December Board Meeting Recap

The RomeRock Board of Directors held their December board meeting on Saturday, December 12th at the Village Office with all directors present. This was a zoom meeting available to all members to attend virtually. The meeting was attended by approximately 20 residents.

The meeting opened with Cheryl Fain giving the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Minutes of the November meeting were approved. Treasurer, Scott Soble, reviewed the November financial statement, which was approved. He again explained the importance of collection of past due accounts and their impact on our ability to meet our financial obligations. He explained that assessments will be increased by 11.3 percent for 2021. This is only the second increase in eight years and is necessary to proceed with plans for the health and safety of our lake, as well as maintaining our roads and infrastructure. This increase will be approximately $7.00 per month for a homeowner, but will vary slightly for vacant lots and consolidated lots. Scott also advised the members that boat registration fees will be increased for 2021. All of this information will be sent out to members in January of 2021.

Louise Lisac discussed plans to implement a new Strategic Planning Advisory Council to help the board plan for our lake community’s future. Several residents came forward showing interest. A preliminary meeting was held last week and a more formal meeting will be held in mid January to begin the planning process for 2021. Thank you to all who showed interest in helping our community to move forward in planning for the future of Roaming Shores.

Louise also advised the board that Daniel Lang was hired as the newest member of our maintenance department. He brings with him much experience in large equipment operation as well as a class A CDL. Welcome Daniel!

Lake Management – Dave Ernes, Committee Chair, provided an update to the board. The committee has been extremely busy reviewing the results of the nutrient budget study. They are looking at many natural remedies that will help filter unwanted toxins from entering our lake, such as buffer zones and RL lots not being mowed, especially along the waterfront, which will allow the grasses to help filter what enters the lake.  We have listened to many possible solutions for increasing the health of our lake, while controlling invasive weeds and algae. The most important thing is to be sure we do it right. Therefore, the board has sent out Requests for Proposals to several companies to hire a Lake Advisor to help us sift through the possibilities and come up with the right solutions for us.

The response to the Aqua Doc survey was extremely positive and this too will be looked at as part of our overall plan.

The board is also planning to have a dredging planning meeting for 2021. Several questions have been asked as to how it is determined where and when to dredge each season. The board, along with the maintenance manager, will be meeting in January to come up with a plan to share with our property owners.

Lake Safety – Rory Marshall reported that it is our hope to have a police presence on our lake in the summer of 2021. We will be meeting with Chief Roskos in the beginning of February to work with the Roaming Shores Police to explore a timeline for this. Our plans were sidelined in 2020 due to COVID and it is our hope that we can move forward this year. We will NOT, however, tolerate dangerous behavior on our lake. It is a top priority to make sure that residents are aware that they are responsible for the actions of their family members and guests on our lake. Rory and Rick Brothers are compiling a new “Ten Commandments” of lake safety rules to be distributed with boat stickers this year. It is imperative that you read and understand the importance of these rules. Key chains with the telephone number for lake patrol will be given out with boat stickers this year so you can easily contact them should you see unsafe behavior on our lake.

Under New Business the board passed four resolutions to: Pass the 2021 Budget, Set late fees at 10% for 2021, Increase assessments by 10% plus 1.3% cost of living for 2021 and waive the three meeting rule for those who wish to apply to run for the board of directors in 2021.

In the past members had to attend three meetings of the Board of Directors to quality to run for the board. Because our meetings had to be closed due to covid restrictions, this rule was waived for 2021. There are two seats open on the board in 2021. Members in good standing who wish to apply to run for the board need to contact the RRA Office at 440-563-3170 before February 21.

There were no registered member comments. Please continue to forward any questions, comments and suggestions by emailing the board at board@roamingshores.org . Board members are committed to responding directly to you. Quarterly Zoom meetings will continue until restrictions are lifted that prohibit us meeting in person.