Personal Notes, HOA Meeting 05-22-2019
HOA Meeting Notes 05-22-2019, 6:35 pm
Directors Present: Scott Kiefner, Chris Andre, Dave Quinsey, Ed Wenz
Directors Absent: Tom Wright
Richard Ford, FirstService Residential, Senior Community Manager
Reports--little discussion
Landscape: Three employees from O'connell Landscape spoke briefly and answered questions by homeowners. They said they have been working on brush management, cleanup, and adjusting clocks on the irrigation controllers.
Smart controller system. Takes data from satellites, adjusts per weather, adjusts the time as well. Times may vary automatically depending on needs and conditions.
Is it working? It is partially working. Three controllers are, in fact, not smart controllers, as believed. Smart aspect is not operational.
Homeowner asked when they will be finished and will we be told. They said they will inform the HOA when finished and said they would be working on the area by her house soon.
Homeowner asked what work has not been completed / not working. They were unable to specify.
Homeowner complained about a slope. Scott said they are aware of it.
Homeowner said you don't need a satellite to run the system. He said you only need sensors.
HOMEOWNER FORUM
The HOA should advise homeowners when they realize a meeting has been canceled so they can better plan their schedules for family and work.
At the last meeting the board said that brush management is done once per year. According to the landscape contract <excerpts below> brush management is done throughout the year. The contract says, "Most areas shall be done 3-4 times per year." We are not getting what we are paying for.
The landscaper is paid $18,534 per month! It was $23,350 for the first three months to focus on irrigation.
At the last meeting a homeowner complained of brush that hadn't been cleared in a long time and was growing through their fence. The contract says, "All fence lines above and below slopes will be kept clear; a minimum of 18." Again, we aren't getting what we are paying for as it should never grow that far. With large areas abandoned, yet covered by the contract, we are overpaying for landscape work.
The landscape contract also says, "The appearance of all plantings to be maintained to acceptable horticultural standards." Homeowner told Dave, "You wanted to run the place, so run it. You led the board recall and kicked people off of committees including the landscape committee. You're on the committee and should be aware of the contract. Does the landscape committee have the contract? Why isn't it on the web site?"
The 2nd homeowner got a letter about a violation and he addressed the board in the open session. He said he got a violation for bushes growing over the sidewalk. He said that he doesn't have bushes. He wanted to know who sent it because Ford said that he didn't send it. They did not say who sent the letter. The board said it was a courtesy notice, not a violation letter. The homeowner pointed out that the word "violation" appeared on the 2nd page.
He said the letter also noted the poor condition of the grass in his front yard. He said that rabbits are damaging the grass. Homeowner slopes across the street, in view from the front of his house, is full of brush. They have been that way for six years. He said the brush provides concealment for the rabbits.
The third homeowner said that the landscaper and HOA should recognize slopes dying. They need to find someone who knows what they're doing. The homeowner has spend thousands of dollars on landscaping, but others are ignoring their slopes. Yet, she said, they got a notice asking if their project was completed though it had been completed less than 30 days ago. The management company should also be monitoring. A new management company might be needed. There should be files. Some lots still have no landscaping in the back yard. There are yards with weeds going through the artificial turf. There are new homeowners that leave trash cans out. The HOA should notify them, not a violation, but perhaps just a reminder.
END HOMEOWNER FORUM
Consent Calendar
Read agenda titles A through E -- approved with no discussion.
Northstar and Sky Ranch Cost Sharing, still in progress.
Fence Maintenance Correspondence
All three bids qualify based on price. Request that a company clarify that it actually works on fences. Ensure that we get a spec sheet so we get the right fence color. Approved unanimously pending adequate responses from the vendor to Ed Wenz.
Tacos in the Park June 8th. Janet mentioned miscreants checking wreath for keys. Chris said the homeowner should send him an email to inform the security company. Another homeowner asked if everyone could send him such information. He said that she is on the Social Committee. The homeowner said, "So only social committee members can inform you?". Chris supplied an email address for others to reach him <redacted for web>.
Architectural Modification Status: clarify completion of projects homeowners are working with homeowners.
Homeowner Correspondence--no discussion
Oconnell info.
Brush management email.
Recommendation of plant materials--HOA will get bids
Additional correspondence came in late.
Adjourned 7:29
Next meeting June 19th.
