Date: Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Time /Location: 7PM at Wayside Church Gathering Space
Those in attendance: Ken Schiewetz, Gary Mesick, Anne Mesick, and 12 other property owners.
President: Ken Schiewetz
Ken Schiewetz called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM. Board Members Ken Schiewetz, Gary Mesick, Anne Mesick and 12 other property owners were in attendance.
Ken recognized those Community members who have died in the past couple of years: Harold Isaacson, Calvin Yarborough, Christine Yada, and Molly Mahar. A moment of silence was taken to remember them.
Ken asked for two volunteers to open the ballots and tally the votes. Sherill Miller and James Rolf volunteered.
Ken reported that the lawsuit ended in April, but because there were ongoing contested issues in the community, requiring the expertise of legal counsel, the board was not sure of the legal fees for 2024.
Ken reported that the Architecture Committee sent letters of violation to home owners primarily on garbage can and view issues. There are still a few unresolved violations that the committee continues to monitor.
Ken reported that the Maintenance Committee continues to maintain the pool and common area.The Maintenance of the pool, bath house, and the grounds are all well at hand.
The pool house will be painted this year, and wood chips will be spread where leaks were repaired on the bare patches and in the play area near the pool. The committee will look into what can be done to keep further erosian from damaging the fence on the west side of the common area. There is renewed interest in play toys for the common area, and that will be looked into as well.
Treasurer: Gary Mesick
At the end of 2023, the community had $6157.81 in its Operating Fund (Checking) and $36796.64 in its Reserve Fund (Savings). The community finished the year $96.31 over budget. There is one homeowner who has not yet paid 2022 dues. Collection of those dues has been turned over to our lawyer.
For 2024, the board has recommended the same budget as 2023. This will be the fourth year dues have remained at $720. Invoices for 2024 dues have been sent. Payments are due 1 April, and late fees and interest will be assessed beginning 15 April.
The board is using the annual reserve study to guide planning for maintenance and repairs. This means the board must ensure the condition of our property and equipment is reflected accurately in the reserve study. For example, one item of particular interest is the condition of the siding at the pool house. To an untrained eye, it appears to be in good condition, and can last for several years. But the reserve study estimates it is at the end of its life, and so has recommended the community set aside over $20,000 for its replacement in the next 2 years. In conversations with Reserve Associates (the company that conducts the study), we would need an expert opinion (e.g. an engineer) to document its condition to have this estimate revised. But because the reserve study drives our rate of savings (and so impacts our dues), the board feels it is valuable to review this—and all other—statements regarding the condition of our property and equipment so that we save adequately, but not unnecessarily.
Secretary: Anne Mesick
The vote was tallied and 34 ballots were counted. There was not a quorum.
Of the ballots received, the board members were approved unanimously, The budget was winning with 33 votes for and one against.
Anne explained that a provision in the rewritten bylaws allows for the collection of ballots for up to eleven months. Anne reminded those present that the board positions remained the same, and the budget was the same as last years’.
Please, any of those community members who did not vote, take the time to do so. If you do not know what you did with your ballot, contact Anne Mesick, and she will get one to you.
Recreation /Hospitality: Anne Mesick
Anne reported that six welcome packets were delivered over the past year. Four of the welcome packets were delivered to new tenants in, the Maynard property 4-2, the Sarno property 1-22, the Stubbs property 1-17 and the Willoughby property 3-16. Two packets were taken to homes that changed ownership; Adam Sinclair and Tamara Hoffman-Sinclair purchased the Isaacson property 1-4, and Evan Barbour and Jody Hanson purchased the Peters property 3-2. Welcome to all the new residents.
New Business:
Ken Schiewetz opened the floor to questions.
How was the lawsuit settled?
Mar Cheri made a claim on its insurance; at which point, Mar Cheri relinquished the financial responsibility and defense of the charges to the legal team of the insurance company. With the assistance of Mar Cheri legal counsel, a settlement was reached.
Concerns were raised about legal fees, and would there be a special assessment?
Mar Cheri spent about ten thousand dollars on legal fees, but tens of thousands of dollars were spent by our insurance company. At this time, we see no need for a special assessment.
Is the property owner with the view violations being fined?
The Architectural Committee continues to site all property owners in violation of the covenants and the rules, and yes, the property owner is being fined fifty dollars per tree, and there are fourteen trees at issue (seven hundred dollars per month).
Will the community be buying a pool cover like we have had in the past?
No, the maintenance company recommends against covering the pool.
Will the lines on the sports court be repainted specifically for pickle ball?
We will look into having the lines repainted.
One property owner expressed concern over mail theft.
Crimes of opportunity have risen all over the country. Cluster mailboxes, available through the USPS, with very specific requirements for installation, may be the best option for home mail delivery.
A post office box is another option.
Just a reminder that Mar Cheri is a Neighborhood Watch community. It is important to get to know your neighbors and to be aware of unusual activities in your area. Do not hesitate to call the police when suspicious activity is observed.
There being no further business, Ken closed the meeting at 7:50 PM.
The board would like to thank all the members of the community who help to make this neighborhood a very nice place to live. We especially thank those members who volunteer at the pool to maintain the grounds, the pool house, and the opening and closing of the pool. To those who serve tirelessly on committees, and to those community members who respect the association by always maintaining their property, and abiding by the covenants.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anne Mesick
Secretary