Personal Notes, HOA Meeting 02-23-2023

HOA Meeting Notes 02-23-2023 3:11 pm

Neither the directors nor homeowners could connect to the video conference so the meeting was conducted via telephone conference. I immediately interjected that the password in an email Nadine sent to me had an additional character than the password in the agenda. I said that when I couldn’t connect at the last meeting Ed said that it worked for him, as if the issue were mine. In response, after the previous meeting I had sent an email to Nadine suggesting that she check if we were blocked. Nadine seemed convinced the issue for this meeting was related to the password, but I said that the WebEx app for this meeting said, “We can’t find your account on the host site. Contact your administrator.” Therefore, I wasn’t convinced that the issue is simply a password issue.

Directors Present: Chris Andre, Dave Quinsey, David Samo, Ed Wenz, Tom Wright

FirstService Residential

Nadine Bell - Community Manager

Regional Director - Ian Navarro

Charter draft of legal committee Chris, Tom, Dave Q alternate

Work Order Report

Landscape Walkthrough/punchlist

Storm Water Inspection Reports

CONSENT CALENDAR

November Minutes

Financial Statements October, November, December

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Tree Trimming Proposals Update

O’Connell: $35,437 2 years $17,718 per year. Price increases each year.

A+: $20,000

Ed said the window (season) to trim the trees is passing.

O’Connell bid approved

Claret Street Retaining Wall Proposals

BRM has experience at building things, per Ed. He recommends BRM, and doesn’t want O’Connell to have too much to do with landscape and tree trimming already being assigned to them.

BRM approved.

HOMEOWNER FORUM

One speaker:

While Ian Navarro said all the communities are having problems with weeds, in places, for instance by our house, it is almost entirely weeds. There is a difference between weeds growing vs weeds being the predominant plant.

The landscape next to our house is a disaster. It is engulfed in weeds.

The landscape on freeways look better.

The erosion continues which the City has repeatedly warned about.

The main work I see the landscapers doing is leaf blowing. That’s what we pay $272 per month for? Chris, you often talk about property values, what about our property value with poor landscape?

I didn't give you a punch list. I gave you an example of the types of issues that exist. We shouldn't have to identify every example throughout the community. The landscapers need to inspect and address issues proactively.

A few quick examples of what they didn't address:

-rebar sticking out of straw wattle

-Acacia was cut back from a homeowner's fence, but the plant is prohibited and should have been removed

-The biggest issue is large areas of bare ground, and huge amounts of weeds.

This is what I don't understand. As plants die, why aren't they simply replaced? Is it that no one notices, the board doesn't want to pay for it, or both??

We should not blame the landscapers if the board has simply decided again to turn off irrigation and allow it to go native.

With that said, let's go over a few photos to show how other HOAs effectively maintain their landscape. If you prefer to turn off the irrigation and avoid replanting, then this is a waste of time.

Chula Vista landscape

<All the photos were sent to Nadine in a single pdf (click this link). Most of the photos were taken in Chula Vista, and a few in Scripps Ranch. The photo above is an example from Chula Vista>

Nadine has a meeting with the landscapers and Chris invited the homeowner to attend on March 2nd at 9 am. Agreed.

END HOMEOWNER FORUM

NEW BUSINESS

Merrill Lynch Recommendation

CD investment recommendation approved

Lien Authorizations

Two accounts recommendation for lien (These are typically for homeowners who don’t pay their assessments.) Approved.

O’Connell Common Area Landscape Improvements

Mirador, Calico, Triana, Cala Lily plantings

$4676

Approved

O’Connell Common Area Sevilla Monument

$502 Sweet Pea Shrub, Tacoma

Approved

O’Connell Straw Wattle, to prevent erosion

$240 Monticello

Approved

Trash Pick Up & Additional Trash Containers Discussion

Castilla lookout point.

High Point at Mariposa cul-de-sac

Install trash cans at those locations. Nadine asked for a map which Chris will provide.

Ed asked who is responsible for emptying the trash. <It’s part of the contract with the landscaper.> Nadine said that the landscapers pick up trash where they happen to be working. Ed suggested that they focus more on cleanup.

Security Hours Review & Discussion

Chris asked directors how it was going, whether hours should be changed, are they satisfied with the service? Ed mentioned some kids vandalizing on Claret. He said that he doesn’t see security passing through as much as they were. They were supposed to report on commercial vehicles and RVs, but he hasn’t seen it. Chris said that he has seen the reports and will give Ed access. Ed asked if they should monitor it or is it management’s job. Directors noted that they see more commercial vehicles lately. Nadine said that she doesn’t see the reports by the security company.

Nadine asked if hours should be adjusted.

David S., said more security is better than less. He thinks it has an impact. Ed agrees, but he isn’t sure that all corners of the community are being addressed.

Mon-Thurs: intermittent, may not hit every street

Fri-Sun: 6pm - 12:30; hit every street

Ed said he can hit every street in a few minutes, so he doesn’t understand how intermittent doesn’t hit every street.

Ed mentioned some kids that were dropped off then picked up, so not from the community. He described their activity <Note: I couldn’t hear what he said that they did>. He said they might be after packages too.

Other options: cameras and gating the community

Ed said that perhaps they need to do more while they are here.

Nadine commented that the police should be called for crime, and not rely solely the security patrol. Chris said that Nadine made a good point. He recommends calling the Sheriff first in many cases.

Decision: Hours remain the same. Ed said he prefers that the service be enhanced. Chris and Ed will talk to the security company. David S. said that we may need to adjust the hours as daylight time changes

Insurance Renewal - Funds Transfer 2023/2024

Approved. <note: couldn’t hear the amount>

Chris said insurance costs continue to increase due to litigation. Last year the cost was $31,000, this year it is $42,000.

Approved without vote from Dave Q. who didn’t unmute his phone.

San Diego Stormwater Solutions Proposal

Approved, but still no vote from Dave Q. who remains muted.

Adjourned 4:21 pm