BOARD OF DIRECTORS RESPONSES

TO HOMEOWNERS' QUESTIONS

The following are responses to questions posed by residents either

directly to a member of the Liaison Group or at the April 2007 Homeowner's Meeting.

Q: Is community input considered before making major financial decisions?  How?         

     A:  The general manager submits a list of major projects along with their estimated cost to the finance committee as a part of the budget process. Finance committee reviews what is needed and then presents their suggestions to the board. The major projects list is not approved with the budget, it is approved separately by the board.  The community is involved only thru the Finance Committee. (Exception- assessments)

Q: Is the Board holding “work sessions” as done previously or meeting just once a month?

         A:  No they are meeting once a month but spend many hours before and after the monthly board meetings.  They do however talk on the phone and are  frequently in touch thru email.  They want the community to    know that they are pretty much on the same page when it comes to issues and their effect on the community.

 Q: How is restaurant profit calculated?

          A:  Total gross income from bar and restaurant minus goods (food, drinks, purchased equipment & materials  etc), salaries, and entertainment fees.  Does not include overhead

Q: Some residents have been turned away from restaurant because of catering. Is there someway residents can be notified beforehand when restaurant will be unavailable?

            A;  Catered events are now posted in Newsletter and on the BMLA website.

Q: Can we obtain a club liquor license instead of a public one? What are the financial implications?

 A:  No, we have to be a "club" and we are not. Also it is not to our benefit financially.  Any extra income generated helps keep dues down.

Q: Shouldn’t residents get a discount for renting pavilion or adult lounge? We built it.

          A: This also generates income which would be reflected in our dues.  However board may consider having price a little higher for non- residents and a little lower for residents.  They will have to review the usage. It is definitely a point of discussion.

Q: Do we have an evacuation plan?  Is there a Hazmat as well?

A: The Evacuation plan is established with and overseen by Butler Twp. Homeland Security advised us not to "publish" the plan.  HAZMAT  plan lies with Butler Township.  We must call 911.

Q:   Do we have a long term roads project plan?

 A: Original plan (if there was one) disappeared.  An informal plan exists, with emphasis placed on maintaining the stability of the most-heavily-traveled roads first, other roads determined by frequency of use.

Q: There seems to be no continuity between Boards. How can we solve this? Longer terms? Alumnae Board?

 A: We would have to change the covenants to allow longer terms. The Board is trying to find as many ways as possible to bring the intelligence of the community to the Board. An auxiliary board is a possibility. At the request of the new board, previous board members may consider becoming a consultant for a short term.

Q: Where do we stand with the double lot issue? Is this still “alive”? or decided?

          A:  The issue was decided by the 12th Amendment of the Covenants, which dictated that all lots, whether developed or not, require the same Association Annual Assessment to be paid.

Q: Will the campground be reopened to supplement income?

          A: Yes, when we can afford to fix it, it will hopefully generate more income.

Q: What is the timeframe for Dam/Spillway Project info to be released and how will this be made available to the community?

 A:  There really is no time frame.  Plans were submitted to DEP in early 2009 and they have yet to fully address them. The community is kept informed by reports at the Board meetings and by newsletter articles.

Q: Can we get additional boat docks?

          A:  It is not a priority, but is under consideration along with issues of higher priority.

Q: What protection do we have for tree space? Residents are forced to get permission to cut down trees while builders cut down freely. Inequity. How is this addressed?   What is being done to prevent clear cutting ?

 A: Builders are not allowed to clear cut.  The ACC identifies and tags any trees to be removed by residents or builders and levies fines for inappropriate removal

Q: How do we contact the ACC with questions? Who enforces rules concerning tree cutting, satellite dishes, etc?  If not satisfied with the ACC answers where do we go?

 A:  Contact the ACC by calling the office and tell them to have an ACC member call you, write a letter and send to 1 Burke Drive, or attend an ACC meeting.

Q: What are we doing about protecting our wetlands? Have homes been built on wetlands?

 A: Wetlands are designated by the Core of Engineers but can change overnight.  If an owner wants to build on an owned lot, he/she can notify  Luzerne County and have it reevaluated. If a portion is wetlands, they may be allowed to build on the portion that is not.

 Q: Can racquetball court remain open until 2 AM?  Can clubhouse be open earlier?

 A: No, but the weight/workout room has been made available for longer hours.

Q: Satellite dishes – How do you get permission to put one up? Rules given out when you buy a home state no satellite dishes, yet many residents have them. What is the procedure?

          A: Contact the ACC

Comment: When events are  scheduled at the clubhouse they should be held at the time stated

          A: They have been informed of this and will comply.

Comment: It would be a good idea to have a questionnaire on the performance of Beech Mountain distributed to the community.  It could be mailed out with the dues notification and include ratings on the restaurant, manager, clubhouse, maintenance staff, recreation, infrastructure, security, etc.

          A: Board will take this into consideration.

 Revised 12/1/10

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(MORE THAN VACATION, IT'S HOME!)