D R A F T  (Still a Work-in-Progress)

 

 

In the mid-1960s, Avon was a rural community with many farms and lots of open space.   Although the population was growing, Avon was still considered a small town with less than 5,000 residents.

 

The growth of Avon was spurred by many developers who saw the potential of such a beautiful area just a short drive from bustling Hartford.  One such developer, Buena Vista Homes, Inc. (Buena) was the owner and developer of large tracts of land lying on both sides of Country Club Road known as “Country Club Estates”.  The principals of the firm were Louis Lipman and William Alexander, both of West Hartford. 

 

To improve the attractiveness of the neighborhood, they approached existing homeowners with the idea of building a recreational facility whose ownership will ultimately transfer from the developer to the members of the club. 

 

The first draft of the original Carriage Club bylaws was completed in September, 1966.  Membership eligibility was described as follows:

 

“Any owner of a home built or to be built on any lot or any part of land now or formerly owned by Buena in Town of Avon” can join the Carriage Club.  There was a potential of 200 families that could have become members, of whom 40 initially joined.   Specifically, the following were allowed membership:

• Any home on Country Club Estates
• Owners of the 12 homes on the south side of Country Club Road contiguous to Country Club Estates
• Any home on Carriage Drive and Highwood as of September 1, 1966
• Owners of the Phelps home on Lovely Street
• The Bender and Vaill homes on Country Club Road

 

Since its inception, the Club has been concerned with the neighborhood.  It has never been interested in becoming a country club or commercial type pool.  Included in the initial draft of the bylaws was the following:

 

“It is the intent of the founders that the Club be a neighborhood club created for the pleasure of the persons living only in the above named sub-developments and other contiguous groups of homes who may from time to time be added to eligibility for membership. 

 

The 40 original members were each assessed $335, with the proceeds paid to Buena.  The Club was to become the owner after an additional 160 members each paid $365 to Buena.  (The $365 was increased to $400 in 1969 and remained at that level until 1985).

 

In January, 1967, a zoning application was filed requesting a special use grant for a “neighborhood club”.  The following wording was included: “The use of the property shall be restricted to neighborhood swimming, tennis, basketball, volleyball, badminton, horseshoes, and other minor outdoor games”.  The membership was limited to:

1. present and future residents of Highwood subdivision
2. Country Club Estates subdivision
3. Buena Vista subdivision located on the north side of Country Club Road

 

The Planning and Zoning Commission granted a Special Exception approval to permit the construction of the Carriage Club pool in association with the Country Club Estates subdivision.  The Club was built on two house lots on Brookmoor Rd.

 

On July 20, 1967, the property was filed with the Town of Avon.

 

In April, 1968, the IRS recognized the Carriage Club as tax exempt under section 501(d)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

Throughout its history, the Club was a vibrant and focal point of the neighborhood, with many people volunteering their time to keep things running. From the Club inception until 1985, membership was about 50 – 60 families each year, drawn from the original 200 homes.  Nearly 20 years after the Club was founded, there were major repairs needed to the tennis courts and swimming pool.  Due to the financial situation of the Club, the Board of Directors wanted to create an “associateship membership” where families from a specified neighborhood (outside the original 200 homes) could join.   However, the lease with Buena Vista Homes, Inc. did not allow this.  Negotiations were undertaken to provide this option to the Club.  In addition, the property was turned over to the Carriage Club from Buena for $1. 

 

In 1986, membership increased from 52 to 74 families, and to 77 by 1987.  However, there were still financial problems.

 

After the 1987 season, the members voted for an assessment of $150 for each member.  Subsequent new members would be charged an initiation fee of $150 in addition to regular annual dues.  The initiation fee for new members has remained since then and has gradually increased to $225.

 

Not all members were pleased with the vote to assess everyone $150, and about 15 – 20 members chose to drop out of the Club.  New members were desperately needed.  In 1988, the Club and Buena Vista agreed that the original “neighborhood” be enlarged to include some additional streets for purposes of membership eligibility. However, members from the new streets could not be owners. The bylaws were amended.

 

Classifications of Membership – The changes in who could join the Carriage Club resulted in different membership categories as follows:

• Class I (or “charter members”). The owners from the original 200 homes.
• Class II (or “associate members”). Those who joined the Carriage Club from the expanded neighborhood after 1985.   They paid higher dues for a number of years, at least in part to reflect the fact that these members had never paid the $335 - $400 amount paid by Class I members.  They also did not have any ownership rights.
• “Sponsored Members” - Those who joined the Club who lived outside the areas covered by Class I and Class II members.  A family could not just choose to become a member; they had to be “sponsored” by an owner.  A maximum of 20 sponsored memberships were permitted.

 

The different classifications of memberships became an ongoing source of confusion and controversy.  There were different ownership and membership rules applied to the classifications.  There were issues on how to handle a situation where a member moves from one area to another.  The question was raised as to the proper category of someone who joins from one of the original 200 homes and pays the $150 initiation fee (but not the $400 that other Class 1 members paid until 1985).  It was suggested that they be given their own “Class 1 – Special” category, unless they chose to pay $400 instead.

 

In 1993, a Carriage Club Bylaws Task Force was created in order to address membership and capital issues.  The membership limit was decreased from 105 to 100.  There were major issues regarding the ownership of the Club.  A proposal was made and accepted that all members (both “owners” and “non-owners”) would thereafter be considered to be owners.

 

The original owners in particular felt that something was being taken away from them.  They believed there was a potential financial interest applicable to them should the Club cease to exist.  A group of them banded together to research and review bylaws and legal documents pertaining to the Club.  They brought to the attention of the Planning and Zoning Commission that the 1988 amendment to expand the eligibility area violated the original special use grant. 

 

The Town of Avon hired an attorney to review the situation with the Carriage Club.  The attorney agreed that the Club did violate the special use grant.  The Commission subsequently informed the Club that they could either remove the members residing outside the original neighborhood or request a variance.  The Club opted for the latter and started operating under a special use variance that allowed them to have members outside the original neighborhood.

 

In October, 1994, the by-laws were amended again.  The planning and Zoning Commission gave the Carriage Club permission to draw members from within a ¾ mile radius, subject to a maximum of 100 members.  (Current members living outside this radius were grandfathered in).  This was valid for 2 years.  There were now about 800 homes eligible for membership.

 

In October, 1995, the Carriage Club obtained a bank loan for $60,000 and a newly restored swimming pool was completed.  A new above-ground filtration system was installed, new gutters and surrounding decking went in, and the insides of the pool were freshly plastered and painted where needed.

 

In February 1996, the membership area was expanded to include all of Avon, with a maximum of 110 members.  This was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission on a temporary basis for two years.

 

The Carriage Club went before the Avon Planning and Zoning Commission on February 24, 1998 to see “to maintain and/or make permanent its membership limit and membership eligibility area” approved in February 1996.  The Commission approved of our maintaining the numbers and area limit for another two-year period under one condition: “The Carriage Club management shall exert reasonable efforts to minimize noise”.  The approvals were finally made permanent in 2000.

 

Membership, however, averaged around 80-85 families for those years and for several years after 2000.  The Club continued to thrive, and was able to keep its financial situation in check while paying down the 15 year mortgage on the pool.

 

2005 was a breakthrough year when the Board elected to heat the pool.  It was a significant investment for the Carriage Club, which began to pay off the following season.  Starting in 2006 and every year since, the Carriage Club has filled to capacity with 110 paid members, and with a waiting list which has been growing each year.  In July, 2006, we were able to pay down a big chunk of the mortgage as well as refinance at a favorable rate.  The remaining balance of the mortgage was paid off in early 2008.

 

The Carriage Club Today

More than 40 years after the Club was first envisioned, it still continues as a neighborhood Club operated by its members who volunteer their time.  Although Avon has grown tremendously and members come from all over town, the same friendly spirit exists.  Old traditions such as the new members social, the family day BBQ and picnic and the end of season social continue year after year.  Spring and fall clean-up days (with the usual coffee and donuts) always attract eager volunteers to do some work.  Our newest tradition of ice cream socials on the last and first days of school are the most popular events.  The Friday night “wine downs” are always fun.  The plantings and other beautification activities help give the Club a homey feel.  As each generation of members puts in their share to help the Club, it will continue to exist for the enjoyment of all.

 

 

Editors Note: This history is still a “work-in-progress” and will be updated periodically.  Much of the information contained here are from files with Carriage Club records going back to its inception and numerous e-mails and club newsletters over the years.  If anyone has additional information that may be of interest or has any questions, please call 673-6885 or e-mail daviddiamond2@comcast.net.

 

Carriage Club Membership Numbers

 

1967                 41

1968                 53

1969                 58

1970                 55

1971                 59

1972                 59

1973                 59

1974                 62

1975              

1976

1977                 57

1978                 61

1979                 61

1980                 59

1981                 58

1982                 55

1983                 55

1984                 52

1985                 52

1986                 74 (Boundary expanded)

1987                 77

1988                 75 (Boundary expanded)

1989                 89

1990                 93

1991               101

1992               101

1993               100

1994                 89

1995                 82

1996

1997               103?

1998

1999

2000                 90

2001                 84

2002                 86

2003                 91

2004                 93

2005                 94

2006               110

2007               110

2008               110

 

Above figures from printed membership history log in the 1995 binder and from club records based on membership lists as well as minutes from Board meetings.  Due to changes in membership numbers during the season, there were some discrepancies in the numbers; attempt was made to be as accurate as possible.

 

Carriage Club Board

 

1967         Bill Heronemus, Chairman

Ken Brooks, Treasurer*

Bob Eden

Bill Bauer

Bert Dully

 

1968         Bill Heronemus, Chairman

Lorraine Becker, Treasurer*

Bob Eden

Bill Bauer

John Hartman

Bert Dully

 

1969         Rich Kuchnir, President

Lorraine Becker, Treasurer*

Pete Bernard

Dick Lennox

John Hartman

Bert Dully

 

1970         Rich Kuchnir, President

Dick Lennox, Vice President

Ruth Pandiscio, Secretary

Ed Grew, Treasurer*

Pete Barnard

Don Cummins

Joe Lester

 

1971         Joe Lester, President

Don Cummins, Vice President

Ruth Pandiscio, Secretary

Betty Lennox, Treasurer*

Morgan Betts

John Greulich

Gordon Hendrickson

 

1972         Gordon Hendrickson, President

Bob Christopher, Vice President

Ann Stevens, Secretary

Betty Lennox, Treasurer*

Morgan Betts

John Greulich

Ted Osinksi

 

1973         Jack Elliott, President

Ann Stevens, Vice President and Secretary

Frank Hatch, Treasurer*

Maureen Zachariasen, Social

Ted Osinski, Pool

Bill Richards, Tennis & Grounds

Bob Christopher, Membership

 

 

1974         Bill Richards, President

Maureen Zachariasen, Vice Pres. and Secretary and Membership

Frank Hatch, Treasurer*

Gerry Rice, Social and Membership

George Linn, Pool

James McCusken, Grounds

Jack Elliott, Clubhouse & Tennis

 

1975         Bob Eden, President

Charles Caley, Treasurer*

Gail Gemme, Activities

Roy Zachariasen, Grounds

Alice Betts, Activities

Joe Kelly, Membership

George Linn, Pool

 

1976         Alice Betts, President

Charles Caley, Treasurer*

Gail Gemme, Activities

John Pappalardo, Membership

Brian Scott, Grounds

Edward Venner, Pools

Gerry Leonard, Tennis

 

1977         John Pappalardo, President

Charles Caley, Treasurer*

Brian Scott

Don Studley

Edward Venner

Gerry Leonard

Ann Licopantis, Secretary

Mary McBrayer

 

1978         Rudy Presutti, President, Membership

Gary Corliss, Vice President, Building & Tennis

Ann Licopantis, Secretary

Gary Corliss, Treasurer*

Don Studley, Grounds

Mary McBrayer, Social

Tom Dembik, Pool

 

1979         Rudy Presutti, President and Grounds

Gary Corliss, Vice President & Treasurer

Joanne Hatch, Secretary

Tom Dembik, Pool

George Lawless, Building

Judy  Whitehead, Social

 

1980         George Linn, President

Gail Grant, Secretary

Gary Corliss, Treasurer*

George McCannon

George Lawliss

Ted Osinski

 

1981         George Linn, President

Gail Grant, Secretary

Gary Corliss, Treasurer*

George McCannon

Pat McFaddin

Ron Hick

Ted Osinski

 

1982         George McCannon, President

Pat McFaddin, Secretary

Gary Corliss, Treasurer*

George Linn

Paul Donahue

Bob Tansor

Margaret Pappalardo

 

1983         Paul Donahue, President

Margaret Pappalardo, Secretary

Gary Corliss, Treasurer*

Ron Hick, Pool Maintenance

Keith Baldwin, Pool Maintenance

Don Armour, Grounds

Rita Pelligrini, Social Activity

 

1984         Keith Baldwin, President

Ron Hick, Vice President

Rita Pelligrini, Secretary

Gary Corliss, Treasurer*

Don Armour, Pool Grounds

Daryl Ellef, Social Activities

Gregory Wilde, Membership

 

1985         Greg Wilde, President

Don Armour, Vice President

Carole Baldwin, Secretary

Gary Corliss, Treasurer*

Daryl Ellef, Social Activities

Michael Decicco

Edie Koplecheck

Linda Meyers

 

1986         Mike DeCicco, President

Linda Meyers, Vice President

Carole Baldwin, Secretary

Jeff Shapiro, Treasurer

Sara Beebe

Edie Kopelcheck

Peter Ellef

 

1987         Sarah Beebe, President

Maryann Linn, Vice President

Stephen Philbrick, Secretary

Jeff Shapiro, Treasurer

Jim Moor, Membership

Peter Ellef, Social

 

1988         Stephen Philbrick, President

Maryann Linn

Jim Moor, Treasurer

Rolin Sugg

Jim Leonard

Ann Flynn

 

1989         Scott Remley, President

Rolin Sugg, Vice President

Ann Flynn, Secretary

Jim Moor, Treasurer (non-Board position)

John Peluso

Greg Peck

Jim Leonard

 

1990         Scott Remley, President

John Peluso

Greg Peck

David Dee

Gina Beare

Alfred J. Geiling, Treasurer

 

1991         David Dee, President

Alfred J Geiling, Treasurer

Becky Blankenbicker

Jim Leonard

Ralph Betancourt

Gina Beare

Jim Felds

 

1992         Barbara Leonard, President

Polly Philbrook, Vice President

Ralph Betancourt, Secretary

Brenda Geiling, Treasurer

Mary Lou Gold

Gina Beare

 

1993         .

Alfred J. Geiling, Treasurer

Bert Dully

 

1994         Mike Dicicco, President

Howard Spargo, Vice President

Maryann Linn, Secretary

Scott Stevens, Treasurer

Ed Doyle

Bert Dully

 

1995         Howard Spargo, President

Mario Fabrizzio, Vice President

Maryann Linn, Secretary

Scott Stevens, Treasurer

Mike Dicicco, Past President

Charley  Herbert

Ed Doyle

 

1996         Charley Herbert, President

.

 

1997         Carl Sauerbrunn, President

Ralph Gobell, Treasurer

 

1998         Howard Spargo, President ??

Ralph Gobell, Treasurer

Eric Estes, Membership

 

1999         Kathleen Bowlby, President

Carl Foster, Secretary

Holly Ryan, Treasurer

Eric Estes, Membership

 

2000         Todd Chappel, Co-President

Rich Getz, Co-President

Carl Foster, Secretary

Holly Ryan, Treasurer

Vivian Little, Membership

 

2001         Rich Getz, President

Todd Chappel, Vice President

Peggy Gorham, Secretary

Dave Diamond, Treasurer

Vivian Little, Membership

Susan Lane

Ken McGovern

 

2002         Paul Hammick, President

Brian Dirgins, Vice President

Diane Beir, Secretary

Dave Diamond, Treasurer

Peggy Gorham, Membership

Susan Lane, Lifeguards

Ken McGovern

 

2003         Paul Hammick, President

Brian Dirgins, Vice President

Walter Schuppe, Secretary

Barbara Hillmeyer, Treasurer

Diane Beir, Membership

Andrea Murphy, Lifeguards

Jim Gorham

 

2004         Bill Holloman, President

Dave Yost, Vice President

Eileen Carroll, Secretary

Barbara Hillmeyer, Treasurer

Diane Beir, Membership

Andrea Murphy, Lifeguards

Mary-beth Hart

Walter Schuppe

                       

 

2005         Bill Holloman, President

Andrea Murphy, Vice President

Margaret Cooper, Secretary

Vince Blea, Treasurer

Mary-beth Hart, Clubhouse/Grounds

Geoff Perry, Lifeguards

Dave Yost

 

2006         Bill Holloman, President

Geoff Perry, Vice President, Membership

Margaret Cooper, Secretary

Vince Blea, Treasurer

Sue Arciero, Lifeguards

Cheryl Edwards, Clubhouse/Grounds

Andrea Murphy, Social

 

 

2007         Bill Holloman, President

Geoff Perry, Vice President, Membership

Margaret Cooper, Secretary

Jill Rendeiro, Treasurer

Stacey Biernat, Lifeguards

Cheryl Edwards, Clubhouse/Grounds

Sally Stapleton, Social

 

 

2008         Bill Holloman, President

Geoff Perry, Vice President, Membership

Margaret Cooper, Secretary

Jill Rendeiro, Treasurer

Stacey Biernat, Lifeguards

Cheryl Edwards, Clubhouse/Grounds

Linda Horrigan, Clubhouse/Grounds

Sally Stapleton, Social

 

 

Treasurer not considered on the Board of Governors from inception through 1985.  Club records were sometimes unclear as to exactly who was on the Board vs who headed up a particular committee.  Attempts were made to correctly identify Board members, along with specified position / title.  We regret any inaccuracies.

 

Carriage Club Timeline

 

1966

• Letter sent from Buena Vista Homes, Inc. to Residents of Country Club Estates soliciting interest in having an “Association Swimming Pool and Tennis Court to be built and erected, on a non-profit base, in Country Club Estates, Avon”.
• July – Initial meeting of area homeowners to establish a committee to work with the builders.  Committee continued to meet on a regular basis.

• July – Proposal for the Carriage Club presented by Scott-Paddock Swimming Pools of Woodbury, CT.  Original plans called for a 15’ x 12’ wading pool (in the area to the right of the clubhouse entrance) and shuffle board courts at the back (to the right of the mechanicals).  Total estimated cost of project was quoted at $35,200.  Cost was roughly equal to the average price of new homes sold in the neighborhood at that time.

 

1967

• March 28, 1967 – Organizational meeting held with the election of 5 members to the Board of Governors.
• Initial membership assessment of $365 ($335 for first 40 members); annual dues of $67.
• July – Carriage Club executed a lease with Lou Lipman and Bill Alexander of Buena Vista Homes, Inc. wherein Buena Vista was to lease the facilities to the Carriage Club while looking to the eventual ownership of the club to the Carriage Club. Under the lease, the Carriage Club is obligated to turn over any new member assessment to Buena Vista Homes, Inc.
• July 5, 1967 Carriage Club News (Vol. II, No. 2) tidbits:

-          May 31 opening was made impossible by the weather, the truckers’ strike, and late delivery of the filtration pumps by Scott.

-          Expected opening: Thursday, July 6^th.

• July 20, 1967 - Property at 111 Brookmoor Road sold to Carriage Club, Inc.  (No price listed, per town records).

 

1968  

• Carriage Club granted tax exempt status by the IRS.
• Initial membership assessment remains at $365; annual dues of $68.
• 45 members (of the ultimate 53) distributed as follows:

-          Brookmoor Road (10)

-          Timber Lane (10)

-          Carriage Drive (9)

-          Candlewood Lane (5)

-          Country Club Road (5)

-          Highwood Drive (3)

-          Hillsboro Lane (3)

 

1969

• Minutes of the annual meeting held in March reported on the Club’s difficulty with the IRS in its attempt to deal with its lifeguards as independent agents.  Ultimately, the Board conceded to treat the lifeguards as employees, and pay Social Security taxes owed with interest, but elected to meet with the IRS to dispute a $46 penalty.
• Initial membership assessment remains at $365 until June 15^th; $400 thereafter.  Annual dues increased to $80
• Tennis courts completed and open to members and their guests.

 

1970

• Annual dues of $88.
• Anonymous donor provides Carriage Club with pump for pool.

 

 

1971

• Annual dues of $90
• CT State law requiring payment of a 10% amusement tax to be paid by all members of any private club with a membership dues of over $50.  This generated much discussion among the Board, with the outcome being that the Club was not exempt.

 

1972

• Annual dues of $90 plus 10% CT State Tax = $99 total
• First annual Carriage Club clam bake (end of season social).   Per the flyer: “$5.50 per person – Lobsters, clams on half shell, steamers, corn & a barrel of beer…….Dress requirements – old shirts & slacks.”

 

1973

• Annual dues of $90 + $10 capital fund + $10 CT State Tax = $110 total
• Guest fees for adults double to $1.00 from the original $0.50 since Club inception.  They remain at $0.50 for children.
• Minutes from a July Board meeting states “It was decided to try informal T.G.I.F. Adult Happy Hour parties at 6:30 on Fridays.  Ice and plastic cups to be provided by the social chairman.”
• 59 members distributed as follows:

-          Brookmoor Road (20)

-          Carriage Drive (9)

-          Timber Lane (7)

-          Country Club Road (6)

-          Candlewood Lane (4)

-          Highwood Drive (4)

-          Hillsboro Lane (4)

-          Old Mill Road (4)

-          Terrace Drive (1)

 

1974

• Annual dues of $90 + $10 capital fund + $10 CT State Tax = $110 total
• “Summer of ‘74” regular events listed in catalog:
1. Arts & Crafts -  Wed & Fri 10 am – 12 pm
2. Volleyball game -  Wed 7 – 8:30 pm
3. Two on Two Teen Tennis -  Tues & Thurs 4 – 6 pm
4. TGIF or Wish You Were Here -  Fri 6:30 pm
• .“Summer of ‘74” special events listed in catalog:

1.     You Deserve a Break Today (all day picnic / BBQ)

2.     NMSNMBNMTDL for School Kids (NoMoreTeachersNoMoreBooksNoMoreTeachersDirtyLooks)

3.     Strawberry Pickin’ Finger Lickin’ Jubilee

4.     Tenting Tonight (Could this be an overnight campout?)

5.     Gourmets & VINO (Saturday evening adult social)

6.     Annual Clam Bake

• Sept. 20 meeting with entire membership to discuss whether the Club should acquire ownership of the Carriage Club premises.  Club has been leasing the facilities from Buena Vista Estates, but certain conditions have been met that allows membership to acquire ownership.  The meeting also included a discussion on the feasibility of providing ice skating on the tennis courts during the winter.

 

1975

• .Annnual dues of $100 +$5 capital fund + $10.50 CT State Tax = $125.50 total

 

1976

• Annnual dues of $115 +$5 capital fund + $12 CT State Tax = $132 total
• Tennis courts resurfaced at a cost of $2,500.

 

1977

• Down Home BBQ menu: Barbequed spareribs, prime flank steak, roasted corn in the husk, three bean salad, special cucumber salad, tomatoes country style, rolls and corn muffins, peach shortcake, toasted marshmallows, beer.

 

1978

• Jan. 24, 1978 - Carriage Club becomes full responsibility of its members.
• Annual Dues = $162.80

 

1979

• .Annual Dues = $168.00

 

1980

• Annual Dues = $192.50
• Initiation Fee for new members remains at $400.00 (since 1969); additional “Chair Fee” of $15.00 (which was in existence for at least one year previously).

 

1981

• Annual Dues = $192.50
• Club is open from June 20^th – Labor Day, a longer season than in the past.
• Feb 1 - Special membership meeting approved the authorization of the Board of Governors to accept title of the pool from Buena Vista. 
• July - Title to the Carriage Club is still bound up in a zoning problem as Buena Vista in process of dissolving.
• July 9 - Informal board meeting held in the pool (90 degrees plus)

 

 

1982

• Annual Dues = $192.50; New member assessment = $376.20.
• Expenditures of over $3,000 for the repair of two electric motors, pump house sandblasting, fiberglassing, and new doors, consumed Club’s entire reserve of funds.

 

1983

• Annual Dues = $200.00
• Each member assessed additional $40.00 due to deficit.

 

1984

• Annual Dues = $210.00
• Additional assessment of $35 on each member to make up deficit.

 

1985

• Annual Dues = $269.50 (increase to hopefully avoid additional assessment)
• Carriage Club has Monte Carlo night.
• July - Liability insurance increases from $140 to $2,150 per year by present carrier prompting the Board to decide to contact several agents about getting a better rate.
• July 25, 1985 – President of Carriage Club resigns due to job transfer, Vice President assumes the Presidency for the duration of the term.  One new board member added to fill the vacancy.
• September - The Carriage Club considers “Associate Membership” and initiates dialogue with Buena Vista Homes and their attorneys.  This would involve getting new members from outside the initial area specified in the original agreement.
• October 24, 1985 – At a special meeting of the general membership, unanimous vote to approve the proposal formulated by the Board for the transfer of title of the Carriage Club to the members.  Per the meeting notice: Remaining mortgage note of $27,623.00 would be taken back by Buena Vista Homes if the Carriage Club turns over all new membership assessments covering 1986 – 1992.  Furthermore, if total membership falls below 120 members, the Club shall be able to solicit associate memberships outside of the original membership plan as set forth more specifically in a lease between Buena Vista Homes, Inc. and Carriage Club, Inc., dated July 17, 1967.
• December – The Club was officially turned over to the membership.  By-laws updated to reflect the change and agreed upon conditions.

 

1986

• Gary Corliss retires as Treasurer of the Carriage Club after serving for the past eight years.
• Board agrees to increase the membership by 25 members which would bring the total membership to 77.
• Board sets up several sub-committees to oversee various operations of the Club:

1.     Membership (already in place)

2.     Pool Maintenance

3.     Tennis Court Maintenance

4.     Building and Grounds Maintenance

5.     Social Activities

• Members who discontinued their membership can rejoin the Club without paying the $400 initiation fee if done within a 30-day grace period.
• April – By-laws updated.  It included details about Class I (full membership) and Class II (associate membership), including which streets were eligible for associate membership.  The key difference is that full members have a pro rata share in ownership of the assets of the Corporation as well as voting rights.  In addition, associate members have annual dues at least 11% gr