Gem Lakes Recreation Association Annual Meeting

April 23, 2007

The Pavilion

President Buddy Brinkley opened the meeting at 7:10 p.m. and welcomed the approximately 30 members present.

Approval of the Minutes from 2006 Meeting – Secretary Gary Bunker read the minutes from previous year’s Annual Meeting. A motion to approve the minutes was moved, seconded, and passed.

Approval of the Agenda - A motion to approve the agenda was moved, seconded, and passed.

Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer Ed Seufert reported that receipts for the 2006-2007 fiscal year to date totaled $66,839.43 and the expenses totaled $75,314.96. Total financial assets total $22,388.98. The expenses include $12,118.57 spent on the Dam Drainage Systems project. Seufert briefly discussed the proposed 2007-2008 fiscal year budget, which forecasts $68,000.00 in receipts and $65,755.00 in expenses. Seufert discussed the fact that dues aren't optional and that late dues will be collected. He discussed the success the board has had in controlling wages and payroll taxes and noted the association, though a non-profit, still must pay a variety of taxes. Regarding the 2006-2007 budget, Seufert discussed the expenses associated with restocking the lake, purchasing a new lawn mower, putting out two newsletters, cost overruns for the Memorial Day picnic, and covering the unbudgeted capital expenditures for the new concrete steps in the recreation area. Highlights of the 2007-2008 budget include reducing the costs for security services and capital projects for the concrete step handrails and repairs to the fishing lake dam system. Seufert discussed plans to maintain a 90-day operating reserve. One member questioned the rental fees for the pavilion, and Johnny Spears replied that there are none though there is a $50 deposit. Another member suggested a program that will ensure the association receives the highest rate of return possible on its reserves. A motion to approve the proposed 2007-2008 budget was moved, seconded, and passed.

Recreation Manager’s Report – Manager Johnny Spears discussed the growing use of the recreation area, the opening of the swimming lake to fishing on Memorial Day weekend, and his success in lining up lifeguards for the summer. He noted that the lifeguards would be on duty from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Spears announced the upcoming Work Day to be held on Saturday, May 19. To a question regarding tennis lessons, Spears said that no instructor has been lined up yet. Ed Seufert responded to a question regarding fishing licenses that none are required for the lakes, but also that the lakes are open only to Gem Lakes residents and their guests. One member inquired about adding hand rails to the Springwood steps and Buddy Brinkley answered that while none are currently contemplated, they may be considered for a future project. Bob Mell announced that the movie nights will be returning and Brinkley asked residents to be vigilant in looking out for vandals. A motion to approve the Recreation Manager's report was moved, seconded, and passed.

President’s Report – President Buddy Brinkley discussed the board's philosophy on spending and the need to build a 90-day operating cash reserve. He discussed recent projects approved by the board, including the new concrete steps and the second grill for the pavilion, and asked members to contact the board if they had ideas. Brinkley emphasized the need to both maintain the assets currently managed by the board and to add new value as needed. Brinkley discussed the various functions of the board members and the time commitments required. He also talked about the procedure for adding lifeguards for large parties and how the costs may be split if there are two or more large parties at one time.

Elections of Directors - The membership unanimously re-elected Gary Bunker, Gary Marozas, and Vickie Murray to the board, along with new board member Rick Samundsen who is replacing long-time board member Dennis Saylor.

New Business –

The next Work Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 19, 9 a.m. at the Pavilion. Lunch will be provided. Buddy Brinkley and Johnny Spears discussed the work scope.

The Memorial Day Picnic is scheduled for Saturday, May 26 at the Pavilion. Buddy Brinkley urged the members to attend and bring guests, and said that there will be plenty of food, games, and door prizes to make it a fun event. He also noted that the Oktoberfest would be held on the third Saturday in October.

Gary Marozas discussed the status of recent projects, including the completion of the concrete steps from the pavilion to the beach. He noted that some of the railroad ties on the Springwood steps have been replaced. Two or three loads of sand will arrive shortly to replenish the beach. Marozas pointed out that the association's website has plenty of information on upcoming activities, along with a new fish information section with photos. Gary Marozas will continue to coordinate the bingo nights while Bob Mell will coordinate the upcoming movie nights.

The board discussed the possible return of the beaver problem. Buddy Brinkley noted that it's been an expensive issue to address, and that previous efforts to trap the beavers have only had mixed results. He stated that the association usually gets involved only if association property has been threatened or damaged. It was noted that the City of Aiken animal control wouldn't assist the association in these kinds of situations.

One member asked when a new association directory would be published. Sharon Filler from the Gem Lakes Organization of Women stated that quotes are currently being solicited from publishers. One member suggested that the board needs a major capital expenditure forecast and also praised Buddy Brinkley for his efforts on lake quality issues. Brinkley stated that the lakes are now full and the new drainage system is working well with water being drawn from the bottom of the swimming lake. Brinkley and Bob Mell also discussed the board's success in handling the downstream property owners when dealing with the lake issues. Several residents thanks Johnny Spears for his efforts and praised the board for the increased number of activities available to the members. In response to a question from a member, Brinkley and Mell said that the board might consider ceiling fans for the pavilion sometime in the near future.

The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gary Bunker

Secretary, GLRA