Financial Status and Dues Increase The HOA is currently operating under budget, reporting $73,199.50 in income and $63,361.33 in expenses through July. The community's total cash on hand is over $200,000, with over $160,000 of that held in the reserve account. However, due to an impending major roof replacement project, the board is instituting a 10% increase in HOA dues to rebuild the reserve funds and avoid a large special assessment. Starting January 1st, monthly dues will increase by $26 to a total of $286.
Major Project: Roof Replacements. Five of the original buildings have 20-year-old roofs that have reached the end of their useful life and must be replaced within the next eight months. The project will cost approximately $180,000, and the board has voted to pull $160,000 from the reserve account to fund it. The board has received bids from Roofmax, CK, and Granite Roofing, with Granite currently providing the most competitive quote. The replacement will include removing old roofing, repairing damaged plywood sheeting, and installing new protective layers and flashing.
Landscaping and Property Maintenance
- Landscaping: The community's landscaping service recently experienced management turnover, and a new contact, Hannah, is now overseeing the property. The board tentatively plans to spend $2,500 in the spring to replace dead or missing plants. Residents are encouraged to take photos and report any broken or "geyser" sprinklers, as there has been an ongoing issue with sprinkler heads being popped off or unscrewed.
- Exterior Washing: The board confirmed that the HOA is responsible for washing exterior siding, vinyl fences, and outside windows. Because the vinyl fences are accumulating mold, the board plans to schedule a community-wide exterior cleaning for the upcoming spring.
- Gutters: Residents living along the fence line expressed frustration with heavy pine needle buildup in their gutters. The HOA currently pays about $430 annually to clean the gutters on the southern units, but the board will explore establishing a more frequent cleaning schedule.
Community Rules and Updates
- Snow Removal & Parking: Snow plows generally arrive between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM. During snow season, overnight street parking is strictly prohibited so plows can clear the roads; vehicles violating this rule will be tagged and towed. Plows will shovel front sidewalks, but they cannot clear driveway aprons if cars are parked in the way.
- Trash Bins: All garbage and recycling bins must be stored out of sight from the street, either in garages or behind fences. Notices will be sent to remind tenants and homeowners of this rule.
- Clubhouse: To save money, the underutilized clubhouse Wi-Fi was canceled. A new whiteboard has been installed for residents to reserve the space. Additionally, the board clarified that the clubhouse piano is privately owned but unlocked and available for all residents to play.
Security and Homeowner Q&A
- Security & Gates: Residents raised concerns about non-resident youths, speeding dirt bikes, and groups entering the community. The board advised residents to take photos of license plates to report trespassers to the police. To better secure the property, new pedestrian gate keys (costing ~$4 each) will be ordered for residents who do not have them. Once distributed, a block will be installed on the gate to prevent outsiders from reaching through to unlock it.
- Homeowner Responsibilities: The board clarified that cleaning dryer vents is the responsibility of individual homeowners, not the HOA. Homeowners are also responsible for broken window glass and interior window cleaning.
- Wildlife: A homeowner warned the community that they found a harmless bullsnake under their truck, noting that baby snakes may be present on the property.
Board Elections With no new nominations from the floor, the current three board members—Chris, Kathy, and Harold Good—agreed to run again and were unanimously re-elected to their positions.