Author: Webmaster

Date: July 13, 2021

Time Location: Zoom

Those in attendance: Ken Schiewetz, Gary Mesick, Anne Mesick, Lisa Martinez, Larry Barlow, Rod Martinez

President: Ken Schiewetz

The enhanced Architectural Committee consisting of Laura House, Steve Freeborn and Heather Sultan are visiting properties and noting the view loss specific to each property. This work is necessary to correctly identify which overgrown trees affect which property.

Ken reminded the board that we have had a couple complaints of incessantly barking dogs and of a dog that has been loose and attacked other dogs in the neighborhood. We remind all our neighbors in the community that you may love your dogs but your neighbors may not. Please be considerate of your neighbors when your dog is barking and make sure that your dog is safely contained.  The City of Federal Way has laws pertaining to control of pets, and we recommend that you speak with your neighbors first about any issues you may have, but then more serious problems should be referred to animal services at 253-835-7387. If there is an emergency situation, 911 should be phoned.

Vice President: Vacant

Treasurer: Gary Mesick

As of today, there is one household that is not current on dues. Four households are paying dues in installments (for an additional fee). All other households are completely paid up.

The audit committee  and Gary will go over the 2020 books in the very near future. This audit was not previously completed because of COVID 19.

Gary noted that we are spending significantly over our budgeted amount on legal fees for the year and suggested that we vote to increase our budgeted amount from $1000.00 to $10,000.00. Larry Barlow made a motion that the budget increase be made; Anne Mesick seconded the motion, a vote was made and it passed unanimously.

Gary also requested that we get an estimate to have the railroad tie retaining wall in the community park replaced. The Reserve Study cited that it is at the end of its life and has suggested that a significant sum of money be held in reserve for the replacement of the wall.  Ken and Rod will work to get a bid on the project.

See detailed budget report in the attachment at the end of the minutes.

Secretary: Anne Mesick

Anne continues working to get the mail delivery for the community changed from the Twin Lakes post office box to an empty box in the cluster box on 2nd Ave SW. The process is so slow due to COVID and the large volume of work by the contractor for the US Postal Service. 

At Large: Larry Barlow

No Issues

Maintenance/Pool: Rod Martinez

Rod would like to thank all of the volunteers who have responded to the request for help at the pool; your generous support has helped to make this swim season a great success. The pool has been used a lot this season by many of our residents.

We have been having issues with the chlorinator that we lease from the Watermill company. A request will be made to replace the aging equipment so that we can continue to maintain chlorine levels in the manner which the machine is designed to work.

Architecture: Lisa Martinez

There were no new requests of the Architecture committee.

Recreation Hospitality: Anne Mesick

No issues

New Business:

Anne requested input on the possibility of hosting the National Night out in August if the City of Federal Way is reinstating the event. The board agreed we should look into the matter. Anne will call the City of Federal Way.

We need to look for replacements for some of the furniture at the pool. Much of the furniture is at least 20 years old and starting to show significant wear. Lisa will look to see what she can find at Costco to replace umbrellas and chairs. We are late in the season and this may need to be postponed until next year.

We need to start thinking about some updates and repairs to the locker rooms in the pool house. Rod and Lisa will make a list of suggestions for next year.

Eric Leonheart, a member of or community, has volunteered to take the position of Vice President. Gary Mesick made a motion that the board accept the service of Eric for the remainder of the year; Anne Mesick seconded the motion, a vote was had and the motion carried unanimously.  Thank you Eric for volunteering.

There being no other business, the meeting ended at 8PM.

The next meeting will be on August 10th.

Respectfully submitted,

Anne Mesick

Date: June 8, 2021

Time /Location: 7PM via Zoom

Those in attendance: Ken Schiewetz, Lisa Martinez, Larry Barlow, Gary Mesick, Anne Mesick. Those absent: Rod Martinez

President: Ken Schiewetz

Ken, after consulting our lawyer, reported that the process for implementing fines is updated. If fines on a property are not paid, the issue will be settled in small claims court.

The ongoing tree issue is being overseen by the members of the Architectural Committee, the lawyer and Ken. The board has received several complaints from neighbors that there are trees in the neighborhood blocking their views. 

Ken had a conversation with our neighbor to the North, Brian Bennett (who does not live in Mar Cheri), and learned that he and another neighbor, Dr. Chung (who does not live in Mar Cheri) are purchasing a small piece of property that is currently owned by the city. This piece of property adjoins the pool property north of the fence. Ken also shared that the Mar Cheri property line is not the same as the fence line; the property line is several feet north of the fence. 

Ken assured us that work is progressing on multiple long standing issues regarding views.

Vice President: Vacant

Treasurer: Gary Mesick

Finance: As of June 1, the Operating Fund (checking) has a balance of $31,063.81. The Reserve Fund (savings) has a balance of $53,079.67. There are three homeowners who have not paid their dues for 2021. They have been assessed late charges and have been urged to make arrangements to pay. Four homeowners are paying dues in installments, and all are making regular payments. All other dues are paid up.

The budget is $2000 under forecast. Legal fees have exceeded the forecast, while the budget is under-running in other areas.

Secretary: Anne Mesick

No issues.

At Large: Larry Barlow

No issues.

Maintenance: Rod Martinez (Lisa gave Rod’s report)

The pool is open for the season.

A new lock was installed on the entry gate at the pool. A new laptop computer was purchased to replace the aging one that was donated to the community several years ago. This device is used for the key card system that is on the pool lock.  The pool house roof project is complete. A new light fixture will be installed in the womens’ locker room to replace the existing fixture that is broken.

Architecture: Lisa Martinez

One new architectural request (for gates on a fence) was approved.

Welcome and Hospitality: Anne Mesick

Three homes in the community have changed ownership. Welcome packets were delivered to new neighbors Ruth and Neil Tripp, Heather Pierce and Son Nguyen, and JD Duran.

New Business: 

Lisa shared that we have volunteers to help with opening and closing the pool on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. We need help with the other days of the week. If you can volunteer to help open and close the pool from time to time, please contact Lisa at architecture@marcheri.org

Reinstating social gatherings such as the 4th of July picnic was discussed, and the consensus of the board is that it is too early to begin these gatherings.

Payment will be made to a neighbor, in the amount of $45.00, in compensation for a phone line that was inadvertently cut when the drainage issue was being addressed in the community park.

There being no other business the meeting ended.

Respectfully Submitted,

Anne Mesick

Secretary 

Date: May 11, 2021 Time: 7:10 PM Location: Zoom Meeting Those in attendance: Ken Schiewetz, Lisa Martinez, Gary Mesick, Anne Mesick Those absent: Larry Barlow, Rod Martinez President: Ken Schiewetz Ken continues to oversee the ongoing tree issues in the neighborhood. Vice President: Vacant Treasurer: Gary Mesick Our balance sheet looks good. As of May 1, we have $39,703.24 in our Operating Fund (checking) and $49,078.35 in our Reserve Fund (savings). We moved $4000 into the Reserve Fund in Q1, and we are budgeted to move that much each quarter. We have funds to cover repairs/replacements of properties that we need to address. We have three people who have not paid dues and one unit we expect to collect in closing. And we have four homeowners who set up installment payments. All other dues are paid up. For our budget, we are over in professional services (more lawyer fees than we had planned for) and maintenance, though we will be re-characterizing the water drainage issue as funded from Reserve, so it will not come out of Operating Funds. We have canceled QuickBooks, so we will save nearly $1000 for the year.Reports with details attached. Secretary: Anne Mesick At Large: Larry Barlow Maintenance/Pool: Rod Martinez Lisa gave Rod’s report. We are waiting for a response from the City of Federal Way about cutting the trees on the community property north of the fenced area. The neighbor has been contacted and is in favor of having the trees removed due to the concern that they are in danger of falling.The pool lock has not worked consistently causing problems for those caring for the pool in the off season. An attempt to repair the lock was unsuccessful and the board voted to fund the replacement of the lock.  The final cost was $2075.00. The Ring cameras will be checked to make sure they are working correctly.Installation of the pet poo bag center and signage to accompany it will be installed in the coming days.It is recommended that the community continue to rent the chlorinator for the pool. The total advantage of the rental agreement outweigh the those of buying the unit at this time. The new pool roof is in place and the trim is painted matching what was already on the building. Some new sub-roofing and a couple of trim boards needed to be replaced adding slightly to the cost of the project. The board voted to add up to $500.00 for the additional supplies and labor. Architecture: Lisa Martinez There were no new requests. One property owner has taken care of a property maintenance issue. Recreation Hospitality: Anne Mesick One home in the community recently changed ownership and another will do so soon.  Welcome packets will be delivered. New Business: Ken reported that there was a break in at a residence on 298th St. It took place during the day. Those who committed the crime worked quickly breaking in through a secured slider on the back side of the home. The home had a working alarm system as well as security cameras. The offenders were gone before the police arrived. Mar Cheri is a Neighborhood Watch community and we, along with the Federal Way Police, encourage you to report any suspicious activity in the neighborhood to the police department. The board is going ahead with a plan to open the pool for Memorial Day provided King County and the health department permit us to do so due to COVID 19 protocols. Updates will follow. A reminder to all of us that the covenants state under Article IX Section 2: Trash, garbage or other waste shall not be kept except in sanitary receptacles hidden from street view.  There being no other business the meeting ended. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, June 8th, 2021 on Zoom. Respectfully Submitted, Anne Mesick Secretary

Minutes for the Monthly Meeting of the
Board of Directors of Mar Cheri Community Club

Date: April 13, 2021
Time:7 PM
Location: The meeting was help via Zoom due to COVID19 protocols.
Those in attendance: Larry Barlow, Lisa Martinez, Gary Mesick, Anne Mesick Those not present: Ken Schiewetz, Rod Martinez

President: Ken Schiewetz

We have had a review of the rules and the fine structure. No other report on the ongoing tree issue.

Vice President: Vacant

Treasurer: Gary Mesick

Assessments. 59 homeowners have paid their 2021 dues in full, and 5 others have made arrangements (for an additional $50 fee) to pay in installments. Two additional homes will pay during the sale closing process now in progress. Three homeowners have not yet paid.

Reserve Fund. The Reserve Fund (savings) is now $49,077.14, as we have transferred an additional $4000 for the first quarter, as budgeted. An additional $12,000 is budgeted for the Reserve this year. The Reserve is money specifically earmarked for the ongoing repair and replacement of community assets (signage, the park and pool, etc).

Budget Performance. Through March, we have overspent our budget for the first three months by $3000. We spent about $5800 last month to address an issue with water coming from the hill to the east of the park/pool area. The initial determination was that this was an Operating expense, and this expense exceeded our budget for repairs. We are looking at whether we can or should re-characterize it as a Reserve expense, which would remove it from the Operating budget.

In other budget action, we have canceled our subscription to QuickBooks, which will free up several hundred dollars from the budget.

As of April 1, the Community has $31,509.94 in the Operating Fund (checking).

Secretary: Anne Mesick

Anne continues to read, sort, file and organize boxes of documents from previous secretaries. By helping the treasurer collect and update contact information from community members for assessments, she will be better prepared to create the new directories.

At Large: Larry Barlow

No report.
Maintenance/Pool: Rod Martinez Lisa Martinez gave Rod’s report.

The drainage project is complete and the large French drain seems to be working well. The city will be contacted about removing the trees.
A current inspection and bid for the roof on the pool house is being made this week. The pet clean-up bags and dispenser for the community park are on order.

Architecture: Lisa Martinez

Lisa presented 4 potential violations from 4 property owners to the board. The board confirmed and voted, unanimously, that all for violations had occurred. Notices will be sent to the property owners.

Recreation/Hospitality: Anne Mesick

Our neighbor and active community volunteer for over 40 years, Audrey Isaacson died on March 21, 2021. Our thoughts go to Harold Isaacson her husband who still lives in the neighborhood.

New Business:

Four plants, near the pool house, died over the winter. Nancy Kreuger and her husband Ray, who have volunteered to help with maintain this area, requested money to replace the plants. A motion was made that $100.00 be made available for white azaleas. By vote, the motion passed. Thank you Nancy and Ray.

The board needs to consider the practical steps needed to take in the event that the pool reopens this summer. This needs to be done in coordination with the King Count Department of Health. A discussion was held about the steps necessary for a plan to reopen the pool. Lisa Martinez will contact the Health Department to learn the status of non-guarded community pools and if or when they may open.

All other business being concluded, the meeting ended at 8 PM.

Respectfully Submitted, Anne Mesick

Those in attendance were Ken Schiewetz,Lisa Martinez, Gary Mesick and Anne Mesick. Those absent were Rod Martinez and Larry Barlow.
This was a Zoom meeting due to the COVID19 pandemic.

President: Ken Schiewetz

Ken asked that each member update the group on recent work with regard to their position.

Treasurer: Gary Mesick Finance Report

Assessments. The 2021 assessments have been mailed by post—and emailed—to all homeowners. The assessment remains $720, the same as it was last year. Payments are due by April 1 to avoid late fees. Fifteen homeowners have already paid their 2021 dues in full, and two others have made partial payments. Mar Cheri relies on PayHOA for invoicing, bill paying, budget management, and reporting. You can use PayHOA to pay your assessment and have it automatically credited toward your account—or you can mail a check to the Community, as the vast majority of members do.

Reserve Fund. The Reserve (savings) is now $45,074.95, and we have an additional $16,000 budgeted for the Reserve this year. The Reserve is money specifically earmarked for the ongoing repair and replacement of community assets (signage, the park and pool, etc). The latest reserve study shows a moderate risk of a special assessment—an improvement over the high risk the study determined in 2019. Because some of our community assets have reached the end of their expected useful life, we must earmark the funds to repair or replace them, even as we save for other assets that will need repair or replacement in the future.

Note that The Maintenance Committee assesses the actual need for repair and replacement, but from a budgeting standpoint, once an item reaches the end of its expected life, we must maintain the money to address it. We estimate that community assets at or near the end of their expected life would require about $39,000 to repair or replace this year (though the Maintenance Committee may decide the assets still have useful life in them and do not actually need immediate replacement). And we have additional assets that reach the end of their expected life in the next five years, totaling about $39,000 more. As we prepare for the next Reserve Study (an annual requirement), we must be able to demonstrate that we are allocating enough money to the Reserve to address all anticipated repair/replacement needs. We should be in good shape to make that case.

Budget Performance. Through February, we have underspent our budget overall. We have spent about $2000 in the first two months of this year out of a budget of about $50,000. Expenses are always lower in the winter. Still, we expect to underspend our budget for the year and be able to allocate additional money to the Reserve, so that we can make repairs when it is necessary to do so. As of March 1, we have about $51,000 in dues we expect to receive this year, and we have $14000 in checking. No issues. And we continue to evaluate all expenses, looking for ways to save the Community money.

Architecture: Lisa Martinez

Two letters will be sent to members who have yard violations.

Maintenance: Rod Martinez ( report presented by Lisa Martinez)

A new roof will be installed on the pool house. Approval for this project was made some time ago but due to the pandemic it was put on hold.
The french drain on our property has failed causing a noticeable water problem. A bid of 3500.00 was presented. There was talk that any repairs get the necessary approval and permits. Gary Mesick made a motion that repairs of 5795.00 could be made to repair the drain, Anne Mesick seconded the motion. The vote was approved.

The cameras at the pool need to be adjusted and one needs rebooting; Gary will talk to Larry about getting the code to make the changes. There are two dying trees on our property that sit on the North side of the fence. The trees pose a danger of falling and need to be removed. Lisa will talk to the neighbors, on the North side of Mar Cheri, so that they understand that we plan to remove the trees and that they are on our property. The appropriate steps will be taken

to make sure that all work is permitted and done by a licensed arborist. Two new trees will be planted to replace those that are taken down.
Due to the ongoing issue of animal waste left in the park, a receptacle for pet waste bags will be purchased and installed at the play area.

Secretary: Anne Mesick

Anne is updating contact information for members and consolidating information that is presently held in a several places. She is also working to update contact information for a new directory that she and Gary hope to have available soon.

Recreation/ Hospitality: Anne Mesick

The Patton home recently sold but the new owners have not moved in yet; as soon as they do a welcome packet will be delivered.

The next meeting will be on April 13, 2021 Respectfully Submitted,
Anne Mesick
Secretary

The monthly meeting was not held, as there was no quorum.

Mar Cheri Community Club 

January 12, 2021, the 2020 Mar Cheri Annual Meeting Minutes

Note:  This was a Zoom meeting; due to the Covid-19 pandemic guidelines for gatherings. 

In Attendance: 14 households were represented, which does not constitute a quorum. The meeting was called to order by president Ken Schiewetz at 7:05 PM. 

The minutes from the 2019 annual meeting were read. A motion for approval of the minutes was made by Anne Mesick; a second was made by Larry Barlow.  A vote was called and the minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report:  Ken reported for Larry Barlow

Ken announced that Larry Barlow had been selected to open and count the ballots.  All Offices were passed and approved.  The 2020 budget and the 2021 dues of $720 were also approved.  

The reserve study summary had been sent out prior to this meeting.  The study indicated that the dues should be over $1000, but the board decided that would not be appropriate with the pool not opening this year, and not being sure when it could open in 2021 due to Covid.  Therefore, the 2021 budget is the same as 2020 since no major changes or maintenance was done.  The total 2020 income was $49,600, with $20,000 of that going to the reserve fund making the reserve total $45,000.

Maintenance Report:  Lisa Martinez

Blackberry bushes were cleared.  All bushes around the perimeter of the fence, and back of the pool were cleared as well.  Weekly maintenance of the pool had been done to keep it ready in case we could have opened.

 Architecture Report: Lisa Martinez

Approved 4 house painting projects, 1 fence, 1 shed, 1 landscaping project, 1 new driveway, and 1 roof.  One homeowner will be moving to a new house in the community so has had projects approved.

Recreation and Hospitality Committee: Anne Mesick 

Two plants and two welcome packets were given to home owners Hugh and Caroline Lee and Megan and Chad Billmire. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no gatherings were scheduled. It is the intention that if and when the restrictions for public gatherings are lifted in the county, we will hope to resume our normal community events.  Thus, the budget remains a line item for 2021.

President’s Report: Ken Schiewetz

Ken gave a brief history of the Stream Mitigation situation regarding the five percent of the area in the mitigation zone is owned by Mar Cher.  The city has sent a letter resolving Mar Cheri of any further issues on the buffer.   

There are still 2-3 delinquencies of dues, the board will continue working with those homeowners.  

In Appreciation:

Thanks to the board members who are continuing in their current positions and Anne filling the additional role of secretary.  Larry Barlow was thanked for his service as treasurer and for volunteering to fill the At Large Position. The board welcomes Gary Mesick as the new treasurer.

Homeowner Questions:

One homeowner asked about an ongoing tree violation.  Ken explained that the board is fining the homeowner, and will continue until the issue is resolved.

Another homeowner asked if the sign on 1^st avenue would be replaced since it had been damaged.   Ken did say it had been planned for 2020, and can be addressed in 2021.   It was also asked if the HOA could pay for additional landscaping and maintenance assistance for the Dash Point entrance.  Lisa suggested the people maintaining the pool area could also help with that area.   It was also recommended that the HOA could pay for the plants for the 1^stAvenue entrance.

Election Results:

President:  Ken Schiewetz

Vice President:  Open

Secretary:  Anne Mesick

Treasurer:  Gary Mesick

At Large:  Larry Barlow

Architecture:  Lisa Martinez

Maintenance/Pool:  Rod Martinez

Recreation/ Hospitality:  Anne Mesick.

2021 Dues $720

All business being concluded, the meeting ended at 7:37 PM.

Respectfully Submitted, Brenda Busskohl

Mar Cheri Community Club

Minutes for the December 15, 2020 Board Meeting

Note:  This was a Zoom meeting; due to the Covid-19 pandemic guidelines for gatherings.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM.

In Attendance:  Ken Schiewetz, Laura House, Lisa Martinez, Rod Martinez, Anne Mesick, and Brenda Busskohl. 

Treasurer’s Report:  Ken reported for Larry

A report of the 2020 Budget versus Expenses and a proposed 2021 budget was provided to the board for review.  The 2021 budget is for the most part the same as 2020.   These will need to be presented and approved at the Annual meeting.

A bill for the reserve study was received for $830.

Ken and Larry will get together to review the last 6 weeks of expenses so all accounting records will be ready for Gary Mesick when he takes over as treasurer.

Maintenance Report:  Rod Martinez

The pool will need to be winterized, and the landscapers will be directed to include work to clean the leaves out of the pool and deck.

Several trees will need to be cut due to ivy and leaning on each other, but approval from the city will be required for those in the buffer zone

 Architecture Report: Lisa Martinez

A reminder will be made to a homeowner to clean up the site.  Home projects in the HOA need to be completed in a year.

Recreation and Hospitality Committee: Anne Mesick

A welcome packet and a plant were delivered to new neighbors Chad and Megan Billmire. They live at 29627 2nd Pl SW, email is: mmaile808@gmail.com

Two trips to the post office and one conversation with the letter carrier were made with the hope that the mailbox could be keyed, but due to the pandemic and the holidays, work is being done slower than it normally would be. We still do not have this project completed.

Vice President’s Report: Laura House

Ken will get back to board on a possible volunteer for the Vice President position.

At Large’s Report:  Larry Barlow – No updates

President’s Report: Ken Schiewetz

Ken provided access to the updated reserve study to the board for review.  The recommendation was to have the dues updated to $1024, but the board can choose to not do that and provide an explanation of goals to the homeowners.

A letter was received from Tom Deming of Habitat Technologies resolving Mar Cheri of any further issues on the buffer.   

The board proposes the fines for view violations be reviewed, and that in the cases of trees blocking views, a fine of $50 be applied for each tree that is in violation with a limit of $200/month.

There have been several issues of people not picking up after their dogs in the community.   The fine for not picking up after your dog is $25.  Fines will began being sent to those that are documented for the violation.  Ken will call the insurance company to clarify if dogs are allowed in the park area.

Several items need to be completed for the annual meeting.   Approval of last years meeting minutes will need to be done.  These minutes will need to be sent out to all homeowners.  Anne will get with Brenda to make sure we have all the new neighbors identified and their emails in PAYHOA so they can receive the minutes and information for the annual meeting.  Audrey has them identified in her effort to update the directory.

Ballots will also need to be sent out; Officers will provide a report out at the annual meeting:

            Slate of Proposed Officers:

1. President                Ken Schiewetz

2. Vice President         TBD

3. Treasurer                Gary Mesick

4. Secretary                Anne Mesick

5. Architecture            Lisa Karis

6. Maintenance           Rod Martinez

7. At Large                  Larry Barlow

New Business:

There has been a white car driving through the neighborhood and sitting in front of houses for long periods of time.   Please be aware of any strange behavior and notify the Neighborhood watch contact.

There have been several complaints about drivers speeding through the neighborhood.  A reminder that we all need to remember that with COVID many people are out walking and we need to adhere to the 25mph speed limit

The annual meeting for Mar Cheri will be a Zoom meeting and is scheduled for Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at 7pm.  Instructions will be sent out in advance.  It was proposed that a short meeting be done a few days prior to Jan 12^th with 10+ people to ensure homeowners can get into Zoom and the meeting session. 

The Zoom meeting ended at 8:20 PM.  

Respectfully Submitted, Brenda Busskohl