These minutes are unofficial. They will be approved at the 2017 Annual Meeting.
MAR CHERI 2016 ANNUAL MEETING
February 29, 2016 at the Federal Way Public Library, 1st Avenue.
In attendance: The Board: Ken Schiewetz, Mark Moberg, Mark Bunger, Vicki Bengeult, Nancy Krueger and approximately 37 other homeowners.
Ken Schiewetz issued the Call to Order at 7 pm. 2015 Meeting Minutes were presented and approved unanimously. Michelle Egusa and Larry Mahar were assigned as ballot counters.
Ken asked new neighbors to introduce themselves, and Harold Isaacson said a few words in remembrance of neighbors who have passed away.
PRESIDENT – Ken Schiewetz
Ken read the following statement into the record. Because possible legal action is pending, we are unable to discuss the stream mitigation in more detail.
Stream Mitigation is Unresolved
In 2014, the HOA Board authorized payment for cutting and disposal of three diseased and leaning trees located along the stream bordering the pool lot. The owner of the adjoining property at the time, Mr. Sorenson, consented to the cutting of these three diseased and leaning trees. More trees were cut on the Sorenson property, but the Association and its Board were not involved in paying for or authorizing the cutting of any additional trees. The city issued a violation order against Mar Cheri and Mr. Sorenson for cutting trees without a permit and ordered that mitigation be performed. In an effort to comply with the city’s request for mitigation, Mar Cheri paid for a mitigation plan to be developed even though it assumes no responsibility beyond the three trees it paid to have cut. The city has been slow in responding, but this issue has recently become a higher priority with new involvement by the city and push for resolution by the new owner of the adjoining property. The Board has contacted legal counsel for the Association about this matter.
Ken then spoke about the drainage project in the common area by the pool. This area is receiving a lot of water from surrounding slopes and sits in the lowest spot of the neighborhood. The work we had done last year improved but did not completely fix the problems. Water is coming into the property so quickly that it runs over the newly installed drains instead of soaking into them. We will be working with the contractor to add berms to slow down the water. Additionally, the parking lot will be resurfaced with a type of crushed rock that will compress into a solid surface.
MAINTENANCE – Mark Bunger
Mark summarized maintenance issues and submitted the following report for the record.
We started the season with a visit from Rick Powell, a Geotechnical Engineer from Robinson Noble. He met with several board members and neighbors to look at our drainage issues and slope to the East and North ends of our pool property. He gave his opinions and concerns regarding the source of the water and what best to do with it to help improve the drainage on our property. Ken Schiewetz was able to get several bids and go forward with drainage improvements towards the end of the year. The fence at the lower end of the parking lot as well as the parking lot surface are still being discussed and planned
We had several work parties in May, thank you for all who helped.
The drywall in the lifeguard closet and the pump room was taken out and cement board was put in its place. The drywall was water damaged and there had been rats living in several of the walls. The rooms are now much improved. James Rolf helped with this project. We were able to keep the cost under $1,000 by doing this ourselves.
With the help of Makoto & Chiyo Sugiuchi and Larry Mahar we were able to take 3 truckloads of weeds, blackberries and ivy to the yard waste dump and fill the yard waste bin every week from May through the end of August. The playground area, the parking lot area by the drainage ditch and the area to the south of the pool were cleaned out. When the drainage was put in the same crew also cut back the blackberries on the East end of the property and the West side of the fenced area near the drainage ditch.
Heather Salton and Eric Leonheart helped with spreading the large mound of landscape mulch donated by a neighbor.
Several times this summer we had difficulties with water quality, specifically cloudy water due to some level of algae growth. This resulted in several days that the pool was closed to rectify the situation. Water had to be shocked and the pool closed to do so. Cyanuric acid levels rose this year and we tried to switch to a higher quality chlorine tablet but this did not cure the cyanuric acid issue. Cyanuric acid is directly caused by the use of chlorine tablets as opposed to a liquid chlorine. The only way to reduce the acid level quickly is to dilute with fresh water. This required the pool to be partially drained and refilled several times before opening and once after opening to correct the cyanuric acid level. This did delay the opening from our target Memorial day weekend and affected several of the weekend openings later in the summer.
Due to these issues the board approved having Water Mills install an electronic metering system to dispense chlorine and another chemical to control PH levels. This will dramatically improve water quality and consistency in the pool. The fence had to be extended and cement added to accommodate county code requirements. The plastic barrels will still need to be enclosed before the summer of 2016.
The sand filter is not filtering as well as it should, over time the ridges in the sand round over and do not hold particles as well as fresh sand. I did replace the multiport valve gasket, this helped but did not eliminate the problem. We asked The Water Mill staff if this could be serviced and they recommended replacement as a more cost effective option. The multiport valve should be replaced with the filter. The bid from the Water Mill is $2827.57.
The heater will also need to be replaced at some point, it has reached the end of its life cycle. We did get an estimate to replace it but it is still currently working. One of the common complaints is varying water temperature, a newer heater will help address this issue. The bid is $4878.19.
The pool surface will need to be refinished due to chips that are starting to come up in several sections. This issue has been mentioned on the last several years of the King County Health Dept. report issued to us twice each summer. The estimate from 2006(?) was $17k. We currently have two bids of $25,000 and $37,000, each would include putting in a double drain to improve the safety of the drains system and do away with the annoying alarm system currently installed on the drain/pump system. The drain alarm is a common frustration from neighbors near the pool and the people involved in cleaning but is required by law due to our single drain.
The plastic bubble cover for pool will need to be considered for replacement, the necessity of this cover has been debated, we have only been getting 3 or 4 years of use out of it. It can be a challenge to remove and put back on in the evening. This cover is used to hold in the heat overnight in the summer months. I also think it helps deter the ducks in the spring time and does help manage some of the leaves in the fall. The current estimate for replacement is $450.
We have a view complaint regarding several of the trees around the pool building, this will need to be resolved with city approval. The board is considering the proper offsetting tree credits needed and where proper placement and type will be. The tree cutting will require city approval.
The pool showers and building facility will continue to need work over the years. Some of the upcoming expenses not already mentioned will include roof replacement, the trees drop many needles on the roof and moss grows well there. The asphalt shingles are starting to peel up in areas, this is a sign that the roof will need to be monitored more closely. There is a leak at the exhaust for the heater, water drips down the exhaust pipe onto the ceiling in the heater/pump room. This should be addressed when weather permits, this could be a simple repair or upon inspection may be more involved. This may also be repaired when the heater is replaced.
The wiring and pipes in the building are older, some of the lighting should be upgraded and several switches and sockets in the bathrooms should be inspected or replaced. The hot water heater is over 10 years old and will need to be monitored for replacement. I have replaced the thermo-coupler twice in the last 3 years.
The wood sun deck is showing some age, Arv Hess has volunteered for several summers to put fresh coats of preservative stain on it and this has helped. The deck will need to be monitored for repair or replacement but shouldn’t need immediate attention other than staining and spot repairs.
The brick monuments at the Dash Point entrance are missing bricks and the grout is in poor condition. A mason will need to inspect and give recommendations, I suspect the grout will need to be repointed. The light fixtures are getting old and rusty, the bulbs barely turn in them. The iron will need ongoing cleaning and painting. Although not an immediate concern this should be done at some point in the future.
RECREATION – Nancy Krueger
2015 TREASURER’S REPORT – Greg Bengeult
Ken thanked Michelle Egusa for her service as treasurer last year. Greg Bengeult took over this position in November and presented the report on last year’s expenses. He explained budget overages for the drainage work and removal of playground equipment. He then went over the proposed budget in detail, especially breaking out costs of operating the pool and explaining the need for the proposed increase in dues to $630. The proposed budget is attached.
Several owners asked questions about pool usage. More associate members use the pool regularly than homeowners. The attached charts were displayed and included for the record.
ARCHITECTURE – Vicki Bengeult
We received and approved requests for:1 new fence, 1 replacement fence, 1 new deck, 1 replacement deck, 2 roof replacements, 1 exterior paint colors. We also received several inquiries regarding landscaping, window and door replacement which did not require committee approval.
We verified one hedge out of conformance with view covenants and helped owners resolve the issue.
Communicated with several owners about weeds and overgrown lawns. One owner threatened gun violence but eventually mowed their lawn. Others complied without drama. There is one ongoing issue with an absentee owner who does not keep weeds and underbrush down to his neighbors’ satisfaction.
Our attorney recommends clarifying the Bylaws or drafting Rules & Regulations to clarify the landscaping and architectural requirements. Also, he recommends instituting fines for continued non-conformance, because hiring contractors to correct violations and then billing homeowners (as stated in the CC&Rs) is not feasible. Vicki requested volunteers to serve on this committee and passed around signup sheets for various positions/responsibilities.
The HOA also agreed to remove 7 of the 14 spruce trees surrounding the pool building, as they are blocking views and are too close to the building. We will have to get approval from the city, but that should not be a problem.
The committee created a “welcome packet” for new owners so that they are aware of the CC&Rs and Bylaws, and what our expectations have been for upkeep and keeping views clear. This packet was approved by the Board. Also, a series of form letters (friendly reminder to stern warning) for violations was approved by the Board. These should be updated to conform to whatever bylaws and rules changes we make this year.
VICE-PRESIDENT – Mark Moberg
Mark enjoyed serving as vice-president of Mar Cheri and providing his input in discussions at the monthly board meetings. He encouraged others to serve on the board.
SECRETARY – Vicki Bengeult
Vicki presented the results of the ballot. We had a quorum, with 47 ballots received. We needed a minimum of 40 ballots, with 3 families disqualified from voting due to non-payment of dues. (60% of 66 = 40). Of the 47 ballots cast, 29 voted to approve the proposed budget with annual dues of $630. 18 voted against. Therefore, the budget is adopted with a majority vote and dues will be $630 for 2016.
Results of the survey on whether or not to work towards closing the pool: 22 votes (46% of votes cast) were to keep the pool going. 15 voted to close the pool permanently (32%), 10 did not vote (21%).
The new board was introduced: (Number of votes in parentheses). President – Ken Schiewetz (43), Vice-President Mark Moberg (38), Treasurer – Greg Bengeult (41), Board Member-at-Large – Makoto Sugiuchi (41), Recreation Committee Chairperson – Nancy Krueger (35), Architecture Committee Chairperson – Heather Salton (40). The Maintenance Committee Chairperson and Secretary positions are unfilled at this time.
The new Treasurer and President will be added as signatories on the Mar Cheri bank accounts, and past treasurer Michelle Egusa will be removed. A debit card with be requested in the Treasurer’s name.
President Ken Schiewetz briefly spoke and thanked the outgoing board for their service.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm. The time and date of the next board meeting will be set by the new board.
Respectfully submitted,
Vicki Bengeult
Mar Cheri Secretary