Rockland Run Condominium Association
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T O W N H O M E S O F T I M B E R L A N D , I N C .
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes for April 29, 2009 Linden Hall, Dorsey Search Village Center
Call to Order – The meeting was called to order by President Leila Bristow at 7:01 p.m. Also in attendance from the Board of Directors were Mark Hensman, Vice President; Doug Neilson, Secretary; Kathy Gustafson, Treasurer; and Rob Kimberl, Director. Community manager, Danelle Boso from WP&M Real Estate was also in attendance.
Approval of Minutes from July 30, 2008 Board Meeting – The reading of the Minutes was waived and the Minutes were approved.
Presidents Report: . Snow Removal Problems – The plow operator did feel he could enter the courts because of the cars parked along the curbs in the various courts. Plow blades are longer than in years past, and the driver didn’t want to damage cars, thus he left without plowing. The plow had to return the next day to try to clear the courts. The Board has been discussing possible remedies, including having court parking monitors, numbered sticker to identify owners of vehicle needing to be moved, and other ideas, but no final remedy has been selected. It is not clear why there was a problem with shoveling the sidewalks throughout the community. Don Langridge, 8504 Timber Valley Court, volunteered to serve as a monitor for Timber Valley Court if the Board chose to go that direction.
. Parking Courtesy – Residents were reminded to be more courteous in regards to parking their cars and guests’ car in the courts. One Timber Hill Court resident had a party which began prior to most homeowners return home from work. When the homeowners came home, all of the spaces in front of the homes and in the center of the court were taken by guests at the party. Residents were also reminded to obey the state and county laws when parking on Timberland Circle so that parked cars do not impede the snow removal equipment or other vehicles.
. Shingles and High Winds – Recent wind storms had wrecked havoc on a number of homes in the community, blowing off shingles and the metal flashing. The Board recommended that residents checked their roofs for damage before the missing shingles could lead to other roofing problems. The members were reminded that if they were installing new gutters and down spouts, if they were planning to change the design of style of gutter, they should file an ARC Modification Form.
. Cedarcreek Court – earlier in the year, the County Department of Recreation and Parks erected signs on the area long considered to be common area next to Cedarcreek Court. The county was reclaiming the land because of dog walkers not cleaning up after their pets. The area in question is shown on county maps to be county land but under the maintenance of the HOA. The Board will be getting the land surveyed before determining the any further action, which could include acquiring the land, allowing the land to totally revert to the county, or reach an agreement to continue maintenance as it has been since the founding of the community.
. Community Dumpster – The community dumpsters will be on Timberland Circle the following weekend. Residents were reminded about the rules of use and not to leave items on the ground around the dumpster. T OW N H O M E S O F T I M B E R L A N D , I N C .
Committee Reports: . Emergency Preparedness – Keep an eye on elderly neighbors and offer assistance if needed. Swine flu is now in Maryland and the members need to take and make preparations for dealing with this. The community needs to keep in mind that we are susceptible to tornados, earthquakes, and hurricane. Mr. Hensman has information on what individual homeowners should do and have on hand in preparation for an emergency.
The community has also been the target of criminal activity, such as vandalism and car break-ins. Residents need to be aware of these types of activities and to call the police if they spot suspicious activity or suspicious person in the community, especially at night.
President Bristow updated the members on the plans to add more street lighting to the community, reposition existing lights, and add security lighting around the tennis court. The Board is working with BGE to develop a plan and cost break-down for the new lighting package, which would include decorative lighting at the entranceway.
. Communications – The Communications Committee has decided to go green to save green. Postage Rate are about to increase, costs keep escalating, so the committee wants to distribute newsletter and other communications piece by email or on the website rather than utilizing the post office. Those documents that have to be mailed will be mailed. The committee will provide a list of free email services in an upcoming communications.
. Social – The Social Committee recapped the success of the Spring Egg Hunt in the community. The committee is exploring future ideas such as a cook-out or other activities. The committee is also looking for additional members.
. Architectural Review Committee - The committee is working on how to revise and handle the Wrap Resolution passed last fall. Currently the enforcement is on hold.
The ARC Committee is planning a tour of the community in hope of visiting every home for an inspection and to note shutter, trim and door colors, other modifications, and general appearance under the ARC Guidelines. The tour is not intended to find violations, but will note those that are found.
There was a brief discussion about the quality and replacement of the siding installed by the builder. Some homes have had damage to its siding; other homeowners might want to paint their siding to refresh the appearance. The ARC committee will need to determine what replacement guidelines it will endorse. One of the concerns is the surface damage caused by direct sunlight.
Guest Visitors: Jim McKeever and John Denoma of Valley Crest They wanted to assure the members that they are here to provide the level of service we expect from them. The wanted the homeowners to know that if they damaged anything in the course of providing service, they would fix it.
Homeowners pointed out damages to sewer caps, water valve caps, sump pump discharge pipes, deck supports, and other items on homeowners’ property. Mr. Denoma stated they would take responsibility providing the damage is pointed out to the crew leader at the time the T OW N H O M E S O F T I M B E R L A N D , I N C . damage occurs. Crew leaders can be identified by their dress/uniform – red long sleeve button- down shirt as opposed to a red sweat shirt. Employees who are found to have caused damage to private property are subject to suspension without pay.
Residents asked if there was any way to mark, flag, or post sewer caps and other fixed features in the grass. Valley Crest agreed to put cones or flags to mark the sewer caps behind 8461 – 8467 Timberland Circle. Valley Crest agreed to mark the sewer caps before the next scheduled mowing.
Residents also complained that the crews do not of refuse to speak or understand English. Valley Crest’s crew leaders are all bi-lingual and Valley Crest offers financial incentives to employees who learn to speak English.
Discussion with Valley Crest continued but the focus changed more to landscaping issues including the trimming of trees, the care of the root mounds, removal of damaged, dying, or dangerous trees, and the replacement of dead or missing trees. Residents were also concerned about getting damaged or eroded turf repaired, recovering exposed roots, and replanting washed of grass areas.
Homeowner Comments: What can residents do about Carpenter Bees? Members were reminded to fill the holes in their decks and to seal the wood regularly. Members were also reminded that there was an article on the website in a newsletter from approximately two years ago.
Plans are still being made to resurface the tennis court.
If I wanted to change the color of shutters or front door from existing colors to other approved colors, do I have to submit an ARC Form. Yes, as it is a modification from the original color plan.
If I want to change my French doors do I need to submit and ARC form? It was suggested that when in doubt, homeowners should submit the ARC form for their own protection.
Is there a limit on the number of homes that can be turned into rental property? Even when language exists in the governing documents, today it is considered as a violation of the federal fair housing act.
Mark Hensman has been working to try and get Courtney Watson to attend a future meeting.
After the representatives from Valley Crest left the meeting, a discussion about the length of contracts for lawn care and snow removal contracts, quality of service, and exploring new firms ensued. President Bristow pointed out that cost was a major factor in keeping Valley Crest for the third year of their contract, as hiring a new firm could have resulted in a major dues increase. The Board was working with the management company to find new firms for both lawn care and snow removal.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m.