Dear <<First Name>>,
 
The decision to close the pool for the 2020 swim season was difficult choice. We did not feel confident that we could guarantee a safe environment for all of our members and staff.  We could not in good conscience burden our members and staff with the health risks, the charge of navigating, adhering to, and managing social distancing rules, or imposing rules limiting access to the pool at specific times. In order to cover operational cost, we asked that each shareholder pay a $150 holding fee to cover operational expenses. Those expenses included, but not limited to grounds maintenance, legal and professional fees, taxes and licenses, utilities and security. These expenses are necessary to keep our pool fees low and our pool maintained. 
 
 
The decision for to institute a holding fee was made based on the Swan Lake Swim Club Bylaws. Even though the bylaws do not specifically address what to do in the event that the club is unable to open, it does address a voluntary member leave of absence.  That policy, section 3, Membership dues, states:
 
(f) Membership Leave of Absence: In the event circumstances preclude a member's use of the club for an entire season, that member, upon written request (prior to the April 1st due date for dues) may be excused from paying dues for that season upon approval by the Board. (updated 8/2015) 

1. A $100.00 holding fee will be charged for the privilege; 
2. This privilege will be permitted once; 
3. All member privileges will be suspended for that season; and, 
4. Members who do not return the following year will forfeit their share fee. 

The purpose of Swan Lake is to operate a swimming pool and provide an area for recreation for the benefit of the members of the corporation on a nonprofit basis in Baltimore City, State of Maryland. Full-share members are fully vested shareholders of the corporation as described in these by-laws. Associate members are non-shareholding users of the pool with limited privileges. The Swan Lake Bylaws state, section 11, Member Indebtedness:
 
All members must pay their dues in a timely fashion as determined by the Board. Any member failing to pay dues or indebtedness before the 10th day of the month following that in which a statement of his/her indebtedness shall have been sent to him/her by the Treasurer shall be notified that, if such indebtedness is not paid within fifteen days thereof, the delinquent member may be suspended by the Board. Any person thus suspended shall immediately be notified in writing by the Secretary of his/her suspension, and (s)he shall cease to be a member if his/her indebtedness is not paid in full within fifteen days after the sending of such notice. The Board may, at its discretion, reinstate any member upon request and repayment of all indebtedness to the corporation.
 
 
You are receiving this letter because we have not received correspondence or a promise to pay by November 15, 2020. Communication was sent via your provided email via Member Splash as well as Facebook announcement. We are extending the deadline for payment to November 30, 2020. If you are able, please provide payment of $150 by November 30, 2020. If you are under financial hardship, please contact Swan Lake Membership at membership@swanlakeswimclub.org. Your membership is important to us and we are here to work with you. Even though summer 2020 was a bust, let’s look to make the future pool seasons possible with your payment.
 
 
 
Sincerely, 
 
The Board of Swan Lake