Whiteplains UNICOM #4: Organization – Volunteers

One of the goals of this year’s Board has been to create more community involvement, therefore we developed an organization that we believe will encourage more participation.

The Architectural Review Board is mandated by the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (a legally-binding document, by the way). Its members are appointed by the Developer until such time as the Developer transfers control of the ARB function to the Association. This transfer took place for Phase I a while back, hence the Board was able to appoint Dennis Ramsey (chair), Cindy Ross and Bob Chatham to the Phase I ARB. At the start of this year, the transfer has not yet taken place for Phase II, so Jim Wheat continued to chair the Phase II ARB. Last month, the developer transferred Phase II ARB responsibilities to the Association. Jim then joined the unified ARB as a fourth member, and Dennis Ramsey’s team is now responsible for both Phase I and Phase II.

The Whiteplains Pilot’s Association was created by the Board in 1999 to be a social organization and to promote camaraderie and flying safety. The Pilot’s Association has a history of electing its own President; in January, the pilots elected Lee Van Wormer. Lee is focusing on health issues these days, so, until Lee can resume his position, Ray Hill will be Acting President of the Pilot’s Association.

A few years back, the Board created the position of Airport Operations Manager to facilitate the many daily functions that are needed to keep the place up-and-running. Over time, this volunteer position (filled by Lee Van Wormer) expanded to a scope that was well beyond the capability of any one person. In order to provide additional support for our rapidly-growing community, this year’s Board created three new volunteer positions in its place: Aviation Operations Coordinator, Residential Operations Coordinator and Communications Coordinator. The jobs were first filled by Jim Causey, Bill Como and Nancy Van Wormer, respectively. Their tasks, in brief, are to recruit and coordinate the efforts of residents to accomplish the work that needs to be done, and to report status back to the Board/officers. Jim has since turned the Aviation job over to Don Cook.

The five Board members, plus the ARB Chair, Pilot’s Association President and the three Coordinators, constitute the Whiteplains Leadership Team. Their meetings have been, and will continue to be, announced to everyone by e-mail, and any property owner is welcome to attend.

Ken Plesser, President
Whiteplains Plantation Association