Appletree Point Road Shoreowner Association 2026 Annual Meeting
Appletree Point Road Shoreowner Association
2026 Annual Meeting
The Association held the 71st Annual Meeting at 7:30 pm, kindly hosted by the Ardells at 195 Appletree Point Road.
Attendees:
Helene Langevin, Mike Early, Rolly Delfausse, Terry Miller, Eric Miller, Chris Campbell, Doug Campbell. Andy K. (Secretary - absent), Amanda Reid. Kit Ardell, Shanta Eastman.
Topic: Secretary's Report
Key Points: Minutes from last year's meeting are available on the association's website, as listed on the notice.
Topic: Treasurer's Report
Key Points: Current balance as of August 2026 is $10,480.30. Half of the funds (approx. $5,000) were placed in a CD.
Topic: Road Report - General Maintenance
Key Points: No money has been spent on the road this year.
Maintenance is on hold, waiting for the building at the Larson's old place to be finished, as heavy trucks are still wearing the road apart. More gravel will be needed once construction is complete.
Jeff, Chris, and Doug have been working to flatten the road to keep potholes at bay, but it won't be in perfect shape until next year.
A recent water main break at 410 (Andy and Ethel's old place) was repaired by the city at no charge to the association, as it's a city water main. The pipes were surprisingly deep (6 ft) and old.
Topic: Road Report - Snow Plowing Policy Change
Key Points: The city notified residents that they will no longer plow privately owned roads starting October 31st. Plowing will stop at the Gilmans' property, where the gravel section begins. The city listed several reasons for stopping service on private roads (e.g., not deeded over to the city, incorrect width, no sidewalks).
The city offers to plow private roads at a charge of $140 per hour, per visit. The area affected by this change includes properties past the Gilmans, up to Shanta's cabin. There is a city ordinance requiring roads to be kept "open and passable" but no specific snow depth is defined.
Last winter, the city plow sometimes stopped at Terry Miller's mailbox, leaving the rest unplowed, which was addressed by contacting the city. This was reportedly due to some properties not being taxed as year-round residences. The new house being finished will be a year-round residence, potentially changing the situation for plowing, as the owner works at the hospital.
Opinions / Perspectives:
Concern about the cost of city plowing ($140 per visit, potentially multiple times a day during a storm). Uncertainty about emergency service access with unplowed roads. Interest in understanding city requirements for road passability (e.g., minimum snow depth).
Suggestion to "play it by ear" but also a recognition that a decision needs to be made by October 31st. The mud from melted snow on a dirt road makes it harder to traverse. Optimism that private plowing might offer more control. The narrowness of the road makes it difficult for large city plow trucks.
Topic: Beach Report - Vegetation
Key Points: The beach vegetation (grass/trees) has been less problematic this year compared to last year. Last year, significant effort was made to pull trees that were growing everywhere.
The late arrival of growth this year is speculated to be a reason for reduced vegetation.
Topic: Beach Report - Dog Messes/Signage
Key Points: A previous assignment (from last year) to research signage for dog messes confirmed that putting up signs on private beach property is permissible.
There is a city rule about picking up dog messes.
Dog messes are occasionally observed on the beach, especially closer to "that side" (further down the beach), and are mostly from smaller dogs. Dog messes are not good for the water quality. Some people pick up dog messes but leave the bags on the beach. Existing "No Trespassing" signs are present further down the beach. The proposed location for a sign would be where people typically enter the beach.
Opinions / Perspectives: Consensus that the main concern is dog messes, not necessarily dogs on the beach. Desire for signs that are welcoming but also request responsible pet ownership ("Please pick up your dog messes"). Willingness to fund a sign from the beach fund or individually. Concern about who would take down/maintain the sign during winter or high water levels. Agreement to look for existing sign designs rather than "reinventing the wheel."
Topic: Dues Recommendations
Key Points: Last year's vote for dues resulted in very few payments.
The treasurer found the collection process to be an administrative burden.
The association currently has a healthy balance of over $10,000.
Vote: Dues will not be collected this year.
Topic: Old Business - Neighborhood Security & Incidents
Key Points: Camping on the Point: Terry reported seeing a tent set up on the point. It was hidden from view and quickly disappeared. Security cameras did not show anyone entering or leaving by road.
Car Break-ins: Recent car break-ins have occurred in the neighborhood (within the last couple of days). These appear to target unlocked cars, not smashing windows.
Stolen Bikes: Bikes were taken from a back shed at one house, and a different (new-looking) bike was left in the driveway. Another resident's son's bike was stolen from the side of their house.
Suspicious Person: A man has been seen trying to enter a resident's house (Jamie's renters), claiming ownership. He is described as unhoused and sometimes dropped off in a lime green Jeep.
Trailer Accident: A landscaper's trailer broke loose, crashed through several trees (birch, hemlocks) and a neighbor's mailbox. The landscaper retrieved the trailer and left without fixing the damage or returning, despite promising to. Video footage captured the incident, and neighbors helped identify the landscaper. The trailer narrowly missed a parked truck.
Wildlife: Security cameras have captured deer, raccoons, possums, a bear, a fisher cat, and a black striped cat (possibly a stray or wild cat that pounced on a baby mink).
Topic: Committee Vote
Key Points: The existing Board was reelected for the coming year.
The meeting ended at 8:25.
Submitted:
Jeff Haig/Amanda Reid (acting secretaries)
posted by Jeff at 7:52 PM
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