St. Martin's by the Bay

Minutes

Lisa Smith, secretary. The minutes of August 14, 2026 were approved by text on September 7, 2026 and have been posted on the website.

Announcements

Lynne Partridge.

• The county water project is on track. Engineers have had to redesign a small portion to relocate two fire hydrants across Beauchamp Road in order to avoid an unwilling neighbor’s easement.
• Lee Beauchamp dropped off the deed of easement to Bill Custead today at 3:00 pm, to be signed by the County and the HOA. Patty Pino is to sign for the HOA. This is the last step for USDA approval, and the association can then move forward with the public water project. Fire hydrants are to go on Marina Drive, Riverview, and Nova Court.
• A motion was made to grant the County an easement for placement of the fire hydrants.
• Thank you to Craig Costantino for spending over 50 hours developing and redesigning the new website. Rentals will need to register guests to use the pool during the rental period. In his words: “The new site is now organized around the things residents actually need to find, including community news, meeting minutes, water information, pool information, marina and boat information, wetlands, association information, documents, forms, events, community resources, and other records.”
• Board members can now be assigned different roles to add information and documents to the website. That access is password protected.

Treasurer’s report

Patty Pino.

• Income: $163,769.14
• Expenses: $79,827.42
• Operating income: $84,024.28
• General fund: $71,000.00
• Trash increased by $100.00

Web design and communications

The old website will redirect to the new one, www.stmartinsbythebay.com. Kudos to Craig for the complete redesign.

Architectural review

Notes from the October 1, 2026 Architectural Committee: a request for approval of a private pool at the Montgomery property on Marina Drive.

• Ask them to add the setback dimensions to the site plan so the board can confirm that everything complies with HOA requirements. The HOA setbacks to verify are 30 feet from a property line abutting a street, 30 feet from a property line abutting a waterway, 50 feet from a rear property line abutting a waterway, and 8 feet from a side property line that does not abut a street or waterway.
• There is a question about what the finished fence will look like, including the location, height, and material.
• Patty was asked about a fireplace and an obstructed view. Patty is fine with it, as it does not obstruct her view.
• The board will discuss a 40-foot setback because the lot is angled. HOA regulations require 50 feet, but one side of this angled lot is only 40 feet. HOA approval is needed to grant a variance.
• Jeff will get back to the board with a final decision about the pool fence.
• A vote will be held when the County issues the permit and a final decision on the fence is made.
• Feedback from potential buyers continues to note the shabby appearance of the townhouses. Letters have gone out to the townhomes in need of repairs.

Water

Well

No issues to report since the new company has taken over. It has been 14 months with no new issues.

County water and disputed land

Survey results of the back field are to be shared with the Snyder farm owner. This will take a few weeks.

Pool and warehouse

Craig Costantino. The pool will be winterized in mid-November.

Lawn care

Next year, Parking Lot A’s island is to be included in the budget, because it is HOA property. Estimates will be gathered to schedule maintenance of the HOA’s gardens.

Burn pile

Scheduled dates are still to be determined. This policy will be sent to all residents. It is effective immediately.

Burn pile policy

• The burn pile is for homeowners’ use only.
• Only homeowners may dispose of approved burnable materials.
• No dirt, mulch, litter, metal, or processed wood is permitted.
• Debris is limited to trees and bushes only. Please put the debris on the existing pile, not on the ground next to the pile.
• Outside contractors, subcontractors, landscapers, tree services, construction crews, and any other commercial contractors are prohibited from dumping or disposing of any materials on the burn pile, unless the debris is from homeowner properties within the subdivision only.
• Homeowners are responsible for ensuring that anyone performing work on their property complies with this policy.
• Unauthorized dumping by contractors may result in the homeowner being held responsible for the removal and disposal of the materials, and may result in additional action by the association.

Wetlands

Cutting needs to be scheduled for both sides of the dock, coordinated with the burn pile and the day after Thanksgiving. Volunteers will be asked to help. A text chain will go out to neighbors to help clean up the wetlands.

Kayak and paddleboard storage

Plans are not settled. Materials are to be included in the 2027 budget. John Rego will spearhead the plans.

Boat dock and yard

Andrew Davis and Janie Stopford.

• A suggestion was made to spend money to replace the boardwalk up to the dock. Estimates will be requested from three contractors to replace all of the boards.
• No Diving signs are to be put on the dock for the safety of all.
• The tennis courts may be restructured to accommodate larger boats for storage. An estimate from Chris Ramey covers the suggested cost to take down the fence halfway, add bigger boat storage on half of the tennis courts, and repair the other half of the court for pickleball, basketball, and similar use. Security cameras will need to be wired.
• The bid plans include resurfacing the courts, a new fence and gate, and room to expand boat storage.

Septic field and pumps

Janie Stopford and Bill Custead. No report.

Driveway and dumpsters

Craig Costantino and Bill Custead. A load of gravel is to be added to fill gaps in front of the warehouse and on the driveway to the dumpsters.

New business

Dog leash law

According to Worcester County, this area is considered rural. The County advised that the HOA board must have its own leash law in the bylaws for it to be enforced. The association has established leash laws in accordance with county laws.

Weeping willow

The weeping willow by the cluster boxes on Marina Drive has grown unruly, and its branches are hitting cars leaving the parking lot. Residents would like the tree trimmed and suggest having a tree service evaluate whether it needs to be removed, as it leans significantly. Bill Custead has volunteered to trim it.

ADU usage

Becky West is to follow up. A structure can be put on owned property, and the HOA bylaws cannot dispute that. The HOA will reach out to the County for more information.