Wexford Homeowner’s Association
Minutes of the Annual Meeting
May 11, 2010
I. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm by President Tom Cook.
II. Verification of Quorum: The presence of a quorum, in accordance with the bylaws of the association, was certified by Secretary Randall Epperson. There were twenty (20) households represented in person and twenty-seven (27) represented by proxy.
III. Introductions: Introductions of the members of the board were made by Tom Cook.
IV. Secretary’s Report: Randy Epperson read the minutes from the annual meeting held May 4, 2009. Motion to approve the minutes as submitted was made by Sal Vita and seconded by Diann Barbacci. They were approved as read with no dissent.
V. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Claudia Covell presented the proposed budget for the year 2010. This budget is based on ninety-eight (98) households in the neighborhood paying annual dues of $ 225.00 representing a $ 25.00 increase per household over last year’s annual dues. The status of dues collections was reported. At this time, collections total $ 21,225.00. Seven (7) households have not paid their annual dues and two homes are currently involved in bankruptcy proceedings. Two households have paid all dues that were in arrears.
Ms. Covell reported that the county government announced just today that there will be an increase in the rates for water and sewer for residents of Forsyth County. This increase is anticipated to be ten percent (10%) and is not reflected in the proposed budget as submitted to the homeowners. As a result, there will be a slight increase in the amount actually spent for utilities at the pool facility. Additionally, the cost for insurance for the pool property has increased by $ 238.00 to a total of $ 2031.00.
In general, there were no major increases in expenditures proposed in the new budget. Members present were reminded that this is an estimate of operating expense and that the actual figures will vary.
Upon motion by Sue Kubiak, seconded by Diann Barbacci, and passed without dissent, the treasurer’s report and proposed budget were approved as submitted.
VI. Pool Facility Report: Director Terri Cullen reported that the board has contracted with a new company for the maintenance of the pool for the year 2010. The new company is Scuba Clean, operated by Jack Robertson. The initial impression of this company is very strongly positive. Mr. Robertson has made numerous trips to the pool so far this year, and is proving to be of great value as we begin preparations for the pool opening. We are anticipating a high level of service and feel that this move will solve the issues of proper maintenance not covered by Splash Pools in the past.
Ms. Cullen announced that the pool will be opening on May 22, 2010 and will remain open until September 25, 2010. The hours of operation on the pool certificate are from 6:00 am until 10:00 pm each day.
The board authorized the replacement of the winter cover for the pool. This new cover has a 25 year warranty and should be much more effective in keeping detritus out of the pool in the off season making the spring clean-up and opening much easier.
The grounds keeper reported to us that the cost of the material for continuing the resurfacing of the parking lot has increased. As a result of this, the anticipated cost for this material is $ 740.00 – more than the $ 575.00 allocated for this line item in the proposed budget. Upon motion by Jeff Oves, seconded by Diann Barbacci, and no dissenting votes, this expense was authorized by the association.
It was noted that we have lost two Bradford Pear trees over the last few years as a result of weather and natural conditions. A discussion was held regarding whether to remove the remaining two trees, or to let them live their natural lives. The consensus was not to remove those trees, but to investigate the costs of pruning them to a more healthy shape. Additionally it was agreed that the two missing trees would be replaced with holly trees.
After discussion, a homeowner (Richard Portela) volunteered to grind the stumps of the two missing trees when he has possession of a machine to do so – later this spring / summer when he is doing some personal yard work – at no expense to the association.
Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Oves volunteered to ‘spruce up’ the flowering plants around the entrance to the pool.
VII. Pool Concerns: Tom Cook presented a brief summary of the Pool Safety Act.
On December 17, 2007, the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (P&SS Act) was signed into law. This important child safety law became effective in December 2008 and strives to:
· Enhance the safety of public and private pools and spas
· Encourage the use of layers of protection
· Reduce child drownings in pools and spas (nearly 300 each year involving children younger than five)
· Reduce the number of suction entrapment incidents, injuries and deaths
· Educate the public on the importance of constant supervision of children in and around water
Tom reported that we have begun coming into compliance with the law.
· There is an electric shut off valve in place.
· The required new style drain cover is in place.
· The skimmer equalizers will be plugged by Scuba Clean in the near future eliminating that source of concern.
Tom indicated that there are several areas that the association should begin planning to address regarding pool maintenance.
· There is some concrete cracking in the vicinity of the pool.
· Plumbing repairs need to be made in the men’s rest room to address the issue of constant leaks. It appears to be an issue with the main cut off valve.
· The supports for the lighting system that surrounds the pool need to be re-done. These lights are becoming unstable and pose a safety hazard. The issue at hand is whether to repair this twenty (20) year old installation or to replace the post mounted lights.
· The fence surrounding the pool proper is rusted and in an advanced state of disrepair. The association needs to begin allocating funds for the replacement of this fence. New designs of fencing material will allow for the installation of a longer lasting product and should eliminate or greatly reduce the issue we have with persons climbing over the fence to gain access to the pool during off hours. At current costs, it was estimated that the investment for the replacement of this fence would be in the range of $ 8,000.00 to $ 10,000.00.
Sue Kubiak expressed a preference for replacing the fence sooner rather than wait. Tom stated that an expenditure of that magnitude should be sent to the membership and agreed to send out an e-mail to the membership list on this issue.
Tom shared with the members present some of the problems experienced with last year’s pool activities.
· Fence climbing continues to be troublesome. It appears that a good deal of the problem is not necessarily with members of the community, but with guests of members. The board requests that all members tell their guests that the rules apply to them as well as to members. Also, guests are not allowed to use the pool or facilities without their sponsoring member present.
· As always, there seems to be a general disregard for the need for common courtesy and respect for other members in the use of the rest room facilities. Again, the board requests that members school their children and guests in the proper use of a restroom and the dictates of common courtesy.
· The lock on the main gate was repaired again last season and the keys were changed and issued to paid members.
A general discussion was held on possible resolutions of these issues and the costs involved. There was mention made of installing a camera system to aid in identifying the offending parties, as well as the possibility of hiring a life guard for the operating period of the pool. No decision for further action or investigation was made.
VIII. Luminaries: After discussion, it was decided that the board will continue to fund the purchase of luminaries for Christmas Eve placement and celebration. The consensus was that this project is a great exercise in community building with homeowners assisting in the preparation, placement and lighting of the candles on Christmas Eve. Last year 27 people participated in the preparation and distribution of the luminaries. The board would like, however, to request assistance in the clean-up operation after the candles are lit. Homeowners are respectfully asked to please assist in this effort by collecting the spent bags before they are destroyed by passing traffic to make the job easier.
IX. Election of HOA Board members: Vice-President Merritt Chamberlin led the nomination and election of two new directors for the board. John Pridgen was nominated by Terri Cullen, seconded by Diann Barbacci, and was elected by acclamation. Brenda Miller was nominated by Ann Gomo, seconded by Claudia Covell, and also elected by acclamation. The board welcomes these new members.
X. Old Business: In old business, Jeff Oves reported that there was no response from the responsible parties of the city government regarding the issue of the placement of a new stop sign to slow traffic through the neighborhood.
XI. Nota Bene: Tom Cook expressed the gratitude of the association for the services of retiring board members Claudia Covell and Merritt Chamberlin.
XII. Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 pm by Tom Cook.
Respectfully submitted,
Randall Epperson, Secretary
May 12, 2010