In attendance were Steve Freeborn, Pete Keller, Mark Bunger, Kay Gordon, Nancy Krueger, Margo Rolf and Don Deighton
Minutes of the February meeting were approved.
Steve Freeborn advised the board that King Co. was offering some grants up to $10,000 to communities to help deal with surface drainage problems. As we have had a long-time issue with water drainage in the area around the swimming pool, Steve said that he would try to obtain an application for a possible grant and will have a draft by the next Board meeting.
Treasurer’s Report – Pete Keller
We are presently seeking a person in the community who will be willing to serve as treasurer of Mar Cheri Community Club. This is an urgent request as Pete Keller is not able to continue in that capacity. If no one is willing to volunteer for this position, it is possible that an outside management firm or accounting firm may have to be hired at a considerable expense to do this work. A possible increase in homeowners’ dues will be forthcoming to cover that position. Pete Keller was kind enough to continue helping with finances this month.
Current Balances
Savings $19,667
Checking $ 8,750
Including $10,000 for the Pool Resurfacing Fund
State employment tax reports have been submitted for 1st quarter 2014. Assessment payments for 19 homes have been received so far. If you have not, please send it in, and save us the cost of postage and copies for additional reminders.
Principle February and March Transactions
Income $8390 Homeowners’ Assessments
Expenditures $ 71 Lakehaven Utility District
$ 477 Puget Sound Energy
Home in Foreclosure
It was announced that there will be a foreclosure on a house in the Mar Cheri Community . Steve Freeborn will investigate for more details.
Architecture – Kay Gordon
Cars parked in street causing concern
If at all possible, all cars should be parked in driveways and garages. Households having several cars, and, thus, parking some in the street are causing some safety issues, especially where the school bus has to turn around. Cars that are not properly tagged or vehicles that are left for long periods of time in the street can be reported to the Federal Way Police.
Trees at the Pool
Don Deighton spoke before the board and expressed his long-term concern of maintaining the value of property within our community. He has volunteered a great deal of time and service through the years to Mar Cheri and wanted to express his concern about trees and shrubbery blocking views and, thus, devaluing the properties. Don spoke of some trees near the pool house and expressed that in his opinion these trees should be cut back before the 19th of April so that we could take advantage of the free Federal Way tree dump. He wanted to cut the trees to the level of the structure, taking them down at least eight feet. Part of his rational for reducing the size was to show the community that we want everyone to be in compliance with the “tree and shrubbery rule” of not blocking views and that it would make our job easier if we lead by example. He spoke of how different the neighborhood looks from even five years ago and how it will look in five years. It was reiterated that people buy for the view and that the covenants govern the protection of that view.
Nancy objected to cutting/reducing those trees as it would weaken the trees, it would cause the trees to spread if they were cut back, the trees offer shade in the depths of summer and the trees help absorb some of the excess water in that area. And in the past we have acted upon complaint. So far no one has complained that they block a view.
It was concluded that Don would assist in obtaining pictures to give us a perspective on the view of residents and a better look at the trees to see if there are current or potential problems. The Board will continue discussion on the subject.
Maintenance –Mark Bunger
Mark reports that the pool needs to be cleaned. As opening day nears, he will take a sample of the water to be tested to determine what actions are needed.
Mark also announced:
Clean-up Days will be May 10th and May 17th from 9:00am to 12:00pm.
Opening days will be over the Memorial Day holiday, Saturday, May 24th – Monday, May 26th.
Mark will make a list of work that needs to be done to get the pool area ready.
Mark brought up the water issue in greater detail. There has been one bid of $800 to evaluate the problem and then give us a bid on the cost of the work. The projected cost of a major drainage correction could be prohibitive. It is known that the water level there is the same as the aquifer. He spoke of our pursing grant money.
A possible project done by ourselves that could help alleviate the water situation was suggested. Such a project might be within our means. We will continue to explore solutions for this problem.
Recreation – Nancy Krueger
Swimming Lessons have been a source of income. However, the lead swim teacher is not returning. We now have one swim teacher returning. Another name was suggested and a contact will be made. We will have to raise fees for the classes a little. Some lifeguards are returning and some are not. It was decided that we will get the lifeguards to help with testing/adding chemicals this year.
Raising Dues
The final discussion involved possibly raising dues to cover greater expenses since the pool and equipment are getting older and though there are reserves toward resurfacing, we will need reserves for other large repairs. Prices continue to rise. This coincided with the discussion of the possible need for a “paid” treasurer.
Please consider volunteering for the treasurer position. We are a community of 69 households with 6 people on the board. We need one more volunteer.
The meeting adjourned at 8:26. Next Board Meeting will be May 6 at 7:00.
Respectfully submitted,
Margo Rolf