Board Meeting Minutes 4/27/26

Summary

• Community Dues Improvement: Dues collection in 2025 rose to 71% with $21,000 raised, enabling a budget surplus for new projects.

• Security Camera Initiative: A free police-monitored camera will be installed at the main entrance, with subscriptions for additional cameras being explored.

• Signage and Landscaping Upgrades: New low-profile signage will be voted on; landscaping improvements include street sign repairs and entrance light restorations.

• Community Event: "Rose at the Ridge" will be held on May 13th, fostering community connection with food, drink, and music.

• Board Nominations: Nine candidates nominated for board roles, with community committee participation encouraged for broader engagement.

• Town Liaison Support: Councilwoman Walsh emphasized accessibility for community concerns and offered help with local infrastructure issues.

Full Notes

Community Dues and Budget Allocation

The community improved dues collection to 71% in 2025, providing a stronger financial foundation to support maintenance and new initiatives.

• Dues collection increased to 71% with $21,000 raised, enabling a budget surplus for reinvestment (05:24)

  • About 300 homes pay $100 per home, and roughly 85 homes did not pay in 2025.

  • Collection success credited to updated homeowner contact info and proactive communication.

  • The goal for 2026 is to reach 90% collection, which would increase optionality for community projects.

  • Payments for 2026 opened immediately after the meeting, with 6 homes already prepaid.

• Budget breakdown revealed half the funds go to landscaping and sump maintenance, with remaining for utilities and communications (07:02)

  • Main expenses are landscaping at three entrances and recharge basins at Maple/Orchard and the Dell on the Rise.

  • Smaller costs include sprinkler repairs, insurance, website hosting, and SMS/email communications via Constant Contact.

  • The budget surplus allows for reinvestment guided by the incoming board.

• Website enhancements improve dues payment transparency and community information sharing (08:27)

  • The website shows payment status updated weekly and provides news, meeting minutes, FAQs, and upcoming event info.

  • Homeowners can submit payments online and access community updates easily.

  • The board welcomes suggestions to add more content and improve usability.

• Community dues increase from historic 50% to current 71% signals greater engagement and financial stability (08:42)

  • Michael Goodman highlighted that previous collections barely covered expenses; now surplus enables new projects.

  • The board plans to leverage this momentum to fund security cameras, landscaping, and social events.

Security Camera Initiative

A free police-monitored camera will be installed at the main entrance, with paid subscription options being explored for other entrances to enhance neighborhood security.

• Police department agreed to install and cover cost of a license plate scanning camera at main entrance (11:18)

  • The camera installation is pending power source verification and town approvals.

  • This solution offers free monitoring and investigative support to the community.

  • Glenn Vogelman and Michael Goodman emphasized the camera as a major step forward after years of break-ins.

• Subscription-based cameras for two other entrances are being considered, costing about several thousand dollars annually each (12:36)

  • This option avoids upfront equipment and installation fees but requires ongoing payments.

  • The board is evaluating budget feasibility to cover these subscriptions if dues collections improve.

  • The goal is to have consistent coverage at all three entrances.

• Community discussions favored cameras over costly security patrols, which are currently unaffordable (13:50)

  • Cameras offer a budget-friendly alternative to neighborhood security cars.

  • The police camera is considered a great first step, with more to come if budget allows.

Signage and Landscaping Upgrades

The board will refresh entrance signage and improve landscaping while addressing maintenance issues and infrastructure challenges.

• Low-profile signage options for the Shadow Lane and Plainview Road entrance will be put to community vote (14:16)

  • Three design options with consistent black/gold colors and fonts were presented for selection.

  • Voting will be done via email and WhatsApp with a deadline next week; if quorum is lacking, the board will decide.

  • The signage must be low-lying due to safety concerns at the dangerous turn onto Plainview Road.

• The board plans to repaint sign poles and repair or replace damaged street signs throughout the community (17:51)

  • Residents are encouraged to report any street sign damage via the website contact form.

  • This refresh aims to improve aesthetics and safety across the neighborhood.

• Maintenance efforts include restoring power to entrance lights, cleaning recharge basins, and power washing brickwork (19:12)

  • Issues with electrical power at Jericho Turnpike entrance are being resolved with the water district.

  • Nassau County will remove dead trees and debris from recharge basins, after which the community may replant trees for better screening.

  • Flower and shrub replacements are planned, with efforts to secure water access on Shadow Road’s south side for landscaping.

• A letter was submitted to Jericho Water District to repaint the rusted water tower visible from nearby homes (22:49)

  • The board will work with affected homeowners on color and design choices.

  • This aims to improve neighborhood appearance and property values.

Community Social Engagement

The first social event in years, “Rose at the Ridge,” will foster community connection and support neighborhood spirit.

• “Rose at the Ridge” social gathering scheduled for May 13th at a resident’s backyard, featuring wine, beer, hors d’oeuvres, and live music (23:09)

  • The event runs from 5 to 8 pm with a rain date on May 14th.

  • Invitations with RSVP QR codes have been sent via multiple communication channels.

  • The event welcomes all residents for casual or extended participation to meet neighbors.

• Event RSVPs can also be submitted via email for those unable to use the QR code or website (24:21)

  • Email contact is provided on the community website.

  • This event marks a step toward rebuilding community participation after a hiatus.

Board Nominations and Community Involvement

Nine potential board members have been nominated, with nominations closing soon; committees remain open for broader resident participation.

• Nine candidates have been nominated for the board, including one president, secretary, treasurer, and trustees (25:07)

  • Michael Goodman is nominated as president; Seth Eggert as secretary; Glenn Vogelman may continue as treasurer.

  • If no additional nominations emerge by Sunday, no election vote will be needed.

  • Current nominees represent strong community participation.

• Several residents have volunteered for committees in social, safety/security, neighborhood improvement, and social media roles (26:40)

  • Rebecca Zinn leads the social committee with assistance from Alexandra and others.

  • Michael Lubman and Josh Goldgrove are engaged in safety and security.

  • Joseph and Jillian contribute to neighborhood improvement and social media respectively.

  • The board encourages all interested residents to volunteer via email.

Town of Oyster Bay Board Liaison and Community Support

Councilwoman Vicki Walsh outlined her role as an accessible liaison for the community, promising advocacy on roads, safety, infrastructure, and services.

• Vicki Walsh emphasized accessibility and responsiveness, offering direct contact for community concerns (27:38)

  • She urged residents to call or email her directly, providing her cell phone and email for accountability.

  • Walsh acts as a bridge between residents and various town, county, and state departments.

• She acknowledged major challenges including road maintenance, snow plowing, and infrastructure repairs (31:20)

  • Walsh explained the high cost of road work and encouraged residents to report plow issues promptly for correction.

  • She highlighted ongoing efforts to fix damages caused by town operations, such as mailbox repairs.

• Walsh offered to assist with signage issues, safety concerns, and other local infrastructure problems (37:21)

  • She requested community help in reporting problems like blocked signs and missing storm drain grates.

  • Walsh committed to following up with county and town agencies to address maintenance delays.

• She clarified the board’s structure and functions, including budget oversight and service provision (36:12)

  • The board consists of six council members, a supervisor, a town clerk, a tax receiver, and other officials.

  • Walsh also promoted town resources such as passport services and community event listings.

• Walsh agreed to investigate specific resident questions on storm basin function, natural gas access, and sanitation services (47:06)

  • She noted that natural gas line expansion depends on neighborhood willingness to fund road repairs.

  • She explained that private garbage pickup is common in the community, with town recycling services provided separately.

  • Walsh offered to gather detailed answers and coordinate with Nassau County representatives for future meetings.

• Walsh committed to ongoing community engagement and support, encouraging residents to reach out for any issues (59:36)

  • She expressed eagerness to attend future meetings and work closely with the board and residents.

  • The board plans to share her contact info widely to facilitate communication.

Action items

Glenn Vogelman

• Send out voting materials for entrance sign options via email and WhatsApp to gather community input by the upcoming week (58:15)

• Coordinate with Vicki Walsh on follow-up regarding sump basin maintenance, entrance power issues, street sign repairs, storm drain grate replacement, and gas hookup investigations (41:00)

• Collect and share a list of street signs in disrepair from residents for cost estimation and maintenance coordination (17:51)

• Provide a running list of resident questions to Vicki Walsh for follow-up (54:00)

• Facilitate inclusion of answers from Vicki Walsh and Nassau County contacts on the community website and communications (54:40)

• Organize the next community meeting including inviting a representative from Nassau County to explain local infrastructure issues (55:25)

Michael Goodman

• Continue communicating with residents regarding dues collection for 2026 and encourage sharing of contact information for follow-up on unpaid dues (06:30)

• Post website updates and help community members navigate dues payments and event RSVPs (09:00)

• Assist in disseminating information and answers to community questions obtained from Vicki Walsh in future communications (54:50)

Jason Mairowitz

• Assist with entrance sign voting content and field questions regarding signage design and maintenance (14:00)

• Report missing or damaged signs affected by plow damage to Vicki Walsh and the town for repair (58:45)

Residents / Community Members

• Submit nominations for board and committee positions before the Sunday deadline (55:00)

• Report any street sign or hardware disrepair or storm drain damages via website contact form or email (17:51)

• RSVP for the “Rose at the Ridge” social event via QR code or email (23:20)

Vicki Walsh

• Provide direct assistance and follow up on community concerns including storm basins upkeep, missing street grate covers, road maintenance, snow plow damage repairs, gas service issues, and garbage collection policies (38:57)

• Share her direct contact information with community for easier issue reporting (35:00)