In attendance: Dave Smith (presiding), Sam Coleman, Tom Fischer, Teresa Furlong (secretary), Lemie Richards, 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 – Total expense for work orders during the first seven months of 2008 is at $9,481. (Total work orders – 42; Average expense per work order - $226). Monthly expense is running right at budget and well below levels from 2005 and 2006.
There have been some expensive repairs over the last few months, mainly relating to attic ventilators, roof leaks, and drainage problems. Concerns were expressed regarding treatment of drainage problems and coverage by the Association. This will be an area of focus in the short-term.
2. Finance Committee – The financial report for month ending July 31 was reviewed. Income and expenses are looking favorable to budget for the year.
The proposed 2009 budget was reviewed and approved. The budget will require an increase of $1.50 per month for increases in Common expenses. There has not been an increase in this area for two years. This increase (a total of $18 per year) will impact both townhome and single-family owners. There will be no increase for townhome maintenance costs in 2009.
A Reserve Fund Study is planned in 2009. There is some concern that Common Reserve funding is not increasing enough each year. This will be looked at as part of the Reserve Study.
3. Property Transition Committee – There have been no closings since June. Activity is low. The committee will consider a “Meet the New Neighbor” activity for OktoberFest this year.
4. Landscape & Grounds Committee – The committee will establish a procedure for reporting and replacement of dead shrubs and landscaping materials around townhomes. This information will be passed on to the landscape contractor for resolution.
Completion of landscaping renovation to the east side of Twain Avenue is still being planned for the fall. A quotation for this work and work on the west side of Twain is being requested from the contractor.
Residents have expressed concerns regarding the increased size of utility boxes installed by Mi-Connections. The Council of Stewards has no authority to control the right-of-way access that the Town of Davidson has to the strip of property between sidewalks and streets. Further information regarding the scope of work will be investigated.
5. Architectural Review Committee – A total of nine requests were reviewed during August. Eight requests were approved and one request was partially denied. Activity on this committee has increased markedly. Abbott Enterprises keeps a log of all Architectural Change Requests and the decision to approve or deny.
6. Newsletter & Website Committee – Several residents have made inquiries regarding the status of a neighborhood directory update. This project is underway.
The total number of newsletter copies has increased slightly to accommodate several casita residents.
7. Covenant Committee – Parking violations which had originally appeared to be nearing the next penalty phase (COS Hearing) were resolved.
The Town of Davidson has posted a NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER sign on south Wolfe Street. This was one of several safety issues that were acted upon by the committee. [See article on page 6 of this newsletter.]
A number of requests for pest control have been directed to Abbott. After some discussion, it was decided that Abbott would draft an official resolution and present it to the next COS meeting for approval. At this time, the Council is in agreement that pest control is an owner expense unless it impacts safety or public health. This will be made more specific in the resolution.
Information from an unconfirmed source indicates that the Town of Davidson is planning to repair and paint fences around town park areas.
Adria and Woody Appleby have agreed to chair OktoberFest 2008. A tentative date of October 4 has been set for the event. Lemie Richards will be the COS liaison with the planning committee. [See article on page 4 of this newsletter.]
The Nominating Committee appointed in June (Lemie Richards, Hank Howell, and Shirley Fischer) has recommended two candidates to replace the expired seats of Sam Coleman and Teresa Furlong. Nancy Lingle (Fairview Lane) and Steve Kessler (O. Henry Avenue) will appear on the ballot for the September Membership Meeting. [See biographies of the candidates on pages 7 and 8 of this newsletter.]
Jack Christine has agreed to serve as the Recording Secretary for the Council of Stewards. His official start will be at the October meeting.
The COS appointed a “Utility Conservation Committee” (Hank Howell, Tom Fischer, and Jack Byrne) to investigate electricity and water/sewer costs and to insure that sources are on appropriate meters.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 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 October 22, 2008. |