Personal Notes, HOA Meeting 02-21-2018
HOA Meeting Notes 2-21-2018
Directors Present: Chris Andre, Scott Kiefner, Dave Quinsey, Ed Wenz, Tom Wright
FirstService Residential, Richard Ford, Senior Community Manager
HOMEOWNER FORUM
Ford had stated that an item was on the agenda of the December 20 meeting. The item wasn’t discussed. After that meeting Ford again said the item was on the agenda but the board chose not to address it. After that meeting, when asked why it wasn't addressed, Tom said, he doesn't make the agenda. Who was right? Was it on the agenda for December 20 or not? HOA response: Scott said he didn't have the item in front of him at the moment. Homeowner said a bogus agenda violates the Open Meetings Act. Also, matters being discussed must be disclosed in sufficient detail so people can attend for items of interest. Disguising items to be discussed under Homeowner Correspondence does not provide sufficient detail, therefore it violates the law.
Why weren't homeowners informed that irrigation had been turned off? No HOA response. Homeowner suggests including such information in the newsletter.
Didn't the $20,000 smart meters tell us anything? Any HOA oversight? Why did you spend the money on a system you are now suing to replace? You didn't know it was malfunctioning, yet it is bad enough that the HOA is now suing? No HOA response. Homeowner said that the board discussed irrigating landscape by the apartments on Graves, while our landscape was dying. The landscape next to their house is in bad shape. The dead oak tree that was reported in November still stands--dead. "You are damaging us."
END HOMEOWNER FORUM
Discussion of reserve study contract e.g. 1 vs 3 years. Unclear when next study is due, what is required etc. Tom then read that it is required every three years. It has been two years since the last. Issue tabled pending further clarification.
Northstar Cost Sharing: Ford says, Northstar has not replied to the latest communication.
Fence inquiry: Markus Spiegelberg, Preserve Manager, Center for Natural Lands Management (https://cnlm.org/portfolio_page/rattlesnake-mountain/), seeks to block access to a road, but Scott said the road and the land a few feet on each side of the road belongs to the HOA (pdf). Residents use the road to go to the school below. Spiegelberg apparently wishes to limit access. Scott says only a portion of the land is preserve land. HOA will send a reply letter.
Security Cameras: Chris Andre spoke with the Sheriff's Dept. about whether they could review security cameras to review incidents. Sheriff Dept. indicated that they could review cameras if the HOA provided access. Richard Ford asked if the level of crime warranted HOA installed security cameras. Scott and Tom discussed the privacy aspect, i.e. "Big Brother." Scott said the Sheriff Dept. is, of course, in favor of it. Chris said a high end estimate to install security cameras is $50,000-$60,000. This would cover the entrance, not the rest of the community. Homeowners have cameras but they are often low resolution and not license plate readers. Scott said that the Northstar community would need to be consulted. There have been two break-ins. Chris said putting up signs would be a deterrent even if we installed lower cost cameras. The HOA can't put up signs warning of cameras unless cameras are installed. Dave and Tom said it isn't worth it. Chris thinks the community should be consulted. Scott asked Chris to research what other HOAs have done. Ed suggested installing a sign that says the security company is monitoring. Scott said that crack heads don't care. Tabled for further research.
Security Patrol Request: Incidents--suspicious person, Bravo 3 called sheriff, he had a crack pipe. Most incidents that Bravo 3 has handled have been people loitering. Bravo 3 suggested that they might be more effective if homeowners were allowed to call them. Scott doesn't want homeowners calling Bravo 3 instead of calling the Sheriff. Bravo 3 said they would not increase the fee and they anticipate 1 or 2 calls on any night that they get calls. Chris made a motion to provide the phone number to homeowners. No directors seconded the motion so it failed. If homeowners don't call the Sheriff there will be no record of the need for service. Topic tabled for further research e.g. Can Bravo 3 notify the Sheriff that they will be responding?
Design Guideline Revisions--no specifics discussed in the open session. Directors will review proposed revisions and make comments. Directors committed to sending their reviews to Ed by March 1. Ed will compile it and send to Ford by March 9. Later, it will go to homeowners before it is put into effect.
Appeal for variance. <Note: There are contradictory statements as there was confusion about the project.> 7207 Ocotillo, a zero clearance pool is being installed, and it extends to the slope. A 10ft setback from fence and slope is required. Variance requested. Homeowner has already started construction, though it has not been approved by the HOA, as required. Design Review Committee recommended approval. Unclear how close the pool edge will be to fence. It will go 5ft past the slope edge. Other homeowners have gone past the slope edge with vanishing edge pools. It was noted that the lot is adjacent to open space, so less objectionable. Ed said that they are pigeon holed because construction has started. Ed motion to approve as is, 2nd by Chris, Dave yes, Tom & Scott no. Approved. Ford asked for clarification as to what specifically was being exempted by this variance <note: because it was confusing>. He was directed to simply document that the plans were approved in general.
Design Review Committee (DRC) Submission Procedure Concept: Coordination with architect. Ford recommends that owners submit three packages, FirstService logs, sends to DRC Chair (Ed), Ed will notify if it needs review by architect. Architect will then communicate with DRC Chair (Ed) (copies to management). Procedure approved unanimously.
Out of the previous two items a discussion ensued about City permits and code. They briefly debated whether the HOA needs to ensure that plans to comply with city code. They also discussed whether the City will approve plans that don’t comply with the CC&Rs. <See City permit stamp below.>
If plans do not require architectural view the $150 fee will be refunded.
Homeowner Correspondence:
Landscape adjacent to home is poorly maintained.
The homeowner had submitted photos to FirstService. FirstService gave the board badly printed black and white copies that were of such poor quality that they were indecipherable.
Dave said the landscape will be reviewed on the next landscape committee walk. The board briefly discussed the need to get better quality photos from FirstService.
Homeowner Correspondence:
Pedestrian safety at Castilla. Suggestions submitted via correspondence: install stop sign at Castilla, install mirror, move mailboxes, install sidewalk, radar machine, speed limit signs, paint the road, and newsletter article. Some homeowners are exceeding 60 mph in the area. It is particularly unsafe at the mailbox where homeowners have to stand in the street to collect the mail. Stops signs are being ignored. Drivers come down Mariposa very fast. Discussed asking the Postal Service to approve and move the mailboxes. The homeowner who submitted the correspondence was not at the meeting. Item tabled for homeowner to give feedback.
Homeowner Correspondence:
Landscape issue--no details discussed openly--landscape committee looking into it.
Homeowner Correspondence:
Suggest Little Free Library placed on HOA property. Ford discussed liability. Discussed requesting placement in the park instead. Refer it back to Amber to request that the City allow it in the park.
Gopher Control Request sent to Dave by homeowner. Board unanimously agreed to take no action unless gophers are damaging HOA property.
DRC Appointment Request: Person had expressed an interest, though less interested at the moment. They discussed this without stating the person's name.
Legislative Update: No details discussed.
Adjourned 8:38
Next meeting March 21st