Sorrento Village Improvement Association
July 30, 2009 Annual Meeting Minutes

Click here for printable pdf version

The 94th VIA annual meeting began at 8:00 pm at the Sorrento Public Library.  Trustees in attendance: Lisa Ballard, Ned Lee, Patrick Wilson, Trina Wellman, Hugo Smith, Francie Johnson, George Draper, and Julia Bogardus. Elly Huber was not in town.  In addition, Treasurer, Rich Mayzel was in attendance.

Ned opened the meeting with a welcome/call to order followed by remembrances and a moment of silence for the following individuals who passed this past year: Chic Carlisle, Clio Chafee, Mike Huber, Bain Lee, Fred Richards, Peter Richter, Edith Rowe, Cindy Wheatland, Dick Wheatland, and also Bob Marshall’s and Karen Mayzel’s fathers. 

Ned recognized the outstanding effort and contributions from all of the trustees and thanked especially the new trustees, Julia Bogardus (library), Francie Johnson (croquet), and Hugo Smith (sailing).  In addition, a special thanks was given to Rich Mayzel who, through his tireless efforts and calm counseling, has continued to keep our financial house in order and provide sage counsel whenever needed.  Donna Jason, the VIA’s new administrator was also introduced to the members and thanked for her work for the VIA this past year.

Ned discussed the financial affairs of the VIA.  From a financial perspective we continue to focus on expense control without reducing the quality of our programs and facilities.  Equally as important is the diligence with which we monitor dues payment by those enjoying our programs.  Because of all of Rich’s work on the financial reports we are now able to better budget for expenses by program and compare data from year to year so as to better be able to allocate resources appropriately.  On a year to date basis revenue is down 7.6%, expenses are down 12.1% and total operating income is down 4.27%.  A better picture of the financial results will available by September but overall, based on the current economy, we feel that we are holding our own.  We continue to operate as transparently as possible and elicit the financial support from as many constituents as possible so as to be able to support the VIA now and into the future.  The goals for 2009 are as follows:

• Continue to pay down the amount owed the capital campaign.
• Increase usage of Blink Bonnie.
• Incorporate fully croquet into the daily activities.
• Continue financial transparency and the VIA’s ability to rely solely on those members who use the facilities.

Ned then summarized the capital campaign which to date has collected $280,525 and disbursed $76,383.  $30,000 is owed to capital fund from the VIA .  There are still outstanding pledges totaling approximately $45,000.  He also thanked again Bob Worrell for his efforts in initiating the campaign.

Activity Reports were presented by the following:

• Activities – Lisa Ballard and head counselor, Will Bogardus.  Camp Sorrento has been fun with as many as 8 campers.  Library nights draw varying numbers ranging up to 20 + on any given night.  The Celtic dance night was a hit (thanks Lisa) and the all day activities continue to be enjoyed by many.
• Golf – George Draper thanked Bob Marshall and his staff for the incredible work they have done this year under very difficult conditions.  We received over 10 inches of rain in June and another 15 inches in July making the course very wet in certain places but always open for play!  Our efforts to increase play include new signage on Route 1 and at the course, brochures which have been distributed up and down the coastal region, and links to the Golf Maine and visit Maine websites.  Dede Schmitt, our webmaster, has also helped with this effort.  Dick Catlett in July and Pat Dougherty in August have run the clinics with great feedback.  Pat has also helped with the junior program.    The twilighters continue play with good participation.
• Pool – Trina Wellman reported that Brenn Alexander has done a great job life guarding and due to the weather read many books.  Will Younger has been working on the weekends.  Also, many thanks to Tim Guyette for working hard to keep the pool swimmable which due to the heavy rain and run-off has been a challenge.  Every day Tim flushes the pool with saltwater as much as possible and skims off the debris that has accumulated during the evening.
• Sailing – Hugo Smith thanked his “dream team” of counselors led by Becca Smith for a great job.  Becca summarized the sailing activities.  The morning sailing instruction has gone well with the re-introduction of the lanyard system.  The racing program has seen some excellent results not only with the mercury races against Hancock but also in the 420s both locally and regionally.  Sorrento hosted the Midget Regionals with Prue Younger helping with the details.  Hugo also presented the Hugo Smith Award given annually to that person who has demonstrated a love and commitment to sailing as a life passion to Francis Ballard.  (The minutes from the SYC Annual Meeting are posted on the SYC page of the VIA website).
• Tennis - Lucy Brennan, head counselor, presented the tennis report for Elly Huber and reported the numbers this year are outstanding.  Joe Hartouian continues as head instructor and, as always, is doing a great job.  The Slippery Seals tournament was to be held in a few days.  All three courts in town are getting plenty of use.
• Croquet – Francie Johnson reported on the success of Marko Schmitt’s lessons and the  increasing interest in croquet in general, both at the adult level but also at the junior level.  The court is in great shape.  Thanks were given to Bob Marshall who cuts and maintains the court three times per week.

Julia Bogardus, trustee liaison to the library reported that the library is in good shape. The WiFi is extremely popular and the morning café has been well received.  Several events have been scheduled during the summer. 

Celi Putnam presented the Church Report, copy attached.

Other issues discussed included the idea of password protecting the website which will be done in the fall.  The “Senior Season” will kick-off in mid-August with a full slate of activities into September.

David Daniel presented the Nominating Committee Report.  After careful consideration the following were presented to the membership for nomination for a three year term as trustee: Ned Lee, Trina Wellman, and Patrick Wilson (President).  A unanimous vote of support for the slate of trustees was approved.

There being no further issues the 94th Annual Meeting was concluded at 8:59.

Submitted by Ned Lee

Attachments: Church Committee Report