Runnymede Estates Homeowners Association

Minutes from the 11/17/05 Neighborhood Meeting

Thanks for coming out!

RUNNYMEDE ESTATES HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC.

Minutes of Neighborhood Meeting, November 17, 2005

Welcome & Introductions – by members of the Executive Committee (Sherika, Yowana, and
Kem; Donna was unable to attend).

Comments from Guest(s) – There were 3 guests present with information for the neighborhood:
1) Assistant Chief Jeff Turner and Lieutenant Morrow of the Clayton County Police Department came to introduce themselves to us and pledge their assistance to us in addressing any issues or concerns we had. It was the general consensus that we were concerned about speed and other traffic violations in the neighborhood, and we were also concerned about youth activity in the neighborhood that we wanted to keep from developing into criminal behavior. Finally, we requested assistance with a Neighborhood Watch program. Chief Turner gave us the names of all of the Watch Commanders for our precinct (South – Lieutenants Morrow, Edson, and Tumlin) and the Precinct Commander (Captain Rick Webster) and the number for the duty desk (770-472-8065) and said, if we did not receive satisfaction from a call placed to any of the folks he named, to call him directly at 770-477-3798. We thanked him for his time and attention.

2) Mr. David Belser, owner of Zip 2 Cleaners, presented a proposal to the Association where in he agrees to give all of our members a discount for patronizing his business and will pledge a percentage of his returns to our Association based on our participation. The Executive Committee had given our tentative approval to enter into this venture, pending finalization of administrative details. The membership expressed their approval and desire to go forward.

President's Report – Kem Kimbrough, as President pro tem
Transitions/Elections – The terms of office for both the President and Vice-President have come to a close (officially ending in February of ’06), and Donna and Sherika have both chosen not to stand for re-election. In the interim, Secretary Kem Kimbrough has been appointed to serve as President pro tempore of the Association, until elections can be held to officially elect a new President. The Board is seeking nominations for these offices, and the election will be held at the next Neighborhood Mtg, tentatively set for March ’06. Secretary Kem Kimbrough announced that he has submitted his name as a candidate for President.

501c3 Project – Donna is continuing to work on this, and has agreed to do so even after her term as Board President has expired. Many thanks to Donna!!

Lake Spivey Community Association – Kem gave a brief presentation about this group and their goals for the total community around Lake Spivey. We will schedule a formal presentation from them for the March ‘06 Neighborhood Mtg, so that we can decide if we’d like to be a part of their venture.

Neighborhood Watch – As discussed earlier with Chief Turner, we have been trying to set up an active Neighborhood Watch, but faced some difficulties due to the county’s political transition. We are back on track, and there is also the possibility of adding an emergency rescue component under the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) program, which is federally funded under Homeland Security.

Vice-President's Report – Sherika Kimbrough, Vice-President
Block Captains – Sherika spoke about the need for more, dedicated block captains, but also told us about 3 new ones she’s recruited: James Ruffin, Elaine McGruder, and Pamela Seals. We are also working on a new arrangement for coverage zones, so the block captains may cover more territory, reducing the need for a certain number.

Newcomers Committee Activity – Sherika has spoken with and greeted 2 new homeowners; one family is here with us tonight. We welcomed them again and encouraged their continued participation.

Treasurer's Report – Yowana Weldon, Treasurer
Yowana spoke about our bank account balance, and her work on our’06 budget. She elaborated on several possibilities for fund-raising, including our Runnymede Estates’ T-shirts. Ultimately, the burden really falls on the dues paid, so Yowana encouraged all to spread the word about what we’re doing and to support the Association through payment of dues. We can do great things if we had the financial resources!!

Upcoming Events/Projects – Kem Kimbrough, President pro-tem
Other Initiatives for future – There are a number of ventures that the Association can pursue to make life more pleasant for the homeowners we represent: a common phone number for contacts, a more functional website/e-mail addresses for residents, sidewalks, street-scape beautification signs, a playground for our children, a clubhouse for events & meetings. All of these things are possible with increased financial standing and support from the members; we can bargain with others to obtain donations, grants, etc. or even finance projects.

“Mandatory” HOA Project – We need to move forward on making participation in the Association mandatory for all residents to secure our funding and create more buy-in to the well-being of our community. While we know some may be skeptical at first, we must demonstrate the benefits and the plans we have in mind that will make it worthwhile. There is a legal process that must take place, and we will seek assistant in making it happen. In return we promise to work diligently to pursue the goals above, and more, to serve as good stewards of the Association’s money.

Neighborhood Concerns
Roadwork and Front Sign Repair – We discussed the damage to the front entrance sign and the circumstances surrounding it. We also discussed the roadway/stormwater construction project underway on Hwy 138. The project is a widening of Hwy 138 to 4 lanes, with a center divider and landscaping, due to be completed by May ’06. In the past we were pledged a cross-over and traffic light at our entrance, but we’ve not heard anything for a while, and need to follow up. We will also pursue assistance from the county on the sign repair, since it was damaged in a crime and no one has been found responsible; the county has moneys set aside for incidental damage due to the construction – maybe we can convince them to use that money to help us (it’s SPLOST tax money, anyway)

Adjacent Property Acquisition by SRMC – The Hatcher land has been purchased by Southern Regional Medical Center for a potential future medical office site, but there’re no immediate plans to do anything with the land; they just wanted to secure their position.

Lake update – Apparently, the lake is now on the property owned by SRMC, but we don’t know what is the next step. We also haven’t heard whether the Sanks’ or any other neighbors around the lake have taken any legal action against the original developers for their property rights to the lake.

Public Comment/Feedback


Adjourn