Discussed the future of the Association. It was decided that we should pay to renew our incorporation papers. (Payment has been sent in)
One homeowner felt the liens were illegal. He was assured they are, in fact, legal. He was also concerned about the maintenance to the entrances and why those lot owners did not do the mowing. He was advised that this is common grounds designated by M/I Homes which are the responsibility of all homeowners. They must be maintained for the upkeep of the community. He also advised that the city says they are going to cut-down the ash trees they planted in our community due to ash borers.
Dumping in the detention area was discussed. Right now several people have dumped junk etc. in that area and have caused the drainage to back-up. It also was designated as common ground by M/I Homes so all homeowners are responsible for this area as well.
Homeowner expenses in arrears at this time are $581.50 which have been paid by a homeowner for the Association until such time as the money is in the checking account so she can be reimbursed.
Also discussed was the possiblity of a spring clean-up, increasing homeowner fees, HHHA website, code violations and enforcement.
Detention area: pictures were taken of the junk that has been dumped in the area and shown to those present. Stressed the importance of maintaining this area. Homeowners will meet Saturday (4/9) to inspect and come-up with a possible solution.
Dues: discussed all those homeowners that are in arrears and have not paid their dues. Filing liens are costly, so we are looking into turning them over to a Collection Agency.
Mowing: discussed possibly waiting until May to start mowning. Also will find out how much more it would cost to do the strip of land along Obetz Road. Unfortunately everyone does not mow behind their house which brings down the integrity of the whole community.
Community Yard Sale: the date voted on for this year's sale is: June 10, 11 & 12. You can participate as many days as you prefer. We will post signs at the entrances. I have already posted it city wide on our calendar. Please keep in mind that these signs are paid for by the Association and should not be removed to be posted in anyone's personal yard.
Other problems discussed: trash cans that are supposed to be out-of-sight, drug problem in our community, break-ins, speeding and dogs barking. We would also like to see the city put a street light at the corner of Obetz & Lockbourne Road.
Next meeting: Wednesday, May 25, 2011.
HOMEOWNER MEETING, MAY 25, 2011
Homeowner discussed again about the ash tree problem.
Decided to meet June 4th @ 9AM to weed and mulch the entrances. Volunteers needed.
Several vehicles have been towed from the neighborhood that were in violation of the city codes. Wrecker problem is being taken care of by the city. Truck problem on Tera Alta has been resolved. Discussed the deplorable condition of the house on Tera Alta and that city code has been contacted several times.
Discussed the dues problem and homeowners were shown diagrams of all houses in the community with unpaid dues.
Decided to have our next meeting in cul-de-sac at Habersack and Hackworth on July 14th at 6:30 PM.
Also asked for volunteers to be trustees. None volunteered, so it is Jonathan Burke, Ed Muncy & Brenda Grove.
Twenty-One (21) members present.
HOMEOWNER MEETING 7/14/11 MEMBERS PRESENT: 15
Discussed the dead trees at the entrance and what to replace them with (tree/shrubs). Majority voted on 1 tree in middle and shrubs or ornamental grasses on each side.
Discussed ash trees in community. Tru-green would do all (150) trees for $40 each. We do not have that kind of money. Any individual could also have their tree treated at their own expense. (Please see note on Discussion area about what can be done)
According to Adam, trees on Tera Alta are already infected.
Detention area was cleaned-out. Debby arranged for the pick-up and Ed hauled out all the trash. Still a problem because people keep dumping in that area. Discussed the need for it to be roped off so vehicles cannot obtain access to that area. Also discussed the necessity of a sign (i.e. not responsible for any injury etc). Ed mentioned that another community had been sued because of injury in their common grounds. Just like theirs; the detention area, access lot, entrances are common ground that belong to every homeowner in our community. Also discussed homeowners that are throwing their yard waste over their fences into that area which should not be done.
Thanks to the 11 volunteers that helped weed, trim, mulch, paint signs. Thanks also to Mr. Smith for advancing the Association dues money so the mulch could be purchased.
Discussed hiring a Collection Agency to collect unpaid dues (which are many). Majority voted to go ahead with this since it is better to get a percentage of something versus getting nothing. All information will be obtained regarding that process. As soon as it is in line, flyers will go out to all homeowners letting them be aware of the consequences of not paying their dues as well as giving them ample time to remit payment before it is turned-over to the Collection Agency.
Next meeting will be October 5, 2011 @ 6:30 PM in the detention area.
Don't forget to attend the annual meeting and election of new trustees on April 21 @ 7PM. Doors will open at 6:30. It is being held at Amvets Post #1312 at 3599 Lockbourne Road. Parking & Hall entrance are in the rear.
The meeting was called to order at 7PM. Financial information was shared with the homeowners. All records and receipts were available for any homeowner to inspect. Expected mowing costs for 2005 approximately $2,500. There are still 43 homes ($1,290) whose 2004 fees remain unpaid and 86 homes ($2,580) unpaid for 2005. It was reiterated that liens have been placed on those homes whose fees were unpaid for 2003. The cost of placing these liens was $392.83.
Harry F. questioned when the "clean slate" began regarding unpaid fees. He was unclear whether it was in 2002 or 2003. David O. seconded the response that it was voted to begin fresh in 2003.
Cheryl H. wanted to know exactly what the $30 is used for other than mowing, because it is her belief that 3 of the 4 homeowners at the entrances mow their own lawns anyway. She is also starting a petition throughout the neighborhood to dissolve the association. Since last year, she has gathered the signatures of over 20 homeowners.
Nominations were opened for new trustees. The trustees for 2005 are Jonathan Burke, Fred Hattery, Traci Flick, Marsha Lott and Brenda Grove.
Miscellaneous issues that were discussed:
1. Suggestion for adding envelopes with annual fee statement.
2. Forming a volunteer group for beautification of our community.
3. Excessive numbers of vehicles in driveways making maneuverability on sidewalks a challenge.
4. Dangerous "turns" caused by many vehicles blocking visibility.
5. Relocation of BMI Credit Union.
6. Replacement of Hamilton Highlands sign. Considered a dead issue due to high cost.
7. Neighborhood safety: turning-on porch lights, keeping garage doors closed.
8. Keeping the trees in the easement trimmed so that those walking on the sidewalk can get through without needing to walk in the street.
9. Planting pine trees along I270 to serve as a noise buffer.
We discussed our Community Yard Sale. Would like it to be in July on a Saturday and Sunday. Suggestion was made to hold it the same weekend as Hamilton Meadows holds theirs to attract larger crowds.
Announcement was made that the lawn bags are picked-up early on Tuesdays, not at the same time as regular trash pick-up. Residents also expressed concern regarding large, bulk-type items being left curbside without arranging for proper disposal.
Telephone numbers for City of Columbus contacts were also available at the meeting.
William S. announced that 3'x 5' nylon all-weather flags are available from the local VFW Post for the cost of $l6.00; if any homeowner is interested in purchasing.
Future meetings were discussed. Suggestion made to increase frequency of meetings-quarterly; increase during warmer months. Alternative locations were discussed.
Doug K. asked for information on our current landscaper. He was provided with that information. After many phone calls, Marsha L. was told by the City of Columbus and Hamilton Township that the detention area is "our" problem. Doug K. posed the question if there were any neighborhood connections to a backhoe to help deal with this issue.
A list was started for volunteers for "Beautification Project" as well as possibly sharing responsibility for the maintenance of lawns for homes not occupied. Fourteen homeowners signed-up as volunteers.
Doug K. also offered to make-up the newsletter if he is given the information to be printed.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30PM.
Twenty-seven people were in attendance.
A brief summary of some of the issues mentioned:
To change deed restrictions need a 67% majority vote of all homeowners which would total 113 homeowners.
Last year maintenance of entrances, access lot and detention area was $2,670.
Detention area: need signs because of liability issue for all homeowners.
Unpaid dues: homeowners made a motion, voted and passed to place property liens on homeowners with delinquent dues.
New trustees: Brenda Grove, Marsha Lott, Traci Flick, Jonathan Burke, Jan Doherty.
Suggestions: Possibly have a couple drawings for 2005 dues payments. Winners would have their 2005 fee waived. Is there something in the neighborhood some people could do in lieu of their fees?
Items distributed: agenda, financial statement from 6/30/00 to 4/19/04, 2003 & 2004 dues paid/unpaid, one page newsletter, phone number lists.