In attendance: Sam Coleman, Tom Fischer, Teresa Furlong, Dave Smith, Dave Stout, and Vera Victorino, Abbott Enterprises.
There were no homeowner issues or comments.
The Council of Stewards (COS) also discussed these issues and took the following actions:
1. Townhome/Workplace Building Maintenance Committee – The 2007 painting project that included the three buildings on North Faulkner Way began on time on May 14 and finished ahead of schedule on June 1. The total cost was $42,784 versus an approved budget of $44,821. With the exception of some minor clean-up issues, the work was completely satisfactory. Thanks go to Hank Howell, committee chairman, for his follow-up throughout this work.
An evaluation of townhome work orders was presented for the first five months of 2007. Total expense per work order is slightly lower than in 2006 and the monthly expense is continuing a slightly downward trend. As previously reported, the major repair continues to be roof leaks, primarily flashing and ventilators.
Abbott has changed its preferred vendor for these repairs. The new company, GWC, appears to be as competent as BTR once was and is cheaper and more responsive.
2. Finance Committee – The financial report for month ending May 31 was reviewed.
Tom Fischer proposed moving Common Reserve funds now in a Merrill Lynch cash account into the CA Banc cash account for Common Reserve funds. This will consolidate all Common Reserve funds and create the opportunity for placing some of these funds in a higher yield CD. Details will be finalized in the Finance Committee meeting in July.
At the July meeting, the allocation percentages for accounts under Members Equity will be reviewed to insure sufficient funds to cover historical expenses against both Common and Peer Group Reserves.
3. Property Transition Committee – In order to better track home sales and new residents in the neighborhood, the committee has divided responsibility for individual streets among committee members. Abbott is providing the committee with a monthly report listing all closing information and the names of new owners.
4. Landscape & Grounds Committee – The landscaping renovation project on Twain Avenue (the first building) was completed during the week of June 19. Response has been positive. Completion of the second building on the east side will be scheduled for the end of July. Plans are to complete all buildings on Twain by year-end. The wind chime park on Caldwell Lane received new mulch and some of transplanted materials from the Twain project.
Abbott has released a contract to remove the dead tree from the common area at the corner of Fairview Lane and Ashby Drive.
Refreshing of mulch around the wetland areas will be completed as soon as free mulch becomes available for the job.
The St. Alban’s Square fountain has been turned off repeatedly at the circuit box by unknown persons. It may become necessary to lock this box. However, if anyone sees this being done, please contact a member of the committee. The fountain is designed to run year-round.
At the special COS meeting in May, the growing concern for Association liability regarding the common area at the corner of Fairview Lane and Ashby Drive was discussed. The area is not currently maintained by the landscape contractor. A proposal to eliminate all current structures within this common area and to keep it open to all residents as a natural area was agreed to be the best approach at this time. As per the Neighborhood Covenant and Canons, construction of any structure within the area must receive prior approval by the Architectural Review Committee.
5. Architectural Review Committee – Four requests were reviewed by the committee during May. Two of these requests were turned down pending further review.
6. Newsletter & Website Committee – Vera Victorino (Abbott) has agreed to also send the monthly closing report that now goes to the Property Transition Committee to Steve Lee, webmaster, and to all COS members. This will allow deletion of out-dated data from the website and provide users with a more accurate directory. Work is underway to provide the capability to copy the directory. This will eliminate the periodic expense of providing a hard copy of a directory that becomes out-dated almost immediately.
7. Covenant Committee – Abbott has been sending letters to homeowners who are in violation of neighborhood governing documents. Primary focus continues on parking violations.
A packet containing an updated version of the Canons of Conduct and the abbreviated summary of Neighborhood Covenants was mailed to all owners on June 12. As per governing documents, the revisions to the Canons become effective 30 days from that date.
The final report from the 2007 nominating committee (Sherman Kahn, Luann Christine, and Shannon McLean) was presented to the Council. To fill the two positions that will be left by the expired terms of Norm Reid and Sherman Kahn in August, the committee has recommended John Williamson and Lemie Richards. Dave Stout, who was completing the term originally held by Virginia Hart, has agreed to run for a full term. All slots are for a 3-year term. Candidate profiles will be included in the August newsletter. Owners should be aware that nominations can also be taken from the floor on the night of the Membership Meeting in August.
A proposal and quotation for repair of the retaining wall on Susan T. Goodrum Byway (behind North Faulkner Way) and of the turning barrier on Marler S. Tuttle Sr. Byway (behind Twain Avenue) was presented by Hank Howell. The Town of Davidson will be contacted in regard to proposed new paving to widen the turning radius at these two locations. The quote for $5,360 will be discussed at the Finance Committee meeting in July.
The Council of Stewards is looking for someone to fill the Assistant (Recording) Secretary position formerly held by Donna Howell. [See newsletter article and description of position on page 7 of this newsletter.]
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
NOTE: The Council of Stewards meets regularly on the fourth Wednesday of every other month in St. Alban’s Church classroom (lower level) at 7:00 p.m. Special meetings are called as needed. Meetings are open to residents. The next regular COS meeting is scheduled on August 22, 2007. |