APOA AGM MINUTES
Held March 25, 2023 @3PM in the Gunbarrel Dining Room 23 Members pres.
Representing the Executive: Arnie Erickson – President, Barry Leigh – Vice President, Diane Pew – Treasurer
President’s Report – Arnie Erickson
It’s been another wonderful ski year.
Another community organization, the Apex Community Association, is moving forward with initiatives to meet the community’s needs.
We haver seen our property values increase – an indication of the quality of the ski resort and the lifestyle afforded Apex residents.
We have a short agenda with little activity involving mining and we are still dealing with forest harvesting issues. There has been a change in the way logs are being transported due to on site processing and this has posed an increased risk to the public on the Apex road.
We are losing board members and are hoping members will come forward and offer to take a place on the board.
Treasurer’s Report – Diane Pew
As of March 25, 2023 our accounts contain the following:
Checking account $2001.65
Savings $30.62
Term deposits of $14837.50 came due and reinvested into one $10,000 3yr term paying 5.5% and one 12 month cashable of $4933.98 paying 3.25%.
Expenses for the year totaled $2104.65
Road Report – Gord Reum
Unavailable – report to be given by Subrina Monteith
Guest Speakers
James Shalman – Apex Resort
This summer’s fire event had the potential to be a serious threat to the village. The crews of the BC wildfire service did a phenomenal job protecting the community. We were also fortunate that snow melt and rain earlier in the season increased the amount of moisture at higher elevations and winds during the fire were favorable in limiting its advance.
Apex like other ski hills has been dealing with a lack of available staff and have had difficulty recruiting personnel. Conditions were amazing for the start to season. Revenue for the year was up 23% but expenses were also up. The Resort’s safety record is better than the industry average. Up-coming work activities include summer grooming, painting of the lifts and generally sprucing up the village.
There are plans to purchase a new groomer.
A new water treatment system is being installed which will result in a rate increase for users.
Questions from the floor:
- Is a portion of payments collected set aside in a contingency fund for repair and replacement? Shawn Whittey’s answer was “yes”
- How is the water system maintained?
Shawn replied that maintenance was ongoing. - What other entities are associated with the Apex water license?
Shawn answered that the license for water is in partnership with the cattleman. - Regarding fire mitigation, could there be fire-smart work be done in the area below the waste transfer station and along the creek?
James replied that work was planned and that some of those areas no longer posed a risk. - Would a portion of the rate increase go to a reserve fund?
Shawn Whittey responded that the rate increase would go into a reserve fund for future repairs to water system. - Regarding rumors of effluent getting into Keremeos Creek.
Shawn replied that the creek is routinely monitored for water quality and has always been within required standards.
Subrina Monteith -Area I Director RDOS
Everyone is encouraged to Join Voyent Alert. Working on getting Apex our own postal code. For now property owners should mark their location with a “pin” in Voyent Alert to ensure that they get alerts. This summers fire event showed the value of the fire dept at Apex. Mutual aid from other fire departments was available because we now have a certified fire department.
Waste Transfer Station issues, Subrina reminded everyone of the scheduled large item pickup.
Questions from the floor:
- Could it be scheduled earlier for those who live out of town?
The RDOS will consider doing that but the greater amount of snow at that time will make it more difficult. - Where can condos place the large item for pick-up?
Refer to the handout or look on the RDOS website - There are problems with people not properly sorting their recycling
Efforts are being made to educate users but if compliance does not improve, changes will be made to the program. So far no organization is interested in taking on a bottle drive with the wine and beverage bottles that have been collected. - Regarding road maintenance: Let Subrina know if you have positive comments that she can pass on about the snow clearing work done by AIM.
Fire Hall – out to tender for design. Construction will possibly begin this summer.
Arnie then commented on the safety issue of dangerous encounters with logging trucks – log hauling has changed – now tandem trailers are being used. He wondered if there could be a role for pilot cars Larry Richardson stated that pilot cars are not feasible. He felt that education of drivers using the road would help improve safety when encountering logging trucks.
James said that there have been incidents involving Resort personnel and he has talked to the company He said that the company is concerned and wants to know when there is an incident. James said that he also wants to be advised of incidents involving logging trucks.
Stuart Seigel asked if there was anyone who did snow removal from roofs. No one was aware of any such service.
Elections
Arnie: One board member left and there is another possible departure which would leave us one short of our required number. He is asking members to seriously think about coming forward.
Meeting Adjourned