This my last regular Board meeting, I would like to thank all of my fellow volunteers that have served with me over the last six years of my involvement in POA governance.
My fellow Board members have helped bring a well-rounded perspective to both the philosophy of the Board as well as the actions we’ve taken. I’d like to thank in advance Bill Miller, Wayne Tuch and Sue Wasserman as they continue to serve on the Board. I’d also like to recognize those who are running for the two open seats for their efforts to serve.
Additionally, I’d like to thank all of the folks who serve on our committees. There is a group of approximately fifty Members on various Committees that work behind the scenes to support the Board and our paid staff. Some serving on more than one Committee. Our community is a better place because of the time and efforts these folks put in on a regular basis. If you know one of these Members or meet one, tell them thanks for what they’re doing. And please consider getting involved. If there is something you’d like to do, talk to someone on the Board. There is a committee where your talents would be appreciated, and you’ll get an opportunity to meet neighbors from all over the community.
We’ve moved the needle in the right direction in many areas:
- 2022 Finances. In 2022 we had a surplus of over $52,000. Little by little the savings developed, and additional investments add up.
- Interest Income. The CD laddering protocol implemented by this Board has increased our interest income dramatically from the $283 collected in 2021. We earned $3,251 in the second half of 2022 and we’re on track for over $12,000 in 2023. Thank you to our Treasurer Wayne Tuch.
- Putting our insurance out to bid helped identify some shortcomings in our Auto Policy that have been corrected. The balance of our insurances will be coming up for renewal in April-May, we will know if additional benefits from this exercise are forthcoming. Putting our insurance out for bid every other year should become a standard procedure for the POA.
- Electronic voting. Members that are signed up for electronic voting have increased. As of February, 38% of the Membership is signed up for electronic voting. That will reduce the cost of the current election by approximately a third. The cost of elections is going down as postage, printing and mailing prep costs are going up. If you’re not signed up, please consider doing so.
- Electronic Billing. Electronic billing was used for the first time this year and worked amazingly well. Close to 25% of our members paid electronically, again, decreasing costs.
- Electronic Communications. Currently 2,755 Members are signed up. This will lead to over $3,000 in savings just on the mailing of this Newsletter. Additionally, members signed up for Electronic Communications receive more and more timely information on happenings in Pine Ridge.
- Business Continuity. The Board is working with the Manager and POA staff to develop a Business Continuity Plan. The Board wants to ensure we have the documentation and tools in place should the unexpected happen. We still have work to do on this item. The need is recognized; however, we have a ways to go to have the kind of comprehensive plan that is needed in place.
- Blue Stream Fiber Optic. With a whole lot of help from Keith Landers we’ve been able to move toward having fiber optic cable service installed throughout Pine Ridge. While at this writing it’s not a “done deal” we’ve come a long way and it may happen. While the speed and reliability of fiber is a large benefit, the big thing for most of us is the entry of additional competition in the marketplace. Should this come about, you’ll see pricing come down for high-speed internet service as well as additional options for TV and phone service.
But we do have challenges ahead. Both internal and external to our community. We will need not only an active but a proactive POA and Board to address these issues, as well as proactive residents in Pine Ridge to assist with the lobbying. If we ignore coming issues it could result in a lot of problems. If we embrace them, plan, and act we can enhance the community and increase property values as the demand for places like Pine Ridge increase and the supply of large properties stays static. Change is coming. How we choose to address it will make the difference.
One very positive note is the amount of engagement I am seeing in Pine Ridge. As noted above the number of volunteers, people involved in the community, is very encouraging. Additionally, the number of people running for the Board is the most I’ve seen since I’ve been here. Seeing this many people wanting to be involved in our community is outstanding. To those of you who win the election I wish you success in your vision. It has always been my contention that the more people involved in the governance of our community, the better our community.
In closing I want to encourage everyone to make sure that you vote in the in the election and on the referendum.
John Hyde, President
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