South Cove Board Minutes – February 25, 2004
At the home of Craig Elkins
Board Members Present: Mark Southern, Craig Elkins, Don Meyer, Thomas Marquis, David Bangs, Jill Cyra, Jeff Hertogs, Rod Putney
Meeting called to order at 7:05 PM by Mark Southern.
Minutes: Don read the January 04 minutes. Minutes were approved as read.
Treasurer’s Report: Jill reported an account balance of $49,055.00 as of 2/25/04.
2004 - 7 past due 2003 - 3 past due 2002 - 2 past due
2001 - 1 past due Special Assessments - 2 past due
Delinquent dues enforcement - Craig commented "The covenants allow an automatic lien on properties delinquent in payment of homeowner's dues and assessments. State law, however, does not allow us to record a lien against the property in the county records."
With regard to enforcing liens on properties, Craig commented that an action must be filed to foreclose the liens. "Statute (RCW 6.13.080(5) also dictates that a notice must be sent to each homeowner, advising that
nonpayment of the homeowner association's dues and assessments may result in foreclosure of the association lien and that the homestead protection will not apply. Craig advises it be sent at least sixty (60) days prior to lien foreclosure action being taken."
Discussion about how escrow/title companies haven’t kept the board advised of property sales. Craig commented - escrow and title companies share responsibility to research if a property for sale is part of a homeowner association and settle any outstanding dues and assessments at closing.
2004 Rules & Regulations: (Craig, Thomas and Jeff) David – no pending lawsuits
The rules committee will study the covenants to determine the most appropriate timing for a discussion about future dues. We are discussing changing the Rules and Regulations to ensure they are consistent with the Covenants and clearly spell out enforcement procedures. The board is required to invite homeowners to all public meeting to discuss any changes to the Rules and Regulations before we could adopt changes.
Parks and Landscaping: (Rod, Don and Kendra Mills)
Discussion was held about new trees for the park, when they should be planted (spring or fall), and how to choose the proper trees. A recommendation was to contact Signature Landscaping for advice and possible coordination. Alternative suggestion was to use Squak Mt Nursery for recommendations, but there would be a consulting fee.
The board had inquired into the costs associated with changing from the current synthetic fertilizer to an organic fertilizer program for the park. Signature currently fertilizes twice a year (spring & fall), per their contract. Signature Landscaping submitted an estimate of an additional $6,200.00/year. The board will do more research on this subject.
Rod commented that the park should be re-barked every two years. Re-barking is now due; no decision made at this time.
Beach Sand – $400 budgeted. The sand is placed at the top of the beach and slowly filters down to the water. Mark suggests we wait until the ground is drier before bringing in truckloads of sand.
Tree trimming - There are four park trees between Mark Southern's house and Brian Jonas' house (This is the entrance which opens up to 192nd on the west side of the park) that require trimming. Rod has secured an estimate of $450.00.
Mark asked that a composite park plan, which includes the beach sand, bark & mulch and trees, be submitted before the funds are delegated to any project. Jill reported the grounds budget is $7,800.00.
Tennis Courts: Don is working with Doug McDaniels to secure resurfacing bids.
Beach: Craig says SCHA will receive full credit for the defective float installed at the beach. The manufacturer will provide a catalog and will make recommendations for a more durable float. The new floats can possibly be replaced in May/June when the water is lower. Craig will check into the reinstallation of the new floats.
Rod reported that the two ladders on the floating dock are missing from the float. One ladder was removed by the contractor and the other is damaged lying near the beach. It was recommended that the damaged ladder be stored somewhere safer.
Architectural Control Committee: (Mark, Thomas and Jeff) Mark received a positive response from the homeowner that had constructed a tent over his boat and replaced grass with gravel in his yard. The tent has come down and the front yard will be re-landscaped with grass and plants. There is a second homeowner with a tent constructed over a boat who was notified by letter. No response yet.
Discussion was held on the aesthetics of satellite dish installations. Discussion was focused around providing guidance for acceptable installations. Jeff will research acceptable installation practices in South Cove and David will post it on the Web page. Mark will research creative ways to hide the dishes.
Jeff reported one ACC request from a homeowner to move her fence closer to the actual property line. Jeff met with the party and approved the request.
Mailboxes: (Don and Mark) Jill reported that a $200 payment of a $280 bill was received from the roofing supply company that damaged one of the new mailboxes. The board decided to resubmit the bill for the remaining balance.
Reflective tape will be applied to the new mailboxes to help drivers see the boxes more readily.
Jill reported one remaining homeowner still in need of a mailbox key.
NewsLetter: The newsletter will cover the following items: Satellite dishes - Easter - Bulletin board - park issues - community interest items. Easter is April 11th. The newsletter should come out around April 1st. Easter and neighborhood priorities are the most important items. We'll finalize this at the March meeting.
We are still looking for an Event Coordinator. Rod Putney said his wife (Kim Putney) and a neighbor (Amy Higgins) would co-chair this position for Easter and possibly other events as well.
Government Affairs/SLSA: (David, Thomas, Jeff and Rod) David reported that the Issaquah annexation report has been finalized. Final decisions are still pending regarding Klahanie and Greenwood Point/South Cove annexation, but the annexations may be considered and scheduled separately.
David reported that the next SLSA meeting is March 3rd.
Other Issues:
Lake West residents have been discussing how to fund the desired improvements to Blackberry Park. Discussion has been held about the feasibility of a fundraiser for the desired improvement. They plan to raise the necessary funds with community donations, corporate and King County grants.
Community Involvement Activities: The board has been discussing the feasibility of a South Cove sock- hop held sometime after the Fourth of July to help increase community awareness and involvement. The discussion continued on possible coordination with surrounding communities. The current 4th of July budget is $2000.00
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 pm.
Next meeting March 17th at Don Meyers home