Minutes>
Annual Meeting Minutes of April 5, 2010
Special Meeting of Members

General Discussion/Bylaw-Code Of Regulations amendment vote
13 Aug 2007

Trabue Woods Homeowners Association

Special Meeting of Members

 

Date:  August 13th, 2007 6:42 p.m.

 

Location:  Maranatha Baptist Church • 4663 Trabue Road • Columbus OH 43228

Attendance:  Beth Lintz, Board Member & President; Judi Murphy, Board Member; Elizabeth Ehret, Board Member; Pam Johnson, acting Secretary; Kevin Cross, Safety Committee Chair; Drew Baker, HOA Attorney.

 

HOA members who signed in:

John L Burns                                                     Christine Dicke

Michael & Jan Schlegler                                  Jason Gorham

Dorothy Gray                                                   Therese A Terndrup

Jon Pesta                                                         Matthew Tessman

Richard L Wright                                              Lennie Phipps

Anthony B Pranger                                          Deborah Harley

Russell Gould                                                   Jason McDowell

Deborah Gantt                                                Diane Evans Burton

Karen Marshall                                                 Beth Hartmus-Bobo

Melinda Strickler                                              Kamn Gaddam

Jennifer Adkins                                                Judith L Murphy

Peter Applin                                                     Christina Chubb

Kevin Brown                                                    Jeremy Dingess

Deborah L Gordan                                          Jack McGee

Brian & Roberta Houser                                   Robert J Agriesti

Gayle Glanville                                                Whitney Stuart

Kevin Cross                                                      Connie M Dennis

Paul Whitehouse                                              Ellen A Cannode

Donna K Smith                                                 Kelly Timberlake

Elizabeth C Ison                                               Gretchen A Quinn

Anthony & Greta Milburn                                Steven B Guglielmi

Pamela K Johnson                                           Beth Lintz

Elizabeth Ehret

 

Meeting opened with Beth Lintz's introduction as a Board Member and President.  She reviewed the agenda.  Pam Johnson noted the time of meeting for the record.

 

BYLAWS:

 

Drew Baker introduced himself, outlining the rationale to amend the Bylaws.  He noted that the Bylaws required change to protect the Homeowners from scandal and injustice such as committed by the past HOA president.  Drew noted that 67% of Homeowners must vote to amend the ByLaws - 1 vote per home.  He addressed the lack of attendance at meeting, as it was not 67%.  He confirmed non payment of dues and deed restriction violations will NOT prohibit one from voting, as implied with the past HOA Boards.  He suggested that attendees take a hard copy of the revised Bylaws to share with their neighbors, encouraging their vote via use of the proxy on our website.  Drew requested that all questions from attendees be put in writing or they could be addressed at the end of the meeting.  There were no pressing questions.  Drew read over each new amendment for every Bylaw.: Article I Section 1.01-Section 1.02, Article II Section 2.01-2.05, Article III Section 3.01-3.09, Article IV Section 4.01-4.09, Article V Sections 5.01-5.05, Article VI Section 6.01-6.09, Article VII Section 7.01-7.02, and Article VIII Section 8.01-8.02.  Drew explained what each Bylaw meant and how it protected us. 

 

The floor was opened for questions: 

 

Questions:

  • What about adding or amending a Bylaw that requires background checks?  (Jack McGee)
    • Drew stated have a vote to do a resolution to require background checks.  Maybe the current board will decide to do this in the future.
  • How many houses are in the subdivision?
    • Beth Ehret, Board Member, stated 378 homes.
  • What happened with the Allison Lyons law suit? (Steve Guglielmi)
    •  Drew stated the case has been completed and can’t give to many details other than we received the money back for the HOA dues that were paid last year, plus another settlement that cannot be discussed due to the confidentiality agreement.  He also stated we received all the property back as well and is happy how the case turned out.
  • Will there be a refund of 2006 dues of $100.00?  (Diane Burton-Evans) 
    • Beth L. stated that depends upon the records.  She noted that she wouldn’t trust the record keeping of the person that took money (speaking of CMC).  Drew stated that the money paid to CMC is in the HOA account now.  Kevin Cross, former HOA President stated checks won’t be cut to Homeowners for refunds.  Drew stated that contributions to the legal fund 2006 were subtracted from the 2007 Dues for the appropriate Homeowners.  Drew confirmed that the records are not complete for the HOA to fairly assess who paid.  Drew stated he was pleased with the outcome and glad the long road is finally over with the Allison case.  He thanked everyone for choosing him for the job and turned the floor over to Beth Lintz.

 

Financials:

Beth Lintz disclosed the Financials for July 6, 2006-August 8, 2007.  Hard copies of the data were handed out.  She addressed the problem with Homeowner dues receipts, stating not everything matched when the prior Board handled receivables.  Homeowners may need to supply the HOA with proof of payment.  If fees are assessed by banking institutions to do so, she wanted to discuss that situation with each Homeowner affected.  Also noted was incorrect record keeping by the prior Board regarding the legal fund contribution of 2006.  Homeowners were again encouraged to contact her.  A final note was made stating that notices for non payment will be sent shortly.  Late fees will apply based upon the percentages outlined in the Deed Restrictions.  Eventually liens would be placed upon homes for non payment, as allowed by the Deed Restrictions.

 

Questions:

  • What is going to happen to people who haven’t paid for years?
    • Beth L. noted that we are missing some prior records.  The HOA is reviewing renters, owners, foreclosures, and homes for sale.  Pam Johnson investigated information on the Auditors Office to get copies of deed information.  To date, the HOA acknowledges 29 rentals, 13 properties with multiple owners, 12 homes for sale, 2 HUD homes, and owner occupancy of 325.  She stated it will be difficult to track money as many don't live here anymore Policy and procedures is being written to address situations such as this to avoid reoccurrence. 
  • How does voting go on for people who own several properties in here? (Diane Burton-Evans)
    • Beth L. said one vote for property or one vote per household.
  • If we can get a group of people together to do appraisals could we get it cheaper?  Get a discount for multiple appraisals? (Diane Burton-Evans)
    • Beth L. stated her reappraisal was $30,000.00 less previously and she filed a complaint against the valuation of property with the County.  To recover overpaid property taxes for the prior year, this must be done by the first quarter of the current year.  Beth L. turned the discussion over to Kevin Brown, a Homeowner and also certified appraiser.  Kevin confirmed Beth L.'s statement.  Kevin wasn’t sure it other appraisal companies would give Trabue Woods a discount if they all went in together to be reappraised.

Introductions:

Beth Lintz introduced herself, background and goals as part of the HOA.

 

 

Street Captains:

Beth Lintz stated there were four of us who hit 173 homes to find out what problems or concerns they had plus obtain current information regarding the current home owners.  She also found out that these people had the same problems and concerns that we all had such as what about a sound barrier wall, what about a traffic light up front, etc.  We really want your input and find it important to be taken care of.  

Stop Signs:

Question: Could we sign a petition to get stop signs put in?

Beth L. stated research was necessary and she welcomes these kinds of questions because it gives her an idea of Homeowners' thoughts and concerns. She also noted that the HOA needs volunteers to help with street captain responsibilities. 

 

 

Website Censorship:

Beth L. stated that the HOA's stand to delete submissions related to specific properties was not censorship.  The view of the HOA is to not embarrass or point out problems with specific Homeowners using a public forum.  The HOA will delete postings specific to an address.  She noted that use of the Feedback/Concern form will take care of specific Homeowner address issues.

 

Welcome Wagon:

Beth L. announced that Christine Wike will be handling the Welcome Wagon. 

 

Beth L. turned the floor over to Beth E.

 

Social Committee:

Beth E introduced herself as a Board member and sponsor of the Social Committee.  She noted upcoming gatherings such as the garage sale and fall festival.  She encouraged people to give her ideas and to call or email

 

Beth E turned the floor over to Pam Johnson

 

Pam Johnson introduced herself.

 

Garage Sale:

A free ad was put in the Ohio State Fair newspaper.  Copies were available for review.  Signs will be placed out to attract buyers.  The sale is August 17, 18, 19 from 9-3.  The ad will be in the neighborhood papers: Hilliard 8/16, Westside 8/12, Upper Arlington 8/16 and Dublin 8/16. 

 

 

Fall Festival:

Pam reviewed the games planned for the event.  She also noted that a Fire Truck, Firemen, Mounted Police and children fingerprinting packets will be available.  Pam asked for volunteers to help with this event.  There may also be corporate sponsors such as Chemlawn, Home Depot, and paint companies to give Homeowners tips.  Tickets may be handed out to minimize the possibility of only certain people getting prizes.   

 

 

Christmas Caroling

            This is still being planned for December. The goal is to join neighbors together to go Christmas caroling. Cookies and hot chocolate will be provided to participants afterward.

 

 

Foreclosure:

Pam found propaganda at the Ohio State Fair that will help people avoid foreclosure of their home.  She welcomed Homeowners to email her for the information.

 

Pam turned the floor over to Judi Murphy.

 

Safety Committee:

 

Judi Murphy introduced herself as Board of Trustee and Social Committee person.  She discussed her desire to join the HOA, noting that they invite all communication and encouraged people to contact the HOA

 

Judi turned the floor over to Kevin Cross.

 

Block Watch:

Kevin Cross introduced himself as chair for the Safety and Block Watch Committee.  This is a subject close to him and shared his desire to keep this neighborhood safe for our families.  He has been in touch with Officer Paulus, safety liaison for our community, and has information regarding how to become a volunteer on the Block Watch.  Kevin also discussed what to look for and who to contact regarding crime concerns.  This neighborhood needs 50% involvement for a successful Block Watch community (189 people - 1 person for every 12 homes).  Officer Paulus was unable to attend but confirmed future participation at an HOA meeting to set up the Block Watch program.  Kevin cited crimes occurring in Trabue Woods, such as the break in of his neighbor's van. Kevin did state to make sure you clearly review the situation to confirm there is an actual crime going on and it not something you simply perceive as a crime.  Don't overreact. 

 

 

Questions:

  • What is requested of a volunteer? 
    • Officer Paulus has given him that information and it will be out front on the tables for your viewing.
  • Are any Homeowners involved in the Trabue Woods crimes? 

o        Possibly or in surrounding areas. 

Jack McGee suggested getting a DVR recorder for the upfront entrances that records activity at night coming in and out of the development.  Concern was expressed regarding the quality of recording. 

 

Homeowners need to be educated on parking their cars in the street, in driveways, leaving valuables in the cars and leaving garage doors up.  If people are educated, the Block Watch will be successful.   

 

Kevin stated there is a report available on the Columbus Police website that addressed crime stats in a specific area.  The Police site is Columbuspolice.org.  A suggestion was made to have Mindy Crawford add the link to the HOA's website.

 

Kevin Cross turned the floor over to Judi Murphy.

 

Landscaping Update:

Landscaping bids are still open.

 

The Sprinkler system need repair and a bid was received from the Sprinkler Doctor.  Cost of repair is approximately $4400.00 for both entrances.  The HOA would have to fund this and she suggested raising annual dues, asking for a special assessment or holding a vote to deplete current funds from the HOA account to pay for the repair.

 

Deed Restrictions:

In order to change Deed Restrictions, 75% of Homeowners would have to approve the change:  ie: sheds, fences, satellite dishes.  Beth L corrected Judi stating we would require legal counsel to this, as Beth has looked into this process with great detail.  The Legal expense would be great.  In addition, Beth L noted that our Deed Restrictions state no changes can be made for 30 years from the inception of this neighborhood, hence 2029 would be the soonest we could make changes.  This is why we require a lengthy legal investigation.  Beth L has been working with Phiefers Office regarding the modification of our Deed Restrictions and his office stated we would need to hire legal counsel to pursue. 

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. 

 

Notes written by Pam Johnson

Summarized/modified by Mindy Crawford (8-22-07)

 

 

Pam Johnson, Secretary