2016 ANNUAL MTG MINUTES

Bluff Point Association
Annual Meeting
July 16, 2016

President Tom Close opened the meeting at 9:00 a.m. at the Lightner Library on the Keuka College campus. He affirmed that there was a quorum. It was moved, seconded, and voted to approve the minutes of the July 15, 2015 annual meeting. The treasurer, Rodge Williams, reported an ending balance on June 30, 2016 of $5801.33. It was moved, seconded, and voted that the secretary cast one vote to elect Art Adams, Martha Johnstone, and Nicole Landers to membership on the Board of Directors. Tom Close has become president emeritus and will continue on the board as an ex officio member. The board elects its own officers.

Invasive Species
Annette Toaspern presented information about invasive plant species. Giant Hogweed has been identified in a wooded area on the Bluff. Annette presented illustrated information about this toxic plant and what to do if it is suspected of being on one’s property. Other invasives potentially found in this area are native cow parsnip, Japanese knotweed and hydrilla (aquatic). They must be avoided and removed only by experts or those using extreme protective measures. For a positive identification, one should contact Emily Staychuck at the Cornell Co-operative Extension office (315-536-5123).
Adopt a Highway
The Bluff Point Association agreed to clean up a two mile stretch of Route 54A . Volunteers did this most recently in late May and will re-visit in the fall.

Finger Lakes Museum and Aquarium
Natalie Payne, Executive Director, gave a slide presentation of the museum’s Creekside Center which has just been completed, including an ADA-compliant launch site. Guided Paddling Programs and many others will offer opportunities for canoeing and kayaking along Sugar Creek and the lake. The museum welcomes volunteers and contributors; several fund-raising events are planned for the summer season. The Townsend-Grady Wildlife Preserve, located between Route 54A and the lake, will be developed with a walking path and pavilion.



Town of Jerusalem
Tom introduced Zach DeVoe, the town’s code Enforcement Officer, Vernon Brand, the new Town Assessor, and Patrick Killen, Town of Jerusalem Supervisor. In the near future, there will be a town-wide property re-valuation. Residents have the opportunity to have their assessments reviewed on Grievance Day, the last Tuesday in May and by the Board of Assessment review. If still not satisfied, the new assessment can be contested in court. The target for the new assessment figures is prior to the establishment of the tax rolls for 2017.
Jerusalem Sewer Expansion
This project began in 2013 with a proposal and study to expand the sewer system to include Branchport, Crescent Beach, all of West Bluff Drive, the section of East Bluff Drive not already covered, and Indian Pines to Ritchey Boulevard. This would provide service to the above areas and, it is believed, have positive effects on the quality of the lake. Approximately 1700 units will share the cost of operating with Penn Yan. The existing treatment plant would accommodate the new system. The exact cost to homeowners is not yet determined but is thought to be in the range of $125 per month.
A tentative timetable is: Map, plan, and report in October, 2016, Environmental Review in November, 2016, Financing review in June, 2017, Design and Permits in 2017-2018, Advertisment for bids in 2018, Contracts in 2019, Construction in 2019, Start-up of service in 2020.
A referendum must be held before the project can begin and is tentatively scheduled for a date between November, 2016 and June, 2017. There are concerns about who will be eligible to vote and when the vote will be held in order to accommodate seasonal residents.
Dark Sky Initiative
Lynn Wuytowicz gave an illustrated presentation demonstrating responsible uses of outdoor lighting to avoid “light trespass” and disruption of neighbors’ comfort.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 a.m.
Martha Johnstone, Secretary

view 2016 Annual Mtg Minutes (PDF; 199 KB)