SOUTH COVE BOARD MEETING MINUTES
For Wednesday, June 21, 2000
(At the home of Chris Dederer)
Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM by David Bangs
Board members in attendance:
David Bangs
Tom Goodspeed
Mike Quaranta
Mark Buick
Susi Tom
Brian Englund
Chris Dederer
Board members absent:
None
Homeowners & guests present:
Brad Wallum, homeowner; Janet Nelson, homeowner
Minutes from the May 17, 2000 meeting were read and approved.
The budget for the current fiscal year (November – October) was reviewed. Expenditures this year have been $26,000, which is within budget, leaving cash balances of $29,000. The breakout of the budget between fixed ($37,547) and variable ($17,580) expenses was also reviewed. Fixed expenses include items such as the park maintenance contract, neighborhood events, and routine maintenance of the beach and tennis courts. Variable expenses are more discretionary, and cover special projects.
Mark reported:
· The unsatisfactory re-seeding of the bare spot in the grass by the tennis courts was redone, and this time turned out well.
· NW Grounds cleaned up the entrances, but more work is needed at the 192nd entrance sign.
· Olympic Irrigation completed the required annual back flow test of the sprinkler system.
A special meeting was held on May 30 with some board members and homeowners present, along with Brett Oliver, a representative from Pacific Playgrounds. The information from that meeting was reviewed and discussed. A three-phase approach was presented, with a total cost of approximately $35,000. The first phase alone would cost approximately $24,000. Janet Nelson voiced opposition, and concerns from the standpoint of cost, necessity and funding. Some points made in the ensuing discussion included:
· The propriety of “swapping” $10,000 of park path improvements budgeted in the current fiscal year with a similar amount budgeted for playground equipment next year was questioned. (That is, deferring the additional work on the paths to next year, and upgrading the playground equipment this year.)
- The Board position on this is that the Board has the authority for this kind of flexibility in decision making, and that it is necessary in order to watch out for the best interests of the neighborhood in the face of changing needs and circumstances.
- Another factor considered relevant, is that the vast majority of homeowners choose not to participate in the budget approval process, meaning that they did not participate in the approval of the path project in the first place. The annual budget for revenue and expense is in excess of $50,000, and is subject to approval at the annual meeting in November. At the last annual meeting, other than the Board members, seven homeowners were present.
· The need for replacing playground equipment was questioned. Primary reasons given include safety, and the impact that the condition of the park, including the playground, has on property values and quality of life in South Cove.
· There was general agreement that the maximum that could be funded by the Homeowners Association this fiscal year, is approximately $10,000. It is also agreed that any additional spending would need to be funded by voluntary contributions, because a special assessment would not be appropriate.
· Design was discussed. The three-phase approach would result in one large piece of equipment when finished. Some expressed the opinion that several independent pieces would be preferable.
· As the next step, Tom Goodspeed agreed to meet with Pacific Playground to explore options for a less costly first phase, and also an approach that would provide pieces that would be more independent from one and other. Replacing the piece of equipment most in need is still considered a possibility for this year.
Susi indicated there was nothing new to report.
Mike reported:
· TK Painting pressure washed benches, tables and the tennis courts, at a cost of $800.
· There does not appear to be a need for new sand at the beach this year.
· Bench facing the tennis courts needs repair, and he will obtain an estimate.
· In answer to a question, the HOA has poles for volleyball (located at the edge of the park near the beach), but homeowners need to supply the nets.
· Received a complaint about kids at the beach late at night.
- There was discussion regarding the Board’s role and responsibility, in that the Board does not function as the neighborhood police. The consensus was that it the responsibility of each homeowner to deal with these matters.
Architecture- Chris Dederer
Chris reported that a fence had been approved, but that it may encroach on the five foot easement from the street. He will look into this. Chris also reported that the issue of a heat pump that was complained about by the neighbor has come up again. Chris is attempting to help by having a cover designed to control the noise level.
Special Events- Chris Dederer
Chris reported that everything is set for the Fourth of July celebration.
Other
· Brian was asked to give his report at the next meeting regarding the possible use of a property management company to assist in some of the duties of the Board.
· Future meetings:
- July 19- home of Mike Quaranta
- August 16- home of Susi Tom
· Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Submitted by Brian Englund