ANNOUNCEMENTS

This meeting was managed by Appletree Resource Group and the minutes posted were taken by Appletree.

                                                      Sunrise Lake POA

                                      Meet the Candidates Meeting Minutes

                                                               Via Zoom

                                                         August 29, 2026

                                                                1:00 PM

Attendees:

• Candidates: Diane Meyerhoff, Michael Ryan, Elaine McCarthy, Linda Donelan.

• Jim Ott (ARG) (Mediator).

• 13 property owners attended in person at the SLPOA office and 8 property owners attended via zoom.

The meeting started at 1:03 PM and adjourned at 2:24 PM.

Meeting summary

Quick recap

This was a board meeting to introduce candidates for three available positions on the Sunrise Lake Property Owners Association board. Four candidates participated: Linda Donelan (running for the first time with extensive insurance/finance background), Elaine McCarthy (retired teacher with 26 years in the district), Michael Ryan (8-year resident and current board member who teaches ESL/English), and Diane Meyerhoff (long-time resident since 1984 and current board member). The meeting followed a structured format where candidates gave two-minute self-presentations, answered questions from residents both in-person and via Zoom, and concluded with closing remarks. Key topics discussed included property maintenance issues and enforcement challenges, garbage and recycling services, vehicle access and security measures, pool safety and lifeguard staffing concerns, and the board's approach to confidentiality and transparency. All candidates emphasized their commitment to working collaboratively with the existing well-functioning board and maintaining the community's positive direction.

Next steps

• Investigate the feasibility of implementing a hold harmless agreement for residents using roads illegally with ATVs/quads and consult with attorneys on the matter. 

• Look into alternative options for vehicle identification stickers, such as decals for side windows, to improve visibility and compliance. 

• Revisit the possibility of hiring lifeguards for the pool next season if applicants are available. 

• Continue to explore options for more frequent dumpster days or alternative waste disposal solutions to help residents clean up their properties. 

• Maintain and promote the use of the events committee and other committees to encourage resident involvement. 

• Ensure that all residents are aware of the ballot process and encourage timely submission. 

• Maintain transparency and open communication with residents, as per the current practice of the board.

Summary

Board Candidate Introduction Meeting

The meeting was a candidate introduction session for a board election where four candidates were running for three positions. The candidates introduced themselves, with backgrounds ranging from teaching and insurance to current board service, and discussed their goals including resident engagement, property value protection, and community improvements. The discussion included 2 questions about property maintenance issues, with candidates explaining current enforcement challenges and their approaches to addressing unsightly properties in the community. 

Community Amenities and Dues Discussion

The meeting focused on discussing community amenities and dues, with particular attention to garbage management options. Linda explained that while Conestoga's dues appear higher at first glance, when garbage costs are factored in, residents there actually pay less than Sunrise residents who pay over $500 separately for garbage service. She clarified that she was not advocating for changing to a dumpster system, but suggested exploring more frequent dumpster days as a potential improvement to help residents clean up their properties more frequently. The discussion also touched on concerns about management companies and board governance, with one candidate expressing opposition to bringing in a management company, stating that the current board is functioning well.

Garbage Services and Access Control 

The meeting focused on discussing garbage pickup services and community access control. The board explained that previous attempts to implement community-wide garbage pickup were rejected by voters, including both year-round residents and vacationers, as it would result in higher costs for permanent residents while summer homeowners would not contribute. Regarding vehicle access control, the board clarified that while vehicle stickers are required, implementing a gate system is not feasible due to limited space in the community.

Community Gate System and Recycling

The board discussed concerns about implementing a gate system and resident stickers, with SLPOA expressing openness to suggestions for compliance but noting current lack of incentives. Ajay suggested enhancing recycling programs to address community waste management needs, and the board confirmed a metal recycling day is scheduled for September 12th. The discussion highlighted ongoing challenges with enforcing rules in the community, particularly regarding a difficult case involving court orders that has been ongoing for two and a half years.

Property Management Company Discussion 

The meeting discussed several topics including sticker placement on vehicles, management company considerations, and board confidentiality. Mike clarified that Linda had requested considering a property management company, though this was made public unintentionally through a Facebook post. The discussion included a historical perspective on previous investigations into management companies and garbage services, with most options found to be not cost-effective. The meeting also addressed board confidentiality, with board members confirming they do not discuss resident information outside of board meetings and sign confidentiality agreements, though they may seek feedback from community members without identifying specific residents.

Illegally Used Road Safety Measures

The board discussed concerns about dirt bikers and children using roads illegally, particularly noting increased safety risks. They explored the idea of sending a hold harmless letter to put illegal users on notice that Sunrise would not be liable for injuries, though legal complications were noted regarding proper identification of perpetrators. The board agreed to consult with attorneys about drafting a blanket hold harmless agreement.

Lifeguard Staffing Concerns Discussion 

The board discussed concerns about lifeguard staffing at the pool, with SLPOA questioning why they didn't hire available lifeguards despite having three applicants willing to work. The group acknowledged a national lifeguard shortage and discussed liability concerns, with some members expressing support for hiring lifeguards if budget allows while others raised questions about coverage during gaps in staffing. The conversation ended with board members expressing their desire to continue serving, followed by instructions about the upcoming election process and ballot submission. 

Sunrise Lake Public Safety can be reached at (570) 618-1758.

If you have an emergency, please call 911.

The pool will open on Memorial Day weekend Saturday, May 23, 2026 through Monday, May 25, 2026. It will be open weekends only until June 5, 2026 when it will be open 7 days a week for the season.

Hours:

Daily from 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

POOL RULES:

SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK

1. The Sunrise pool is limited to Residents in good standing and their guests who must sign a liability waiver before entering the pool area.

2. The on-duty Pool Staff is in charge of the pool at all times.

3. The Pool Staff reserves the right to close the pool whenever the safety or health of the residents is endangered or during inclement weather or if the air temperature is below 60 degrees. 

4. The Pool Staff reserves the right to deny persons access to the pool upon evidence of illness, skin diseases, open wounds or sores or discharge of bodily fluids.

5. Children 14 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult (18 years old or older). Children 15-17 years of age must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

6.  Children must be supervised at all times, including restrooms, concession area, pool areas and picnic/playground areas. 

7.  Guests must be accompanied by a Sunrise Lake resident in good standing. (A maximum of 4 guests with the resident’s guest passes. Additional guests will be charged $2 each). If the group is not using a Sunrise registered vehicle, the pool attendant will then issue a Guest Parking Pass which must be displayed in the car prior to guest entering the pool area. 

8.  No glass containers of any kind are allowed in the pool area. 

9.  No animals are allowed in the pool area. 

10.  No alcoholic beverages or smoking is permitted in the pool area. 

11. Conduct that may endanger the welfare or comfort of other guests is prohibited.

12. No flotation devices are permitted in the deep end. 

13. No running or horse play on the cement area surrounding the pool. 

14. Diving off the sides of the pool is allowed ONLY in the deep end of the pool. 

15. Non-swimmers and swimmers requiring floats are allowed only in the shallow areas of the pool.  

16. For the safety and protection of all, social conversations with the Pool Staff, when on duty, is not permitted. 

17. No infant will be allowed in either pool unless wearing leak-proof swimmer diapers.

18. The association is not responsible for the loss of valuables. 

Yesterday the contractor began assembling heavy equipment in Sunrise.
 

The plug in the dam drainage pipe has been deflated and water is draining from the lake into Rattlesnake Creek in preparation for the work necessary to complete the temporary repair of the lake overflow system. This repair will take place over the next week or so. The permanent pipe replacement and overflow system project will not begin until we receive DEP approval of the plans that were submitted earlier this year. We don't anticipate this happening until, at the earliest, Spring/ Summer 2023.
 

In addition to the pipe repair, Wayco will be completing the work on the culvert at Rattlesnake Creek and Wild Meadow.
 

They will also be milling, repairing pot holes and paving Cabin Road including the intersection with Sunrise Drive to approximately Turf Road plus paving Cobblestone Road to Brownstone.
 

We are asking everyone to be understanding and patient as there may be temporary road closures, detours, and delays. Drive carefully and be extra aware of the workers, school children and residents.  If you can avoid the areas where the work is taking place that would be helpful. The contractors will do their best to have the least impact on the community, but they have to get the work completed. We are in contact with the bus drivers focused on keeping the buses moving and children safe. We will update as we have more details.
 

If you have any questions or concerns call the office at 570-686-1880 or email the board at slpoabod@sunriselake.org or contact Security at (570) 459-3336.

Property owners, guests or tenants are not permitted to park any vehicle on community roads and/or easements (easement is 5 feet from the edge of road) from November 1st to April 1st