Board of Directors Meeting Unapproved June 19, 2025
I. Welcome and Opening Remarks V. Rakowski called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM
2025 Board Master Goals
• Long-Term Financial Plan
• Board & Committee Governance Review o Board Policy Manual o Committee Charters / Structure
• Establish Quorum / Roll Call by Secretary Present: Victoria Rakowski, President( Zoom); William Bennett, Vice President( Zoom); Daniel Blanton, Treasurer( Zoom); David Weber, Secretary; Robert Delecki, Cameron Geralds, Lindsay Miller, Nicholas Schulz( Zoom), Ross Trim Sr., Brian Rogers, General Manager, Nina Brinker, Assistant General Manager, and Julie Olds, Board Coordinator.
II. Executive Session To convene after regular meeting.
III. Approval of Meeting Agenda
Motion by D. Weber, supported by R. Trim to approve June 19, 2025, Meeting Agenda as presented. Motion Approved 9-0.
IV. Approval of Consent Agenda
Motion by L. Miller, supported by W. Bennett to approve June 19, 2025, Meeting Consent Agenda as presented. Motion Approved 9-0.
V. OPERATIONS / GENERAL MANAGER’ S REPORTS
Most, if not all, of this report has already been published through the Membership Minute blog.
A. HILLMAN AREA FIRE DEPARTMENT & CCR FIRE BRIGADE MERGER – After thoughtful consideration, years of planning, and extensive collaboration, I am pleased to announce that the Canada Creek Ranch Board of Directors, Hillman Area Fire Board, and the Montmorency Township Board formally approved an agreement with the Hillman Area Fire Department( HAFD) to provide another layer of fire protection services at CCR. This decision marks a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and protection of our members and property.
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Discussions about the potential merger has happened many times over the decades, but recent conversations began in 2021, driven by the need for long-term sustainability and risk mitigation for our club. Through hard work, open communication, and shared goals, all parties have now agreed to a path that provides substantial benefits for CCR and the area. Some key advantages for this transition are:
1. HAFD is a fully equipped governmental agency, offering a higher level of fire response capability, training, and equipment than what could be sustained independently by CCR.
2. Transitioning to a municipal fire department may result in reduced homeowners’ insurance premiums for members, as well as lowered premiums for the Ranch itself. Improved fire protection ratings can favorably impact insurance assessments.
3. Under this agreement, fire services are no longer limited to the boundaries of CCR. HAFD will respond to outside incidents such as structure fires at Clear Lake, vehicle accidents, and other emergency situations, ensuring our members and neighbors benefit from expanded protection.
4. By transitioning to a governmental fire service, CCR significantly reduces its financial liability and risk, and long-term exposure associated with operating its own fire brigade.
As part of this transition, current CCR Fire Brigade members who wish to continue serving have the opportunity to apply for employment through Hillman Area Fire Department. While CCR will no longer directly employ fire brigade personnel once the merger is finalized, we are exploring opportunities for members to remain engaged through a committee focused on fire prevention and support roles. We are deeply grateful to all who have served on the CCR Fire Brigade over the years. Their dedication and sacrifice laid the foundation for this next chapter.
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