WALDEN WOODS CONSERVANCY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES  

October 20, 2004 

Present:   Joseph Sikora, Deb Giampolo, Richard Ericson, Raju Barman, Warren Johnson
and Steve Woolbert representing Elite Management

Joe Sikora called the meeting to order at 7:30.  

The Minutes of the Board of Directors meeting of September 22, 2004 were approved.  

Home Owners Forum: The following topics were raised:

1.  Skip Kroll, 20 Ivy Lane, inquired if there was a work order generated to repair the several paver sidewalk heaves that were creating tripping hazards.  President Sikora replied that the Property Manager had asked Russo, our landscaper, to estimate the cost of removing the pavers, rebuilding the base and replacing them.  Mr. Woolbert then indicated he had the estimate, and would contact Russo to get the repairs done.

2.  Barry Towers, 526 Hawthorne, inquired about street lamps that were not operating.  President Sikora stated that most were Town of Windsor responsibility, and acknowledged that it was a safety concern.  Mr. Woolbert stated he was aware  of the problem and would generate a work order to notify the Town.

3.  Bob Ellis, 144 Morning Glory Court, asked if the feasibility of installing a street light at the entrance to the Knoll would be re-visited.  President Sikora responded that the previous Property Manager had gotten estimates, but there was a question of what kind of standard (pole) would be installed.  The Town will not install the traditional style standards due to the cost.  Mr. Woolbert stated that Elite would carry out its own inquiry with the Town.  

Committe Reports
The following committees reported to the Board.  Their reports are appended, where available, to the notes for the record.  

Standards Committee - Rick Ericson reported:
•	Mr. Bhagat Kadiyala, 615 Thoreau Circle met with the Committee regarding his non-conforming play-scape.  He agreed to move the structure to the rear of his lot.  The Committee will help him investigate screening methods next spring.
•	The Committee will look for ways to publish its agenda in advance of Committee meetings so that interested parties can attend and provide opinion and input.
•	The Committee discussed revisions to the Waldon Woods Guidebook and assigned action items.
•	Committee members reported on their discussions with the Town regarding dog waste ordnances.

Recreation and Social - Deb Giampolo reported:
•	There were 41 responses to the Recreation and Pond Survey.  The most popular amenities voted for were: (1) do nothing at all in the recreation area; (2) creating an open field; (3) constructing only one tennis court; and (4) constructing a gazebo and/or a playscape tied for fourth.
•	For use of the Pond: Construction of a deck over the existing flume was the most popular.  Skating and Fishing were the least.  

Communications - Bob Ellis reported:
•	The first Walden Woods News was published October 5.  
•	A Welcoming Committee of 11 volunteers was to meet and organize on Oct 20.  The goal was to have at least two representatives from each Council
•	A motion is to be made under New Business to approve the concept of developing a Walden Woods Website.  Mr. Ellis furnished a handout regarding the project and its potential cost. (see attached).

Finance -  Board Treasurer Raj Barman discussed Conservancy financials as they appear in the Board of Directors Manager's Report.  For the month ending September 30, the Association has $113,592 in cash and reserves.  The current year net deficit is $19,364.  

Document Revision Committee-  Warren Johnson reported:
•	Conservancy attorney Perstein submitted the Document Revision Committee's proposal for mass amendments to the Conservancy Documents to the Developer's attorney, attorney Isaccson. Preliminary drafts of the By-Laws were also submitted.

Environmental/Pond -  Warren Johnson reported for Lynne Gillette:
•	The Conservancy is looking to the state Department of Environmental Protection for guidance on the benefit of dredging, and potential expense.  
•	The Developer is to install three vortex systems to trap sediment before construction of Parcel C begins.  
•	The Town is working with Culbro to get the corporations that occupy the 110 acres currently draining into the WW pond to develop water runoff treatment strategies that comply with federal clean water regulations.  

Meeting House Committee - Bette Harner reported:
•	Her committee is interviewing a custodian to do part-time cleanup on the Meeting House after events.  They will employ this person on a trial basis for the remainder of the year.  If they like her work, they will budget her for next year. 
•	The Board approved her request to purchase two 48" X 78" walk-off mats for the two entrances at $150 for the two, to better preserve the new carpet during inclement weather months. 
•	Bette is looking for some creative ideas from residents for using the Meeting House more.

Landscape Committee-  Skip Kroll reported:
•	The Committee is in discussions with Russo about using low phosphate fertilizer that would reduce nutrients that wash into the Pond and foster algae bloom in the summer.
•	Skip stated he would prioritize his "wish list," obtain pricing, and present it to the Board.

Property Manager's Report -  See attached Manager's Report
 
Old Business - none

New Business
•	Mr. Johnson moved that the Board formally approve the formation of the Walden Woods Welcoming Committee.  It was seconded by Ms. Giampolo and the motion carried unanimously.
•	Mr. Johnson stated that Culbro was submitting its application to the Town for construction of  walking trails on Conservancy property.  These were the trails that Culbro accepted financial responsiblity for building as part of promised amenities.  Mr. Johnson stated that he felt it was appropriate to submit an application to extend those trails, at Conservancy expense, for which he advanced the Conservancy $50.  President Sikora offered a motion to approve the submission of the application and, to reimburse Mr. Johnson.  The motion carried. 
•	Mr. Johnson motioned to approve the concept of developing a Walden Woods website.  The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.  

Next Meeting 
November 17, 2004

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, 

Richard Ericson
Secretary