POA Executive Board Minutes 05/11/2026 (Unapproved)

PINE ORCHARD ASSOCIATION
Executive Board Meeting Minutes

Monday, May 11, 2026 – 7:00 PM

1. Call to Order

President Matt Barez called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM.

Board Members present: George O-Dowd, Richard Greenalch jr., Niall Ferguson, Thomas Roche, Karen Jubanyik, David Scheer, Andrew Ruff (virtual), Vin Giordano.

Office Manager Peter Robinson.
 Absent: David Silverstone, Kerri Beckert

2. Approval of Minutes

Approval of the Executive Board Meeting Minutes from March 2, 2026.

Motion: Thomas Roche, seconded by Richard Greenalch jr., motion carried.

3. Officers and Committee Reports

1. By-Laws
   David Scheer reported no committee activity.
2.  Treasurer

George O-Dowd reported that there is an expected surplus in our legal budget. Discussion points for next year’s budget were identified with building maintenance and shoreline maintenance needing review. Most budget spending has been consistent for the last three years. The stair repair on Island Avenue came in underestimate with a savings of approximately $2000.

Tax Roll is unchanged from the previous year. Budget and Mill rate will be discussed at a future meeting.
(see attached report)

•  Zoning
  Thomas Roche reports that there is currently one home which is pursuing a building permit through our Zoning and may be looking to appeal to the ZBA. Board members discussed zoning, height, and setback considerations and potential solar panel visibility concerns.
•  Nominating

Kerri Beckert absent.

Nominations to be addressed in a future meeting. No other report.

• Building

Andrew Ruff provided an update regarding interest in a property/storage space. A non-profit organization expressed an interest in renting the space for file storage purposes. Board members discussed the proposed rate from the potential renter.

Thomas Roche made the motion to offer a 1-year lease at $200 a month, paid quarterly, first quarter in advance. Seconded by Vin Giordano. Motioned carried. Follow up discussion clarifying details followed.

•  Waterfront

Karen Jubanyik reports that the stairs repairs are completed. The gate at the end of Island Avenue is in the process of being replaced, and the signage which notifies residents about association property will be reinstalled. Selden Avenue stairs were completed in 2025. There is one more wooden stair set which the board anticipates needing to be replaced sometime soon. Lastly, the board is working to identify the developer granted access to Pine Orchard residents to the beach through Juniper Point.

•  Office Manager
  Peter Robinson reports on the coordination and timeline of tax collection and the annual meeting. All Officers and board members will be in attendance. The Pine Orchard Chapel has been reserved for the meeting on Monday July 6^th.

March 6^th a neighbor reported an automobile theft.

Notes will be sent out to residents who need to trim bushes and hedges to help improve visibility on our roads. Peter has worked with Vin Giordano to identify areas of concern.

Gutters on the POA building have been quoted for replacement/improvement, depending on the project size and scope, the cost is estimated between $900- $4000,  Matt Barez asked for an estimate on the age of the roof, and it was estimated that the roof was installed sometime around 2002.

• Beautification

David Scheer reported on the landscaping/ irrigation potential project on Spring Rock Road access.

4. Old Business:

Whibey hearing concerning the agreement was decided in our favor in April. Pine Orchard’s Attorney is working to get the agreement signed.

Matt Barez reported that owners of a dog which others had deemed aggressive have installed a fence as well as dog feces around our building.

5. New Business

Matt Barez reported on the costs of carrying the POA building.  Treasurer George O-Dowd and others proposed whether or not we should turn the building back to the Town of Branford. Expenses such as repairs, insurance, and other carrying costs were brought up to the board. The board discussed that we ask the Town of Branford to consider carrying some of the financial burden.

Thomas Roche mentioned the placement of mailboxes and parking on Spring Rock, Crescent Bluff and Halstead.

6. Public Commentary

No public commentary

7. Board went to Executive session

Meeting adjourned at 8:53 pm by a motion by Thomas Roche, seconded by George O-Dowd.

(Minutes provided through transcript of recorded meeting)

Respectfully Submitted,
Kerri C Beckert
Clerk,  Pine Orchard Association