There was a Town Hall Meeting prior to the Annual Meeting.  Its main purpose was to give property owners, who would be affected by the proposed business resolution, an opportunity to express their concerns.  Kelly Gardner had a prepared statement that she read to the Board about the financial harm that this resolution would inflict upon her family and other families in AV.  She also said that AV needs the babysitting businesses that are located here. The Board President stated that Kelly’s comments would be taken into consideration when the Board makes a decision about this. 

Since there was enough time before the Annual Meeting, other owners were permitted to express their concerns.  Carol Hawk stated that the lot next to her was not being properly maintained and that she believed that the boats are causing the erosion that necessitates dredging.  Since Carol does not have a boat she does not feel that she should have to pay for dredging.  Wendy Figge furnished information about non owners using the AV beaches and leaving dirty diapers on the beach picnic tables. Wendy also told about bad words that are painted on the guard chair at Davis Beach. Figge supports the AV babysitting businesses that are providing care for seven or more children.

Editor’s Note:  There are also bad words etched on the Ark at Floral Valley. Hopefully the maintenance staff will remove these words both at Davis Beach and Floral Valley.

After a cookie and punch break, the Annual Meeting was convened.  In the Board President’s report, Jackie Pirics first talked about cost savings, which include the new way we are using the Clubhouse, fewer swimming pool hours, and the new heating monitoring system.  She stated that the important issue for next year will be the dredging at the north end of the lake.  Pirics ended her report by stating that all but one issue in the legal case has been dismissed by the 5^th Court of Appeals.

Editor’s Note:  The President of the AVPOA is incorrect.  These issues were dismissed by the Fifth District Court of Appeals because they determined that the appeal was premature.  There is one issuing remaining for trial concerning access of AVPOA records by  AVPOA members.  Once that issue is concluded, the appeals on the other issues will go forward again, unless all of the matters are settled.

Treasurer Phil Bentz gave his annual report.  Included in the written report was that he had been unable to substantiate the fact that there had been any loan for $250,000 and that the letter that he received from First Knox National Bank said that there had not been a loan for this amount.

Editor’s Note:  If this was true, why did this loan show on a bank statement?  Board members were furnished with the date of the statement and the page number showing this loan.  Also if this was true, why did First Knox National Bank petition the Court to be allowed to ignore the subpoena requesting this information?  This Editor finds it hard to give much credence to the AV financial statements when a $250,000 loan has never been entered on the statements.

The next thing on the agenda were the annual reports of the Committees.

Editor’s Note:  Most of this information has already been given in the past RAV issues and so only new information will be reported in this issue.

Activities Committee reported that the chairman for next year will be Kelly Galipeau.

Audit Committee reported that the 2008 audit was fine and that the only recommendations from the auditing company were suggestions for better tracking of finances.  The recommendations that the AV Audit Committee has made to management and the Board are that:

-          A “whistle blower” policy be adopted.

-          The manager develop an approved venders’ list.

-          Develop policy and procedures manuals for all AV locations and employees.

-          Since the bank reconciliation is not reviewed by anyone other than management, the committee recommends that the Board Treasurer or a Board member receive the statements at his/her home and review them.

-          Support furthering education for employees.

-          Purchase new computer software that would deal with assessment delinquencies and Marina inventory.

Budget and Finance Committee Chairman Bob Sichel blames the need for cost cutting measures on legal fees.  He stated that higher assessments are needed because of the increase of the use of our facilities as a result of growth of our community.

New Business

Election Results were given by Harmer.  There were 1167 ballots returned with 1136 lots voting.  Thirty one ballots were found to be invalid.  The vote count was 372 for Julie Arnold, 846 for Richard Bline, 923 for Amy Gordon, and 975 for John Hollback.  Bline, Gordon, and Hollback were sworn in by Larry Grindle of Zelkowitz, Barry, & Cullers.

The outgoing Directors are Roger Dumaree and Carl Holmes.  President Pirics presented Holmes with a watch and great praise for his six years service to the Board.

Editor’s Note:  It should be remembered that Carl Holmes as president was an integral part in instigating these lawsuits!

Meeting was adjourned.

Editor’s Note:  Leaving Floral Valley I noticed that Harmer’s truck was illegally parked just a short distance from the south entrance while all of the owners’ cars were parked in designated parking places.  Are there two sets of rules at AV…one for the owners and one for staff?????  Who is policing the staff?

Margaret Elliott, Editor and Publisher