York Farms Community

6-22-09 Meeting Minutes-Agenda 3710, 3712, and 3714 assessments

YFMC 6/22/09 meeting minutes

York Farms Maintenance Corporation Meeting
6/22/09 7:00 p.m. at Bear Library

I. Call to Order
M. White called the meeting of the York Farms Maintenance Corporation (YFMC) to order at 7:13 p.m.

II. 3710, 3712, 3714 assessments
1. M. White related the YFMC board became aware of the zoning for the 3 homes when YFMC partnered with NCC for assistance with the administrative duties of the maintenance corporation through the Partnership Initiative program. NCC advised YFMC board that these 3 homes were billed for assessments because they were zoned for the community of YFMC. During the past 3 years, the board voted to waive assessments for those homes as they had not been assessed in prior years. In March 2009, NCC requested a permanent decision be made regarding billing of assessments to those homeowners. The YFMC board did not want to make a final decision prior to obtaining input from the community. The board wanted to present this issue to YFMC members and allow them the opportunity to decide whether or not to bill these residents.
2. J. Walsh indicated he discussed this issue with his Kirkwood St. George’s neighbors years ago and at that time they wanted to disassociate themselves from YFMC as they have no open land or signage and they did not benefit from snow removal as it is provided by the state of DE. “We receive no benefits.” He stated they decided not to pursue this or new signage for their road because they did not want to incur additional financial expense. He suggested a possible 1/3 reduction in assessments billed to Kirkwood St. George’s Rd. homeowners.
3. R. Thomas indicated Kirkwood St. George’s Rd members benefit from the retention ponds as water run off from those homes drains into York Farms retention ponds. He conceded they do not benefit from snow removal.
4. M. White related the monthly expense of $250 to maintain both ponds and the approx. $9000 spent 2 years ago to repair the ponds in compliance with NCC’s amnesty program. By maintaining and documenting pond maintenance, NCC repaired both ponds last year which cost over $100,000.
5. Mr. Argo related he has no lighting, he does not benefit from snow removal, and his water drains into the creek. He asked that YFMC fees be waived on behalf of him and his mother.

III. Vote
1. YFMC members voted and submitted proxies to the YFMC board. (All voted to waive fees for 3710, 3712, and 3714 Kirkwood St. George’s Rd)
2. M. White stated this meeting’s minutes and the proxy will be posted on Neighborhood Link so members who were not able to attend tonight’s meeting will be given the opportunity to voice their opinion on this sensitive, financial issue. YFMC members will be provided 2 weeks to vote and submit their proxies to the YFMC board. Proxies may be placed in 216 Cornwell Drive mail box or mailed to the corporation’s P.O. Box.

III. Kirkwood St. George’s Rd Assessments
1. M. White stated the board will contact NCC to determine whether a proration of maintenance fees for some corporation members is permissible by NCC law. If such a proration is allowable, then Kirkwood St. George’s Rd members are invited to attend the next budget meeting in 2/2010 for further discussion and voting on which items may be waived.
2. M. White reviewed expenses paid by YFMC assessments
3. J. Walsh indicated Kirkwood St. George’s Rd members’ desire to have the following items
removed from their assessments: snow removal, front entrance sign maintenance
and repair, landscaping, and lawn repair.
4. L. Gunn stated according to parliamentary procedure members present at this meeting should be able to vote and make a decision at this meeting regarding this issue.
5. M. White indicated YFMC will not vote on any issues prior to placing the issue on the meeting agenda and notifying all YFMC members that a vote will occur on the issue. Meeting announcements are made either on the front entrance sign or via Neighborhood Link or both. M. White stated, “How would you feel if you were that homeowner who was unable to attend the meeting and a topic was discussed and voted on which you were unaware of?”

IV. Open discussion
1. L. Gunn stated wild shrubbery is growing onto his property from the SW area of the rear pond. M. White encouraged him to schedule an appointment with YFMC board so he can show a board member the area he is referring to and the board can ascertain whose responsibility it is to care for the area in question as the property may belong to the homeowner, Hunter’s Run, or York Farms.
2. M. Vilur voiced concerns regarding water seepage in his driveway as a result of repairs made by the State of DE. M. White stated we will follow up with the state as we did this past spring but “there is more strength in numbers” so all parties involved need to contact the state. M. White advised she was told by the state that a 3-year warranty was provided for the driveway but she has no documentation of the warranty as that was issued to the State since they hired the contractors.

V. Adjournment
Thanks to all in attendance.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30