Wissler Ranch HOA Board Meeting
Thursday July 11, 2002
Meeting called to order 8:25 pm by Pete Popp.
Board Attendees:
Pete Popp
Kathleen McCormick
Dan Rogers
Dave Aspenson
Marne Trujillo
Homeowner Attendees:
Steve Shaffer
Sandy Bonnitz
- Steve Shaffer, a homeowner charged with over-water usage for the year of 2001, presented the attendees with a summary of their over-water usage since they have moved in. He also discussed how he and his family are trying to decrease their water usage. He asked for relief from the water fine. Pete's response was that since there were no extenuating circumstances, he did not feel that we should grant relief from the fine. Also, other homeowner's who have overused their water allotment have been charged the fine. By making an exception, it may cause problems with other fines we have levied. Dan agreed with Pete's opinion. Bonnie asked some questions about the source of the fines. Dave gave some history of the process of selecting the water fine.
Steve said that he felt they have shown diligence to reduce their water usage. Also, since this is their first violation, he viewed this as a traffic violation in the sense that a person can go before the judge to get a waiver on a first violation. He also said that in his experience as a former board member, they gave leniency to homeowner's on their fines. His last point was that a plumber told him that his water meter was installed backwards which may have caused the meter to read backwards.
Dave motioned to allow the board use discretion at how they assess fines. Pete seconded the motion and all were in favor.
The reason for negotiating the fine is that this is the second fine assessed for over-water usage and was handled in a much better manner than the first fine levied. We have a cooperating homeowner that is working proactively with the board. There have been positive steps taken to reduce water usage in the future.
Marne motioned to reduce the flat fine by 50% and maintain the per gallon usage. Dave seconded and all were in favor.
- Two other convenant violation issues were raised. A homeowner on Still Glen erected a fence around their property. The homeowner says that the DRC did not review the plans within the required 30 days. However, Pete says that we did return the plans within 30 days. The plans were turned down and he still erected the fence which is a split rail fence encircling his property. This issue was left unresolved
- A trailer issue is pending on Wavy Oak and County Line. The homeonwner has received 2 notifications about boats in the yard in 2001. They have a cargo trailer this year and Gene sent them a letter that it must be removed immediately. It appears to have been moved and the issue may have been resolved.
- Dave Aspenson provided the Treasurer's Report. NAs of 7/11/02, we have a cash balance $18,052.56. Some things that the done this year with “common area improvement money” are:
- Rain gutter was added on mailbox facility.
- The mailbox area was stained and sealed.
- A retaining wall was built around the entrance to the neighborhood.
- The sprinkler system was fixed.
- The flower beds will be replanted with perennials.
- A fence was built around the windmill.
- Someone dumped a slash pile in the common are and it cost ~ $500 to remove.
The budget spent on these items was $3,695. We have $6.3K left and another ~$2K is committed. This year, the majority of the money is committed to maintenance. The swingset estimate is ~ $5K. We may be able to fit it into this year's budget. Many on the board and Bonnie have heard comments from other homeowner's that a swingset is important and many more people are using the common area. It has been agreed that we will ask Kevin Light to get bids for the swingset and move forward. - Pete thinks we should investigate a 5-year plan. We need to make a plan and then can determine the amount of increase in our Homeowner's dues. Marne suggested that we ask for area improvements in the newsletter.
- Dave made a motion to adjourn at 9:37 pm. Dan seconded and all were in favor.