Association Meeting Highlights
by Richard D. Gainar, CEBS – Secretary RRA

The RomeRock Association Board of Directors met on February 5, 2015 with all Directors present. Clerk Pat Sowry was absent. Eight residents were also in attendance.

Dell Rogers thanked Mayor John Ball for keeping the lake drain open as much as possible so far during the winter which we believe saved more than a few docks from ice damage last month. Also thanks to Maintenance Director Dan Mullins and his crew for their extraordinary efforts keeping our roads clear of snow despite a series of mechanical breakdowns. Rogers reminded residents that it is their responsibility to clear snow from their mailboxes and any nearby fire hydrants.

Tom Sopko commented on our efforts to collect bad debt including his plans to have Kaman & Cusimano LLC, a law firm specializing in collections, make a presentation to the Board. Dell Rogers asked residents who might know persons interested in the upcoming Sheriff’s Sale of foreclosed properties in Roaming Shores to consider unpaid taxes, dues, utilities and other fees due in addition to the purchase price. Many times Sheriff Sale properties fall right back into foreclosure when these additional fees that exceed the purchase price are discovered.

Maintenance Director Dan Mullins reported on work fabricating wings for the new bulldozer, repair of Clubhouse kitchen, repair of Clubhouse gas leak, brake replacement, and truck pump replacement. The snow has been very heavy and took its toll on one truck that had a transmission failure and is being repaired with a heavy-duty transmission. Mullins asks that residents watch for plow trucks at intersections and keep garbage cans off the roadway. He also asked that residents remind their snow removal contractors not to push snow across the road that leaves dangerous ruts in the road.

Budget & Finance Committee Member John Martin obtained a preliminary bid from an accounting firm for our planned audit, last done 6-7 years ago. Costs are expected in the $3-4K range. Safety Committee Member Ron Morris warned that snowmobiles might again become interested in illegally driving on our ice-covered lake. He warns of many soft spots and springs that make the ice dangerous. Lake Management Sub-Committee Chairman Tim Langer reported on the Committee’s regular “Be Lake Responsible” articles appearing in the Shores News and e-blasts, work on a spring brochure, and planned promotional items containing the “Love the Lake” logo for exceptional work by residents interested in improving our lake’s water quality. Village Liaison Bob Cook, Council President, reported that the lake drain will be opened again soon due to expected ice melt at week’s end. Also the dam gate has been installed. Building & Facilities Committee Chairman Jim Swartz would like John Martin to join his committee. We will need an architect to design plan in order to proceed with his committee’s investigation of a permanent RRA Office.

In the Club Reports section of the meeting, Ron Morris reminded of the Friends & Neighbors winter dinner at Pasta Oven (BYOB) on February 13 at 6:00pm.

There were no Member Comments and the meeting was adjourned at 8:20pm. The Association Board’s next meeting will be on March 5. Hope to see you there!

by Richard D. Gainar, CEBS – Secretary RRA

The RomeRock Association Board of Directors met on January 8, 2015 with all Directors present. Maintenance Director Dan Mullins and Clerk Pat Sowry were absent. Seven residents were also in attendance.

Dell Rogers reported to dispel a couple of rumors. First, the Board is not raising dues this year and is, in fact, lowering boat fees to previous levels. Association income is sufficient to meet our foreseeable needs. Also, the lawsuit against your Association brought by members of Neighbors for a Better Roaming Shores, Pat Long, Barry O’Connell, and Joe Petraus has not been dropped. While little progress is currently made, the lawsuit remains active and funding for your Association’s defense is contained in the budget. On other matters, you may have noticed work being done in the Clubhouse kitchen. Maintenance employees noticed that earlier workers trimmed some ceiling beams to install lighting and failed to install plasterboard as required by code for safety. Those issues are now being corrected.

The Lake Management Committee Chairman Rick Gainar commented on the end of this year’s Water Testing Program. Tim Langer reported on the Committee’s regular “Be Lake Responsible” articles appearing in the Shores News and e-blasts, work on a spring brochure, and planned promotional items containing the “Love the Lake” logo for exceptional work by residents interested in improving our lake’s water quality.

Village Liaison Jim Swartz reported on Commissioner Dan Claypool’s presentation to Village Council on recycling and the fact that while state agencies require specific recycling efforts in Ashtabula, they failed to fund them.

Ron Morris reminded of the Friends & Neighbors winter dinner at Paradise Bay on January 9, at 6:00pm. On the Fishing Club, Ed Baitt hopes all will keep Marge Emick in their prayers.

As required in the By-Laws, Director Rick Gainar declared his possible conflict of interest to the Board as he is related to (nephew) Ronald Gainar, proprietor of Lake Erie Tower Corporation. He stated he would abstain from all future voting and meeting discussions on this matter. All disinterested Directors present accepted this declaration.

Representatives from Lake Erie Tower Corporation, Ronald A. Gainar & Kristina Klouda, answered the Board and Member questions concerning their proposal to rent land at the Association’s Crosby-Cook property to build a 200’-250’ telephone tower, expected to improve cell communications in Roaming Shores. Ron expects the tower to be initially used by AT&T and Verizon followed probably by Sprint and T-Mobile. Rental income to the Association would be $1,000/mo for the first 5 years. Ron is a Member of Roaming Shores and owns a house near the Marina Cove.

There were no Member Comments and the meeting was adjourned at 8:07pm. The Association Board’s next meeting will be on February 5. Hope to see you there!

by Richard D. Gainar, CEBS – Secretary RRA

The RomeRock Association Board of Directors met on December 4, 2014 with all Directors present. Seven residents were also in attendance.
President Dell Rogers reported that, to date, the Board has worked within the 2014 budget. Major projects affecting spending were lake dredging, O’Connell/Petraus/Long et. al. lawsuit, move to a temporary office, road surface paving, and upgrade of the Crosby-Cook property. Rick Gainar corrected his Association Meeting Highlights article in the December 2014 issue of the Shores News where dredge cost units of “ft3” should have been “yd3”.

Maintenance Director, Dan Mullins, reported Snow plowing and road clearing consumed much of our maintenance department’s time last month. He has not been able to work on land-based dredging due to weather and water level conditions. Winterizing and modifications of the new bulldozer and a brake installation job on the Chevy Trailblazer were also completed last month. Dan reported that the Owl Pointe and Callander Road drainage projects were performing successfully so far.

The Lake Management Committee’s Tim Langer reported on the Sediment & Nutrient Control Subcommittee’s “Be Lake Responsible” articles in the Shores News and e-blasts. These articles are authored by residents and LMC members and designed as hints and easy things to do to limit entry of sediment and nutrients into our lake. The ‘Love the Lake’ logo will identify these articles.
Ron Morris reminded us of the Promotion Club’s Tree Trimming social on 12/5 at the Clubhouse. Ed Baitt reports that so far there was no loss of fish from the Fishing Club’s introduction of $500 worth of perch into Flame Lake.

In the business segment of the meeting, Ed Baitt’s motion to purchase a used pontoon boat trailer remained tabled. Rick Gainar’s motion to nominate Tim Langer as chairman of the Lake Sediment & Nutrient Control Subcommittee, replacing Dell Rogers passed with all Directors voting in favor. Congratulations Tim! The January Board of Directors January Meeting date was changed to January 8 due the holiday.

Member comments and questions included a discussion about the RSV’s annual payment to the RRA for road maintenance, the 2015 boat fee reduction, and what conditions are necessary for land-based dredging at this time of year.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:25pm. Association Board’s next meeting will be on January 8. Hope to see you there!

by Richard D. Gainar, CEBS – Secretary RRA

The RomeRock Association Board of Directors met on November 6, 2014 with all Directors present except Ron Morris. Approximately 12 residents were also in attendance.

President Dell Rogers reminded us of the joint RRA/RSV meeting is scheduled for November 11, 2014 at 7:00PM at the Village Hall. The lake lowering process was started and the Plum Creek dredge training was successfully completed. A cost of $5.92/ft3 of silt removed during the training period was calculated, which is significantly lower that our original estimates. Our dredge plan will require dredge to stay at least 30 feet from any dock where possible. The indemnification provision of our by-laws provides for the Association to fund legal council for Directors. Funding for legal expenses for any lawsuit may require loss of reserve and/or a new assessment. Contrary to unfounded rumors, no decision has yet been made related to the permanent RRA office. The 2015 budget includes a boat fee rollback to former rates and contains no funding for a new weed harvester or new office. Dell is interested in Member comments as to whether there is interest in posting all resident letters to the Association on our website.

Maintenance Director, Dan Mullins, reported that fall clean up and winterization of equipment is occurring. Lake buoys and patrol boat have been stored for the season. Outside restrooms winterized and closed. Our workers removed 680 yds3 of material from Plum Creek for a total of 1,300 yds3 for the year. Maintenance will continue to prepare dredge staging areas for next year as weather permits.

The Lake Management Committee reported that water testing for phosphorus and dissolved oxygen continued during the month and reminded residents to watch for the “Be Lake Responsible” articles in the Shores News and e-blasts that LMC members author to limit entry of sediment and nutrients into our lake. The ‘wave heart’ logo will identify these articles.

Ed Baitt reported that the Fishing Club had placed $500 worth of perch in Flame Lake hoping to improve that fishery.

In the business segment of the meeting, Dell Rogers reported that $25,000 for a bulldozer and $1,000 for a spillway gate was approved in a previous executive session due to timeliness of the purchases. Ed Baitt’s motion to purchase a used pontoon boat trailer was tabled. A series of routine resolutions dealing with next year’s standing committees, budget, assessments, and late fees was passed.

Member comments and questions included posting letters from Members, lakefront property sales, purchase of pontoon trailer, overhead projection of detailed documents for audience to better follow, standing water in a ditch, and the boat fee rollback.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30pm. Association Board’s next meeting will be on December 4. Hope to see you there!

by Richard D. Gainar, CEBS – Secretary RRA

The RomeRock Association Board of Directors met on September 4, 2014 with all Directors present. Approximately 22 residents were also in attendance.

President Dell Rogers reminded us of the changed date for our next Board meeting on 10/9 and asked residents bothered by weeds to remain patient, as the new weed harvester is less efficient. Dell also requested a review of the pool heaters to determine if they need replaced. Tom Sopko reported that, unfortunately, the county’s Land Bank office cannot breakout a list of distressed properties at Roaming Shores from all distressed properties in Ashtabula, but residents interested in a particular property can call the county to check it availability. All liens on Land Bank properties are voided.

Maintence Director, Dan Mullins, reported that we finally received the permits from the Army Corps of Engineers necessary to begin our dredging project. The equipment is currently operational and is moored in Plum Creek where the maintenance crew has made a few practice runs. The staging area will need additional reinforcement. The Crosby-Cook Rd. dewatering site, designed by the Army Corps of Engineers, has be prepared by our maintenance crew and is ready-to-go. Repairs were made to a pool heater and the Skagg lawn mower in addition to installation of 140 feet of new culvert pipe.

The Lake Management committee reported that the HAB algal toxin test results sampled before the holiday weekend continue to be well under the Ohio EPA’s warning limit. The Sediment/Nutrient Control Sub-Committee’s Tim Langer, described the “backyard clean-up” campaign designed to make residents aware of things they can do to improve our lake water quality. A brochure and monthly newspaper articles are currently being planned to start the campaign.

Legal Committee Member Tom Sopko requested review of current billings from the Association’s law firm. Changes were made in the Building & Facilities Committee replacing Rick Gainar with Ron Morris and adding Jim Tatalick under Chairman Jim Swartz. The Committee continues its investigation of options available for a permanent RRA Office.

Promotion Club’s Sally Flash reviewed the month’s activities including the very successful Cardboard Boat Race and invites all to the 10/8 planning meeting and workshop to support next year’s fireworks. The Promotion Club is sponsoring an evening of music with Tom Todd on 9/19 from 7-10:00pm and hopes to see all residents and their families there. Marge Morris reminded us of the last potluck dinner (amazing chili) of the summer at the Clubhouse on 10/3, and Ed Baitt described the Fishing Club’s Annual Clam Bake on 9/14.

In the business segment of the meeting, the Board approved to again attempt lowering the lake until freeze beginning 11/1 with all Directors voting in favor except Dell Rogers.

Member comments and questions included changing the date of the annual Clean-Up Day to follow the annual Garage Sale date, rain barrel promotion, dock set-backs, state registration and lighting on dredging equipment, Board response to Member comments at meetings, sites for a new RRA Office building near the Clubhouse, and the order that coves will be dredged.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:43pm. Association Board’s next meeting will be on October 9. Hope to see you there!

by Richard D. Gainar, CEBS – Secretary RRA

The RomeRock Association Board of Directors met on August 6, 2014 with all Directors present. Approximately 20 residents were also in attendance.

President Dell Rogers remarked on how well the office move went and will now direct the Board to consider a permanent site for the RRA office. The start of our dredging project is still awaiting receipt of the permit required from the Corp of Engineers. Tom Sopko reported on the county’s progress in establishing a “land bank” designed to return tax delinquent properties to new, productive ownership and invited Members who are interested in purchasing such properties to complete the county’s application to start the process.

Rick Gainar reported that the Legal Committee is recommending that $72,500 be moved from our reserve fund to the Legal Expense account in anticipation of the Association’s defense against the lawsuit brought by Barry O’Connell, Joseph W. Petraus, Pat Long, and the members of the Neighbors For A Better Roaming Shores, Inc. In addition, the Legal Committee is currently considering the possibility of legal action applicable to the illegal act of the unauthorized selling of our old weed harvester for scrap, which had been refurbished by our maintenance staff and was near operational status.

Maintenance Director, Dan Mullins, reported that the maintenance crew is still working to clear culvert drains in addition to setting-up the dredge barges for the lake-wide dredging project. The Association’s portion of the Callender Road project is complete and now awaits the County’s work to install a drainage pipe under the road and make the sharp corner at Rome-Rock Creek Rd. safer for motorists. The pool pump at the west beach had been replaced.

The Lake Management committee reported that HAB testing on 8/5/2104 again indicated that toxins were, so far, well below levels of concern. The Sediment/Nutrient Control Sub-Committee’s Rachel Morris, described the current “simple” process her technical group developed to identify types of algae found in our lake. The process identified the algae in a recent July bloom to be predominately Spirogyra, a non-toxic, green algal common in even clean eutrophic water. Rachel invites any other residents with technical backgrounds to join the Committee.

Sally Flash described the four Promotion Club up-coming events for September including a Social for gathering of residents on 9/5 at the Clubhouse, 9/19 Music by Tom Todd (bring the family!) at the Clubhouse, Bike Ride every Monday, Promotion Club Board meeting 8/13, and a workshop to support next year’s fireworks on 10/8. Marge Morris reminded us of the 8/15 pot luck dinner (eye of round prepared by Gloria & Joe Palombi), and Ed Baitt described the Fishing Club’s Annual Clam Bake on 9/14. Doris Carver announced that the Quilting Club moved its meeting place to the Quilting Block on Rt. 45 and Callender Rd.

In the business segment of the meeting, all Directors approved the Legal Expense budget change and the Board’s October meeting change of date from 10/2 to 10/9. A discussion of whether to continue to print the annual calendar or rely on the website calendar occurred.

Member comments and questions included a suggestion to revive the new resident welcoming committee in order to get basic community information to new residents, fish testing update, sediment trap update, water testing at the dam, and space requirement for the RRA office.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30PM. Association Board’s next meeting will be on September 4. Hope to see you there!

by Richard D. Gainar, CEBS – Secretary RRA

The RomeRock Association Board of Directors met on July 3, 2014 with all Directors present except Ed Baitt and Ron Morris. Approximately 17 residents were also in attendance.

President Dell Rogers described the immediate concern of structural issues involved in the RRA Office building. Employees and records will be temporarily relocated as soon as possible to office space rented in Rock Creek (old medical center). In coming months the Board will determine whether to replace or relocate the final location of the RRA Office. Dell commented on the algae, mud and debris in the lake and reminded concerned residents that the pools and beach areas are available as an alternative. This year’s road resurfacing is complete and expects that gravel will settle with the hot summer weather. Dell reminded residents that the RRA is not responsible for water in your basements but will continue to maintain collapsed or blocked culvert pipes when brought to our attention.

Dell encouraged a safe holiday reminding us that fireworks are both dangerous and illegal in Ohio and to refrain from alcohol consumption while boating or driving. Our entire lake will be “no wake” after 8:00PM on the 4th of July.

Maintenance Director, Dan Mullins, and the maintenance crew spent most time preparing for our dredging operations, assessing drainage issues and maintaining pools and grounds. Dan sees favorable results from the installation of a “geese-away” light on the east beach and plans a similar installation on the west beach.

In his Lake Management report, Rick Gainar described this year’s lake tributary testing program and HAB testing program and the fact that toxins were, so far, well below levels of concern. Jim Swartz reported that the manufacturing of our dredging equipment remains on time and expects delivery of the barges July 10 or 11.

Sally Flash described the four Promotion Club events for July including the July 4th fireworks celebration, Bike Ride on July 7, Picnic-in-the-Park luncheon on July 9, and the July 18 Promotion Club Social at the Clubhouse.

In the business segment of the meeting, all Directors approved the $34,417.15 final payment for the balance due for our dredging equipment and the “Hoyle” Club’s name change to “Shores Holdem”.

Member comments and questions included a suggestion to organize a Bike Ride within the community so kids can attend, identification of the water testing lab and areas tested, and a thanks to the Board for allowing Members to speak on meeting topics.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:49PM. Association Board’s next meeting will be on August 7, so mark your calendars. Hope to see you there!

by Richard D. Gainar, CEBS – Secretary RRA

The RomeRock Association Board of Directors met on June 5, 2014 with all Directors present. Approximately 22 residents were also in attendance. President Dell Rogers remarked that, on the advise of council, the Board decided to pursue a counter claim against The Neighbors for Better Roaming Shores, J. Petraus, B. O’Connell, and P. Long in response to their lawsuit.
Maintenance Director, Dan Mullins, and the maintenance team spent some time repairing the Walk-Over Bridge near the Clubhouse, completing the siding on last year’s project on the pavilion at the east beach, and, of course, debris removal due to recent, heavy storms. Roads and culverts also commanded much attention.

In his Lake Management report, Rick Gainar described this year’s lake HAB testing program and the fact that toxins were, so far, well below levels of concern. Dell Rogers remarked on his Sediment/Nutrient Subcommittee’s efforts to design a brochure of suggestions for residents to limit phosphorus from entering the lake from our own properties. Ed Baitt reported that the manufacturing of our dredging equipment remains on time and that the Building & Facilities Committee is reviewing options for a solution of a structural problem at the RRA Office.

Club Reports included Marge Morris’ reminder of the Friends & Neighbor’s potluck dinner at the Clubhouse at 6:00pm on June 20 and invites all to attend. The Fishing Club’s Don Williams Memorial fishing tournament will be on June 8. Carol Delly reviewed planned events for this year’s fireworks show on 7/4 and asks that boaters have their boats in place at the buoys by 9:45pm. Sally Flash reminded us of the Social event at 7:00pm on 6/6 at the Clubhouse and an important Promotion Club meeting coming up on 6/11 at 7:00pm at the Clubhouse to evaluate new activities.

In the business segment of the meeting, all Directors approved a $56,479.15 payment of the balance due for our dredging equipment. Bruce Bower graciously accepted the Board’s motion as Chairman of the Safety Committee. All Directors approved this year’s HAB toxin water-testing program by EnviroScience for $5,610.10.

Member comments and questions included an update of our project to recover or write-off bad debts, location of HAB testing sites and specific toxins tested, pool covers, water clarity testing, noise from loud music during rental events at the Clubhouse, required shutdown of the east beach for the fireworks event, and flooding problems during heavy rain events.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:15pm. Association Board’s next meeting will be on July 3, so mark your calendars. Hope to see you there!

by Richard D. Gainar, CEBS – Secretary RRA

The RomeRock Association Board of Directors met on May 1, 2014 with all Directors present except John Martin and including new Directors Jim Swartz and Ron Morris. Approximately 15 residents were also in attendance. President Dell Rogers congratulated and welcomed the new Directors and announced the Board officers that were elected in the executive meeting after April 26th Annual Meeting. The officers are Dell Rogers – President, Jim Swartz – Vice President, John Martin – Treasurer, and Rick Gainar – Secretary.

Maintence Director, Dan Mullins, and the maintenance team spent some time opening up outdoor restrooms, installing culvert pipes, delivering driveway base material to our Crosby-Cook Building, rounding up residents boats/docks that floated off after ice out, road clean-up and moving the dredge work boat to our marina to have the new outboard installed. Dan also stated that he still has summer positions available in the Maintenance Department and hopes to hire qualified residents who may be interested.

In his Lake Management report, Rick Gainar reviewed the April 23-24 Ohio Lakes Management Association (OLCA) meeting he attended including discussions with 6 other private lakes managers who are planning to mechanically dredge this year. No lake managers were planning to hydraulically dredge. Rick also described the Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) brochures available at the RRA Office to residents interested in learning the facts about HAB instead the inaccurate information in being sensationalized by some. Ed Baitt reviewed the current progress on our barges at the builder’s site and reports the project on time and within budget for dredging to begin this summer as planned.

Club Reports included Marge Morris’ reminder of the Friends & Neighbor’s potluck dinner at the Clubhouse at 6:00pm on May 16 and invites all to attend. The Fishing Club’s Don Williams Memorial fishing tournament will be on June 8. The Club is planning to place perch in Flame Lake this year.

In the business segment of the meeting, Directors discussed the Aqua-Doc sales brochure sent to residents and whether residents are aware of the $1,000 fine for unauthorized application of chemicals into our lake.

Member comments and questions included need to review chemical-use fines, rules and procedures, better control over lawn fertilizer companies working in the Shores, and drainage problems at Callendar Road.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:15pm. Association Board’s next meeting will be on June 5, so mark your calendars. Hope to see you there!