Gem Lakes Recreation Association Board of Directors

September 8, 2005 Meeting Minutes

The Gem Lakes Recreation Association Board of Directors met on the evening of Thursday, September 8, 7:10 p.m. at the Pavilion.

Present:

Gary Bunker, John Kilgo, Gary Marozas, Vickie Murray, Dennis Saylor, Ed Seufert, and Johnny Spears.

Minutes:

The minutes from the August board meeting were approved.

Treasurer’s Report:

Ed Seufert presented the treasurer’s report. Total expenses in August were $5,249, primarily wages and salaries, and the checking balance stands at $36,365 with the money market balance at $29,212. There were no dues received in August and the total dues income for the year is $62,408, still considerably less than the $75,000 budgeted amount. Seufert will work on a new late dues letter to recover as much of the outstanding balance as possible.

Three motions related to finance were proposed and passed to authorize Seufert to: (1) investigate investment alternatives to the current money market account, (2) obtain business credit cards for key board members, and (3) replace a printer cartridge. The new checking account has been with Regions Bank since September 1.

Manager’s Report:

Johnny Spears reported that the mower came back from the repair shop in excellent condition. If the board, however, wishes to purchase a new mower it is eligible for a non-profit discount. Lake usage is continuing at a high rate this year in terms of both numbers and length of stay. Lifeguards will continue through this coming Sunday and then the swimming season will be at a close. Car tracks were seen in the lower recreation area, likely coming across the lower Lakeside dam, and Spears proposed sinking 4x6 posts in the forest trail to prevent access by cars.

Problems continue with fixing the irrigation pump, as three motors have been tried but fail to fit. Spears proposed clearing out some of the underbrush between the lower parking lot and the recreation area in order to improve visibility and security. This will be a priority for the upcoming Gem Lakes Work Day to be held on October 15. A contractor, Bruce Tyson from North Augusta, reported that the costs to replace the rotting stairs with concrete steps would be expensive. As an alternative, he proposed a combination of grip tape on the good stairs while replacing the bad ones with new railroad ties.

Updates and Status Reports:

Electrical Upgrades – Spears reported that a Graniteville company will replace the electrical box and install a security light at a cost significantly less than that authorized by the board.

Pond Management – John Kilgo reported that the lower pond is experiencing a significant bloom. Coupled with an encouraging fish survey, the board believes that this program is beginning to show success. Fertilizer will continue to be applied through the first frost.

Other Old Business:

Oktoberfest – Scott Flickinger will be in charge of coordinating with Jo-Jo’s Wings for the cooking. Seufert has the band locked in for the date. Seufert recommended one keg of light and one keg of dark German beers for the occasion. A spirited discussion ensued regarding the selection of German wines to be provided.

New Business:

Newsletter – Dennis Saylor requested that a newsletter be produced and distributed before the Oktoberfest. Gary Bunker asked that any items that board members want published need to be sent to him no later than September 22.

Town Creek Baptist Church – The church’s Awanas youth group requested permission to have a camp out at the recreation area on the evening of October 21, the day before the Oktoberfest. The board granted approval provided the youth group cleans up after itself and they leave before noon so preparations can be made for Oktoberfest.

Old Records – Seufert received permission from the board to destroy (shred or burn) old Gem Lakes Recreation Association financial records that date back into the mid-1980s.

Next Meeting:

The next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 8, 8 a.m. at the Pavilion.

The meeting adjourned at 8 p.m.