Thursday, July 31, 2008

News Letter from Pres. Vince Sellen

Dear Neighbors of Cedar Springs

A recent incident in our community focused our ideas on how to handle sudden problems in our units. It is vital that you know where the shut off for you water supply is located. In many of the units it is found inside the coat closet near the front door. In others (perhaps the last few built) it is a red lever to the right of the furnace –near the floor.

Another item to consider is seeing that you have insurance protection for payment of an ‘emergency’ assessment. In looking at my own policy and asking the staff of my agent to interpret the language I found that for $20 a year I have $60,000 in assessment protection. For example should the HOA be sued or some major problem occur which cost the HOA more then our insurance covers we as home owners would be assessed for the difference. This insurance would save me from coming up with the money from my own very limited budget. We will be experimenting with ways to rid roofs and patios of moss. Should you have any questions on these or other items feel free to contact me.
Vince Sellen

Vince Sellen
HOA Chair.

Board Minutes - July 29, 2008

CEDAR SPRINGS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
Board of Directors Meeting July 29, 2008

President Vince Sellen called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. in the home of Jean Thomas. Members present were Vince Sellen, Alex Taylor, Art Shotwell, Paul Davallou, Rebecca Flint and Jean Thomas. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT-- Insurance issues were discussed, especially in regard to the substantial damage caused by a split pipe at 1815 Cedar Springs Lane. Vince suggested a newsletter regarding water shutoffs in each unit, included as an addition to these minutes.

Our insurance contract with CAU spells out a $2500 deductible. Refer to our HOA CC&Rs, Article 14, pg. 20. Regarding repairs of damage, a 20-day clause is directed to call for two bids when practicable. Our HOA hires the contractors needed. CAU Insurance states that it is typical that homeowners pay for any required assessment. Vince reported that he has a rider on his own insurance to cover any emergency assessment. See his newsletter. Paul suggested that we look into a change in our CC&Rs to require each homeowner to provide his own rider. The Board was in agreement. Paul will attend the CAU Insurance Seminar in Bellevue, August 8. A motion carried unanimously to reimburse Paul for his expenses, including mileage.

VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT-- Alex reported that he had called in an arborist to evaluate the large alder on the berm at the end of the lane. Falling limbs could damage the roof and siding on the home at 1909. The firm of Eager Beaver will prune the tree for $450 which the Board considered comparably reasonable. A motion carried unanimously to accept that bid. Alex also reported that he had purchased and installed, at his own expense, perforated gutter covers as a trial on the building where he lives. The cost of the covers for one building of two units was $339.25. Paul noted that moss buildup is a problem with that type of gutter protector. Alex will review the results of this trial after a time. He also presented ideas on moss removal and will provide information if requested.

TREASURER’S REPORT-- Art discussed the requirement to audit the books, and noted that he had received a bid of $4000 from a CPA firm. Art also reported that as of July 29, 2008, our Operating Expense account totals 653.59, our Insurance Account has 484.83 on hand, and our Reserve Account has 48,930.91.

LANDSCAPING REPORT-- Homeowners are advised that any original plant that has died will be replaced by Simply Yards and billed to the HOA. Any plant subsequently planted by an individual owner is that owner’s responsibility.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Jean Thomas, Secretary

Monday, July 07, 2008

Minutes of Board Meeting of June 25, 2008

CEDAR SPRINGS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

Board of Directors Meeting of June 25, 2008

President Vince Sellen called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. in his home at 1802 Cedar Springs Lane. Present were Board members Vince Sellen, Art Shotwell, Paul Davallou, Jan Berry, Rebecca Flint, and Jean Thomas. Motion was made and carried to accept the previous minutes as written.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Vince reported on the workshop he recently attended, conducted by the WSCAI – the Washington State Community Association Institute – regarding legislation that took effect June 12, 2008. The new law requires condominium associations to update reserve studies annually and make mandatory disclosures to purchasers. Although our Cedar Springs association is a P.U.D. (Public Utility District), rather than a condominium assocation, our Board of Directors deemed it advisable to bring our group up to date on the subject of reserve studies. Vince supplied packets of information from the workshop to our board members. A motion was made and carried to initiate a system of keeping a log on units needing maintenance, with a goal of recognizing patterns of problems needing attention.

The Board will address the problems experienced previously regarding a lack of clarity in our maintenance contracts. Vince proposed creating an annual maintenance calendar to present at the annual meeting in order to anticipate costs. Motion was made to that effect and carried. Paul proposed that we make up a user-friendly splinkler system map. Vince called attention to an upcoming home show for condos and P.U.D.s on October 11, 2008, details to be announced later.

Vince noted that an addition to our CC&Rs regarding the handling of rentals will be proposed at the next annual meeting. Paul will spearhead study of rental concepts, language, and circulation of ideas.

Vince suggested that we might consider allowing Simply Yards to post a small sign in an appropriate location as a motive and bonus for keeping our community beautiful.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Art Shotwell furnished a treasury balance report covering Jan. 1 – June 25, 2008. Total Income is $33,875. Total Expense is $19,353,84 and Net Income is $14,698.58. Art reported that as of June 25, four homeowner dues accounts were in arrears. The dues have become a burden for a number of us. Our CC&Rs require an audit, with Vince and Art agreeing to study the scope of the work. The Board will meet for a vote if the audit exceeds $4000.

Discussion was held on acquiring management advice on the Reserve Studies program. Motion was made and carried that the Association join WSCAI, with one board member belonging.

LANDSCAPE REPORT

Landscape Coordinator Jan Berry led discussion on the various gardening projects and problems. The Board agreed that our neighbor over the fence behind Unit 1910 be given permission to remove a split limb from a tree on the inside of our boundary.

Discussion was held on the questionable quality of recent trimming and pruning. Some plants have been removed without permission. Paul suggested that no plant be removed unless marked in a way common to all, such as a white tag or ribbon. Report any landscape problem to Jan. Report sprinkler problems to Alex Taylor.

GOOD OF THE ORDER
  • Please contact Jean Taylor with ideas for a summer picnic. 588-9469 *Homeowners at 39th Court are cautioned to keep an eye on the pavement going into their division, to assess when repaving is due.
  • It is suggested that all homeowners consider having their dryer ducts cleaned, perhaps as a group project to save cost.
  • Rats are ever present uninvited guests in our community. Call Jan Berry for information if you are having a problem with those guys.
  • The good folks at the Anacortes Fire Department will change fire alarm batteries if you need help with them.
  • Scan your building for signs of wasp colonies.
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Jean Thomas, Secretary

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