Board Meeting – June 9, 2009

Country Walk Board Meeting on June 9, 2009
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm in the Clubhouse by President Mickey Lauria.  All five Board members, including Mickey Lauria, Jay Jones, Murali Sitaraman, Scott Templeton, and Warren Adams, were in attendance.

 

Accomplishments during the past month.

 

  • The pool was successfully opened.  This included a variety of efforts, including operation of the phone, fixing of the water fountain and gate locks, and the initial setup.
  • The leaky shower outside the pool area was fixed.  The cost was $101.  The inflow pipe has since been turned on, permitting water to the pool as well as to the shower.
  • Both backflow prevention devices connected to the irrigation lines at the clubhouse/pool were tested and approved.  This testing is required annually by the City of Clemson.  The cost was $80.
  • A leaky pipe in the Clubhouse was fixed at a cost of $150.  Hot and cold water supply lines on the outside sink next to the pool were replaced, and insulation added at a cost of $60.

President’s Report

 

  • New directories will soon be distributed to the subdivision.  From these, Mickey created a neighborhood e-mail list for electronic messages.  He will send the first message within the next week, notifying residents of this new medium of communication, highlighting important issues, and seeking approval for use of the addresses in this manner.
  • A change in policy will take place relative to committee reports.  The president will solicit a quarterly report from each committee, as opposed to the previous monthly requests.  The report from the Clubhouse will include a log that includes, for each rental, the name of the renter, residence, date, purpose, and the fee received.  Mickey noted that various committees are in desperate need of new volunteers, as many residents have served the subdivision for a considerable length of time.  In particular, these include the Architectural Control Committee, and the Rules and Regulations Committee.

Treasurer’s Report

 

  • Treasurer Scott Templeton reported that, to date, 153 of the 157 lots have paid the annual fees for 2009. Back fees of $2152 were paid, and the remaining dues of $528 promised, for lot 141.  The lien has been removed.  Liens remain on two lots from last year.  For 2009, new liens will be placed on two lots, and increased on the other two.
  • A report on the 2009 budget was presented, including all budgeted amounts and the expenditures to date.
  • As the Board now has a new treasurer, a discussion arose to clarify budgetary categories.  These categories include reserve funds, and discretionary and nondiscretionary expenses.

 

Old Business

 

  • As requested by Mickey, the swim team sent a report on last year’s activities.  The Board unanimously approved the team for 2009, as all prior policies set forth by the Board are being followed.  To help curb the concerns of residents, three additional items are to be provided.  Each year, before the pool opens, the Board is to be notified whether a team is to be formed.  By the end of the second week of practice, a roster will be provided to the Board.  Prior to the closing of the pool, a final report will be made.
  • Murali will order three signs to be posted within the subdivision asking all to clean up after their dogs.
  • The damage caused by a fallen tree to the privacy fence along highway 123 has not yet been fixed.
  • Discussion arose as to major subdivisions renovations and expenses.  The three largest are trail maintenance, tennis courts, and the back of the Clubhouse and deck.  Assistance and recommendations are needed for choosing a contractor for maintenance of the tennis courts.
  • Jay got a bid for removing the large tree in the subdivision entry circle of $1875 from Mike’s Tree Service. Another bid will be sought.
  • The common area between the Clubhouse and lot 100 needs work.  McCall’s gave a bid of $1720, but that appears expensive for the work to be done.  In addition, if the trees are removed and the area is converted to grass, there will be no irrigation.  Discussions arose as to updating this area with a subdivision work day.
  • Due to time limitations, voting on denial of access to amenities for those residents who are not current on their fees was tabled until the next meeting.
  • Due to time limitations, discussion on the elimination of personal property from common grounds was tabled until the next meeting.
  • Discussions of the further removal of kudzu along Berkeley Drive took place, with no decision.

New Business

 

  • The president seeks ready access for the Board to copies of all contracts.  In particular, the two main contracts are with Matheson Pools for the pool and McCall’s landscaping for landscape and maintenance.  In response, Jay presented McCall’s signed contract and scope of work.  Warren will contact Rocco and then Matheson Pools to get a copy of the pool contract.
  • Clemson Downs reports that a tree supposedly on Country Walk property is leaning onto theirs, and could possibly cause damage to a house.  Jay will get a professional to look at it.
  • Complaints have been received by the Board concerning bicycles on the walking trail.  The subdivision covenants prohibit all wheeled vehicles on common areas, with the exception of baby strollers and wheelchairs.  Murali will order signs dictating that no bicycles are allowed.
  • July 10th is to be an outdoor movie night, taking place at 8:30 pm outside the Clubhouse.  The Police Department graciously offered to conduct this night.  There will be free snacks and drinks.  The Board unanimously approved this activity.
  • Due to time limitations, the formation of a policy manual was tabled until the next meeting.
  • Due to time limitations, a policy for the authorization of subdivision expenditures was tabled until the next meeting.

 

Committee Reports

 

Pool Committee – Chairperson Steve Edwards reports that the pool is running well as expected, and thanks Denise Burton for all her help.  The Board has also learned that there have been some difficulties with the pool area with regard to individuals entering after hours, and with locks being broken.  The police department will be notified for extra patrols.

 

Clubhouse – Chairperson Cindy Osef reports that the Clubhouse was rented 38 times during the months of April and May.  For each future rental, she has agreed to keep track of the name of the renter, the residence, the use, and the amount received.

 

Social Committee – Chairperson Janet Klodowski reports that a new directory is expected to be completed by mid-June.  She also notes that new committee members are welcome.

 

Architectural Control Committee – Chairperson Phil Schmidt has no new information to report.  He has graciously served as the chair for many years and is considering stepping aside.  The president will ask for volunteers in an e-mail and remind residents that all structures must be approved by the ACC.  The Board has received some recent complaints concerning fences and pools.

 

Rules and Regulations Committee – Chairperson Deb Schmidt has no new information to report.  The Board is unsure as to the status of this committee relative to activities and membership.  The Board will check with Rocco as to whether he has interest in helping.

 

Landscaping Committee – Chairperson Jay Jones delivered the landscaping contract to Mickey, as requested.  As mentioned above, he also obtained an estimate on the removal of the large tree in the entry circle, and will investigate on properties posing a danger to Clemson Downs’ structures.

 

 

The next Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, at 7 pm in the Clubhouse.

 

The meeting concluded at 9:25 pm.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Warren P. Adams

Secretary, Country Walk Board