March 6, 2006
Opening:
The fourth meeting of the new Board of Directors of the Woodland Heights
Community Association was called to order at 7:20 p.m. on Monday March 6, 2006,
at the home of John Kenny by President/Chair L. Bentley.
Present:
Lee Bentley President/Chair a
John Hay Vice President a
John Kenny Board Director a
Sandy Mackay Treasurer a
Bob McKnight Board Director a
Cyrese Samuel Secretary a
Ian Taylor Board Director a
Bill Waterhouse Board Director/WHPL Rep. a Left meeting at 9:18
A. Approval of Agenda
The agenda was unanimously accepted with two additions. Agenda to include
Affinity Marketing and roof snow removal.
B. Approval of Minutes of last Board Meeting
President L. Bentley asked if someone would move acceptance of the January 09,
2006 minutes. I. Taylor made the motion and it was seconded by Treasurer S.
Mackay. The minutes were unanimously approved.
C. Open Issue
1. J. Kenny gave an update on the status of his insurance research. J. Kenny
stated that after five weeks went by he received quotes from LMS Pro Link from
Toronto and Canadian Broker Link in North Bay which ranged from approximately
$1,700.00 to $1,900.00
J. Kenny stated that "FOCA" Federation of Cottage Owners Association had
negotiation with a firm Athrens Counsel Insurance Broker Inc. underwritten by
Aviva, whereby we could now pay $925.00 plus PST to get 3 million dollars
coverage of General Liability and Insurance for the Board. J. Kenny stated that the
coverage was more than 60% better than the other two brokerages.
J. Kenny stated that in order to be on the mass policy with "FOCA", as a small
association we would be required to pay a membership fee of $75.00 plus $2.00 per
claimed member being per built and lived-in house.
J. Kenny recommended that the Board get their insurance through "FOCA". Vice
President J. Hay asked if we were eligible. J. Kenny answered that he thinks they
would accept us.
President L. Bentley asked if there were any other responsibilities that came along
with joining "FOCA". J. Kenny's response was, "No".
B. McKnight expressed concern about the Board voting on the matter without
actually seeing the contract.
Vice President J. Hay stated that he would be interested in reviewing the contract.
President L. Bentley suggested recommended that the Board be circulated the
information before going to a vote.
Treasurer S. MacKay recommended that the Board pass the recommendation from
J. Kenny pending B. McKnight and Vice President J. Hay's review of the contract,
should there be no concerns.
President L. Bentley asked B. McKnight and Vice President J. Hay to review the
contract and communicate with J. Kenny. President L. Bentley recommended we
differ a vote on this matter until the next Board meeting.
B. Waterhouse asked what the process would be for getting accepted and asked if
we were guaranteed acceptance. J. Kenny answered that verbally he had been told
that they couldn't see why we wouldn't be accepted. Vice President J. Hay said
that if we sent a cheque they would graciously accept.
Action Item Completion Date
1.1 B. McKnight and Vice President J. Hay are to Prior toApr/03/2006 to review the
contract and communicate with J. Kenny.
1.2 J. Kenny is to give a report on insurance Apr/03/2006
at the next board meeting.
2. Club House Committee Chairperson B. McKnight had no report.
3. B. Waterhouse presented "WHPL"'s Club House Financial Report as requested
by the Board. He reviewed the report that was emailed to the Board Members via
President L. Bentley and stated that it was rough draft.
B. Waterhouse stated that the report was done up using the new format whereby
new sales have to pay their Club House contribution to construction capital
within a year of purchase and that $90.00 a month was the figure they used for
monthly club house fees.
President L. Bentley asked how much space would be required for a restaurant. B.
Waterhouse replied that it would take up 2,500 square feet of the 3,000 square feet
on the main floor.
President L. Bentley asked if the capital cost included fixtures and furniture. B.
Waterhouse responded that it would depend on whether we do a restaurant and
whom we get in there. As for recreational equipment, no decision has been made.
President L. Bentley asked what the $900,000.00 really represented, did it include a
pool etc. B. Waterhouse stated that it did and that construction cost would be
approximately $100.00/square foot for 6000 square feet main and lower level.
B. Waterhouse said that it would be hard to get a fixed quote until the decision is
made about what is going to be inside.
Vice President J. Hay asked if "WHPL" determined that a public restaurant would
be going into the clubhouse. B. Waterhouse stated that he had mixed feelings and
that from his point of view as an owner, he would like to see one there. He stated
that operating it privately limits profits from it and to have an operating restaurant
without it being too costly like the Granite Club, it would have to be public.
Club House Committee Chairperson B. McKnight suggested we allow
property/homeowners to have input into the process to get a feel of what they
would like to see. B. Waterhouse agreed
Club House Committee Chairperson B. McKnight suggested that the Club House
Committee poll the owners and that the poll include questions regarding a private
or public restaurant with description.
Vice President J. Hay expressed concerns from a banking perspective, he stated
that a restaurant use is high risk because that they open up and close down
frequently. He asked what would happen if we set up for a restaurant and put in all
the cost and then for periods of time it is vacant due to lack of passing trade.
B. Waterhouse stated that they need to get a firmer price on the capital cost
involved in leaving the upstairs as is and downstairs empty except for the pool.
B. Waterhouse stated that there is some thought that the Club House might get
started this year or for certain next spring.
President L. Bentley asked if the restaurant is being publicized now in the new
sales material or by sales staff. B. Waterhouse answered, no, he certainly isn't.
Club House Committee Chairperson B. McKnight recommended that the Club
House Committee do up a proposed questionnaire to be put before the Board first.
All the Board Members agreed.
Club House Committee Chairperson B. McKnight had questions regarding the
budget put forth by "WHPL"(see Woodland Heights Clubhouse -2006 - 2011
Budget Prepared February 28, 2006). B. Waterhouse commented that he got
information from Pine Meadows who have 200 members.
Club House Committee Chairperson B. McKnight asked B. Waterhouse how he
expected to get the owner contribution payments in so quickly. B. Waterhouse
explained the restructuring of collecting the contributions, the contributions
being required to be paid within the first 12 months of purchase of a lot, was how
they expected to get the 34 + 10 contributions payments quickly.
Treasurer S. Mackay recommended that B. Waterhouse re-look at his budget
assumptions, he remarked that they seemed a bit optimistic.
Club House Committee Chairperson B. McKnight stated that if the 34 club house
contributions is not a solid number, the longer the delay, the higher the interest
expense. He noted that on the budget it appears as though the Woodland's Rent
offsets the Mortgage.
Club House Committee Chairperson B. McKnight stated that if the Clubhouse
contribution numbers are wrong, that would substantially change the numbers on
the budget. He also stated that if the number of houses being built, per year, are
not accurate that changes the numbers.
Club House Committee Chairperson B. McKnight made comment on the
Maintenance contract being a bit heavy and had questions on the Miscellaneous
Income.
Club House Committee Chairperson B. McKnight stated to B. Waterhouse, that
each year "WHPL" defers the start of construction the more confidence they
should have. The amount of capital actually accumulated in the Trust account,
with passage of time, would be greater thus resulting in a smaller construction
loan. He suggested that B. Waterhouse consider this.
B. Waterhouse stated that from a sales standpoint it would be beneficial to start
the clubhouse.
B. Waterhouse stated that "WHPL" are looking to assume the mortgage and turn it
over free and clear to the association. He handed out copies of a memorandum
from their lawyer Rye and Partners dated March 6, 2006, which outlined how they
initially saw a clubhouse association being set up and what their objectives were
to be.
President L. Bentley suggested that "WHPL" finance the Club House construction
without putting a mortgage on the property. He was concerned if anything
negative happened to "WHPL", before the project was completed and turned over
to the association free and clear, creditors would seize the property/improvements,
to protect their loan, if the Club House was pledged as collateral. B. Waterhouse
understood the concerns expressed, and responded they might self-finance the
project.
B. Waterhouse stated that they are talking with Greystone to get firmer numbers
on their original quote.
Treasurer S. Mackay asked about the trust deed. B. Waterhouse suggested that we
wait until the next Board meeting when he would have some information
regarding it.
Ian Taylor noted that there was a duplication of the line regarding insurance on
the budget. He asked of the total 136 club house contributions, where would
phase 4 enter. B. Waterhouse answered that phase 4 was a part of the budgeted
136, he further stated that the numbers should have actually been 130 with some
slippage.
Ian Taylor asked where the number of 17 houses to be built per year came from. B.
Waterhouse responded that the number is from when people are supposed to
build, and that it is comprised of part contractual and part guess estimation.
Ian Taylor asked if the present builder could handle 17 houses per year. B.
Waterhouse responded by saying that they would get a back up to help the present
builder if necessary.
Action Item Completion Date
3.1 B. McKnight is to have the Club House Committee Apr/03/2006
draft a questionnaire to be put before the Board.
3.2 B. Waterhouse to get firmer numbers from Apr/03/2006
Greystone.
3.3 B. Waterhouse to get information regarding the Apr/03/2006
trust deed for next Board Meeting
4. Communications/Membership Committee Chairperson I. Taylor gave an update.
He stated the newsletter had gone out and as a result five initial levy fees had
come in, but there are still some overdue. He also stated that there were a lot of
authorizations of contact information still not in from association members.
Communications/Membership Committee Chairperson I. Taylor stated that hoped
that the website will act as an incentive for people to pay their dues. He said
perhaps they might note in the public section of the website, headings of what is
in the private area as incentive as well.
Communications/Membership Committee Chairperson I. Taylor stated that they
would be adding links such as the Muskoka website, garbage collection, etc. to
the website as well as other articles such as the affinity programs, property
assessments and others.
Communications/Membership Committee Chairperson I. Taylor gave thanks to
Roger and told the Board that the draft website was buried under Roger's website
and could be viewed by the Board.
J. Kenny asked if there was room on the site for a bulletin board for church events,
times, etc. and other things that where going on in town.
Treasurer S. Mackay asked if practical suggestions regarding how to handle
wildlife could be put on the website.
Communications/Membership Committee Chairperson I. Taylor requested that
others contribute articles.
Secretary C. Samuel asked about the Committee Chairpersons' blurbs on their
committee's vision/mandate that were to be given to I. Taylor for the website, as
indicated in action item 3.1 of the January 9, 2006 minutes.
Communications/Membership Committee Chairperson I. Taylor was asked when
the website would launched. I. Taylor responded that as soon as Roger and
himself worked out the login process it should be ready.
President L. Bentley suggested that I. Taylor do up the welcome for the home page
from the Communications Committee to include a welcome from the President &
Board and to also talk of the committees.
Action Item Completion Date
4.1 Communications/Membership Committee Prior to Apr/03/2006 Chairperson I.
Taylor is to ask Roger for the Board to have access to the website.
4.2 Chairs of committee to send I. Taylor their blurb Prior to Apr/03/2006 priorities
and objectives of their committees for the website.
4.3 Communications/Membership Committee Prior to Apr/03/2006 Chairperson I.
Taylor is to do up Welcome for the home page of the website.
4.4 I. Taylor to give an update report to the Board. Apr/03/2006
5. Nature Sanctuary Committee Chairperson J. Kenny gave an update from the
meeting held with the committee and B. Waterhouse just prior to the Board
meeting that evening.
Nature Sanctuary Committee Chairperson J. Kenny shared that B. Waterhouse had
explained that Block 140 belongs to Woodland Heights, which is about 143 acres
and Block 144 belongs to the Town of Huntsville, which is about 20.262 acres. It
was explained that there were road allowances that make up a portion of the
original 200 acres believed to be part of the Nature Sanctuary.
B. Waterhouse in the Nature Sanctuary Committee meeting had stated that planner
Wayne Simpson was to look into getting the 20 acres back from the town and now
Lenny Dennis was handling it and that it really wasn't being pursued. He felt that
"WHPL" should see to it that a more diligent effort be made in pursuing the town
to get back the 20 acres.
It was mentioned that there would be a parking lot and entrance to the nature
sanctuary in phase 4.
Nature Sanctuary Committee Chairperson J. Kenny shared that B. Waterhouse had
stated that "WHPL" has title presently to the Sanctuary and the plan was that the
Club House and Club House property along with the Sanctuary be turned over to
the association. He mentioned that the Sanctuary was already deeded to the
Muskoka Heritage Trust, which gives them an environmental easement. It was
mentioned that Ducks Unlimited are taking care of seeing into getting permission
for a damn to be put in, which is much needed, due to the beaver damn being
damaged in a storm.
Nature Sanctuary Committee Chairperson J. Kenny shared that B. Waterhouse had
said that Robin has a plan which includes 1-2 cabins, trails and signage, and that
everyone was to be involved in what transpires.
B. Waterhouse left a copy of a full size map for the Board to view.
Action Item Completion Date
5.1 J. Kenny with the assistance of B. Waterhouse Prior to Apr/03/2006 are to set
up a meeting with Robin and the Nature Sanctuary Committee as soon as it is
possible.
5.2 J. Kenny to give an update report to the Board Apr/03/2006
6. Treasurer S. Mackay gave an update to the Board. He stated that he had taken
another kick at the budget and realized after today's insurance report that it was a
little bit light on the insurance entry.
Treasurer S. Mackay handed out a revised draft budget based on the committee
reports he had received.
J. Kenny suggested that another line be put in the budget for "FOCA" membership
at $240.00.
B. McKnight suggested that an official notice for levy fees dues be given.
The Board discussed what the membership dues should be to cover expected
expenses.
Vice President J. hay recommended that there be money left over to fund possible
legal advice i.e. the Sanctuary.
The Board discussed setting an annual due at $50.00. Vice President J. Hay
motioned that it be set at $50.00, Treasurer S. Mackay seconded and all where in
favour.
It was recommended that the budget be revised to reflect membership dues as 60
members x $50.00 = $3,000.00.
It was decided by the Board that every new member is to pay the initial levy fee of
$25.00 and that new members arriving after June 30th would not be required to pay
their annual dues until the next period.
President L. Bentley and Secretary C. Samuel signed for the safety deposit box.
Action Items Completion Date
6.1 Treasurer S. Mackay is to revise budget. Apr/03/2006
6.2 Treasurer S. Mackay to give an updated report Apr/03/2006 to the Board.
D. New Business
1. J. Kenny gave a report of the Affinity Programs that he has been working on. He
stated that membership has it privileges and that he had negotiated with the
Deerhurst Indoor Sports Complex to have 20% off for members of Woodland
Heights. He negotiated a 20% discount with the Hidden Valley Resort on rooms
and meeting rooms with an extension to the restaurants after the renovations
have been completed. It was suggested that someone look into getting a discount
negotiated for snowplowing, Theatre/Concerts and Events. J. Kenny is presently
working on getting a discount on subscription with the Forrester as well as trying
to see if they will mail for overseas subscribers. There is presently a discount with
Superior Propane that Chuck had worked out. Paton and Steward are offering a
parts and service furnace plan and there are many other possibilities.
J. Kenny recommended that the next AGM be held at Hidden Valley on October 21,
2006. The Board agreed as long as the renovations were to be completed and we
had an out.
Action Item Completion Date
D1.1 J. Kenny to tentatively book the AGM at Hidden Open Valley Resort.
2. Vice President J. Hay shared that he had spoken with Roy about the necessity to
remove snow from the house roofs. Roy had recommended that snow on the flat
portions didn't need to be shoveled and that the valley areas are the areas that the
snow should be removed because of ice build up. He had mentioned to Chuck that
even though it would not be a legal obligation, but as a good will gesture that
perhaps homeowners should be informed.
President L. Bentley commented on a problem he had with snow and ice build up
on his roof. He was not so concerned about a roof collapse, but damage to the roof
from the ice that had formed, and possible damage due to water leakage into the
house.
3. I. Taylor suggested that he would do a website article on water usage.
E. Agenda for Next Meeting
1. Approval of Agenda - Lee Bentley
2. Approval of Minutes - Lee Bentley
3. Insurance Policy Review (as it relates to the insurance documentation) - Bob
McKnight and John Hay
4. Insurance Policy Report - John Kenny
5. Clubhouse Committee Report - Bob McKnight
6. Communications/Members Committee Report - Ian Taylor
7. Nature Sanctuary Committee Report - John Kenny
8. Treasurer Report - Lee Bentley in the absence of Sandy Mackay
9. Other Business
Adjournment:
J. Kenny moved that the meeting be adjourned. I Taylor seconded. It was agreed
unanimously. Meeting was adjourned at 10:35 p.m. The next board meeting will be
at 8:00 p.m. on Monday April 3, 2006 in the home of John Kenny.
Minutes submitted by: Secretary - Cyrese Samuel
Approved by: