WINDWARD
| Volume 78, Issue 1 | Internet Edition | April 2004 |
We have several projects slated for this spring and our hoping fora great opening weekend. Don't forget to make Spring Clean-up Day! The work easily accomplished if everyone pitches in!
As usual, if you have any ideas or suggestions please feel free to contact me or any board member.
Available On Line-
As of March 23, 56 members have paid their dues in full, 36 have paid at least one half and we are awaiting to hear from 107 members. We have had 5 resignations along with 2 Family, 2 Senior and 1 Junior Unattached new members. Remember, the first half of your dues is due on or before March 31. It is necessary to hear from everyone by March 31 so the Board knows how many members will be returning and, with our new reassessment, membership is critical. Everyone who completed the member information form on the web site or with whom we have had regular email communication received his/her bill via email. Unfortunately, the billing software changed the system to require Adobe Reader to print out your bill. Those who notified me of having trouble getting their bills have been sent bills through the regular mail. I apologize for the inconvenience. Reminders will be sent out but March 31 may arrive before you receive this Windward.
Last fall the Clubhouse roof lost a number of shingles from more than one windstorm. After a couple of roofers looked at the roof and found the shingles to be very brittle the board decided to replace the roof with architectural shingles. The job is supposed to be done as soon as the weather breaks and will cost $18,000. The same windstorms generated some serious waves that did a number on the gabion baskets to the north of the mole. We have received estimates from about $9,000 to $18,000 depending on which method we use. The lower price is to use concrete and the higher is to use steel sheeting similar to the mole. DEC will no longer allow the use of gabion baskets, however they will allow sheeting to be done right away if done tight to the gabions. Any concrete work would have to be done after July 15 and more likely in the fall when the water goes down. The gabion baskets encroach about 8 feet onto the property to the north, another matter that has to be rectified. The Board has not made a final decision on the method of repair as of this date.
To finance these projects the members present at the annual meeting approved the calling of the current bonds at 8.5% ($37,500 still outstanding February 15) and issuing new bonds for a maximum of $75,000 for 5% over 10 years. The 11 current bondholders will be given the opportunity to renew their bonds up to $5,000 and the remaining balance will be open to the membership for a minimum of a $1,000 and a maximum of a $5,000 bond. The effective date will be May 15. The offering is on a first come, first serve basis. If you are interested please call me at 252-6101 or e-mail at richk2@adelphia.net.
I am sorry to say that the reassessment in the Town of Owasco and especially the property on the lake has seriously affected the Owasco Yacht Club. Our assessment went from $300,500 to $908,600 and our estimated tax will increase 86% or about $9800. Your Board members have been working to try to get the assessment reduced but it does not look very promising at this time. The first tax to be affected by the new assessment will be the school tax due in the fall. Unfortunately, the budget will not allow for that much of an increase. Provided the assessment stands the additional money needed for school taxes will amount to about $6000 or about $30 per membership. An additional $5100 or about $26 per membership will be needed after the first of the year to cover the increase in the Town and county taxes. The constitution requires that a change in the membership fee schedule must be approved by the general membership. The Board will discuss the projected shortfall at the March meeting with a decision to be made at the April meeting so that the membership can be notified. A general meeting would probably be planned to coincide with the opening of the Club in June. If there is any new information between now and the next Windward it will be posted on our web site.
Soft Opening (Kitchen Limited Menu): June 19th.
Club Opening Dinner (Buffet and Entertainment): June 26th.
WELCOME to OYC Board Kris!!!
We are talking about a "soft opening" on June 19th with limited kitchen menu and the "Blessing of the Boats". This,of course, will hinge on everyone really helping out before hand to get the Club ready for opening and.....will your vessels be in the water by then?
We would like to have our "official opening" on Saturday, June 26th with a buffet and a ROCK N'ROLL DANCE PARTY.
Also in the works is July 3rd with a DECK ROAST.. We will have our traditional, Pork, Beef,and Chicken and Rib BBQs, two wine tastings, Ladies’ Days, Kidz Day, and Sleepover. Friday Night dinners look EXTRA special this year. We will only have 3 brunches this season as attendance was down for these events.
We will have back GREG SPECK and his Zydeco Band for a BIG EASY Party, and NICK MULPAGANO,our own "Elvis" as well.
Looks like a July INVITATIONAL REGATTA might happen and we will again have JIM'S BEER TASTING Party on Labor Day Weekend.
This is what we are WORKING on,all ideas and help welcome. More to come when we firm up our calendar. Look for monthly seasonal postcards of events.Your attendance at events let us know what you like. Remember:RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST. Don't be disappointed.
See you soon.
As ever, Adele
PS: On a personal note,thanks for your prayers and concerns for my
daughter Erin. She came through her treatment with "flying
colors". Prayers are still most welcome.
The club requires that all members’ boats at the club or from home using the facilities be identified with the club sticker - a good safety feature for owners. Until you get the stickers provide visible identification. Your trailers, lifts, buoys and skids need to be clearly identified also in case of an emergency. Contact me with the boat, trailer registration information. Boat placement is at the waterfront director’s approval. The club has waiting lists for hoist, shore, and mooring spaces. New requests please send a dated letter or email to me. Call me 253-2935 or best e-mail
The club provides rowboats at the north and south docks for access to member’s moored boats. Take it easy rowing! We broke 4 oars and 2 oar locks, with only one call to let me know.. As in the past there will be spare oars ready to be used in the garage contact the steward or a board member who has the key. The oars and rowboat at the swim area is for lifeguard use only during the swim season.
Please park empty boat trailers for the summer in the upper field. Please use wooden blocks to secure your trailer no stones, etc which really harm the mower blades. The parking area south of the steward’s cabin is reserved for those paying trailing fees.
Remember you are required to carry your own insurance, the club assumes no liability for loss or damage even if you are using club boats. Please check your homeowner or boat policy for your liability coverage. It is up to members to inspect or have inspected their boats, trailers, moorings, or lifts. Members are responsible for damage caused by themselves and their property. They are to report any damage to the owner (see stickers), steward, and finally the waterfront director. Do the Right thing!
Starting at 9am, give or take... Please, please, please try to attend. This is our club, lets spend a few hours in the spring and fall (or anywhere in between) and help lighten the load on the "regulars" that do so much around the club all year long.
Duties include moving picnic tables, raking leaves, washing windows, installing docks and other small jobs.
Food and beverages will be provided. I will personally give a kiss to everyone who shows up (or maybe just a smile :-)
WANTED:
Full Time Steward, May - September.
We are currently looking for applications for the steward position. Contact me for details.
We are working to repair the drainage/washout problem on the south side and the sink hole near in the mole.
See you all on the 15th!
Gary Mason
730-8420
The Skaneateles Sailing Club is offering their "Learn to Sail" program to members of OYC. Instruction will be by a certified instructor.
Youth Lessons will be given:
July 5-16 8:30 – 4:30 M-F $375
July 19-30 8:30 – 4:30 M-F $375
August 2-13 8:30 – 4:40 M-F $375
Includes games and activities on water and land (day camp like)
Adults:
July 5-9 5:30 to 7:30 $100
August 2-6 5:30 to 7:30 $100
Women Only:
July 19-23 5:30 to 7:30 $100
Contact Program Director Ron Hosie at 685-3475. Request forms at meritsail@aol.com
Liz DelloStritto will be returning this season to run our Ship’s Store. We are looking forward to her daily fare as well as the old favorites: Ladies Day Luncheons, Friday Night Dinners, Sunday Brunches and other special social events. At this time all the kitchen services will remain the same. I will keep you up to date through the Windward of any changes or additions to our services.
Please remember that your chits are the same as cash and cannot be replaced if they are lost. You can leave them on file with Liz.
Liz will cater members’ parties with Board approval and in accordance with club party guidelines. The kitchen will be open to members during such parties.
The Ship’s Store hours will be Sunday through Thursday 12 noon to 7pm., Friday and Saturday, 12 noon through 8pm.
The official Opening Day this year will be June 26th. The Ships’ Store will open with limited menu and limited hours the weekend before, June 19.
We are all looking forward to a relaxing summer at the Club, welcoming old friends and new members.
Last Revision: 5/3/04