Howe Farms BOD Meeting Minutes 21 Oct 2015 Quorum Karen Sanzo, Tammy Frye Gene Tromly Terry Meads Skinner Jones Kathy Cato Mary Underkofler Scribe Mary Underkofler M eet ing cal l ed to order @ 7: 00 PM Agenda Old Business Approve minutes Officer reports HOA Christmas Eve Parade Playground Equipment Update New Business Basketball Goal Regulation Holiday newsletter Update HOA Community Activity Committee M embers P r es en t: Elaine and Mike Nelson of Admiral Court. Old Business M inut es Sept minutes approval delayed to October R eport s: President - None Vice President - None Treasurer - Mr. Jones is sending information on a foreclosure to a real estate agent who contacted him. Architectural Review Committee - A resident asked for a clarification of rules regarding Basketball goals. The complaint was received as an anonymous complaint from the website. Ms. Sanzo remarks that the rule, as written is unclear, and needs to be rewritten.
(Section IV General Rules Para 2) General consensus of the board is that the rule needs to be clarified. In the meantime, a motion was passed to wave the violation so that the resident may keep the basketball goal in backyard until a rules committee can revisit the rule. Common Grounds - Mr. Tromly agreed to contribute articles to the newsletter regarding tennis courts, and best yard winner. Membership - Ms. Cato said only nine residents/members has responded to the directory. Ms. Cato also met with Becky Thompson to firm up a time for the annual Christmas Eve Parade. This year it will begin 11:30 if all goes well. Weather is always a concern for the animals. In inclement weather, they do not parade the animals. A determination will be made between 8-9 AM the morning of the parade. Secretary - Newsletter details: it will be no more than 8 pages. Ms. Sanzo said that the printer will not only print but also address and mail the newsletters for a nominal fee which she feels could be set by selling ads on the back page. Playground Update: Mr. Meads passed out to the committee packet of quotes for new playground equipment. He highlighted some items in the packet: Rubber mulch is too expensive versus a wood fiber. Wood fiber would be a one time fee of $6,000 and would only need to replace on an as-needed basis. There is also the possibility of side walk replacing much of the now mulched walkway. Because of the cost of the equipment and the sheer volume of information and choices, Ms. Sanzo suggested that Mr. Mead invite the representative of Miracle Concepts LLC to the December meeting to present the information to the membership. A motion passed to move the December Board of Directors meeting to Langley Elementary for a presentation of the playground equipment from 6-7 PM. New Business Basketball Courts- The visiting member, Ms. Nelson asked the committee what happened to the basketball courts. Several board members explained that they were removed by membership vote because it drew young men from outside the neighborhood to the courts. This spurred on a conversation about what to do with the court which stands unused except for a portable Common Grounds shed. It was suggested that the committee talk about other uses at the November meeting. Holiday Newsletter Update - Ms Sanzo has researched printing companies and has found one that will print, address and mail the newsletter out to all 278 members for a nominal fee. Ads will help offset the cost of the newsletter. Prices $25/ quarter page; $50/ half page and $100/full page ad. A motion was passed to have the newsletter printed and mailed by professionally and sell ad space.
Santa Parade- Mr. Tromly agreed to make and put out sign prior to the Christmas Eve parade. Sign placement will be as follows: one at the entrance to the Gardens, one on Paddock Lane and one where Admiral Court and Drummond s Avenue meet. Howe Farms Community Activites - Ms. Sanzo presented the idea of an ad hoc committee organizing activities that the neighborhood can do together. She has done some informal polling and has found interest. She also would like to reestablish the block captain program. Her point was supported by visiting member, Mr. Nelson who received a kind welcome note on his door just after they moved in. Ms. Sanzo also countered some board member opposition with the reminder that it takes time to build a community. A motion was passed to move forward on reestablishing the block captain program. Yard of the Month - A motion was made and passed that Membership take over awarding the prize for a well-kept yard from Common Grounds. The award will return to it s original goal of awarding one member yard per month. For the past two years the award has been given quarterly by the Common Grounds committee. Adjournment A motion was passed to adjourn the meeting. Meeting was adjourned @ 8:56 PM