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River Tree Owner’s Associational Meeting
May 26, 2007
(Proceeding Minutes recorded by Secretary-Ralph Silva)
Announcements
The Meeting was called to order by Larry Goldman 10:09 a.m. Greetings were given to all and homeowners introduced themselves. All attending signed in. Larry Goldman expressed his condolences to The Biggers family on the death of Bernie Biggers
Officers Present:
Larry Goldman
Elizabeth Von Flatern
Ralph Silva
Mark Pendleton
Introduction of Members Present:
All of the members present introduced themselves.
Review of Major Items Completed this Past Year
* Signs- signs will be posted up around River Tree. An example of one of the signs is a
“Swim at your Own Risk Sign”
* Gate- the gate has been one of the major issues this past year. The gate service was
high priced, so the board decided we would maintain the gate ourselves. This will
save us money in the long run.
Appreciation to those who have helped this year
* Our last newsletter thanked the following for their contributions to River Tree:
Mark Pendleton took care of repairing potholes/ He also sprayed the edges of the
roads to kill the weeds. The association has purchased an electric sprayer
* Cheryl Pinkston noticed a broken water pipe. Larry stated, let’s all keep an eye on
items that need attention.
* Bill Doppenschmidt also appointed on the fiscal committee, looked over the financial
books to see if they balanced, everything was in order. A fiscal committee was
appointed to do the audit, because hiring a CPA was very expensive.
* Mark Tyler and his brother Alan fixed the front gate. If the power goes out, then a
battery will kick in to power the gate. Also, the gate does not function well when it is
cold. The cold weather affects the circuits. A heater was installed to keep the
mechanisms in working order.
* Mark & Toy Pendleton power washed the pavilion.
* Rick Thomas built some steps at the dumpsters for easy disposal of trash. Reminder:
the dumpster is only for household item(s) trash.
* Rick Thomas installed a new gate card reader. Jerry Huckaby and Rick Thomas had
an informal training on how to operate the gate. The Board will get a set of
instructions written up on information dealing with the gate.
* Gayle Huckaby did a good job of weeding and trimming the front flower bed.
* If anyone needs River Tree tags to place on your car bumper, or rear view mirror guest
passes, please see Jackie Thomas.
Larry Goldman thanked everyone for their help this past year.
Board Member Election
Larry Goldman stated that according to the declarations, this annual meeting has two major purposes. The first purpose is to elect members to the board. The declarations require that this be on a staggered basis, 5 members, 3 were elected one term and two are elected this time. We have two places to vote for; Everyone who signed in gets a ballot. Names on the ballot were Becky Doeppenschmidt, Mark Pendleton and Mark Tyler. Becky decided to scratch her name from the ballot. Larry Goldman asked for nominations from the floor.
The two running for the board are Mark Pendleton and Mark Tyler. Two people, two offices left on the ballot. Larry asked for a motion to elect Mark Pendleton and Mark Tyler by acclamation, the membership all agreed. Mark Pendleton and Mark Tyler are elected by acclamation to the board of directors.
Minutes of the Annual Meeting of May 2006
Larry Goldman asked all of the members to review the minutes on their own. Mark Pendleton motioned to accept the minutes; Rick Von Flatern seconded the motion.
Financial Report from the Treasurer
Jackie was out of town, she left information for review.
Rick and Jackie have been reimbursed for purchases they have made. We are allowed by the declaration to pay the treasurer, so that is the only officer that gets any money.
The board of directors took Rick Thomas’ bid for mowing. His was the lowest bid out of two bids. Rick does all of the mowing for the association, and he will also mow for individual homeowners for a fee.
Larry asked for questions on the treasurer’s report, there were none so the report stands approved as printed.
Intermission until Vote count is Completed
No intermission was required, the vote was by acclamation
Discussion and Voting on the issues sent out in the Annual Meeting Notice
Trailer Pit
Ann Sijansky is in charge of assigning places for your trailers, Rv’s etc. down at the pit.
There are about 4 spaces left. Some of the trailers down at the pit are broken down and taking space. Larry Goldman stated that the declarations state that a certified letter needs to go out to the registered homeowners to take care of (remove) their broken trailers.
Deer Trapping
Larry Goldman stated that there were no injured deer by the trapper. The only deer that is trapped is the axis deer. The state of Texas is concerned that the axis deer are driving out the native deer. White Tails are native deer; the deer trapper will not trap white tail deer.
If this is approved by the homeowners, we will hire a licensed deer trapper who by law cannot be interfered with while trapping the deer.
Sharon Musich commented that if homeowners were notified when the deer trapping was taking place, then that would reduce the curiosity from people.
Larry Goldman stated that we are a sanctuary with obligation to handle wildlife. He also stated that the income from the deer trapping saved our budget last year when we were low on funds.
Larry asked for a vote from the homeowners on the deer trapping, all homeowners were in favor of the deer trapping.
Annual Dinner
Larry Goldman asked the homeowners if they would like to continue the annual BBQ and if so, on which day to have the BBQ for next year.
The results of the vote were as follows:
20- Homeowners voted to have the BBQ on Saturday.
2- Homeowners voted for Sunday.
0- Homeowners voted to discontinue the Annual BBQ
Newsletter
Larry Goldman asked the homeowners if they wanted the newsletter mailed out or online on the website, Jackie Thomas has done the newsletter in the past.
The results were as follows:
How many want to continue having a newsletter----majority YES
18 homeowners voted for having the newsletter online (website)
0 wanted the newsletter mailed out.
Capital Improvement
The declarations state that we can charge homeowners a maximum of $100.00 per year for capital improvement above and beyond what you already pay.
Larry Goldman talked about our roads, and the possibility of repairs needed in the future.
Larry Goldman talked about setting aside money from annual dues ($50.00) for a capital improvement fund.
The idea of using the money from the deer trapping to fund the capital improvement fund was brought up.
An issue about Lombardy dam was brought up. If the dam is damaged what do we do? Rick Von flatern is looking into meeting with an engineer who can advise us. The idea of the state taking care of the dam was brought up. If the state cares for the dam, then Lombardy Dam becomes a Historical Entity, and the public would have to have access to the dam. We will wait for advise from the dam engineer on how to care for the dam.
Larry asked the homeowners if they were in favor of creating a capital improvement fund, all were in favor. He also asked how many are in favor by raising dues ($50.00) to fund this account? The majority said NO to raising dues. We will take it out of the current dues and see how that works out for River Tree.
Off Road Vehicles
The Homeowners voted on rules for off-road vehicles. The results are as follows:
1. Appoint a committee for registration, for or against
Majority voted FOR
2. Putting a “sticker number” on the Vehicle, for or against
Majority voted FOR
3. Registration Committee also handles complaints, for or against
Majority voted FOR
4. A complaint is equal to guilt for or against
Majority voted AGAINST----suggestions on how to handle complaints? An
investigation would take place.
5. On third Violation, owner loses the right to operate all such vehicles for three months,
for or against
Majority voted FOR----set a limit on violations per year
6. On third Violation owner has to pay a $100.00 fine for or against
12 homeowners FOR
8 homeowners AGAINST
7. Gas powered vehicles operated only by the property owner of record for or against
Majority voted AGAINST
8. Others may operate battery powered vehicles, but owner is responsible for or against
Majority voted FOR
9. Comments (Suggestions) on the regulations and reporting of Violations:
Block and Lot # on the off road vehicles-----majority YES
Set a time limit on violations (one year)----majority YES
Question on # 5 and # 6-You get it twice/ violation and cannot operate vehicle
Should we have both? Answer was NO
Fine is OUT----Non use of all vehicles is IN
No vehicles on easement by the river
No further business was discussed
Meeting was adjourned at 11:56 a.m.
Approval of Minutes for the February 11, 2006 Board of Directors meeting
Larry Goldman reviewed the minutes and the association approved the minutes.
Discuss ACC committee activity:
An excess of 20 projects were approved, everything from fences to fire pits and carports to new homes. Thanks. Our committee greatly appreciates your cooperation in submitting plans for approval, and we try to get our responses back to you as soon as possible. Once they are approved, if any changes are made to those plans, the changes also have to be submitted for approval. We are experiencing some problems with people adding and/ or taking away from their approved plans. Your finalized plans must be completely approved before any building starts. The ACC committee has a legal right to enter your property for inspections, as stated in the by Laws.
I would also like to clear up some misunderstandings concerning construction in River Tree; No one is allowed to leave a trailer or motor home on their lot “unoccupied”, with the exception of the lots outlined in Article II, Use Restrictions. This is true even if you have a building under construction. Article II Section 11 has caused much confusion. This section was included to allow River Tree LTD., the original developers, to maintain a temporary sales office and construction trailers while they built River Tree. This is no longer applicable.
“Pier and Beam” is a term that has also caused some confusion. Any storage building and residence must be “permanently attached to the ground” by means of concrete slab or pier and beam. By pier and beam, we mean that posts are sunk into the ground, concreted, and floor joists secured to the piers.
Any questions or concerns may be directed to any ACC committee member or through our website discussion thread on www.rivertreeestates.com
Review Income & Expense Report 04/01/05 thru 04/01/06
Pat Brown reviewed the income report. She completed a three year comparison report on Income, Expenses and Year end savings Balances.
The total available funds as of 04/30/06: $20,671.61
The discussion of having an outside firm look at the financials once a year was brought by a member. The board will look into this matter.
Review Assessments:
Homeowners are sending in their assessment fees on a timely manner. Please be sure to submit your assessment fees on time.
Discussion of 4th Amendment and River Tree options on rental property
Steve reported that the board is still working on this matter.
Fourth Amendment to amended and restated declaration of covenants, conditions and restrictions of River Tree Subdivision was discussed and signatures are being collected from the homeowners to pass this 4th amendment.
Update on Improvement projects, Cement repairs and Lombardy Park:
The front gate has new landscaping thanks to the efforts of some homeowners. Good job goes out to Rick and Jackie Thomas and all involved in the beautification of the front gate area.
The pit area has also been worked on and the terrain is much smoother for the vehicles and trailers.
The Lombardy Park project has been completed. Four new cement pads have been added to the park for homeowner use.
The discussion of purchasing tables or using the tables in the pavilion for the park was discussed. Rick Thomas motioned to use the tables from the pavilion for the park. Motion was accepted by the homeowners.
Other business, open floor to members for discussion:
No other business was discussed and the meeting was adjourned at 11:55 a.m.
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