Weatherstone Estates Annual Residents’ Meeting
May 13, 2015
The meeting was called to order by Rob Baker, President, at 7:35 p.m. Board Members present: Rob Baker, Steve Wagenfeld, Steve Markman, and Tricia Dowler. Each introduced themselves and their positions. The meeting was well attended by 15 residents in addition to the board. Rob thanked everyone for attending and allowed for all to introduce themselves. All in attendance were given a copy of the Covenants, Codes and Restrictions for Weatherstone Estates Phase I. Rob will deliver copies to those unable to attend. Tricia will keep extra copies for new residents as the need arises.
All in attendance were given a copy of the Budget which included costs, projected v. actuals for the past three years, and the projected costs for 2015. There will be an increase in dues from the past 2 years of $375 to $405. This is due to a necessary repair to the sign at the south side of the entrance to Weatherstone Estates. (Steve Markman elaborated regarding this repair in his report.)
Rob explained that in actuality there could have been an increase to $425 per home, but a charge of $405 is enough to meet projected expenditures and still provide an acceptable amount for actuals in the 2015 budget.
In regards to the sign repair, a question was raised as to if Inverness would be willing to assist in the cost of repair. It is unlikely, given that we are an independent HOA as of this moment from Phase II. It is our responsibility to maintain the entrance. Inverness does and has paid dues on the two lots that they own in Phase I since purchasing them.
Homes in Phase II that close by December 31 of each fiscal year will pay into our HOA; therefore, as of this year, the cost of our dues has been divided amongst 43 homes, instead of 42, because one home in Phase II closed on, or before, December 31, 2014.
It is our hope for the future that once Inverness has completed Phase II, that both HOA’s will merge. There will be a total of 91 homes when all is said and done. However, it is in Inverness’s best interest to maintain control until all building is complete.
Phase I does not pay into dues for Phase II.
Steve Markman then addressed the need for repair to the stone sign at the south side of the entrance to Weatherstone Estates. There is a crack in the engraved sandstone. Steve had a mason take a look at the sign. After digging under the sign, it was discovered that there is construction debris beneath the sign and the land upon which the sign rests was not compacted properly. If allowed to go unaddressed, it is most likely the sign will continue to crack and shift, causing further damage and cost. The board agreed that fixing the sign should be undertaken immediately. The current solution presented by the mason to Steve M. was to dig under the sign one “section” at a time, and use rebar and concrete to prevent future shifts. At this time the north sign has not shown any signs of “cracking.”
Steve M. has also replaced half of the lights up front with LED lights. These seem to be the best and last the longest. Some wires have also needed to be replaced.
As a result of a recent increase in soliciting in the neighborhood, Steve went to the Township to inquire if there could be a sign put in place for the neighborhood that stated there be “No Soliciting.” This was not a valid option by the Township. However, Steve offered that he would pick up stickers that residents could place in their front window that stated, “No Soliciting.” Tricia D. elaborated that there is “No Soliciting” in Washington Township without a permit. It is a resident’s right to ask the Solicitor for their permit. If the Solicitor cannot produce the permit, residents can report it to the proper authorities at the non-emergency number.
Steve has informed the Township that the Stop Sign at the corner of Summerford and Pennfield is leaning. He also addressed the need for mailbox repairs. If you are in need of a new mailbox, or parts for your mailbox, there should be a sticker inside that has a website or phone number to contact and order parts. He also suggested ways to paint and “spruce up” the appearance of the mailbox.
A question was raised as to who is responsible for sidewalks and roads in Phase I. Damage to these should be reported to the Township. Residents have noticed construction trucks causing damage to the road as they enter and exit.
Another question was raised as to if bids were taken to repair the sign up front. Steve replied that there had been 2 contractors look at the sign, but he had relied upon the one with the most years of experience. There was a concern by a resident, whose business it is to work with similar situations, that the suggested repair to the sign may be insufficient. He was willing to take a look and possibly assist in the repair.
Steve Wagenfeld gave his report on the current foreclosure of a home in the neighborhood. It is believed to be empty now. The sale of the home to a future owner could take up to year. The back HOA dues of approximately $2500 will most likely be taken care of by the bank at closing. It would be in the best interest of any realtor, or purchaser, not to have any issues regarding the title. If the HOA were to file a lien, when the lien settles, we may not collect as much, if any. In the past, there was another home in Weatherstone Estates that had been in foreclosure, and the realtor upon closing ensured that all back dues were paid.
The date for the picnic was selected, May 31 at 5 p.m. However, since we gathered for the meeting, it has been suggested to move it to a Saturday evening, May 30 instead. HOA will provide condiments, hotdogs, and paper goods. Residents will be invited to bring side dishes and/or desserts to share and their own personal selection of beverages. There is no need to RSVP. Invitations will be sent out shortly via email.
An inquiry was made if a “Thank You” was sent to the Boy Scout who built and installed 4 out of 6 of the benches at the Weatherstone Park. Steve M. had been able to track down the scout and send a thank you. This was the scout’s Eagle project for which he had to raise funds, collect supplies, recruit assistance and complete the benches in order to reach his goal. The two additional benches were a matched gift by the Agrawal family in honor of a loved one. All six of the benches are very much appreciated and enjoyed by Weatherstone Estates residents and anyone who comes to the park.
A resident inquired if there could be annuals added to the front entrance for color. The board did invest in perennials at the front that have yet to bloom. Since the meeting occurred the board has agreed to invest $100 in annuals to be planted at the north and south signs. Tricia D. will enlist some assistance in planting them in the near future.
During Open Forum it was shared that construction in the Township is not to begin until 8 a.m. It has been starting as early as 6:30 a.m. Rob said he would inquire if they, being Inverness, could abide by this. He would also inquire if they are ready to “push back” for the next cul-de-sac, as it appears that trucks are hauling away the mound of dirt to do just that. It was also shared that through inquiry with the salesperson in the model, that the next cul-de-sac will be built, lots completely sold, and then and only then, the connecting road with Washington Trace and the final new homes of Weatherstone Estates will be built.
It was also shared that AT&T services may be “making their way southward” toward our neighborhood, and could possibly become available to us in the future.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.