- Appointment of Ginger Grissom as alternate recording secretary.
- Approval of minutes of the June 5, 2007 meeting of the Board of Directors. Pam Monday moved that the minutes be approved with no corrections. The motion carried unanimously.
- Committee Reports.
- Activities Committee
- Chris Driggs reported that the Fourth of July event was a huge success. The next planned event is the National Night Out, which is planned for August 7, 2007.
- Pool Committee -
Chris Driggs reported that the lifeguards have created a new condensed version of the Pool rules that will be posted at the pool (copy attached). Ms. Driggs also reported that they are having some problems with non-approved parties at the pool.
- The Association Fence Committee - The members of the Association Fence Committee ("Fence Committee") are Libby English, Alissa Greene, Richard Jinkins, Lisa Jones, Bob Kenney, John LeCocq, Tom Lott, and Marilyn Simpson. Appearing on behalf of the Fence Committee were Libby English, Bob Kenney, Tom Lott, and Marilyn Simpson.
The recommendations of the Fence Committee are as follows:
- Concentrate repairs and upgrades on the section most in need right now; that being the section between the residences and Aspen Creek Parkway.
- In order to enhance the appearance of the East Portal: (a) remove the existing wood fence; (b) replace the fence between the existing columns with a wrought iron fence; (c) extend the fence from where it now ends to the existing entry monument by adding two new matching stone columns; and (d) add plantings to break up the lines of the fence and provide additional privacy and curb appeal to the East Portal. It was discussed that the wrought iron design was the same design used by Brodie Springs subdivision and other upscale subdivisions. A decorator bolder may be used to cover up the barrier that goes into the retaining pond.
- Seek at least three bids from fence companies on the repairs.
- Contract with Susan Hoover, the HOA's existing landscaper, to provide the new landscape plantings.
Marilyn Simpson did a "due diligence" check of four fence companies: Capitol Fence (aka Southside Fence), Allied Fence, AAA Fence Company, and Austex Fence). Bob Kenney reported that one preliminary estimate had been obtained from AAA Fence Company. The estimate was $6,300. Susan Hoover had quoted a price of $2,035 plus tax to provide the additional landscape plantings. Therefore, the total expenditure for the initial phase of the fence project is currently estimated to be no more than $8,335 plus taxes.
Marilyn Simpson reported that the money for the fence repair would be taken out of the reserve fund. Ms. Simpson further reported that funds to turn the volleyball court into park area had been taken from the Travis Central Appraisal District refund, so reserve funds had not been used for that project.
The Board approved the materials for the fence and instructed the Fence Committee to proceed with obtaining bids.
The Board praised the Fence Committee for their hard work on this project.
- Homeowner Requests.
- Request for member comments -
A request was made that fifteen minutes be allotted at the beginning of the monthly Board meetings for member comments. This request was granted, and the board will send to all homeowners procedures for community input both before and during the meeting.
- Request by Scott Robuck/Pool Open for Meteor Shower -
From the floor, Scott Robuck made a request for the pool to be open after hours on August 12, 13, and 14, 2007 for the meteor shower. Mr. Robuck volunteered to bring his telescope. It was discussed that the pool FOBS only work until 10:00 p.m. The Board requested that Mr. Robuck make a written request to the directors.
- Request regarding Vote of Proxies -
There was an inquiry about how the vote of proxies was handled at the annual meeting. Marilyn Simpson reported that proxies were voted by the then Board (Bruce Hermes and Marilyn Simpson) as a whole. This was done in accordance with the Bylaws and the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions for Oak Parke ("CCRs").
There was discussion with regard to the Nominating Committee, which is required to be appointed by the Board in accordance with the Bylaws. Marilyn Simpson reported that attempts were made by the Board to obtain a Nominating Committee prior to the annual meeting; however, there were no volunteers. Since there was no Nominating Committee, nominations for the vacant positions had to come from the floor at the annual meeting.
- Notice of monthly board meetings. - After discussion, the board reported that notice of meetings are posted in the Board box near the mailboxes. In addition, the notice will be sent via the Yahoo E-mail listserve group. After minutes are approved by the Board at each meeting, those minutes will be posted both on the web site and sent out via email.
- New Business
- Webmaster -
Scott Robuck volunteered to be Webmaster. He said that he would like to do additional things with the current HOA web site. This includes placing the weather information from the Bowie High School weather station on the site. Mr. Robuck will submit his credentials and application to the Board.
- Unauthorized Pool Parties -
Problems have occurred with unauthorized pool parties and non-members entering the pool, especially at times when lifeguards were not on duty. There was discussion that Pool Party Applications are required in accordance with HOA rules prior to the party because the rules require that lifeguards be on duty. Private pool parties are not allowed by deed restriction.
- Kids Getting Locked in Pool Area -
Concerns were expressed regarding this issue. Chris Driggs will gather information about timers and when the key fobs no longer work at pool closing time, and report back next meeting.
- Lifeguards -
A request was made to review the lifeguard contract. Marilyn Simpson reported that the lifeguard contract is available for viewing at the office of Susan Haney upon request.
There was discussion about informing the lifeguards about the registered sex offender in our community. Marilyn Simpson reported that they had spoken to Susan Haney about information that could be disclosed about sex offenders living in the Oak Parke community. Susan Haney's position was to inform the neighborhood that there is a sex offender living within our community, and also to inform members that for further information they should consult the web sites that the State of Texas makes available. Susan Haney stated that the HOA should not put itself in a position to be sued by sex offenders.
There was discussion among those present about the various restrictions placed on sex offenders. These restrictions vary greatly depending on probationary restrictions placed on sex offenders, and some sex offenders may not be restricted from public areas such as pools. Since probationary restrictions are different for each offender, it would not be appropriate for the HOA to take any other position than that recommended by Susan Haney.
- Attorney’s fees - Concern expressed about attorney’s fees being too high on the annual budget. Marilyn Simpson stated that the HOA has no contract with its attorney. Ms. Haney is merely consulted on various issues as needed. The money allocated for this line item in the budget is an estimate of the yearly cost for attorney’s fees, divided by 12 months.
- National Night Out Event - The Activity Committee is hosting the National Night Out event at the amenity center on August 7, 2007, from 6-9:00 p.m. Possible plans currently include attendance of personnel from police, fire, and emergency medical services, Stranger-Danger movie, and finger-printing for children at a slight expense for the parents. The lifeguards have agreed to change their hours to accommodate this event. Refreshments will be served.
- Deed Restrictions -
Discussion ensued about previous inquiries regarding changes to the deed restrictions. Marilyn Simpson will ask Susan Haney to comment on the appropriate procedure. Once Ms. Haney has commented, a committee may be formed from those expressing interest at the annual meeting.
- Senior Activity Committee - Chris Driggs reported that Bethany Lutheran Church has formed three senior citizen's groups that are open to all neighborhoods and free to our residents. The SCAT Group organizes luncheons and day trips. A Senior Bingo Group is also available for persons interested in bingo. There will also be a Senior Game Day where seniors bring their favorite board games to play. Anyone interested in these groups should contact Shirley Meyers at 928-4661 or Bethany Lutheran Church at 292-8778.
- Old Business
- Appraisals of HOA-Owned Property -
Marilyn Simpson reported on appraisals of the HOA-owned properties. There were several appraisal problems: (a) retention pond near Lot 32 on Idalia Drive was appraised at $1,200; (b) basketball court at amenity center was appraised at $3,287; and (c) amenity center was appraised at $262,985. Ms. Simpson went through the appeals process and the Travis Central Appraisal District has reduced these appraisals to $600 for the retention pond near Lot 32 on Idalia Drive, $877 for the basketball court, and $3,684 for the amenity center.
Ms. Simpson further reported that she will be petitioning the appraisal district to try to obtain refunds for the basketball court and Lot 32 retention ponds for previous years. Ms. Simpson stated that the HOA will have to protest these appraisals each year.
- Property Manager's Report
- Delinquency Reports -
Carl Gamble reported that a couple of delinquent accounts are ready to be sent to Susan Haney for collection.
- Rupert & Associates, Accountants -
Carl Gamble requested that the Board sign the management representation letter from Rupert & Associates, accountants. Copies of this letter were given to the Board for review.
- Mowing of Lot 21 -
There was discussion about responsibility for mowing Lot 21. Carl Gamble reported that the HOA was responsible for this and he will address this issue with Susan Hoover.
- Cover for Mail Box Area - Carl Gamble gave the Board information for a vinyl cover for the mail box area. The estimated cost for this cover is $6,500.
- Graffiti in Drainage Areas - Dorothy Capek had reported to Carl Gamble that there was a problem with graffiti in the drainage area near her property. She has reported this to the Austin Police Department and has obtained a case number for this report. There was discussion by Carl Gamble that the owner's property line actually goes to the center of these drainage areas. Therefore, it is the property owner's responsibility to clean up their portion of these drainage areas. Ms. Capek has been informed of this.
- Fence Repairs. -
Carl Gamble has hired Mike Perkins with MRP Services to repair the area of fence damaged when a car ran into it. Mr. Perkins has worked with Goodwin Management for 20 years, does good work, and has competitive rates. Mr. Gamble reported that Mr. Perkins is one of the vendors used by Goodwin Management for jobs that are $1,000 or less. If the job is over $1,000, then bids are taken. Because of the rains, Mr. Perkins has not had an opportunity to do these repairs. It is hoped that these repairs can be done soon, weather permitting.
Carl Gamble also reported that they are working on repairing the caps on the columns of the fence on Brodie Lane. This has been delayed due to rains, the fact that the repairman only works on weekends, and also because he has to have the homeowner's permission to enter the back yards to repair these. Bob Kenney stated that he will be able to obtain permission from the homeowners so that this repair can be done as soon as possible.
- Gas Lanterns in Pool Area: These have been repaired.
- Garage Sale Permits
- Bills for Gas and Electrical Services -
Pam Monday requested information on the number of meters/bills that the HOA has for gas and electrical services. Mr. Gamble reported that there are separate meters for each area owned by the HOA and each are billed separately.
- Request to Review Ballots/Proxies from Annual Meeting -
Zeke Salinas has requested review of ballots and proxies from the annual meeting. Mr. Salinas has been told that Susan Haney will make these available to him during her normal work hours.
- Pool Inspection -
Carl Gamble reported that Maureen Bourgeois, pool inspector for the City Health Dept., made a voicemail request for the HOA to install a phone on the outside of the pool so that persons not having pool access could call 911 if an emergency inside the pool was spotted. Pam Monday agreed to be responsible for contacting Ms. Bourgeois to obtain additional information about this request.
Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 pm.
Attachments (Linked PDF documents) :
(1) Pool Rules
(2) Report by Fence Committee |