Holiday Edition

Message from the IHC President.

by Scott MacPherson, IHC President

Happy Holidays to our island community! Tonight is the Winter Solstice meaning that as of tomorrow, the days are getting longer once again. I am happy to say…summer is coming!!!

We are in budget season and the executive committee has been reviewing data from 2023 and preparing a budget for 2024. Earlier this month, the Long Range Planning committee recommended a course of action to repair the failing infrastructure on the mainland pierhead. They identified a contractor who submitted a proposal to have the work completed early Spring 2024. To expedite the approval process, an email motion to approve the project using the capital improvement fund was distributed. We received nine cottage responses approving the motion. The long range planning committee has a representative from each cottage and is doing a fantastic job of planning and coordinating projects across the island.

We are scheduling the winter meeting for Sunday, February 4th that will again be held virtually this year. As defined, our agenda will primarily be focused on reviewing the 2023 financials and voting on the 2024 proposed budget. Please submit any proposals in writing 7 days prior to the meeting so the full agenda and budget can be distributed ahead of time. I will be sending out a friendly reminder in January.

Finally, keep an eye out for those town tax bills. Georgetown is conducting a reassessment as we speak. This was brought to my attention with the recommendation that we might be better positioned with a unified community response (rather than individual cottages) if needed.

THIS MONTH’S

TOP STORIES

Government Center

by Kari Jones, Island Engineer

The Long Range Planning committee has done an excellent job of coming together and combining forces to determine the best path forward with some of our more pressing infrastructure projects. Big thanks to the team for their contributions. Below is a quick highlight of the main topics, however more information will be provided in the winter meeting.

Mainland Pier Head: A motion was put forth to the community to give the committee approval to hire a contractor and secure their services to complete necessary repairs before docks arrive in the spring. Motion was approved.

Sea Wall: All quotes received to repair seawall proved to be prohibited and therefore the committee recommends to complete this project ourselves, utilizing specific work weekends in the spring and fall to steadily build up sections. Team leads have been identified, and more information will follow.

Moorings: Same contractor that agreed to do the work on the pierhead also offered to service our yacht club moorings. We are looking to group the home club moorings to be serviced as well. Any cottage that would like their own moorings to be looked at, considering Chuck Fuller is no longer in the mooring business, please reach out to Dave Robinson to funnel communication and interests.

Work Boat: Wrapped up for the winter. Center console and seat have been removed, and additional cosmetic work on the bow to be completed by Bill Plummer. Thank you to Corby Lane for letting us store both the new and old workboat on his property.

STORM UPDATE: A separate email will be sent regarding the latest storm and the work that needs to be immediately addressed. A big thank you to Dick Walker (and friends) for being our eyes and reporting back their findings.

Treasurer's Ledger

by Will MacPherson, IHC Treasurer

The work behind the treasurer transition continues as access to accounts and services require excessive logistical maneuvering (presumably for security reasons). But despite this, I expect to have an initial electronic payment solution available by the winter meeting. We have also begun putting together initial thoughts for the proposed 2024 budget which will also be communicated in advance of the meeting.

Additionally, I am pleased to share a rare piece of good news from our 2023 budget. Central Maine Power recently indicated that they made a mistake and have been overcharging the island at the wrong rate. They are issuing a refund and a customer service guarantee credit which combines to approximately $3,600. For now, we plan to divert those unexpected savings into the capital fund to help counter the recently approved pier head spend. What a nice holiday gift from our favorite regional utility.

Secretary’s Notes

by Kate Roloff, IHC Secretary

The updated distribution list for the IHC membership has been completed. Many thanks to the representatives who shared their cottage’s information with me. Once the website is up and running, we will continue to build a community directory and design methods to continuously revise member contact information, as needed. In the meantime, please contact me at secretary@islandhomeclub.org with any revision requests.

Community Announcements

From David Robinson -

COMPOSTING 101 IN 2024

Think back 152 years…no automatic dishwashers, clothes washers or dryers; no septic, and of course, no trash or garbage removal. HOW did our forefathers ever survive? Well, you can now take a step back in time – composting for the Island Home Club is ready for your refuge.

Two bins (collectors) have been built on the southern side of the Icehouse. One is already receiving “leftovers”. Please refer to the flyer distributed to all cottages which details acceptable materials for composting. There are two bins such that we can alternate years of collection and thus have rich soil each year for your geraniums.

So, take a trip back to the past and make your ancestors proud…and take a bow – you are now an environmentalist! GOOD JOB!

Important Dates:

Long Range Planning Committee Meeting - TBD
Monthly Board of Directors Meeting - Monday, January 8th
IHC Winter Meeting - Sunday, February 3rd

Photo of the Month

Old man winter watching over the place for us!

Island Home Club

Five Islands, Maine