April

With April upon us, it seems that winter is slowly but surely fading into our memories. It has been a slower than normal ease into the warmer temperatures, but day lilies and other spring flowers are beginning to pop up, so there’s hope. Our snow budget for the year took a toll due to excessive amount of ice and sleet storms this year, but it does not seem that we will be in much of a deficit when the final numbers come in for the season. Of course, we have been surprised by major spring storms before so I’m not completely convinced we are finished for the year. I would like to take a moment, though and thank our maintenance staff and the staff of our contractor, Ray Bross & Sons for the great job they did for us this year during all the storm events. They were out there working while we were all asleep anticipating a rough ride in the morning. They were instrumental in keeping our roadways clear and ice free. Thank you!

In the March Newsette there appeared the fourth and final article in a series done by Mr. James Schriner on the history of and current standards for building a home in Highland Lakes. I thought it was an extraordinary article when I first read it back in November, 2007 and was impressed with the extent of information that it included. Thank you, Mr. Schriner for taking the time and effort to inform and educate the members of Highland Lakes. It was a poignantly written series and will be utilized by future generations in the planning and development of their property.

I am opening up a call to other folks to write articles for the Newsette that will inform and educate members on other aspects of home ownership, land ownership, boat ownership or even auto ownership. Let’s open up the lines of communication between those who have expertise and those who need it. Please submit all articles to the office at least 30 days in advance so that we can decide how to incorporate it (if appropriate) into future editions of the Newsette.

At the March Workshop, the Voting Board heard a presentation by representatives of the New Jersey Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife on a program offered that is testing a nuisance bear solution through the use of improved bear resistant garbage cans. The investigative program was developed by the Cornell University and the proposal includes homeowners in Highland Lakes utilizing the new cans as well as increased tracking of nuisance bears. There were some concerns on the part of the Voting Board and those questions were forwarded to the division for further response, so no decision has been made. I hope to update this in future articles.

In March, the Voting Board and friends celebrated and congratulated Marguerite O’Brien for her many years of service to Highland Lakes. Marguerite retired after nearly 13 years as Highland Lakes’ most cordial and congenial person in the office and we’ll miss her smile greatly, and we wish her the best of luck in her future pursuits.

As most of you have already heard, Vernon is undergoing a tax revaluation after nearly 15 years. On the one hand, I welcome the revaluation. I think we have been rated too poorly based on the real estate market for the many upgrades we have accomplished in the past 15 years and feel that our worth as a community is certainly higher than 15 years ago. On the other hand, of course, are the consequences of paying higher taxes based on a higher appraisal. The Voting Board would prefer to pay lower taxes on a higher property value, but with today’s NJ tax structure that is not possible. The fairest approach is to have as accurate a valuation as possible and to push for more equitable tax levies as reasonable. There is a very useful article elsewhere in this edition of the Newsette written by Paul Peters, Past HLCC President that will be helpful to our members during this process and I encourage you to read it and pay close attention to Mr. Peters’ suggestions. Thank you, Paul, for taking the time to research and report it.

The Voting Board has been struggling lately with a few zoning issues that have emerged. One of particular note is the issue of assuming that it is acceptable to build out extensions to a member’s home to within 2 ½ feet of member owned property. Many members abut Club owned property and regard unutilized space as vacant or disregarded. That is just not factual or practical. A lot of Club owned property is in its natural state for a reason. The Club values its open space and prefers to keep it in its natural state to protect the integrity of the ecological significance to the area. Remember, it is not just Club property, it is all members’ property. Please respect the zoning laws of Vernon that apply to all residents.

As always, I invite your comments and suggestions so that the Voting Board, the General Manager and I know what you are thinking and how you feel this community should be run.

Jeanne Jameson, President

March

Even though February is the shortest month of the year, this February seemed endless. It must have been all the dreary, wet and cold days but thankfully, brighter and warmer weather is on the way. Similar to many municipalities and lake communities, our Snow Operations Budget has been pummeled by storm after storm this winter particularly in February. There is good news, though. We have the $100,000 in reserves for situations like this and we will replenish that account with funds received from Vernon Township as part of the reimbursement agreement if we need to tap those reserves. So, sit back and enjoy the snow while it’s here, but relish the warmer weather as it comes around.

The Voting Board has been very busy in February. As the deadline approaches for public comment on the Highlands Council’s final draft of the Regional Master Plan, the Voting Board is in the process of reviewing recommended comments from the Planning Committee, the General Manager and our General Counsel. We will submit our comments to the Council before the deadline, but it has been a long process getting us here. My thanks to all involved in working through this.

In response to members’ complaints about the maintenance yard off Canistear Road during the January Voting Board meeting, discussions were held at the February Workshop. There is no doubt that the area would benefit from inexpensive remedies such as orderly storage options and regular removal of debris that accumulated from maintenance operations and our staff will take extra measures to accomplish that. Exterior improvements to the area are not inexpensive. The Voting Board reached a decision to dedicate more money to the replacement of the fencing and moved it up on the priority list of capital projects so that it can be completed before the summer months if possible. This was not an easy decision because all of the projects on the Priority List are crucial and just as important.

As always, you are welcome and encouraged to attend our monthly regular and workshop meetings. We would like to see you there. Sincerely,

Jeanne Jameson, President

February

With the holidays a month behind us, it is now time to focus on the business at hand for Highland Lakes. The members of the Voting Board have a full plate in front of them of ideas and projects to consider and fund by the time summer rolls around again. Committees are hard at work planning projects and formulating proposals for the Board to consider and members are stepping up with ideas and suggestions.

At the December Workshop, the Voting Board addressed two more questions/suggestions from the 2007 Annual Meeting. The first suggestion was to install a water fountain inside the Clubhouse for the children to use and to install a water fountain at the Beach One Beach Hut. I was unaware that there already is one at the Beach One area, so that was an easy subject to dismiss. Installing one in the Clubhouse was not so easy, however. It would be convenient to have a water fountain in the hallway at the Clubhouse, but it is no longer practical. Water fountains are disappearing from parks, libraries, public buildings and schools for much the same reasons: sanitary precaution and insurance liability. Both issues are becoming increasingly difficult to monitor so the Voting Board decided against installing a fountain at the Clubhouse. There will be cups available at the Activity Center for anyone who needs a drink of water and plenty of water available from the taps.

The second suggestion was to increase the storage capacity for bicycles at Beach One so that bikes are not left all around for people to trip over them or to get stolen. It was agreed to add another rack that can accommodate twenty more bikes at the beach and it will be up to the parents to instill responsibility in their children to store their bikes when at the beach.

At the December Voting Board meeting, emerging problems with the tennis courts at Beach One were discussed and steps will be taken to remedy the problems before the season begins in the spring. The Voting Board also cast their ballots to prioritize the Capital Projects list. Among the top ten projects selected, road and drainage projects received a high standing, reflecting our efforts to resolve localized drainage issues. Also high on the list is the security system we will be installing at Beach One. We have discussed this for several years, but it is imperative that we protect the investment that the members made at this location so we will pursue this project full steam ahead now. Other projects that need attention now are paving and regarding the Clubhouse parking lot to stem the flow of sediment into the main lake, improvements to the playgrounds to conform to State regulations and upgrading our computer system in the office.

The project that came in as number ten on the list this year is improvements to the maintenance yard at the Canistear Road location. This has been a sore spot for the residents in the area for many years and the Club has done what little we can to maintain the area in an orderly fashion on an extremely limited budget. The maintenance yard has been in existence since 1977 and is an approved facility area by the Township of Vernon. However, with the shortage of funding, the fencing around the area has deteriorated and should be replaced with something that reflects the character of the neighborhood. Some of the debris that has been cached there will also be removed on a more regular basis to keep the area less congested. The recently accelerated program of abandoned/misplaced boat removal from Club property will continue to store the boats in the maintenance yard until a more structured program can be formulated. The Voting Board asks the residents in the area to be patient on this issue. The Club will try to maintain the storage of the boats in an orderly fashion to the extent possible. This will have to be a give and take proposition between the Club and the neighbors, so all must cooperate. If any member has a solution, please contact the Buildings and Grounds Committee Chairman or attend a meeting.

When the Beach One project was in the design phase, there was a loud cry for an ice skating rink to be incorporated within the utility court. This was built into the design, but has not been able to happen yet. It is not for lack of trying. The court was designed correctly with expanding joints to let water drain, but that design does not seem to cooperate with filling in the court with water so that it can freeze. Our maintenance personnel, together with Bob Gellner, have tried several remedies to allow the water enough time in the frame to freeze, but nature and ultimately the structure are not cooperating. The last attempt was to line the structure with heavy-duty plastic but that appears to have developed a leak somewhere within the structure and has totally baffled all the experts. As with all problems, this too will be solved, but it is a matter of time, trial and error. My sincere appreciation to the Highland Lakes Fire Department, which has come to the “rescue” every time we have tried to fill the court with their tanker and hope that they are still willing to try again and again until we have it right. Thanks also to the guys who are trying to make this happen for everyone. By the way, the lake’s still there, if it doesn't’t work!

There is a lot more happening on the Board level and on the Committee level, but I think I am limited to a twenty-five page diatribe. So, I will try to summarize some of the other important issues for you. The Communications Committee is trying to streamline the website and bring the members closer together and is looking for your input. It is important that you visit the website and offer your comments to them often and poignantly. The Planning Committee is working hard on evaluating the effects that the Highlands Act will have on our community and how we can help shape our ability to upgrade and maintain our homes and facilities. The Buildings and Grounds Committee is trying to escalate projects that have been shaping up for years to make them happen and the Ecology Committee is working diligently to make our lakes and streams the cleanest we can have them. Our By-Laws and Rules Committee is working on a revised system for compliance that can only improve our lifestyle while keeping the civility we all love about Highland Lakes and we should all help them out with suggestions and comments. Our Clubhouse Committee continues to bring you new and interesting programs that are designed to get you out of the house and into the community. Support all committees and consider volunteering.

If you feel that I have left anything out, please feel free to contact me. I’m never available, I never answer phone calls after 6:00 pm and I don’t get home from work until 5:59 pm. There is no way to contact me at work and I don’t answer your e-mails. My mail has been cancelled.  But I’d love to hear from you. Only kidding, please write, e-mail, fax or call me. I answer all and want to hear from you. 

Sincerely,

Jeanne Jameson

President

 December/January:

Although it seems like ages ago, the Voting Board has been working diligently on addressing several questions/concerns raised by members at the Annual Meeting in August, 2007. One concern that was on everyone’s mind was the excessive blue green algae bloom that occurred in the first weeks of August. It was by far the worst outbreak many had ever seen in Highland Lakes and was deeply troubling to everyone. In response to several requests, the Ecology Committee invited the Club’s Lake Management Consultant, Dr. Stephen Souza of Princeton Hydro to their October meeting to help explain the mechanics of the bloom.

The meeting was well attended by Committee members, Voting Board members and interested homeowners. Dr. Souza presented the audience with charts, graphics and scientific explanations that helped everyone present understand the power of natural forces and the repercussions of not paying attention to what flows into our lakes. All members should be using non-phosphorous products on their lawns, in their dishwashers and in their laundry machines. This is no longer a debatable issue. Phosphorous build-up in the lakes causes algae blooms and can be controlled. The Ecology Committee has been explaining this for years, has published articles in the Newsette about where to buy non-phosphorous products and the eventual harm caused by excessive build up. It’s now time for the members to cooperate.

At the November workshop, the Voting Board responded to a concern raised over the replenishment of sand at the community beaches and the practice of some lake front owners to create mini-beaches in their back yards. The Club only replenishes sand on the beaches as needed. This is a long-standing practice and is carefully monitored by Club management. If the Club did not continue to spruce up the beaches every spring, I think there would be a lot more comments from concerned members. 

Lake front owners should be aware that title to your lake front lots extends to a point five feet from the high water mark. The land from that point to the water’s edge is owned by the Club, and any work on Club property without the Club’s permission is against the Rules and Regulations of this community. If you are unsure about where your property ends and Club property begins, or need a copy of the Rules and Regulations affecting your lake front property, please call the office. This topic will be discussed in more detail in an article in the spring as we move into the warmer months.

The Voting Board also discussed whether or not to post an advance agenda for its monthly meeting. After much discussion, the idea was rejected. All Workshops are open to any member wishing to attend and most topics on which action is taken at the monthly Regular Meeting of the Board are discussed at the Workshop. Items referred to future Workshops are noted in the minutes and are usually discussed in this column.

At the December Workshop, the Voting Board will discuss two more issues raised at the Annual Meeting.  One is the necessity or lack thereof for additional bicycle racks at Beach one and the other is the feasibility/reasonability of installing water fountains at the Clubhouse and the Beach Hut. 

I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season this December. I look forward to any questions or comments you may have between now and February’s Newsette.

Sincerely,  

Jeanne Jameson

President

November:

The fall always brings interesting changes in Highland Lakes. The fiscal year began on October 1st and the sticker shock of inflation always hits around the middle of the month. We have not escaped the national trend of inflation as we saw recently in our dues, but as the Treasurer’s letter explained, an increase was warranted again this year. The Voting Board worked carefully on this year’s budget, but the bottom line was still affected by escalating costs and increase in dues to accommodate the membership’s share of common expenses.

On the upbeat side of the equation, the Voting Board is anticipating an increase in the ability to collect dues from delinquent members in a more timely fashion than in past years, i.e. before the end of the fiscal year, through collection efforts that will benefit all members. The Voting Board also anticipates increased compliance from property owners in registering their tenants with the Club as required under the By-Laws. Since this has been a difficult requirement to enforce in years past, the By-Laws/Rules Committee and the Voting Board will be stepping up efforts to effect penalties for non-compliance in the coming months. Owners can consult the office for details regarding bringing their rental properties into compliance by contacting the staff during regular business hours.

During the past month, a meeting took place between the Planning Committee, the Ecology Committee and the Building & Grounds Committee. Marking the first collaborative meeting of its kind in Highland Lakes, the outcome was remarkable. The topic of interest between the three committees was the parking lot at the Clubhouse. There is little if any difference of opinion that something has to be done to this area, so the planning has begun. What lies ahead is a study of the area, a professional design for the work, a financial plan to pay for the reconstruction and obtaining any permits that will be necessary under the Highlands Act.  The goal is to minimize runoff into the lake, provide a better parking area and enhance the Clubhouse area. I will keep you advised of the progress as it happens.

One of the ideas proposed by the Planning Committee during this meeting was other upgrades to the Clubhouse area. None of these ideas were fully developed, but were discussed as possibilities for future consideration by Building and Grounds and Ecology.  Those ideas included creating a walkway from the beach area to the swim lane area and beyond to the park area, converting the maintenance building to a member use building and relocating the maintenance function to an offsite facility. These ideas were presented as wish list items only and not meant to be interpreted as a plan of action. For now, the only focus from this Committee coalition is on enhancing the parking lot at the Clubhouse.

The Goodwill Fund has become an extremely important vehicle to helping members who have suffered catastrophic events recover while maintaining their member-in-good standing status with the Club. One of the problems that the Goodwill Fund has encountered is a significant lack of sustainable funding for this venture. Since the inception of this program, the Club has relied on (non deductible) donations from members and from limited-resource fundraising efforts. Everyone involved has nothing less than my utmost respect for their efforts in keeping the program going; however, in order to continue this worthwhile program we need some serious fundraising now. I offer this challenge to all of our committees and Club sponsored activities:

Host one activity that will raise funds to supplement the Goodwill Fund. The proceeds of that one event should be earmarked for the Goodwill Fund. Only one per year is requested and no amount will be refused. It is staggering to acknowledge how many people in our small community suffer such personal tragedies and to help out just once is a good deed on our part.

This year marked the 10th anniversary of the Lakeside Café at the Clubhouse. I mention this for several reasons.  The first is obvious, my husband Mike has been involved with the committee since we first discussed it on a grassy knoll at a local open mic with Don and Sue Ross way back when. The second is that so many artists, from Highland Lakes and elsewhere, have crossed our doorways in the last ten years and enthralled our audiences that it’s deserving of the accolades. It should be noted that the small committee has produced this venue every month regardless of weather, adversity, scheduling difficulties, shortage of help and electricity (only once, but it was memorable).  Thank you to their efforts.

The future of Highland Lakes rests in the Voting Board’s hands but it also rests in the member’s hands. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. Please feel free to contact your Trustee or me with any comments and/or suggestions.

Sincerely, Jeanne Jameson

President

October:

I would like to begin by thanking our recently retired President, Steve Hastie for 30 years of work as a Voting Board member, a volunteer, a dedicated person and a good friend. It has been a long haul for Steve and he deserves the rest he has earned, but if I know Steve, he will not stay too far in retirement for long.  I am quite sure I’ll be bending his ear before too long seeking advice and guidance. From everyone on the Voting Board and Staff, thank you kindly, Mr. Hastie.

It is my pleasure to welcome two new Voting Board members to the party, Sue Ross representing Section 7 and Ellen Rutkowski representing Section 8. I know you will find the next three years interesting, challenging and often enjoyable, so take a deep breath, roll up your sleeves and get ready to work.

The Voting Board will be quite busy this year working on some policies that have been brought over from last year, such as revising the Rules and Regulations and defining a system that will better enable enforcement; increasing the rate of compliance with the By-Laws from owners who rent their property; and working with the Township officials to curb speeding on Breakneck and Canistear Roads. At the Annual Meeting some other concerns were brought up by members and those will also be discussed by the Voting Board this year.

I will keep you informed of our progress as we go through the year and, as always, you are welcome to direct your questions to your Trustee or to me for more information or to voice your concerns. We are all listening.

I would like to personally extend an invitation to all members to the Candidate’s night HLCC is hosting at the Clubhouse on October 12, 2007. The Club has traditionally opened its doors for public information forums and this has served the Community very well.  Highland Lakes residents are among the best informed because of programs such as this. You will find details about the program in another article in this month’s Newsette as well as in several local newspapers.  Please join us.

Until next time, be well.

Jeanne Jameson, President