Collings Lakes board approves bill payments after dispute over contractor invoices

The Collings Lakes Civic Association reviewed a detailed treasurer's report and voted to pay a subset of outstanding invoices after several board members urged withholding some contractor payments until work is complete.

Vice President Donna Sutts called the Dec. 2 meeting to order and the treasurer presented line items including late fees of $3,502.48 and a stated Total Revenue of $13,051.40 and Gross Profit of $19,019.00. The report listed professional fees, legal collections and several tiered association and dam fees. Account balances were read aloud: Operating account $278,545.25; Dam MM $496,919.44; MM $81,705.60.

During review of unpaid bills, the board heard a list that included Pennoni Associates invoices totaling $51,765.75 and an RD Zeulli invoice of $91,099.95 marked “Hold Until Completed.” Bob Kauffman said the Pennoni charges were for work on Lake George and Lake Albert, not Cushman, and that the only new charge related to gabion mattresses. Jen Kauffman urged withholding Pennoni's payment until Dam Safety responds regarding a design approval.

"We have to pay for work already done, not for future work," Donald Watson said while proposing a cautious approach to vendor payments. After discussion, Donald Watson moved to pay bills, seconded by Donovan Saunders. The motion passed on roll call with four yes votes (Donovan Saunders, Beth Anderson, Donna Sutts, Donald Watson) and one no (Lynn Veneziale). The minutes list total bills of $153,433.93 and an amended amount paid of $62,238.98.

The treasurer's report was also subject to a separate approval motion earlier in the meeting; that motion was seconded and carried despite an objection recorded from Lynn Veneziale.

Board members did not set a public timeline in the meeting minutes for when withheld invoices would be revisited beyond the notation that some items are on hold until completion or Dam Safety review.

The board adjourned following routine business.