Personal Notes, HOA meeting 06-20-2017
Personal Notes, HOA Meeting 06-20-2017
Directors Present: Scott Kiefner, Dave Quinsey, Ed Wenz, Tom Wright, Chris Andre
FirstService Residential (FS), Richard Ford, Senior Community Manager
FMZ brush clearing is supposed to be completed by June 15. It was discussed with Fire Marshal.
Replaced some cable rail on Sevilla.
HOMEOWNER FORUM
Committee formation regarding CC&Rs? HOA response: No, haven’t moved forward.
HOA attorney Bill Bud was hired for the limited purpose of potential litigation. Somehow he is now the attorney for all purposes. He seems to take the path of least resistance. The former attorney, Laura, focused on obligations and abiding by the CC&Rs. This attorney is telling you want you want to hear which may get the HOA into trouble. Letting people violate the rules seemed to be the philosophy. Recommend going back to Laura. She also charged $100 an hour less. One homeowner cost the HOA over $10k in legal fees.
HOA Response: Andre questioned the propriety of the use of the legal bills by former board member.
Homeowner says David Martin now parks two vehicles in the street which is believed to be preparation for storing an RV. An employee parks in his driveway. An employee parks every work day, and arrives and goes to lunch at a regular schedule. David Martin has called work there telecommuting. Non-compliant patio cover remains in place. A tree was planted too close to the lot line and remains there.
Chris Andre should be removed from the board if he remains in violation. Homeowner provided a packet about the issue to the board at the last meeting.
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Homeowner has redacted copies of some legal bills acquired (purchased) from the HOA, and can post them.
<Comment: The HOA redacted information such as names of homeowners from the attached HOA legal bills (pdf). Use caution when interpreting. “Fence” has been highlighted throughout the document as it has been a major topic of discussion. I’m told the HOA may have changed its position on informing the community about such information. This may be our only opportunity to see such documents. It shows how expensive small tasks and interactions can be.>
Homeowner reported irrigation running 11 hrs per day via the FS emergency phone number, posted it on Facebook, then contacted FS by email days later after no action was taken. Homeowner called FS when a large valve was running, but the emergency phone number routed to the billing dept. At the last meeting FS asked for the date and time of that call. Once provided with the information FS merely called the emergency #, then reported that it works. It was a waste of time for the homeowner to look up and supply the date and time.
At two previous meetings homeowner requested water records. The board didn’t discuss it. Homeowner then made a formal request for the records.
After months, FS still isn’t sending agenda via email, and perhaps they will never devote enough resources. Ford said his assistant sent the agenda. Homeowner and other attendees said they didn't receive it, and it has been brought up repeatedly at HOA meetings.
The comments are not just to improve the community. The director’s duties would be easier if they accepted suggestions. HOA should take care of landscape, enforce the rules, and perhaps hire a better management company. But, instead we will again hear about lighting the monument and rule changes.
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Homeowner says that there have been many weeds. She spoke to the landscaper about it. Bank behind her house looks bad. Plants are dead. HOA response: Scott said he is contacting the general manager. Wenz and Quinsey said that they (landscapers) might not be properly managed. Dave, the manager, left. Kiefner said they will put the job out to bid for another vendor if necessary. Homeowner said there is an area that isn’t being watered. Half of an area is dead. The bank is on/near Monticello.
Social Committee:
Propose welcome committee. HOA Response: Kiefner said to make a proposal to the board.
Egg Hunt, Tacos in Park, Fall Festival, are the events that the HOA funds. Then perhaps two events that will not cost HOA money. Will submit forms to add additional members to the Social Committee.
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Thanks for fixing a tree and bringing up the litter issue.
Was going to talk about landscape, but it has already been discussed.
Homeowner asked a question about the election process. HOA Response: There are seven candidates for five seats.
Bylaws for qualifications suggests there must be a vetting process. How are candidates weeded out if they don’t meet the qualifications? HOA Response: Ford said there are few restrictions. Candidates don’t even have to live in the community. Ford ran some items from candidate applications past legal. All candidates met the qualifications. Write-in candidates are still an option.
END HOMEOWNER FORUM
Consent calendar: Approval of minutes; April 2017 financial statement; Lien action.
Andre said the lien might be for a new homeowner who is unaware. Ford recommends following the delinquency policy. He said he can confirm the address. Approved by all except Kiefner who abstained because he was not at the last meeting to vote regarding the minutes.
CC&R amendment. Kiefner said that there is nothing to discuss. Too late to do anything for the next meeting. Andre discussed further action. Issue tabled. <Comment: I’m unsure of the votes. Check official minutes when available: https://www.fsresidential.com/california/home >
Cost sharing budget still being discussed between Northstar and Sky Ranch, via Ford.
Lighting proposal
New estimate incandescent retrofit to LED $2325. Contractor willing to provide one to demonstrate color.
2700k color. Includes cleaning fixtures. Unanimously approved.
Security cameras: The HOA doesn’t have cameras but there had been a proposal to put up a sign warning of camera surveillance since homeowners have many security cameras. Propose referring the issue to the HOA lawyer. Approved unanimously
Annual Budget preparation. Thanked Quinsey and volunteers Mahoney & Horn-Phillips.
Fines aren’t income. Water budget reduced by 12%, but we have actually used was even less water. Reserve $4100 per month. Doubled budget of Social Committee. Homeowner assessment $197.
Unanimously approved budget.
Board Replies to Homeowner Correspondence
No details provided to audience. Board referred to their packet.
Homeowner Correspondence (two)—incoming, i.e. letters to HOA.
No details provided to audience. Board referred to their packet.
Landscape Addition Proposal
Board referred to their packet. No information provided to audience. Said something about the proposal requests money for something that the HOA already pays for, but is/are being characterized as enhancements in the proposal.
Next meeting 1st choice July 26, July 18 the 2nd choice.
August 16 Annual Meeting.