Accomplishments During the Past Month

• The annual Christmas Eve luminaries were a success. Thanks are due to Denise Gianforcaro.
• The resurfacing of the walking trail with crusher run was completed. The trail was also extended through the common area between Red Maple Way and Knollwood Drive.
• The subdivision newsletter was organized and distributed. Thank you to Scott for assuming this responsibility.
• A number of dead and/or diseased trees were removed from common areas.

Treasurer’s Report

The 2009 final report, subdivision account balances, and the projected 2010 budget were distributed by Scott. Operating expenses and capital expenditures for 2009, and budgetary amounts for various categories for 2010, were discussed. A revised 2010 budget will be prepared by Scott and voting will occur during the next meeting. The approved budget will then be distributed to all homeowners at the upcoming annual meeting.

Old Business

• As approved by the Board, Mike’s Tree Service assessed the trees on common areas, and identified 39 dead trees for a $100 charge. Scott will make payment.
• By a vote of 4 to 0, the Board approved a bid of $2800 from David Crum at the Southern Roots Landscape Company for fixing and upgrading the fence that encircles the tennis courts. The work description is as follows.Mid and Bottom Rail – 1 3/8” mid and bottom black vinyl rail installed between posts, secured to posts with black vinyl rail end caps and tension bands, and securing existing chain link vinyl tire wire (5 per rail, 10 total per section).
• Relative to Clubhouse and deck repairs, Brad Jordan’s bid was approved by a vote of 4 to 0. The work includes the following.
  • Repair lower deck – materials $250, labor $250, total $500.
  • Repair upper deck to include tear off and disposal of existing decking and railing, and replace with composite decking and composite rail – rail parts $2200, decking $3200, disposal $250, labor $1550, total $7200.
  • Caulk around six windows and fill gaps above windows where framing is exposed at a cost of $15 each, total $90.
  • Replace five exterior door units – (3 on rear of Clubhouse on the upper level and 2 on the bathhouse) at a cost of $760 each, total $3800.
  • Rebuild four doors (3 on the front of the Clubhouse and 1 on the chemical room) at a cost of $100 each, total $400. Total cost $11990.
• By a vote of 3 to 0 (Murali had already left the meeting), the Board approved a bid of $2700 by Mike’s Tree Service to remove 39 dead trees from the common area, with the assumption that the walking trail not be damaged, and that Mike and David Crum (the contractor who surfaced the walking trail) discuss the best strategy for preserving the trail. The Board also approved an additional $900 to remove trees that are eyesores.
• A resident earlier complained about bamboo from common areas infringing upon his land. The request is to have the bamboo removed, at the resident’s expense, from common area adjacent to his property. The Board approved this removal subject to the subdivision’s indemnification from all liabilities, that no implied rights to the property are inferred, that the removal be limited to the property side of the walking trail, and that any damages to the walking trail be paid by the resident. The motion passed by a vote of 3 to 1. In the process of evaluating the bamboo problem, the Board noticed that the resident’s fence extends onto common area. Since the purpose of the common area is for the enjoyment of all residents, that portion of the fence must be removed, regardless of bamboo treatment.

New Business

• Two traffic complaints arose over the past month. The first is the danger at the intersection of Country Walk Lane and Knollwood Drive due to cars not stopping at the two-way stop. The second is that cars in circles have right-of-way over those entering. Mickey will send an e-mail to all residents. The Board will also request additional police patrols, that the intersection at Country Walk Lane and Knollwood Drive be converted into a 4-way stop, and that the faded yield sign painted on the street at Knollwood Drive be refinished.
• The trail was damaged by Mike’s Tree Service in their removal of dead and/or diseased trees. Mike assured Jay that he would fix the trail to his satisfaction. The subdivision owes Mike’s $900 for their services. The Board will wait until the end of January for Mike’s to make the repairs, and then pay the $900. If Mike is unable to make the repairs, the work will be contracted elsewhere and the expense deducted from the $900 payment. This motion passed 4 to 0.
• Jay talked to David Crum and McCall’s to bid for mulch placement this year. Jay will also request ideas and bids for hedgerow along Berkeley Drive.
• A resident complaint concerning barking dogs was submitted to Mickey. The subdivision covenants do not explicitly address pet noises in the Pet section of Schedule A. Complaints should be made to the City of Clemson.
• The Clubhouse heat appears to be working properly, so Warren did not call to have it fixed.
• A resident addressed the Board relative to Country Walk common area that lies adjacent to his property, and serves as an access to the walking trail. He requested that the trail access from within the subdivision not be treated with crusher run and not be visibly marked with any type of signage. Instead, he suggested brick paver stones be placed at the curb, the access be included in the subdivision directory, and an e-mail notice be distributed to the residents. The Board studied the request, weighing the prudent use of common area for subdivision residents with the perceived detraction from individual property. A Board concern is that the common property is for the usage of all residents, and that the motivation for marking the access was due to resident requests. The Board voted 2 to 1 (with one abstention) to postpone the placement of signs, and to instead send an e-mail message to the residents. The issue may be readdressed at future meetings.

The next Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 9^th, at 7 pm in the Clubhouse.

The meeting concluded at 10:18 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Warren P. Adams

Secretary, Country Walk Board