GEORGES POND PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES

August 5, 2007 

(as amended and approved September 2, 2007 meeting)

The second Annual Meeting of the Georges Pond Property Owners Association was held on August 5, 2007 at the Franklin Town Hall beginning at 6:00 P.M.  Approximately thirty (30) Georges Pond properties were represented, based on owner attendance at the meeting.   Association president Dawn Carter opened the meeting by announcing and reading a letter of resignation from the association’s secretary, Martha Murch.  Association Members spent several minutes reviewing a draft copy of the July 1, 2007 meeting minutes.  A motion was made, seconded, and approved to accept the July 1, 2007 minutes as written.

 Treasurers Report:  Treasurer Hubene Brodie reported the following purchases:  Downeast Graphics $203.05 for printing of the Loon Fliers, $40.00 Annual GPPOA post office box rental, and $90.27 for the purchase of a tape recorder to be used to record association meetings.  Purchases for the month totaled $333.32, leaving a current balance of $2154.44.  Treasurer’s report was approved as presented.

 OLD BUSINESS

 Loon Flier:  Thanks go to Hubene Brodie, Diane Jordan, and Martha Murch for their work creating a very fine informational flier expressing association efforts and desire to have Georges Pond remain a safe haven for our highly valued Loons.  Fliers have been hand delivered to all pond properties in hopes that they will be posted in a prominent location within each camp.  At this time there is no loon awareness information posted at the public beach, however, efforts are underway to post a sign that will inform beach visitors of nesting loons, and ask all visitors to stay away from all loon nest locations.  Loon’s nests have also been clearly marked by Merle Cousins. 

 Loon Count:  Does anybody know who on Georges Pond is counting the loons annually for the Audubon Society?  If so, please let us know at the September 2^nd meeting.  This information would be welcomed by all Georges Pond loon lovers.

 Camp Road Fire Protection Update:  South Shore Colony resident Bill Bellatty met with Franklin Fire Chief Bob Grindle concerning fire protection access for South Shore Colony residents.  This meeting resulted in the Franklin Fire Department’s inspection of the road, and a fire truck test drive through the areas of concern.  Currently, orange flagging tape marks all trees that the fire department suggests be removed.  In addition, landowners Richard Condon and Bruce Carter are meeting to develop a turnaround for fire trucks on their properties, which are located at the end of South Shore Colony Road.  The fire department would like to install a dry hydrant in South Shore Colony.  Paul Grant has offered them his property for the location.   The road located between Cousin’s blueberry field and the entrance to the Abbott Field is considered impassable by the town’s fire trucks, due to a couple large pine trees that need to be removed, and generally poor road condition.  Bruce Carter spoke with the landowners, Jonathan and Suzette Noyes, and they have verbally given permission to have these trees taken down at the expense of the GPPOA.  It was suggested to get their permission in writing. 

 Fire Fighter Recognition:  It was motioned, seconded, and approved to recognize two Franklin Firefighters for going beyond the call of duty to risk removing a burnt stolen truck off the ice on Georges Pond last winter using their own personal vehicles since it was far too dangerous to drive a heavy fire truck onto the ice.  The association approved to have Dick and Wayne Havey each receive a $50 Visa Gift Card and for the Franklin Fire Department to receive a $100 donation from GPPOA in recognition of the Fire Department support.

 Water Quality Committee Update:  Dana Shaw shared that this committee had met on July 20, 2007, and determined that there are three primary areas of concern.  They are microbiology, toxicological, and water quality (algae, dissolved oxygen, etc.) analysis. The committee explained to those present that they would be looking at concerns found, both in and around the areas of the pond.  They would like to know about any pesticides, lawn fertilizers, manure, forestry activity, or agricultural activities around the pond that might represent a form of contamination.  Please contact Dana Shaw or Mr. Hall with information.

 Election Process:  The Nomination Committee passed out ballots for GPPOA Election of Officers and those present voted for their choices.  Ballots were collected by the nomination committee and will be counted after all paid members have had an opportunity to complete their votes.  The winners of this election will be announced at the September 2 meeting.  For those voting members who where not present, please contact Hubene Brodie at 565-3027 and arrange to have a ballot e-mailed or mailed to you.  All ballots must be returned to Hubene before the September 2^nd meeting.

 MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2007-2008:  September 2, 2007; May 4, 2008;June 1, 2008;July 6, 2008;August 3, 2008 Annual Meeting; September 7, 2008

 NEW BUSINESS

 LOGO’s:  Margie Nichols, Elaine Cousins, and Diane Fucetola agreed to form the committee to establish a logo for GPPOA.  They will meet and discuss a general plan of action for establishing a logo for the association and will report back at the September 2, 2007 meeting.

 Website Content:  There was discussion as to whether or not Draft Meeting Minutes could be posted on the association web site.  It was pointed out that the association already motioned and approved to post draft minutes on the website, providing that they clearly indicate that the minutes as posted are a draft and have not been approved by association vote.  It was motioned, seconded, and approved to form a website committee to consist of Dawn Carter, Martha Murch, Paul Grant, Hubene Brodie, and Brian Friedman.  Currently there are three Georges Pond web sites.  They are:  georgespond.org, georgespond.com, and gppoa.org.   The new committee will choose which site will serve as the GPPOA web site, and what content it will display.

 Membership Committee:  There was much discussion concerning the need of a membership committee.  All present agreed that strengthening membership is a priority of the Association. This discussion resulted in a decision to have association president Dawn Carter organize a plan and report back at the September 2, 2007. 

 Next Regular Meeting:  The next meeting of the Georges Pond Property Owners Association will be held on Sunday, September 2, 2007 at the Franklin Town Hall starting at 6:00 p.m.  All property owners are encouraged to attend. 

Respectfully Submitted,