RVIA Meeting Minutes
November 16, 2011

Present: Bill Sears, Stephanie, Nancy Stiuli, Bernie DiMauro, Tricia Amirault, Frank Ferri, Kevin Eiseman, Nick Papas, David Woisard, Linda Hagstrom, Désirée Schuler

The meeting began at 7 pm.

Old Business:

  1. Update on grand funds. Work at the end of Lippitt Park has been completed. The hole has been filled and sealed. It should be there for a long time. Some rocks have been placed over screening that will help prevent erosion. It looks very nice. The cost was $5,000, which leaves us with a balance of $17,500. The next project is to take care of the access on Cady and Mill Cove. Trash barrels are also on the agenda. We were going to commission two barrels and donate one to Rocky Point. Rocky Point does not want trash barrels, because there is no one to empty the barrels. Ron is vetoing trash barrels at the end of Lippitt since there have been several incidents of people behaving improperly or using the park for purposes other than the intended use. One problem is that the property next to the park is turning into a dog park. Ron doesn’t feel as if he should police the park. Nancy\’s idea was a barrel that is also a piece of art. Ron agrees that a well-designed barrel would be appropriate. Bill has put in an order for a sign that asks dog owners to pick up after their dog. The sign will also have a dispenser for bags. Another bench will also be added. It will be a stainless steel bench that will be cemented into the ground. Ron pointed out that more benches will attract more teenagers. Ron suggested a small picket fence to separate the park from the property next to it. To keep people from driving onto the property next to the park, we might want to ask the city to place large rocks on the side of the property. Bill will check with Kevin. Ron can place rocks this weekend, but he also suggested a white picket fence. A private property sign will also be posted.
  2. Sandra has the bricks. Dennis has agreed to help Nancy place the bricks.
  3. Membership is now on QuickBooks. Ron and Tricia have collected dues at events and will mail a letter to those who have not paid yet. So far 46 people have paid dues. At least 42 members have not yet paid.
  4. 34 dollars were collected during the hayride from non-members. The hayride cost $300.
  5. The question of service donations came up. Ron can set up a system to keep track of the actual value so that we know how much it actually costs to run the organization. The category will be called miscellaneous donations. To make a budget, the association needs to know what the annual expenses are. The question of, “What is truly an association sponsored event”, came up.
  6. Nancy spoke to Kevin about the street signs, and he said the signs are in, but one of the men who installs them is out on workman’s comp. We will receive the old signs for the silent action.

New Business:

  1. Food drive is Saturday. Someone has already dropped off a donation.
  2. Stockholders meeting is on Sunday at 4 pm. The meeting will be held at Frank’s house.
  3. Do we need a membership drive? Nancy shared a document Stephanie and Frank picked up at the Conimicut Association that explains all the benefits of being a member and also contains a membership application. Nancy will put a letter together.
  4. A question about a welcome basket/bag came up. The information we have is outdated.
  5. Christmas caroling will take place Saturday, Dec. 17. It will start at Lippitt Park.
  6. Stephanie wondered if we can use some of the block grant money for the fence and some sea grass. Nancy will check with Kevin Sullivan if we can use the money for the fence instead of two new benches. Post and rail will be a great option for the fence.

Meeting adjourned at 8:02.