Category: Board Minutes

Date: Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Time /Location: 7PM via Zoom

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

President: Ken Schiewetz

Ken called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM 

No report.

Treasurer: Gary Mesick

As of 1 October, Mar Cheri has $14183.56 in our Operating (checking) account and $34079.74 in our Reserve (savings) account.

The Community is currently about $2200 over budget. There were no Reserve expenses in September.

67 households have paid their 2024 dues in full, and one household is paying in installments. One households has not paid for 2024 and also owes 2022 dues, which is an ongoing issue being handled by the Community lawyers.

Reserve Study: The 2024 Reserve Study has been completed, and it shows the community with 24.6% of its fully funded balance on hand. The Board has been communicating with the Reserve Study company that this does not reflect reality, as it assumes a $36,100 immediate expense to replace the siding on the pool house, and as a result of this item, the company recommends a $50,000 special assessment. But the board does not believe the siding needs replacing at any point in the foreseeable future, and we have asked that the company remove it from their calculations. But to have the item removed from the calculation will require a qualified engineer to assess and report such a finding to the Reserve company. Removing the siding from the calculation, the community has 30.3% of its full funding on hand. The Reserve shows a total anticipated expense of just under $27,000  (minus the pool house siding) over the next 5 years. The community has enough to cover all of this, and is developing a budget to increase Reserve contributions in anticipation of needs beyond 2030.

2025 Budget and HOA Dues: The Board is preparing a budget for 2025, which will include a recommended increase in HOA dues, subject to a vote of the members. To keep pace with inflation, dues today would need to be $885 in order to have the same purchasing power as 2020, the last time dues were increased. This seems a reasonable starting point for budget discussions.

Secretary: Anne Mesick

No report.

At Large: Larry Barlow

No report.

Maintenance/Pool: Ken Schiewetz (acting chairperson)

Ken received a preliminary bid of two thousand dollars to replace the drain covers on the bottom of the pool. This upgrade is required by King county, and there are very limited number of companies who are certified to complete this work. The next step to having this work get started is for Orca, the company who will be doing the work, to send a diver to the pool to inspect the drains. 

Architecture: Ken Schiewetz (acting chairperson)

Two new owner requests were made in September:

• Div 1, Lot 2 – replacement of roof shingles and gutter/downspouts was approved.
• div 2, Lot 6 – new paint color, light grey, for siding replacement was approved.

Ongoing violations:

The owners of Div 2, Lot 2 made progress on their yard overgrowth violation. After a drive-by on Sept. 16 they were advised there was indeed significant progress but there were still two outstanding items needing attention. Due to the progress the monthly fine was ended and the violation closed. As of this meeting, the other two items have not been addressed. A new email was sent advising that if the violation was not corrected the violation will be reopened and the fine reinstated.

Div 1, Lot 10 – $75.00/month fine for lack of maintenance (roof shingles) continues. Balance $150.00.

Div 4, Lot 14 – $700.00/month fine for view violations continues. Balance $7,700.

Tree trimming will be scheduled for this Fall. Only trees and branches on Mar Cheri property will be trimmed.

Recreation/Hospitality: Anne Mesick

No report.

New Business:

The board discussed at length the budget for next year.  The board does not want to impose a special assessment on community members and instead recommends an increase in annual dues to 885.00 per year. The big projects that are planned for the coming year are the replacement of the drain covers at the pool and the replacement of the locks and entry system at the pool. This increase will be presented to the community for a vote prior to the annual meeting.

The board would like to thank Jody Hanson for volunteering to help at the pool this Summer. Jody’s name was accidentally left of the list of volunteers in last month’s minutes. 

There being no other business, the meeting was ended at 7:54PM.

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 7 PM via Zoom.

Respectfully Submitted,

Anne Mesick

Secretary

Date: Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Time /Location: 7PM via Zoom

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

President: Ken Schiewetz

Ken called the meeting to order at 7 PM. Ken reported that the City of Federal Way has issued a permit for the trimming of vegetation in the common area. Bids for the work are being collected from licensed and certified arborists. 

Treasurer: Gary Mesick

As of 1 September, Mar Cheri has $16165.79 in our Operating (checking) account and $34078.70 in our Reserve (savings) account.

The Community is currently about $1700 over budget. There were no Reserve expenses in August.

66 households have paid their 2024 dues in full, and one household is paying in installments. Two households have not paid for 2024.  An additional household has not paid 2022 dues, which is an ongoing issue being handled by the Community lawyers.

Secretary: Anne Mesick

No report.

At Large: Larry Barlow

Larry provided additional information about the security system that is being considered for the aging system that is currently in place. More details as to the actual cost of the work needed at our facility will be reported next month.

Maintenance/Pool: Ken Schiewetz (acting chairperson)

Ken and Neal met to discuss and prioritize projects on Mar Cheri property, with the Reserve study as a guide. Several projects were presented, with replacement of the entry system locks at the top of the list.

It was also reported that Ken discussed the replacement of the dual drain covers in the bottom of the swimming pool, with a representative of the Orca company. Orca is one of only a handful of companies authorized, by King County, to make the changes at the pool. We are on a waiting list to have the work done, and are hopeful that the work can be completed in the near future.  

Architecture:Ken Schiewetz (acting chairperson)

In August there were two requests made of the committee.

• Division 3, Lot 11- repainting of the home was approved.
• Division 2, Lot 11- property owners notified the committee that the services of a landscape architect were being used and that several modifications to the vegetation on the lot would be made. The property owners stated they could not tell the source of overgrown vegetation coming onto their lot. The property was visited, and further investigation is ongoing.

Two yard maintenance violations were corrected and resolved prior to fines being assessed.

• Division 2, Lot 1 violation closed on 8/5
• Division 2, Lot 3 – violation closed 8/18

The $50.00 per month fine for yard overgrowth was assessed against Division 2, Lot 2 – fine assessed as of 8/18. August fine already paid. Homeowner advised fine will continue to be levied monthly on the 18th until the homeowner advises of correction so that we can confirm and end fines.

On going violations:

• Division 1, Lot 10- lack of maintenance of shake roofing shingles.

$75.00 per month fine assessed 8/23. Home owner advised fine will continue to be levied monthly until they provide and execute a plan for addressing the roof’s continuing deterioration. 

• Division 4, Lot 14- current fines are $7000.00 with an addition $700.00 to be assessed on 9/10.

Recreation /Hospitality: Anne Mesick

No report.

New Business: 

 A discussion about setting the budget for next year led to a lengthy discussion of the funds available for such projects. The board discussed the importance of prioritizing the maintenance projects for next year. The actual cost of the drain cap replacement, required by the County, will be a contributing factor in the scope of the projects planned for in the coming year.

The Mar Cheri Board extends their gratitude on behalf of the community to those volunteers who helped to make the enjoyment of the pool and grounds a success. Thank you to: Neal and Ruth Tripp, Nancy Kreuger, Kay Gomez, Robin Mann, Heather Pierce, Steve Freeborn, Wayne Miller, Olga Mendoza, Anna Himichuk and James Rolf. A special note of thanks to Neal and Ruth Tripp for coordinating the work and operations at the pool.

There being no other business the meeting was closed at 7:55 PM

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 7 PM via Zoom.

Respectfully Submitted,

Anne Mesick

Secretary

Date: Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Time/ Location: 7 PM via Zoom

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

President: Ken Schiewetz

No report.

Treasurer: Gary Mesick

As of 1 August, Mar Cheri has $19318.28 in our Operating (checking) account and $34077.83 in our Reserve (savings) account.

The Community is currently about $1900 over budget, due primarily to landscaping expenses.

66 households have paid their 2024 dues in full, and one household is paying in installments. Two households have not paid for 2024. An additional household has not paid 2022 dues, which is an ongoing issue being handled by the Community lawyers.

Secretary: Anne Mesick

No report.

At Large: Larry Barlow

No report.

Maintenance/Pool: Ken Schiewetz (acting chairperson)

Gary, Ken and Neal continue to work toward getting the main pool drain covers replaced according to King County regulations.

Architecture: Ken Schiewetz (acting chairperson)

• Div 1 Lot 9 – home repainting colors approved.
• Div 1 Lot 18 – addition of a shade awning to an existing deck approved.
• Div 1 Lot 13 – view interference from neighbors tree growth over the past year and unable to reach the neighbor directly. Quickly resolved by neighbor removing one tree and trimming other trees involved.

There were new violations sent for yard overgrowth:

• Div 2 Lot 1 –  violation letter sent, matter resolved, and violation marked complete.
• Div 2 Lot 2 – violation letter sent, $50.00 per month fine will be assessed if matter not resolved in 30 days.
• Div 2 Lot 3 – violation letter sent, progress being made, but $50.00 per month fine will begin unless the matter is fully resolved by the date specified by the Architectural Committee.

On going violations:

• Div 1 Lot 10 – lack of maintenance of roofing shingles.
• Div 4 Lot 14 – current fines are $6300.00 with an additional $700.00 to be assessed this month.

Recreation/ Hospitality: Anne Mesick

No report.

New Business:

Ken reported that he was able to facilitate negotiations between two neighbors to have overgrown shrubs pruned, and one large tree removed, restoring the view to one home owner. That homeowner in turn, approved an improvement to the neighbors property that required height poles to be positioned to determine how much the new improvement might impact the view from the neighbors home. An agreement that benefitted both property owners was reached.

The reserve study, required by Washington state law will be scheduled by Gary.

Ken Schiewetz will be asking previous Maintenance chairpersons if they know what kind of pipe is in use for the water supply line to the Mar Cheri pool house. A survey by the Lakehaven utility district, required by the EPA, was mailed to the community, and must be completed by October 1, 2024. If anyone knows what our water supply line is made of, please contact Ken Schiewetz.      president@marcheri.org

The board would like to remind community members who own dogs to keep them from barking incessantly. Out of courtesy to your neighbors, please control your dogs.

The board would like to remind those members using the pool, that member families are permitted to bring up to 4 guests a day. Bringing more than 4 guests to the community property or pool requires reservations for a pool party, a deposit, and a pool party liability release form must be completed and returned to Heather Pierce at, heathercpierce@gmail.com 

There being no other business, the meeting was closed by Ken at 7:30 PM.

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 7 PM via Zoom.

Respectfully Submitted,

Anne Mesick

Secretary

Date: Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Time /Location: 7PM via Zoom

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

President: Ken Schiewetz

Ken called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

Treasurer: Gary Mesick

As of 1 July,  Mar Cheri has $21933.77 in our Operating (checking) account and $34076.96 in our Reserve (savings) account.

The Community is currently about $1800 over budget, due primarily to landscaping expenses.

66 households have paid their 2024 dues in full, and one household is paying in installments. Three households have not paid for 2024. An additional household has not paid 2022 dues, which is an ongoing issue being handled by the Community lawyers.

Secretary: Anne Mesick

No report.

At Large: Larry Barlow

No report.

Maintenance/Pool: Ken Schiewetz ( Acting Chairperson )

No report.

Architecture: Ken Schiewetz (Acting Chairperson )

In June there were 5 requests from homeowners. All were approved: 

          Property 1-18, home painting ( same color)

• Property 1-21, concern about deck construction on a neighboring property. The neighbor agreed to cancel any work that would increase deck height.

• Property 2-6, siding replacement, deck replacement with new railing, sliding door replacement and addition of a window in downstairs bedroom.

• Property 1-9, garage door replacement.

• Property 3-11, replacement of outdoor shed.

Recreation /Hospitality: Anne Mesick

No report.

New Business:

Maintenance: 

Ken reported that the King County health inspection at the pool occurred and that we passed, but we have replaced the phone, the life ring and the rope that ties to the life ring. We were given an extension to have work done on the pool drain covers which need an upgrade. Neal and Gary, and Ken are working together with the contractor to take the steps necessary to get the work completed.

The pool is looking great, and members are enjoying it now that the nice weather has arrived.

At Large: 

Larry Barlow reported on his research to upgrade the aging camera system, and the gate lock system. Ken will get bids to have some adjustments made to the gate to install the system Larry recommends. We do have some flexibility in replacing the old system, but the time is approaching when it must be done.

Architecture: Ken Schiewetz

Please remember that waste containers should not be put out on the street/sidewalk until the night before collection day and need to be returned to their storage location, hidden from street view, by the end of collection day. Failure to comply can result in a $10 per day fine.

The board would like to thank Heather Pierce for agreeing to coordinate any parties that are scheduled for the pool. 

The board would like to remind all property owners about the difference between a member bringing a guest to the pool and hosting a party.

The pool rules state that property owners, in good standing, who have filled out the liability release form, may bring up to 4 guests to the pool each day. 

Guest totals beyond 4, require property owners to review the pool party rules, sign a pool party liability release form, and make a deposit ( may be refunded if there are no violations ).The date can then be scheduled with Heather.  heatherc.pierce@gmail.com

There being no other business the meeting ended at 7:45 PM.

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 13 at 7:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted, 

Anne Mesick

Secretary

Date: Tuesday, June 11, 2024 Time /Location: 7PM via Zoom Those in attendance: Ken Schiewetz, Larry Barlow, Gary Mesick, Anne Mesick President: Ken Schiewetz Ken called the meeting to order at 6:55 PM. Ken had no report. Treasurer: Gary Mesick As of 1 June, Mar Cheri has $32873.20 in our Operating (checking) account and $34076.12 in our Reserve (savings) account.The Community is currently about $4500 under budget, due to the timing of some of the insurance payments (which will show up in the June report). 65 households have paid their 2024 dues in full, and one household is paying in installments. Three households have not paid for 2024. An additional household has not paid 2022 dues, which is an ongoing issue being handled by the Community lawyers. Secretary: Anne Mesick No report. At Large: Larry Barlow No report. Maintenance/Pool: Ken Schiewetz (acting chairperson) The pool service is once again active. The pool is open, and 7 families have signed up to help open, close and clean the locker rooms. Architecture: Ken Schiewetz (acting chairperson) One garage door replacement was approved, one house painting was approved. There was one request for assistance with view violations; that situation is in process.There are two violations outstanding one for tree/ view violations in which monthly fines continue to accrue, and one property for lack of roof maintenance. One property owner notified the Ken that his home was be painted with the same color as before.Ken reminds all property owners to seek the approval of the Architectural Committee before making any changes to the exterior of your home or adding hard scapes to the property, and thanks all of those who made requests and notifications in the last month. Recreation /Hospitality: Anne Mesick No report. New Business: Ken stated that two new sensors were installed at the pool. Those sensors aid in the dispensing of chemicals needed to maintain water quality. Heather Pierce, who has kindly agreed to activate the pool keycards, has requested that members go to the website at marcheri.org and print a pool liability release form, fill it in and return it to her M-F after 5 PM, or reach out to her directly at heatherc.pierce@gmail.com  That form can be found on the site by clicking on documents, and then clicking on pool. Heather generally responds to all requests within 24 hours. Gary Mesick made a motion to affirm that there is no restriction to begin fining a property owner who was previously under court protection from doing so. Larry seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously. Anne Mesick brought up the possibility of having a community gathering at the community common area. The board agreed that some sort of gathering would be good this Summer. It was decided that for planning purposes the 4th of July would be too soon, but there is the possibility of the National Night Out which occurs on Tuesday, August 6th or just a casual gathering in August. If there is a community member who would like to take the lead on a community gathering, please contact Anne. There being no other business, the meeting was closed by Ken at 7:35PM.The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 9 at 7PM via Zoom.  Respectfully Submitted, Anne Mesick Secretary

 

Date: Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Time /Location: 7 PM via Zoom

Those in attendance: Ken Schiewetz, Gary Mesick, Anne Mesick

Those absent: Larry Barlow

President: Ken Schiewetz

No Report

Treasurer: Gary Mesick

As of 1 May, Mar Cheri has $44218.32 in our Operating (checking) account and $3475.25 in our Reserve (savings) account.

The Community is currently about $4500 under budget, due to property tax not having yet cleared. 

64 households have paid their 2024 dues in full, and one household is paying in installments. Four households are unpaid for 2024. An additional household has not paid 2022 dues. This is an ongoing issue being handled by the Community lawyers.

We have renewed our insurance 2024, which will be reflected in next month’s budget.

Secretary: Anne Mesick

No Report

Maintenance/Pool: Ken Schiewetz ( acting chairperson)

The painting of the pool house is complete. The work party took place Saturday, May 13 with 8 households represented. Most of the tasks on the list of projects needing to be done were completed. Thank you to Jodie Barbour, Steve Freeborn, Kay Gomez, Robin Mann, Gary and Anne Mesick, Wayne Miller, Heather Pierce, and Neal and Ruth Tripp.

Help is still need for the opening and closing of the pool, especially on the weekends. If you are available to help do this important service for the community (even occasionally) please contact Neal Tripp at 253-561-4022.

The pool will open this Friday, May 17, and key cards will only be activated for those property owners who have fill out a new Pool Release form and have it on file with Heather Pierce. Heather may be contacted at heatherc.pierce@gmail.com so that you can make arrangements to get that form, and fill it in.

Architecture: Ken Schiewetz (acting chairperson)

One property owner ( 3-7) was given approval to replace all the siding on a home. 

One property owner (4-5) was given approval to paint a home.

Fines continue to accrue for a property with trees interfering with view violations.

Ken reminds all property owners to seek the approval of the Architectural Committee before making any changes to the exterior of your home or adding hard scapes to the property.

Recreation Hospitality: Anne Mesick

No Report

New Business:

No new business.

We once again, we remind Community members that we are a Neighborhood Watch Community, and we thank you for reporting any suspicious activity in the neighborhood to the Federal Way Police.

There being no other business, Ken ended the meeting at 7:15 PM.

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 7 PM  via Zoom.

Respectfully Submitted,

Anne Mesick

Secretary

 

Date: Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Time/ Location: 7PM via Zoom

Those in attendance:Ken Schiewetz, Larry Barlow, Gary Mesick, and Anne Mesick.

President: Ken Schiewetz

Ken called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM. 

Treasurer: Gary Mesick

As of 1 April, the Mar Cheri has $24512.70 in our Operating (checking) account and $36799.37 in our Reserve (savings) account.

As reported last month, in February, we contracted to have trees trimmed in the common areas. The bill for $2724.98 was paid from Reserve. 

The Community is currently about $450 under budget.

57 households have paid their 2024 dues in full, and one household is paying in installments. We mailed late notices to 16 households, informing them that assessments are due on 1 April and that late fees and fines will accrue beginning April 15. Since then, five additional households have paid, leaving 11 households unpaid for 2024. An additional household has not paid 2022 dues. This is an ongoing issue being handled by the Community lawyers.

We have renewed our business license for 2024. We have also filed our annual report with the state, paid the April installment of our 2024 property tax, and filed our federal income tax forms for 2023.

We have received notice that our insurance company is willing to renew our policy, on the condition that we pay an additional defense cost because of our litigation history. We are reviewing their offer, along with other options.

Secretary: Anne Mesick

No report.

At Large: Larry Barlow

No report.

Maintenance/Pool:  Ken Schiewetz (acting chairperson)

Community member Wayne Miller completed work on the new Mar Cheri sign that will be installed at the entrance to the pool. This was a project that was scheduled for replacement on the Reserve Study, thanks to the volunteer labor provided by Wayne, the sign is done and we look forward to having it installed in the near future.

Ken continues to search for a certified professional who can review the condition of the siding on the pool house. It is the hope of the board, to find such a professional so that we do not need to replace said siding, only prep and paint it. Ken will contact the Reserve Study company to get their recommendation.

Architecture: Ken Schiewetz (acting chairperson)

Ken approved one roof replacement on property 2-6. Fines continue to accrue monthly for a property owner with view violations. Two property owners have received letters of non-compliance for garbage can violations. Fines will begin for one of those property owners if the cans are not moved by the fifteenth of this month.

Ken also reminded property owners that if you are doing any projects on the outside of your property, please check with the Architectural Committee BEFORE you begin. If it is a simple replacement a courtesy call to explain what will happen is greatly appreciated.

Recreation Hospitality: Anne Mesick

No report.

New Business:

Gary Mesick made a motion that he renew the insurance policy with Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company, Larry Barlow seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously.  

We are about a month and a half from the opening of the pool for the Summer swim season. Ken will contact those who volunteered at the pool last year to see if they are able to help again this year.

Ken thanked all those property owners who have paid the annual dues in a timely manner and asks that any who have not, please do so immediately so you do not need to be turned over to small claims court.

There being no other business, Ken closed the meeting ay 7:32 PM.

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 7 PM via Zoom.

Respectfully Submitted,

Anne Mesick

Secretary

 Date: Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Time /Location: 7 PM via Zoom

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

President: Ken Schiewetz

No report.

Treasurer: Gary Mesick

As of March 1, the community had $15596.08 in its Operating Fund (Checking) and $36798.44 in its Reserve Fund (Savings). 

The community is currently about $3700 under budget, owing to lower water and maintenance costs in the winter.

Invoices for 2024 dues ($720) have been sent to all homeowners. Remember that payment is due by April 1 and that late fees and interest accrue starting on April 15. 

22 homeowners have paid their dues in full for 2024. One homeowner has made a partial payment. 46 homeowners have yet to pay. There is one homeowner who has not yet paid 2022 dues.  Our attorney continues to execute the collection process. All fees and interest for this process are added to the total amount owed.

Reserve: The community paid no reserve expenses in February. However, the community spent $2724.98 to cut trees overhanging onto community property, which will be reflected in the March statement.

This year’s budget: Pending formal approval of this year’s budget, the community continues to operate to last year’s budget. Since they are the same, there is no impact other than the ongoing administrative burden of encouraging community participation.

Secretary: Anne Mesick

There was one ballot mailed in and one ballot was delivered to a property owner.

At Large: Larry Barlow

No report.

Maintenance/Pool: Ken Schiewetz (acting chairperson)

Neal Tripp will coordinate the wood chip purchase, delivery, and application in the common area this Spring.

To further customize our reserve study, Mar Cheri is looking for a certified construction engineer to professionally evaluate the siding on the pool house. The Architecture Committee would appreciate any leads any of our property owners might have in their search.

Tree trimming at the common area near the pool has begun. The City of Federal Way has redefined what can be done to a lot in an “erosion zone,” and a permit is required to trim any vegetation. Ken is in the process of applying for this permit to complete the work in the common areas.

Architecture: Ken Schiewetz (acting chairperson)

There were no new requests made to the Committee.

Recreation Hospitality: Anne Mesick

No report.

New Business:

Property owner, Wayne Miller, has volunteered to make a new Mar Cheri sign at the pool, and to repair a bench that is in need of refurbishing. Both of these items are on the reserve list as projects needing maintenance. Thank you Wayne, for volunteering to take on these projects.

There being no further business, Ken closed the meeting at 7:37 PM.

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 9th, 2024 at 7 PM via Zoom.

Respectfully Submitted, 

Anne Mesick

Secretary

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

Date: Thursday, January 11, 2024

Time /Location: 7:30 PM via Zoom

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

Due to a power outage caused by a wind storm, the meeting was rescheduled from Tuesday, January 9th.

President: Ken Schiewetz

No report.

Treasurer: Gary Mesick

As of January 1, 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. 

Invoices for 2024 dues will be sent within the week. Please check your email. If you do not receive an invoice by the end of January, please contact the Treasurer, Gary Mesick, at treasure@marcheri.org

The dues will remain at $720 for the year, and they are due before April 1. 

Reserve: There was a Reserve payment of $638.58 for a leak in the landscape drainage pipe on the embankment east of the pool and park area. There were deposits to Reserve of $638.58 and $6000.

Next year’s budget: The draft budget for 2024 calls for holding dues at their current level ($720 per household per year).

Secretary: Anne Mesick

The Annual meeting will be held Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at Wayside Church located at 2000 SW Dash Point Road.

Ballots will be mailed on or about February 1, 2024, which should give all property owners time to vote and return the ballots.

At Large: Larry Barlow

No report.

Maintenance/Pool: Ken Schiewetz (acting chairperson)

Ken presented two bids from Infinity Tree Service (a licensed arborist) for trimming trees in the common area near the pool.  One bid is for trimming the trees, in the common area, south of the chainlink fence. The other bid is for removing two dying trees to the north of the chainlink fence.

Architecture: Ken Schiewetz (acting chairperson)

There is one property owner not in compliance with the storage of garbage cans. 

The Architecture Committee approved changes to the replacement of one boundary fence.

Recreation /Hospitality: Anne Mesick

Anne delivered welcome packets to the residents of three homes in Mar Cheri. All three homes are being rented: the Sarno property Div 1-22, the Stubbs property Div 1-17, and the Maynard property Div 4-2. Welcome to all our new neighbors.

New Business

The board received a letter concerning tree trimming. The Architecture Committee is working with our attorney on a response to the letter.

The Architecture Committee is looking into two non-approved structures that were built on a property in Mar Cheri.

Neal Tripp, a member or the Maintenance committee, recommends that wood chips be spread near the picnic tables in the common area to help cover bare spots and absorb water.  Ken will look into the options available for that project.

There being no other business, the meeting ended at 7:53 PM.The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 7 PM via Zoom.

Respectfully Submitted,

Anne Mesick

Secretary