CORONA VIRUS: COVID-19 AND HOW IT IMPACTS
OUR COMMUNITY OPERATIONS
April 4, 2020
On Sunday, March 29, 2020 the Executive Board called an emergency meeting regarding the recent events which was held via video conferencing. At this time the board is implementing changes to operations to keep board members safe while still trying to ensure as little interruption as possible to services. We must be considerate of one another and remember that there are many members and board members, in our community who are considered “high risk” due to their age or to existing health conditions. Just following some few simple steps can help keep all of us safe while still enjoy-ing the outdoors safely and in accordance to state government directives at this most challenging time. As such, the following changes have been made:
- The Treasurer who up to now has been solely responsible for checking CAHC mail at the post office and making bank deposits will no longer due to being in the high risk category for covid-19. As such the president has taken over this task, and it will be done once a week. All check deposits have moved to Mobile Deposits with Chase Banking thus making physical bank visits unnecessary and it will be handled by the president until this health crisis passes. All mail and bills will be scanned by the President and forwarded to the Treasurer for her to take care of.
- The board is using a free online/video conferencing app called WebEx and will be holding meetings in this manner until it is safe to meet as a group. The community meeting is cancelled until further notice due to force majeure which means due to unforeseeable circumstances beyond the board’s control. Only where community operations and safety are concerned will meetings or votes take place at all. Email and text voting are illegal in the state of CT as it is in most states, so board meetings are restricted and can only be made via video conferencing where all board members can see and hear one another clearly-no exceptions.
- The board passed by unanimous consent on March 29, 2020 a temporary measure that no voting of any matter except matters pertaining to current day to day operations may be voted upon by the executive board until such time as it is safe for the board members and the community members to meet in person safely once again. This would include things like changes to the bylaws which requires a community vote, or large ticket purchases over $2,000 that are not emergency or operational in nature ( ex. Docks need a major repair or beach walkway lights stop working). Things like cabana repair, or decorative propane heaters, are nice to have but are not a necessity to community operations and therefore will be tabled until such time as normal operations can resume.
- As of 8 PM March 26, 2020 the Governor of Connecticut Ned Lamont has issued an executive order prohibiting a gathering of 5 or more people; this includes community, civic, leisure, or sporting events; parades; concerts; festivals; plays or live performances; and conventions. You should avoid groups of people in general and to keep at least 6 feet away from even one (1) other person wherev-er possible (social distancing). As such, all beach events or parties are suspended until further notice. For those planning events 8 weeks or more, we will check back with www.ct.gov/coronavirus website and we’ll advise at that time. As such beach usage is strictly limited to homeowners, residents and resident tenants of four (4) people or less and it is requested that you refrain from bringing guests to the beach. You are strongly encouraged to limit or avoid the beach until this health crisis passes.
- The board also passed by unanimous consent that any homeowner, resident, tenant resident or their guest who willfully and knowingly puts other homeowners at risk by ignoring the executive order by the governor of the State of CT in this pandemic situation and the emergency rules of CAHC such as having gatherings of 5 or more on the Candlewood Acres beach or on their boat while docked at the CAHC docks, may face fines and/or the loss of their beach and dock privileges for the season for placing members of the community at risk in a pandemic while under executive order by the state. We must all do our part and remember that this is a temporary measure which will be lifted the moment it is ruled safe to do so.
- The boaters meeting originally planned has been cancelled following state and CDC guidelines on social distancing. Once the docks are in place, those homeowners whose community/beach fees, dock slip fees are paid in full, and all related paperwork is submitted will be issued a dock key. The Dock-Chair will arrange with those homeowners individually and leave the key in your mailbox. If you need to speak with the dock chairperson or have questions please email Carlos Bahia at dock-chair@candlewood-acres.com
- Beach Clean Up day has been cancelled and dock staining was limited to member volunteers in accordance with state guidelines on social distancing. This year there will only be the very basics managed until this health crisis is past and it is safe to once again congregate and spend time at the beach. The beach will be tilled by the beach chair, BBQ’s will be cleaned and sanitized as will the chairs, pergola’s and kayak rack stained. Things like flowers and mulch will be addressed later in spring. If you have a question for the beach chairperson please email Mike Pinheiro at beach-chair@candlewood-acres.com
- The docks are not expected to go in for at least another 2 weeks as of this writing, possibly more. We are in regular contact with Tucker and Sons and will keep you updated via email, but they are currently closed to the public and under limited operations. Dock staining materials were ordered online and were delivered to the Dock Chair’s home thereby limiting public exposure. The kayak rack and pergolas have not been stained yet but will be organized by the beach and dock chair and will not be open to the community to participate in.
- If we are still under social distancing restrictions once the docks are in, and it appears that we will be, kindly board and exit your boat as expeditiously as is possible. Again, as noted in accordance to the states executive order limit your guests to a max of four or less, not only for your own health safety but also for the safety of others in the community. You are strongly discouraged from bringing guests at this time.
Thank you and please stay safe.
CAHC Executive Board