GREEN RIVER HIGHLANDS-POA
SUMMER 2009 NEWSLETTER
Photo by John Gephart
As the
seasons change in Green River Highlands we watch the lazy days of summer drift
away and we await the beautiful changes in the leaves and the crisp autumn
breezes to greet us. As usual, there is much active wildlife around every
corner of our community.
LABOR DAY
PICNIC We would like to announce that we are holding
another Labor Day picnic this year. The picnic will be held on Saturday,
September 5th at 3:00 in the afternoon at the common area.
Once again, Gene Conley has taken on the task of roasting the pig. Should
we have a chance of rain again this year, we have secured tenting, tables and
chairs. Please plan to attend, but if you are unable to, please RSVP to
the Board of Directors as soon as possible and let us know either way so that
we can plan accordingly.
SECURITY/FRONT
GATE Anybody requesting a remote control “clicker” for
the entrance gate please contact Steve Martin (during reasonable hours) at
(828) 429-6125 or clevmartin@bellsouth.net.
The magnetic cards for the entry gate will no longer be available
for purchase. Anybody requesting a clicker(s) that requires it to
be shipped to them will incur shipping fees as well. Any requests for new
gate codes should also be made to Steve Martin. Please continue to use
due care when sharing your gate code with others and consider utilizing the
gate phone whenever possible.
WEBSITE
Please continue to check the Green River Highlands website for updates and
information regarding
SPEEDING ON
ROADWAYS Please be mindful of the speed limit of 19
miles per hour within our development. It is your responsibility to
respect our community and neighbors by abiding by this traffic law.
As we all continue to feel the loss of former President Dick Ward and his wife Karen, we will always remember and be grateful for their hard work and dedication to this community. Mr. Ward approached his second term as President of the BOD with continued professionalism and an optimistic outlook for GRH. This BOD plans to continue in the same spirit and direction. To say such gracious friends and neighbors will be missed is an understatement. Please continue to keep their family and friends in your prayers.
APPOINTMENT OF NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS As per the covenants, with the recent passing of our President, Dick Ward, the position of President will now be filled by former Vice President, Rick Deluciano with Gene Conley moving from the position of Alternate to that of Vice President. The Board of Directors then appointed Kelly Martin to the position of Alternate. Please submit any questions or concerns to the BOD in writing whenever possible.
Board of Directors
President – Rick Deluciano- 828-447-5222 or loghome.dreams@yahoo.com
Vice President – Gene Conley 828-223-7959 or grconley@bellsouth.net
Treasurer – John Gephart- 317-697-6513 or john.gephart@mtlo.com
Secretary – Vicki Bonis (828) 223-5195 or grhsecretary1@aol.com
Alternate – Kelly Martin- 828-429-3807 kmartin@rcsnc.org
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Start time: 10:20 am
Total of 88 property owners are represented at the meeting both present and by proxy votes It was announced by Vicki Bonis the GRH BOD Secretary that we have met requirements for quorum. There are 32 lot owners present and 56 in the form of proxy votes.
Robert Martelle, counsel for Green River Highland POA BOD, for vote purposes we have 56 proxies and 32 lot representatives present for total of 88.
Dick Ward the Current President of GRH BOD – Called the meeting to order and welcomed those in attendance.
Steve Martin – Introduction of Sheriff Donald Hill,
Sheriff Hill spoke about himself and his 6 month tenure as
Sherriff with
He stated that the poor economy has a negative impact on crime.
Dick Ward introduced Pat Goss who lead us in prayer.
Dick Ward made an introduction of the current B.O.D.
He stated that Green River Highlands is a great place to be. He built his home in 2005 and has enjoyed every moment spent here.
Dick Ward made the motion to accept the minutes of the 2008 annual meeting. John Gephart seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously passed with 86 votes in favor and 2 votes opposed.
Carole Wall made motion to approve recording of meeting with digital tape recorder. Margaret Thomas seconded The motion failed to pass by a vote of 29 in favor and 56 opposed, 3 abstained.
motion.
Mike Belle took the floor while the financial report was handed out to each in attendance. He stated that some still owe late dues. Overall less than 2% delinquent in dues. He offered to send anybody requesting so the 60 pages of copy breakdown of report and asked those requesting to give him their email. Last year’s budget approved. Negative expense – Expense for getting clickers. $172.51
Professional fees.
Telephone – expense of dialing.
John Gephart made motion to go over page 2 of budget. Vicki Bonis seconded the motion. The motion was withdrawn due to non-compliance with the 30 day notice requirement as per covenants.
Insurance 5% increase.
Discussion opened to the floor –
Road Repairs –Bids on repairing dirt roads, the current BOD looked at professional company Stott Paving to get a quote. Current BOD making sure it is done correctly this time. John Gephardt briefly went over the committee’s findings. Gene Conley and John Gephart looked at
, likely the road in the worst condition
currently. Tom Talty commented that city engineer of
All Contractors will have to have $1,000,000 liability insurance and be bonded.
Swingset still needs to be painted and was a part of bid from Steve Robbins. Gene Conley to follow up with him of completion of job.
Gate Security – Proposed switch to 5-digit codes with addition of video camera to be able to view who is at gate and to capture vehicle tags upon departure. Modem system we are trying to get away from. Gate will open due to noise or static on the phone line. No two gate codes will be alike.
Committees – BOD will work together on various committees that may or will be needed.
By Laws – They are NOT like covenants. They are to help enforce covenants and give operational guidance to GRH Officers and Directors. Those we have in effect are common.
Violations of covenants – BOD will have to take a more active approach in enforcing covenants, i.e. erosion control problems as one example.
Social Committee
Increase in Professional Fees – floor asked why the increase in budget on this item. Current lawsuit impact on this amount.
Floor asked if reason dues are proposed to increase due to the lack of a “road fund”. Repair aspect of pavement roads is padded into repair fees that are currently for the gravel roads that need to be crowned. $4000 each for the repair of asphalt because current issue with “reserve fund”. Edge of asphalt failing in many places. We have to “spot fix”. Two-thirds of repair are to the gravel roadways.
From floor – “We are kidding ourselves if we don’t have a fund for these big repairs”. $4000 each to pay for re-surface. We cannot continue to patch- quicker degrading eventually. This will solve immediate problem with gravel roads, rocks on edge, current cracks and other repairs. Placement of stone at curves in road, approximately 150 pounds about one foot from edge.
On January 1st 2010 going up to approximately $490 per year X 140 lots.
From floor – Impact fee – comes under reserve – that would need to be voted on
From floor – Can people put into reserve who want to? Why can’t we.
BOD has been unable to do so due to pending litigation.
Dick Ward spoke briefly of pending litigation.
Carole Wall _”wants all to know what their position is” Stated she “gave a copy to ‘our BOD’s attorney”
Back to budget….BOD feels that it has been done conservatively with a lot of research.. Not hypothetical repairs, but needed now.
Question from floor regarding increase in Landscaping.
John Gephart made motion for 2010 budget to be accepted.
Margaret Thomas interrupted.
Proposed that budget increase be for one year only, that is the plan and hope of BOD.
Carole Wall proposed that budget should go out 30 days prior to vote.
Approval of Treasurer report – Motion was made by John Gephart. Motion was withdrawn due to non-compliance with 30 day notification as per covenants.
John Gephart amends motion.
Motion to table 2010 budget for 45 days made by Susie Deluciano. Tim Newton seconded motion. The motion was unanimously carried with none opposed.
Question from floor regarding more notice of proposed budget.
Question from floor regarding current proxies staying in force? Yes.
Dick Ward – Table budget for 45 days. Mail budget out Monday or Tuesday. Max Hertweck made motion that we submit vote on this budget by mail in 45 days. Seconded by Jack Lyons.
Tom Talty – Commented regarding compliance with covenants as budget states (45 days?)
John Eaton stated as a procedural issue – re-word motion so that is will comply with paragraph 9.
Unanimous response, did not see any negative gesture or hear of such. It was unanimously carried.
Request made to all present that contact information of owners be kept current with BOD.
Dick Ward stated that Gene Conley has been doing a great job maintaining the website.
Social Events – Labor Day Picnic. Great event, great food, plan to attend.
Amendment to covenants – larger satellite dish
Chong Carlo stated that she does not feel there is consistency with grass getting cut around mailboxes on some properties vs. others. Dick Ward advised her to put it to BOD in writing and BOD will assist them in getting it resolved.
Motion was made by Max Hertweck to elect the four positions that are running unopposed, President, Vice President, Treasurer and Alternate. Motion was seconded by Susie Deluciano. The motion was unanimously carried with none opposed. Dick Ward, President; Rick Deluciano, Vice President; John Gephart, Treasurer; and Gene Conley, Alternate were elected.
Request made for any volunteers of nominees to take the position of Secretary. Vicki Bonis offered to retain the position. Nobody was opposed. Vicki Bonis elected Secretary.
Motion by Dick Ward to postpone the completion of the June 20, 2009 annual GRH meeting within 45 days to accommodate a 30 day mailing of the proposed budget to the membership. John Gephart seconded the motion. The vote was called and was unanimously carried with none opposed.
The Continuation Meeting to vote on the proposed budget was called for August 1, 2009 at 10 AM at Green Creek Fire Station.
August 1, 2009 Continuation Meeting
Vicki Bonis GRH secretary Stated that we had a quorum with 23 lot owners present and 54 proxy votes for total of 77.
Dick Ward – Called the meeting to order and welcomed all to the meeting.
Dick Ward call for the discussion regarding the 2009/2010 budget proposal.
John Gephart – Reasoning for increase. $75,000 budget. We have no other way to fix current gravel road issues. Gravel and dirt roads $20,000. $10,000 asphalt.
$7000 for security was held up while we settled other matters.
$7000 Litigation fees.
June of next year it can be addressed accordingly.
Margaret Thomas 30,500 – stated, I would like to see the repairs listed as something more than just general repair. She wants to proposed budget to read one year only.
John Gephart stated that in an explanation letter it states that it is felt this is a one year one time increase.
Carole Wall is requesting a special assessment for road repairs.
Bill Thomas questioned the BOD’s right to increase dues more than 5%. John Gephart responded that article 9 gives BOD right to increase over 5%.
Motion was made by Gene Conley to accept the Proposed 2009/2010 budget and was seconded by Vicki Bonis The Vote was called and by Show of hands and assigned proxies counted by Vicki Bonis and Dick Ward. The proposed budget was accepted unanimously with a vote of 71 in favor and 6 opposed.
6 opposed (3 present and 3 by proxy)
71 in favor.
Carole Wall requested to know why we still have $7000 more on future budget for legal fees. Dick Ward explained that we currently have over a dozen other matters of unpaid dues and other situations that effect covenants that could require litigation. He stated that is this BOD’s plan to run this BOD in accordance with covenants and NC law and we need to do this moving forward.
John Gephart – Toilet/bathroom at common area is a real mess. Will be dealt with on Monday. New supplies were added to closet in that bathroom. Steve Robbins cleaned and brushed out recently for free.
Gene Conley recommended combination lock for common area bathroom to restrict use to owners only.
Carole Wall stated that since Mr. Belle has changed our fiscal year in accordance with our meeting we never see the last half of the year.
Dick Ward stated that he will be looking into this.
Gene Conley stated that we can post quarterly reports on the website.
Discussion between BOD and members regarding changing fiscal year to match time of meeting or vice versa.
Raised that quarterly reports could be sent out electronically and those without email would still receive hard copy. Carole Wall reminds we are following NC law and there needs to be approval of all of budget. Dick asked for leeway as we determine how we will resolve to get this settled. Dick prefers we do this by email.
No scheduled BOD meeting at this time.
Zoia Savu requests that we hold meeting with only those in favor of most projects due to those opposed monopolizing meetings. BOD advised her that all annual meeting MUST BE open to all who wish to attend regardless of their position on issues.
Jerri Brooks stated that “if we separate issues and define terminology we can resolve.”
Motion made to adjourn meeting by Dick Ward. Seconded by Vicki Bonis The vote to adjourn the meeting was unanimously carried with none opposed.
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GRHPOA ANNUAL LABOR DAY PIG PICKIN PICNIC
DATE:
SATURDAY – SEPTEMBER 5TH, 2009
TIME:
COME EARLIER IF YOU LIKE BUT THE FOOD IS SERVED AT 3:00 P.M.
LOCATION:
PLEASE RSVP A.S.A.P to Vickie Bonis at 828-223-5195 or email grhsecretary1@aol.com or Rick DeLuciano at 828-447-5222 or email Gene Conley at info@greenriverhighlands.com or call at 828-223-7959 . Please let us know what side dish you would like to bring for the pot luck dinner. The Cuban style BBQ pig, tables, chairs, plastic utensils, paper plates, tent, soft drinks and bottled water will be furnished by the association. Bring your own beer, wine, etc.
ALL GRH OWNERS AND GUESTS (ACCOMPANIED BY OWNERS) ARE WELCOME TO ENJOY ANOTHER GREAT PICNIC WITH ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS.
Minutes of BOD meeting August 20, 2009
Meeting called to order by John Gephart and Rick Deluciano seconded.
Those present:
Rick Deluciano
John Gephart
Gene Conley
Kelly Martin
Vicki Bonis
John Gephart made the motion to appoint Kelly Martin as Alternate on the BOD. Gene Conley seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
John Gephart asked that we each compose a “wish list” of what we individually would like to see accomplished by the BOD this year.
It was noted that Pat Talty raised the issue of speeders on the GRH roadways.
Gene Conley made the suggestion that all complaints by property owners should be put in writing along with a solution to the raised problem/issue.
John Gephart requested that minutes of this meeting be included with the upcoming mailing of the minutes from annual meeting and summer newsletter..
Gene Conley made the motion that ONLY a member of the BOD can write a check and all checks in excess of $500 would require two signatures as per covenants. John Gephart seconded the motion.
All were in favor. John will send Ann (bookkeeper) photocopies of all checks written for records purposes.
Steve Robbins will clean and maintain, to include plumbing and a yearly interior painting, the common area bathroom. He has secured this contract and will be paid $50 per month for this service.
Treasurer Report:
As of June 24, 2009 20 owners delinquent for dues in the amount of $6,967.00.
As of August 20, 2009 9 owners delinquent for dues in the amount of $4,287.00 with one of these in question as a contiguous lot.
Final reminder to those delinquent will be mailed within a week. Those who haven’t paid all dues in the rears will be fined in accordance with the covenants and will have legal, late fees and filing fees attached in accordance with the covenants. Those who have not paid in total within 15 days after notification will have a lien filed on their property.
Cash balance for Green River Highlands POA as of July 1, 2009 is $41, 260.16
Discussion held regarding addressing issues and investigating having some of the gravel roads refurbished by this Fall and possibly the rest in the Spring. John Gephart made the motion that we refurbish and repair gravel roads in the Fall. Vicki Bonis seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Research has shown that Stott Paving has given the best estimate as well as being the only provider of limestone gravel pack.
Motion was made by Vicki Bonis to move Rick Deluciano from the position of Vice President to that of President and Gene Conley from position of Alternate to that of Vice President. John Gephart seconded the motion.
The Board of Directors unanimously voted on appointing Kelly Martin as Alternate.
Discussion was held regarding sending the notice/invoice out for 2010 dues in the month of November this year.
The Board of Directors unanimously voted on appointing/retaining Steve Martin as chair of the Security Committee.. His contact number is (828) 429-6125 or clevmartin@bellsouth.net. Discussion was held regarding contact being made by owners with Steve during reasonable and courteous hours of the day and evening. The magnetic cards that were once available for the front gate will no longer be made available. The remaining remote control “clickers” will be available for $15.00 plus shipping to owner if shipping is requested. This price is while supplies last and subject to change on the next large order of clickers.
Discussion held regarding providing the Pearces with follow up letter/email on their water run-off issue. As per the attorney, it has been his recommendation the the BOD not become involved, that this is a matter between neighbors.
Discussion held on ideas of how to best commemorate Dick and Karen Ward. Discussion to continue.
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