Dear Ocean Beach Unit III Members, Friends & Family, At the risk of being bold and brash, I would like to share the below information with each of you. First, in an attempt to provide clarity and transparency to the members, the previous year within our community is a time like no other. We have had numerous issues arise, that in all honesty, have never been brought forward, thought of, considered, addressed or handled until now. Areas of uncertainty around who legally owns what within the community, who is responsible for what and exactly what is entailed to be compliant, deed restrictions for the ocean-front homes, the residences in the middle areas and out on the peninsula, the club regulations and rules relating to construction guidelines, to set-backs, deed restrictions and the list is endless. There is only one way to provide accurate information going forward and that is to enlist professionals who can explore, research and provide resolve to us as a community, while ensuring the task is done correctly and accurately the first time. One example that warrants immediate action, was to codify the blue book around construction guidelines, set-backs within the community for all of the various residences, providing clarity around restrictions for heights, finished floors, BFEs, decks and updating the rules, applicable to construction. To date, the rules have been interpreted in a litany of ways resulting in frustration, confusion and feedback from the membership that is accusatory, demeaning and threatening. In an attempt to provide consistency and accurate direction moving forward, Peter Weeks was hired to handle, explain, conduct meetings and provide clear communications to those looking to rebuild and move forward. The payment for Peter comes from your $375.00 application fee. Peter has performed above expectations and in all honesty, has dealt with many uncertainties. He has done the leg work necessary to obtain clarification and provide information back to those affected. As the board, we are obligated to uphold and enforce the deed restrictions within the community. The restrictions have been written and are binding and we are doing our best to be fair and upfront with everyone looking to rebuild and restore. At times, the reality of the findings may not be acceptable or favorable to some, but it is what it is and we are trying to be fair with everyone as well as to all of your neighbors who will be impacted as a result of individual actions. To provide accurate information to the members, Attorney Michele Donato, has been retained to assist us in getting answers to questions and to perform the tedious task of filing for records, deeds, maps, SBA assistance and necessary information so we can relay to you, correct information. She has prepared a codification of existing rules and has proposed revisions to address changed circumstances. About the SBA loan, we, as a club, applied to the SBA to see if we could be considered for a low interest loan, as the membership had voiced concerns at our first meeting after the storm. The SBA worked with office Manager Leo Fitzgerald to visit our community and the SBA communicated to our club, what dollar amount they would provide to us. We, as a club, did not submit estimates for work to be completed, nor have we formally accepted any money, all we did, in compliance to SBA requests, was to create and adopt a resolution from the board and then to create a membership meeting to vote on approval of the SBA loan offered to the club. We have sent numerous requests for the proof of loss document, created by the SBA and retained by the SBA, but have not received any response due to the government shut down. Requests have been re-sent and we are awaiting answers of which will be communicated forward once received. In addition, there have been internal issues that the Trustees have had to deal with over the past few months and these issues have quite honestly resulted in rumors being circulated, incorrect information, threats and derogatory comments about the board that are unwarranted and untrue. This Board, is the same as you only they have accepted the role as the leaders within the community. At times and to be totally honest with each of you, uncertainty, frustration, incorrect information, the inability to find or obtain accurate information, different personalities, disagreements, performance expectations, urgency and sometimes the lack thereof, have all been apparent and have all been overcome. We are committed to working together for the good of the community and to do it as efficiently as possible. The fact of the matter remains, we need to work together to move forward. We have created a budget that is real and one that will enable us to continue to operate effectively. If a savings occurs, it will be reflected at the close of fiscal 2014, and will be earmarked for our capital expenditure plans, including a new clubhouse with expanded parking. We will make the decisions around cost savings and implement the respective actions that will reflect savings to the membership, while improving efficiency. We will cut costs and operate with performance expectations and address opportunities, in order to provide each of you with the expected levels of performance and quality within the community. Below I am providing some update and information for you to review. I thank you in advance for your time and I look forward to seeing you at our membership meeting on October 26th at Toms River Intermediate School. Respectfully, Jack Houseworth OCEAN BEACH PATROL ISSUES: We have been receiving complaints of illegal dumping within the community. Issues are being documented and forwarded to the Township as they are reported. If you see an act of this nature, please call it in to the Patrol at 1-908-783-8328 or the Toms River Police department 911. It is extremely helpful if a description of the vehicle or company name is noted and provided to ensure the appropriate actions are implemented and carried out. We are also receiving many calls for fires started on the beach. To date, there have been six. Apprehensions have been made based on your calls and information provided - THANK YOU. In addition, as a reminder, please be sure to secure, or bring indoors, items of value such as new furniture, grills or bicycles, as our sister communities are reporting numerous incidents of theft and vandalism. OCEAN BEACH CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: The Board is working to codify and update our Blue Book in its entirety, a task that needs to be performed to ensure clarity and one that has not been undertaken since the inception of Ocean Beach as a community. We are beginning this process with the construction guidelines and will work toward completion. We are aware and understand there is outdated and non applicable information currently documented. Due to the many changes being identified now as a result of Super Storm Sandy, the Board is working to address and clarify these issues in an expedient manner. In addition, we are working to provide hand-outs to all members applying for permits that will clarify issues pertaining to the construction and rebuilding phase in an effort to simplify the process, and eliminate any misconceptions or communications. We are looking to have the Blue Book available in hard copy and posted to the web site in its entirety for the community as soon as this project is completed. OCEAN BEACH DUNE INFORMATION: Our community will be receiving the dunes as per the Army Corps of Engineers. An approximate time-line has yet to be provided but will be communicated once relayed to us. The developer, is working for clarification with the Township officials regarding the specifics around granting an easement to our beach to ensure that the dune work is the only work that will be performed while on site. Clarity is required regarding access and property lines within our community. Once this issue has been resolved the results will be communicated forward. OCEAN BEACH TRUSTEE CLARIFICATION: As a matter of clarification to the membership, the Board of Trustees have each paid their 2013 Dues and Assessments and were paid as early as February. I cannot speak to previous administrations, but want to assure everyone, the Board is involved in this community and the rules apply, we pay as do each of you. The book clearly states Trustees are entitled to receive mileage for meetings and that is what will be implemented for every meeting conducted. The mileage rate is currently fifty-five (55) cents per mile. SBA LOAN UPDATE & INFORMATION: The SBA has required the club to provide yet another resolution to them which has been done this week. To also clarify to those concerned, the SBA approval was received in the office on June 27th, 2013, five days after our meeting. The letter stated the SBA would approve our loan based on the need to obtain membership approval. The meeting was conducted on August 31st, to discuss and vote of which the approval was forwarded to the SBA. What was not clarified were the additional steps required from the Club to obtain the possibility of the loan such as repeat communications back and forth with the SBA, the need to create, adopt and approve resolutions, as well as numerous mailing back and forth requesting financial reviews to ensure we are operating as a non-profit organization. To date, we have submitted numerous requests for the proof of loss reflecting the dollar amount the SBA approved for our club, but a response has not yet been received due to the government shutdown. Once we have received the requested document, it will become available for the membership at our office. OCEAN BEACH FALL MEMBERSHIP MEETING UPDATE: Save the Date: Date: Saturday, October 26th, 2013 Time: 09:00 - 12:00PM. Place: Toms River Intermediate North School Address: 150 Intermediate North Way, Toms River, NJ 08753 For clarification purposes, there will be a vote conducted to elect Trustees. Over the previous month, there have been obstacles and issues that have impacted the finalization of the budget and the mailing of the required information to the members. Trustee Jim Feehan, after thirty years of service to the members of our community, has officially resigned as Treasurer. Trustee William Haight, remains an active member and Trustee. Respectfully, Jack
Posted on: Sat, 19 Oct 2013 00:42:14 +0000
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