River Tree Estates
River Tree Estates

RiverTree Owner’s

Board of Director's Meeting
September 2, 2006

The Meeting was called to order by Larry Goldman at 10:06 a.m. All attending guests signed in.

  1. Call to Order

    All Board Members Present: Larry Goldman, Elizabeth Von Flatern, Jackie Thomas, Ralph Silva, Mark Pendleton

    Guests: Larry Foster, Benny Trevino, Henry Sijansky , Vernon H. Emken, G.B. Biggers & Jan Biggers, Mark and Lorraine Tyler, Gary and Luisa Rapier, Robert and Tina Salazar, Becky Doeppenschmidt, Rick Thomas, Vera and Jim Duncan

  2. Minutes of previous formal and informal meetings were reviewed by Ralph Silva (Secretary).

    All minutes were read, Jackie Thomas moved to accept the minutes and Mark Pendleton seconded the motion. The Motion was passed.

  3. Jackie Thomas reviewed the treasurer’s report. The report was approved.
  4. Old Business
    1. Gate Report
    2. Deer Trapping report

      Rick Thomas stated the net was dropped 4 times – Two times at the Foster’s, One time at the Thomas’ and One time at the Brown’s. Landowners were present at the various droppings. A total of 51 various doe, axis and 3 bucks were caught by the deer trapper. RiverTree received $2,700. The deer are taken to ranches where they are auctioned off to other ranch owners.

      Bernie Biggers asked about the deer trapping – does it affect our tax exempt status?

      Larry Goldman stated that the paper work in (dealing with taxes) was never followed through. RiverTree will file a tax return.

      The idea of a wildlife refuge was discussed. RiverTree is a wildlife refuge, but, this wildlife refuge idea is not recognized by the state.

    3. Reports on assignments from last formal meeting

      Elizabeth Von Flatern will look into Texas Employee Dishonesty Bond. This is protection for the BOD. An example would be: if we did not have signs up around RT, this type of bonding would protect Board from being sued.

      Dumpster – third dumpster for the busy season same rate. $25 per month, $70 per dump per dumpster – Jackie Thomas will check on billing.

      Jackie Thomas – program for database – Information should be sent to Jackie so she may include in the newsletter.

      Treasurer – Jackie Thomas has purchased a small file cabinet and makes the recommendation to purchase a 4 drawer fire proof cabinet for the storage room. Jackie found a storage cabinet in Houston for $500. Quickbooks will be used to keep the financial records. Jackie also purchased a Flash drive.

    4. Misc. Updates

      The BOD at the May meeting voted to try to have an audit done, but on investigation found that the lowest price was $1500. During the information gathering, a CPA that Larry spoke to said that was cheap and he would not do it for that amount, but did suggest a technique used by other organizations. This technique is to appoint an audit Committee made up of knowledgeable members.

      Mark Pendleton sprayed edges of the street with roundup. He needs to spray again. Mark Feels he needs to spray with a stronger roundup. Mark also cut the trees on the hill and filled potholes. Mark used the method of packing the potholes with asphalt compound made by comquickcrete and it solves the problem.

      Larry Goldman cut trees at the RV lot to open up the path so that the trailer and vehicles would not be scratched by the tree limbs.

    5. ATV regulations implementation

      Larry Goldman asked BOD to reread the Rules and Regulations for Off Road Vehicles. There was talk about vehicle registration, sticker #’s and that there will be a fine for the 3rd time infraction. All vehicles will need stickers (see enforcement).

    6. Finalizing signs needed for Rivertree

      Jackie Thomas will look into the signs around RiverTree

      The following are signs that may be put up around RiverTree:

      Garbage sign that states, fill one dumpster at a time,

      Curve sign

      RV Pit – kids not allowed to ride ATV’s

      No parking by showers

      Make a One Way Sign at the showers so cars do not cluster the shower areas

      Restrooms

      Speed limit sign by park

      River Park – No Glass – Remove Trash – Swim at your own Risk

    7. Care on homeowner’s property

    mowing guidelines

    Larry Goldman discussed the issue of mowing around picnic table areas and other areas. The grass must be at a reasonable height.

    A homeowner’s property must be mowed. The board will let people know if the grass on their lot seems to be at an unreasonable height. Mark Pendleton said weeds are not being cut down, however, most homeowner’s do a good job. Mark will enforce that the lots are kept cut by notifying homeowners upon BOD approval.

    Bernie Biggers keeps his grass mowed because of fire hazards. (This is a very good practice)

    Elizabeth Von Flatern stated that homeowners whose property needs to be mowed should be informed by email.

    Larry said, that the Declarations state that if a homeowner’s property is not mowed, and they have been notified but still no mowing takes place, then we will mow it for you. (then bill the homeowners)

  5. New Business

    Larry Goldman has appointed the following as the audit committee.

    Chairman – Bill Doppenschmidt

    Everet Ivy

    Carl Neira

    Audit findings will be discussed at the annual meeting

    1. Mowing bids

      Roel Gonzales----bids the following;

      Front entrance $25.00

      Pavilion $65.00

      Road and Edges by the River $85.00

      Rick Thomas----bids the following;

      Front entrance $15.00

      Pavilion $65.00

      Road and Edges $50.00

      Elizabeth Von Flatern moved to accept Rick’s bid----Ralph Silva seconded the motion. The motion passed.

    2. Assignment of tasks for everyday items at RiverTree, such as downed trees, notation of when campers come and leave, gate problems, etc.

      Everyday items of RiverTree:

      Have names of who is responsible for:

      Downed trees – 60 days to clear

      Larry appointed Jackie Thomas to inform people of downed trees

      Who to call for gate problems? Rick & Jackie Thomas

    3. Fines

      Larry Goldman will talk to lawyer about this. The Board is looking at amounts for fines/different infractions need penalties for enforcement.

    4. Lawyer contacts and procedure

      One person will be the liaison between RiverTree and the lawyer.

      The President will be the contact – ACC chairman is also a contact.

    5. Discussion board versus Chat Room for BOD discussions

      Informal and formal meetings:

      The By-Laws allow for the BOD to meet via mail, phone, e-mail, etc. These sessions are called Informal sessions and the four Face-to-Face meetings a year are called Formal meetings.

      Chat rooms – Larry Goldman stated we will not use chat rooms because it requires us all to meet at a specific time and is very time consuming.

      The board has been conducting meetings on e-mail. The consensus of the board members was that it has been working fine. We will continue with this practice.

      The minutes will be posted as tentative, then when approved, we will post them as approved.

    6. Fund for road repairs and/or resurfacing

      Larry Goldman noted that we do not have a fund set up for eventual road repairs that will cost a lot of money. He noted that he will propose at the next homeowners meeting that the homeowners approve setting up a fund and an amount for future road repairs.

      Mark Pendleton stated that Frio Place sets money aside for any need that may arise

      BOD agreed to bring up this issue at next homeowners meeting.

    7. Barbeque or not?? At annual meeting

      Jackie Thomas suggests that we have games for the kids. Examples of games would be: horseshoes, dominoes etc.

      Elizabeth Von Flatern stated we should keep the tradition of the BBQ.

      BOD said people can respond on the discussion thread to state their thoughts on keeping the BBQ or not.

      The consensus of the BOD was to keep the BBQ.

      The following idea was discussed:

      When a person makes a reservation for the BBQ, the person also sends money to cover the cost of the plate.

      Your money would be returned to you at the BBQ.

      Larry Goldman asked about whether to keep the BBQ on Saturday or Sunday.

      We will ask the homeowners at the next annual meeting but for this coming May, 2007 it will remain on Sunday.

    8. Care of trees at Pavilion – moss, plant some?

      The trees by the pavilion have moss. These trees were treated 4 -5 years ago and the moss did go away, but the moss is back.

      Larry Goldman will research moss issue.

      The BOD is discussing the possibility of planting trees at the pavilion.

    9. Grass in picnic area of Lombardy Park

      Larry Goldman stated that we should try planting grass at Lombardy Park. This has been done before and any flood can wash away the grass.

      The BOD is looking at different options.

    10. Other items to come before the Board

    Jackie Thomas stated we are spending a lot of money on trash. We need to fill one dumpster at a time.

    The BOD discussed the possibility of increasing dues because of heavy trash costs.

    Rick Thomas will build a set of steps with a platform for people to step up and be able to throw the trash into the dumpster. The BOD approved for Rick to build the steps.

    BOD will look into the cost of a camera to be posted facing the dumpsters.

    Fourth amendment----A roster will be made as to who has signed. Those who have not signed will be contacted.

    Bernie Biggers suggested passing a resolution to restrict the rental tenants from the common areas. Larry Goldman noted that the

    Declarations say that a tenant has the use of the Common areas. Bernie suggested that there is a difference between a

    tenant, a person who is long term, and weekly renters. Larry said he would ask the attorney about this.

    Henry Sijansky suggested that vehicles should register when entering the property.

    He suggested a fee of about $20 for each vehicle at the rental property. Larry said that he would ask the lawyer if this

    could be done.

    Larry Goldman talked about the need for stickers that do not fade. Vernon Emkin said he did not want to put stickers on his

    bumpers for any reason. Larry said that was fine we could use items that hang from the rear view mirror. Henry noted that

    if you put the sticker on a hanger and had it laminated, it would not fade. Jackie noted that she had a source also for non-

    fading bumper stickers.

  6. Comments by visitors

Jan Biggers asked about the Tax Issue.

Larry Goldman stated that we will file a Tax return.

Vernon Emken used an illustration from his Shriner’s club which is a tax exempt organization. They sold t-shirts as a fund raiser to members only in the clubhouse. The Texas Department that deals with sales taxes hit them with a sales tax bill of several thousand dollars. Vernon brought this up to question whether the Association needs to pay sales tax on the sale of the deer. Mark Pendelton will research about the sales tax.

Larry Foster talked about promoting workdays at RiverTree. The response was good to this suggestion. It was noted in the discussion that if the dates are known and set out far enough in advance and a list is made of things to do, that a lot of items could get done by the members. This will save the association money.

Henry Sijansky stated that some of the trailers in the pit have not been moved in a long period of time. The BOD is discussing the possibility of hauling those trailers off the property. Larry Goldman said that he would ask the attorney about these ideas to see if we have legal standing to do this.

Larry Foster suggested a storage fee to owners who leave their trailers in the pit for long periods of time with no activity.

Henry Sijansky suggested having signs by the trash dumpsters: Ex. Fill dumpster 1 then Dumpster 2

The deer trapping---- some people not in favor----Larry stated this will be brought up to the homeowners in May.

The idea of the audit----Have a third party look at the records?----Larry stated that the audit team is a group of quality people and they will complete the audit.

Vernon Emken talked about all of the toilet paper flushed. The septic tank is not big enough and this will cause problems in the future. He suggested putting a manhole on top of the septic tank for ease of care and maintenance. He also suggested that we would be money ahead to have the septic tank emptied each year by a professional who does this work.

No further comments were made.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:55 p.m.

 
 

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