MBCA December 8, 2009 Meeting Minutes
Agenda-
Approval of minutes
Treasurer Report
Officers Report
Old Business
New Business- vote on 2010-2011 Budget
The MBCA meeting was called to order at 8:00 pm. –As there was no quorum in November, there are no minutes to accept.
Treasurer’s report- Kate Holmes
General Fund has $31,850
Boat Ramp fund has $2,773
Cd’s $8,418
The insurance bond for officers had to be increased to cover the higher dues amount now being collected. We received 2 checks from Mandarin on houses that settled.
Old Business
The 10K from the lawyer is still an outstanding issue. A 1 ½ years ago when Mike Frye became president, Bill Stark (previous president) and Brian Oats advised Mike not to pay this invoice as there was never a work order authorizing the scope of the work that was billed. Mike has been in contact with lawyers. The MBCA board does not have authorization to pay more then $2,000. He is working with them to reduce their cost.
Bill Trepp asked about the New Budget being valid as it was based upon the vote in Dec 2008 being valid to change the budgets. Kate Holmes reminded Bill that that vote was valid and the bylaws were amended (Articles IV and IX).
Crime report- Mike Frye brought up a concern mentioned by a community member about a convicted child molester moving into the neighborhood. Community members can check the status of offenders at http://www.dpscs.state.md.us/sorSearch/. You can search by name or just type in our zip code 21146. You can also click on the “notify me if status changes” and provide an email or phone number. Mike will add this ling to our MBCA website.
New Business- The Tax Benefit Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2011 was presented by Kate Holmes. Copies of this budget will be available online, once they are approved. The budget was presented in accordance with ARTICLE IV - Dues and Special Tax Benefit District B.4.
The proposed budget for the use of the funds that arise from the tax benefit district shall be submitted to the membership at the same meeting described in Section B.3., Article IV. or at another meeting. Provided that the proposed budget shall be submitted to the membership and approved by a majority of the members, with written notice (including the proposed budget) of the meeting postmarked to all tax accounts at least 30 days before the meeting.
The budget is in the amount of $74,875 based on $150 per household.
The budget shows the original $25 assessment per household for basic operation and administration at $14,975. As stated in the bylaws, ARTICLE IV - Dues and Special Tax Benefit District B.3.b. Taxes collected over $25 will be used to establish and fund a Community Property Fund to be utilized solely to purchase or maintain community capital assets such as: the purchase or maintenance of a clubhouse and grounds; or the improvement or maintenance of beaches, community easements and woods. This amount $59,950 is segregated into $29,825 for community maintenance and currently approved projects. The remaining $30,125 is set a side for future building and development to be decided by the community.
A question was brought up by (Bill Trepp????) about where money will come from to pay seniors or forclosures who opt out of the MBCA dues? Kate mentioned that we have $3,125 budgeted. That would cover about 40 homes. So far only 1 person has applied for the 2010 relief added t the bylaws under Article IV B. 2.b. ( A refund of taxes will be provided by the MBCA to any member whose property is being threatened with foreclosure: i) upon written request received within the year the refund is being sought; ii) if the requestor was a member prior to January 1, 2009; iii) the member provides proof of the threatened foreclosure; and iv) the member provides proof of tax payment for the year they are seeking a refund. Provided that the Board shall first determine that sufficient funds exist to pay the refund. )
Mike Frye made a motion to accept the The Tax Benefit Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2011 as presented, and it was 2nd by Mark Sheid. There were a total of 19 community members/board members present. 17 voted FOR, 1 against, and 1 no vote. The motion was accepted. ( ARTICLE XIII - Quorum Fifteen members shall constitute a quorum at a membership meeting. At a Board meeting, a majority of the board members shall constitute a quorum.
A question was raised by Dennis Gosewisch.. How can we protect the dollars in the General fund?
Renee Layshock read out that currently Article X requires No non-real estate property valued at more than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) will be purchased without a majority vote by Board of Directors. Any property valued at more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) shall not be purchased, traded or sold without majority vote at a meeting of the membership. No service contract for more than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00), to be paid in less than one year can be authorized by the Board without three written competitive bids.
Rich Roys commented that the a majority vote of 15 is all that is needed at a meeting to approve expenses. Mike Burnett said he would like to see a by-laws change to put some form of governance around the General fund and boat ramp fund. The board needs to consider a way to protect the funds. Kate reminded folks that the Tax benefit fund is controlled by the budget we submit. These are good points and the board will discuss additional protections.
A motion was made Gerry Ridgeway to accept the General Budget Fund as presented ($20,800) and it was 2nd by Kate Holmes. 18 yes votes and 1 no vote. Motion passed
A motion was made Gerry Ridgeway to accept the Boat Ramp Budget Fund as presented ($ 1,580) and it was 2nd by Kate Holmes. 19 yes votes. Motion passed.
The Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM.