The RomeRock Association held their Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 27, 2023 at the clubhouse with the following directors present, Scott Soble, Nadine Pope, Bob McClintock, Mark Dougherty and Jeff Grosse.
President, Bob McClintock called the meeting to order at 1p.m. and introduced the Board of Directors. Wendy Carley gave the invocation after the Pledge of Allegiance. Bob welcomed everyone and Nadine Pope read the Certification of Service of Notice of the Annual Meeting. Nadine followed with the Membership Report. There were 78 New Members in 2023, which included new homes, lot owners and sales of existing homes and lots to new owners. We have a total of 1,299 total Membership Units.
Jeff Grosse reviewed the 2023 Treasurer’s Report and reviewed comparisons to the previous three years. It was noted that Annual Operating Expenses continue to increase from the previous year. This is due to adjustment of employee wages and benefits, necessary capital expenses and projects in 2023. Jeff also reviewed the Five Year Capital Plan that he is working with Maintenance Manager, Randy Ruebel to develop.
Bob noted that last year was difficult due to implementing our new computer system and the passing of long time office manager, Pat Sowry. The new system, however, is able to give us real time numbers so we are better able to track income and expenses. Thanks also to the diligence of office staff Wendy Carley, Dawn Franklin and Jen Addair.
Nadine explained Rory Marshall decided not to run for reelection to the board and because only two members, Bob McClintock and Marie Kaufman, filed for the two available seats on the Board of Directors, no election was necessary. Marie and Bob’s term will run until April of 2027. We welcome Marie to the board and are looking forward to working with her.
Bob gave us the 2023 Association Overview. Completed projects included: a new pump house at pool #1, Barge repairs and repainting, building an additional push boat to aid with dredging, new concrete around the clubhouse, new swings at both playgrounds, new playground equipment at beach #1, replaced the dock at the marina, chip sealed 4.6 miles of roads, added a new dump truck and sealed the circle at the clubhouse
In 2024 we are planning to repair the seawall at the island, repair and seal the clubhouse parking lot, install new light poles at the clubhouse, pave the parking lot at beach 2, chip seal 7.3 miles of roads, install new fencing at the clubhouse(in progress), stain the clubhouse and landscape the area and purchase a new, used excavator for dredging($93K-purchased). This list needs to remain flexible, because we never know what might need repair or replaced that we haven’t factored in.
Jen Addair reported on the new digital card system which will be implemented this season. This year will be a hybrid along with the traditional membership cards used in the past. The new digital card system works with our current software. All guest privileges remain the same and will work even if you don’t have a smartphone. More details to follow soon. Thank you, Jen for all of the research you have put into this project, along with many others.
Mark Dougherty reviewed information from several of our area clubs. The Polar Bear Club raises funds for our local schools at the Polar Bear Plunge and Mark reviewed their upcoming events, including the Island Extravaganza, Clam Bake and Breakfast with Santa. He noted that this year the plunge raised $32,000 for local schools. Both Men’s and Women’s golf leagues meet at Hemlock Springs Golf Course on Thursdays. Shores Hold Em meets at the clubhouse two Fridays a month. The PickleBall Club began their season on April 27th. This year they are planning to host a camp for our younger residents to learn the game. The STARS Club raises funds for and sponsors our annual 4th of July fire works as well as hosting our Rib Cook Off and many other events. The Fishing Club hosts five fishing tournaments and two special fishing events for kids. We also have a Water Exercise Group that meets at pool #2, Yoga Club, Quilting Group and Village Volunteer Club. Our volunteer club will be working on a special project with Lake Management this season. Contact information for all of these clubs can be found on our website.
Bob also spoke briefly about our new Building and Maintenance Committee which will be working to uphold beneficial deed restrictions pertaining to external appearance of properties and create a simplified members’ guide through the process. More information to follow.
Bob gave an overview of our Standing Committees and spoke to us about the importance of Lake Safety. Know the rules and make sure you and your guests follow them. Be sure to take a Boater Safety Course and don’t let anyone use your watercraft if they haven’t been properly instructed. Please remember that you, as a property owner, are responsible for the actions of your guests. He also noted that in the update of our Rules and Regulations, wake boats are limited to the center of the lake where it is deepest, to avoid stirring up nutrients and damage to docks and seawalls.
Dave Ernes gave us an overview of what Lake Management had accomplished in 2023 and what they hope to accomplish in 2024. We will continue with algaecide treatments on the whole lake and dockside invasive weed control. We will also continue with the goose deterrence program and weekly testing at the beaches. We will continue increased surveillance of the lake by AquaDoc. We are also trying some new technologies. We will be using a water quality probe to measure the algae density and ultrasonic buoys to control algal blooms.
Dave also stressed that members can also help by doing their part. Avoid fertilizers with phosphorous, keep grass clippings, leaves etc. out of the lake, create buffer zones and ask if you have a question by emailing Lake Management at romerocklmc@gmail.com.
A dredging update was given at our March 30th special meeting but Bob did mention that because of the ability to lift road bans earlier than usual, we were able to begin dredging nearly six weeks earlier this year and hope to continue until later in the fall.
The board wanted to recognize three of our long time employees who are celebrating milestones. Mark Drda has been with us for 40 years, Darren Savel for 30 years and Randy Ruebel for 25 years. We want to thank them for their hard work and dedication to our community. The meeting concluded at 2:30 p.m.
Thank you to everyone who attended.
Nadine Pope, Secretary
