Country Lakes Homeowners Association
Trustee Meeting Minutes
November 1, 2011
1. Meeting with Homeowners on Landscaping Concerns – The board met with two
homeowners who had specific issues related to landscaping and snow removal
services performed by Mueller Landscaping. Examples and pictures of certain
instances where snow removal and landscaping services were not satisfactory from
the homeowner’s perspective were shared with the Trustees. A written report was
shared with the Trustees and has been officially entered as a record of the
board meeting. The Trustees informed the homeowners that the snow removal issues
have been discussed with Mueller Landscaping and changes have been made to the
contract with the expectation of improved services. Landscaping issues were
specifically discussed and addressed. The homeowners appreciated the response of
the Board and the open discussion on their concerns. The homeowners exited and
the meeting officially continued.
2. Review and Approve September 26, 2011 Meeting Minutes – Bob Beres moved to
accept the minutes as written. Tom Chew seconded. The minutes were approved by
unanimous vote of the Trustees.
3. Landscaping / Maintenance Report – Bruce Buller
a. Landscaping / Snow Removal Contract Revisions – The final contract has been
sent to Bill Mueller for review and response on a quote for services to provide
landscaping and snow removal for the 2012 – 2013 timeframe. The contract has
also been sent to another landscaping company for review and bid as a
comparison.
b. Open Items Status - Open items were shared with Bill Mueller prior to the
meeting response.
i. Weeds need to be pulled
ii. Clean out around water shut offs at front entrance needs to be competed
iii. Concrete worker needs to repair sprinkler head at home that was damaged
during road repairs
iv. Dave McDowell will request Bill Mueller to respond in writing monthly to
issues documented and communicated from Bruce Buller and the Trustees.
v. All driveway / road connection sealing was completed
c. Calls from Homeowners – There were no additional calls from homeowners.
4. Treasurer Report – Tom Chew
a. Delinquency Report / Actions – Tom reported that for the September and
October dues, all homeowners were paid 100%.
b. Income and Expense Statement Review – September 2011 – Tom shared the income
and expense statements for September and a projection of October expenses.
$2,700 is expected for the cost or aeration of common areas. Overall, we are
very close to being on target for the fiscal year.
c. Reserve Fund Study – Ted – The result of the Reserve Fund study is due from
the engineering firm at the beginning of next week. Ted will share with the
Trustees when they are received.
d. 2012 Budget Planning – Pending feedback from Mueller on the landscaping and
snow removal contract as well as the reserve study results. Ted will review the
results of the reserve study with Tom when it is received to help plan the
reserve fund allocations for budgeting purposes.
e. Other
i. We need to update signature cards for the HOA accounts at the bank since
Bruce Buller has resigned from the Board and Jack Holt should no longer be
listed as an assistant treasurer.
ii. Dave will solicit an official resignation from Jack Holt
iii. Tom reminded the Trustees that 3 approvals are needed on all bills and 2
signatures are required on all checks over $1,000. Delores will not proceed with
payments without the approvals or signatures.
5. Design Committee Items – Paul Merkle
a. Open Items
i. One homeowner submitted a request to remove / replace shrubs. The request met
the requirements of the board and was approved.
6. Other Business
a. Election of New Trustee – Due to the resignation of Bruce Buller as a
Trustee, Dave McDowell nominated Paul Merkle to fulfill the remaining term of
Bruce as a Trustee. Bob Beres seconded the nomination. By unanimous vote, the
Trustees elected Paul to the Board. Dave then nominated Paul to fill the vacated
Secretary position. Bob seconded and the Trustees passed by unanimous vote. Dave
will prepare paperwork for Paul to sign as a Trustee and new Secretary. Dave
will also notify Kaman & Cusimano of the change. Tom had Paul sign bank
documentation to be a signature on the HOA accounts.
b. Complaints / Inquiries Form & Communication
i. Enforcement Procedure – Dave will type up the enforcement procedures and
share with the Trustees before distributing to Country Lakes Homeowners. The
procedure, payment coupons and the covenant revisions approved at the annual
meeting will all be mailed at the same time before the beginning of 2012.
ii. Parking on Streets – Dave will check with a homeowner about the possibility
of a neighbor using his driveway for parking. The same homeowner will be
contacted about repainting the trim around their garage door.
c. Master Association Update – Ted Lesiak
i. Two homeowners have volunteered to cleanup and maintain the Route 57 entrance
to Fox Meadow
ii. Ted and the President of the Master Association will be meeting with Tyler
Good of the Fox Meadow CC about responsibility for grass cutting
iii. A summary of the Master Association meeting minutes are posted on the
Master Association web site each month.
d. Other Business
i. Bob, Ted and Tom attended a Kaman & Cusimano seminar on homeowner
communications. The following are recommendations from the seminar:
1. Homeowners address and phone number information should not be distributed due
to privacy concerns.
2. The Board should have a formal newsletter issued directly to homeowners
3. The Board should consider creating a website for HOA communications. Bob
Beres will pursue acquiring a domain name for Country Lakes HOA to use when we
establish a communication approach.
4. Trustees should email whenever possible for more effective communications
directly with HOA members.
5. The Trustees will take further action on these items in future meetings.
7. Next Meeting – November 28, 2011 – 7:00 PM (Dave McDowell will Host)