unanimously.

Questions are raised about whether the Volunteer Work Hours policy is still in effect, as Chris has not been getting member hours from committee chairs. It is agreed to table discussion on the work hours policy until the next meeting.

Board meetings are scheduled for May 7 and May 21 at 7:00 PM, on Zoom.
The Annual Shareholders’ Meeting is scheduled for June 3 from 7:00-8:30 PM., also on Zoom.
The Annual Beach Party is scheduled for July 20 starting at 1:00 PM. The Board will supply hamburgers and hot dogs.

Chris Fesko makes motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:58 PM, seconded by Kathy Adams.
Respectfully submitted,

Terry Foor-Pessin