General Meeting Minutes

January 27, 2003

Prepared by Janice Artandi, Secretary

Since there were 25 members in attendance, a quorum was declared. Executive Board members David Brewer, Mary Anne Corwin, Janice Artandi, Charles Bennett, Lonaway Muldrow and Tom Weber were present. Michael Brewer was attending a leadership seminar. Four non-members and two guest speakers were also in attendance. David Brewer called the meeting to order at about 7:10 PM.

The meeting began with a nearly hour-long presentation by Reynolds Dodson of North Haven and Hank Basilica of Sag Harbor from the Southampton Town Bicycle Advisory Committee. They were seeking input regarding the location of bike lanes to facilitate recreation as well as transportation in our area. Typically, they would be 6-ft. wide with striping on both sides, along with reflectors on the left to protect bikers--as well as roller bladers and baby carriages--from cars. Since the Town Comprehensive Plan included bike routes, they encouraged us to urge the town board to implement such improvements as signs, bike lanes and racks for public safety and convenience.
The meeting continued with the reading of the Executive Board minutes by Corwin and the Membership Committee minutes by Artandi. Since the prior month's meeting was the Holiday Party, there were no December meeting minutes. The Beautification Committee also had not met in the previous month.

Regarding Special Events, David Brewer presented a proposal to hold a fundraising event such as a pancake breakfast on a weekend morning at the nutrition center. The proceeds would help buy computers for a local children's reading program sponsored by the Friendship Baptist Church. The discussion was tabled until more detailed information could be obtained by Muldrow.
As chair of the Youth Committee, Ron Zaleski urged members to spread the word about Youth Nights to be held on February 7, 14 and 21. Children 8 years and up can play volleyball, ping pong, swim in the pool and practice martial arts at the Peconic Health & Racquet Club. He also distributed free passes for the month of February to all of the meeting's attendees.

As chair of the Special Projects Committee, Weber announced his intention to apply for a permit for our annual picnic. The majority of members voted for Red Creek Park as the first-choice location, with Indian Island, second, Sears Bellows, third, and Ludlam, last. Weber also reported on the status of the Paris Automotive Repair property, which was recently sold.

The business of the meeting included amending the bylaws again. After Corwin explained the need to correct the miswording regarding the prorating of membership dues, Artandi proposed such a motion, which was seconded by Muldrow. With 13 votes in its favor, the following wording was adopted:
Due Date of Annual Dues. The day on which annual dues are due is March 1 of each year. Notices for membership are to be sent at least thirty (30) days prior to the due date. If application for membership is made between October 1 and December 31 during the applicant's first year of membership, dues will be one-half of the full year's dues. If application for membership is made in January or February during the applicant's first year of membership, dues shall be the full year's dues but the applicant shall be a member when dues are paid and for the new membership year.

Corwin also asked for a vote to authorize a check for $37 to pay for the postage to mail the membership renewal letters. Then she reported on the status of the 501(c)(3) application, which has been filed with the IRS and needs to be filed with the state. The process takes about nine months to complete.

Corwin also reported on the Phillips Avenue playground project, which is being coordinated by Meigan Rocco. She said that the Phillips Avenue association wants to raise $80,000. She suggested that members may want to volunteer their own labor for such tasks as digging and installing railroad ties and passed around a sign-up sheet.
Ideas for increasing membership were presented, which included the four-page insert in Suffolk Life proposed by the Executive Board and a Happy Renew Year luncheon proposed by the Membership Committee. The first idea, which would cost about $300, appeared to be more widely accepted by the membership.

Other business included brief discussions about the maintenance code, the need for our own portable sign and the sign-up of Audit Committee members. Finally, Carl Iaconne urged other members to contact our supervisor, senator and congressman regarding renewal of the application for the special segment tax rate. Sample letters will be posted on our website.

The meeting was adjourned at about 9 PM.