CEDAR SPRINGS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
SPECIAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2012
MINUTES
Present:
President: Paul Stannert
Vice President: Vince Sellen
Secretary: Naomi Hanson
Treasurer: Art Shotwell
Board Member at Large: Jean Taylor
Landscape Coordinator: Susan Miller
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by president Paul Stannert at the home of Vince Sellen (1802 Cedar Springs Lane). The reason for the meeting was to approve the painting quote from Pro-Cote Painting for three buildings on Cedar Springs Lane: 1805 and 1807; 1809 and 1811; and 1813 and 1815. The quote totals $13,146.30 including tax. The work is to be done in late September. If the weather does not allow for completion, work will be completed in the spring of 2013. Jean said everyone that that lives in those units will have to be reminded that doors need to be open for a few hours when the painting takes place. Vince Sellen moved and Jean Taylor seconded that the bid from Pro-Cote Painting be accepted at the cost of $13,146.30. The motion passed unanimously.
It was decided to pursue placing a lien on the property of those who are in arrears in payment of dues. Naomi will look into the process for doing so and Art will check on the status of payment history.
Faye Levitz in 1909 Cedar Springs Lane has asked that one of the trees on the west side of her home be trimmed to let more light in. It was decided during discussion that the tree trimming would not affect any other house. Faye has offered to pay for the trimming. Vince Sellen moved and Art Shotwell seconded to approve the trimming of the tree by Eager Beaver with the understanding that it will not affect other properties and the extent of the trimming will be approved by the landscaping committee. The motion passed unanimously.
Susan Miller and Jean Taylor reported that recent tours of the property have uncovered many problems with the health of the shrubs and trees, especially noticeable because of the great growing season we have had in 2012. Vince suggested that we have a report at the annual meeting that explains the problems and the scope of the damage. It was also suggested that tours of the property would be helpful for those unaware of the extent of the problems.
The landscaping committee has been made aware of potentially serious problems from the hundreds of rhizomes (and the resulting saplings) our quaking aspens in the wetland buffer are sending out. An arborist from Eager Beaver pointed out how some of the quaking aspen saplings could grow under foundations and potentially harm some of our buildings. We need to get more information on the problem and find out how other homeowners elsewhere have handled it. Depending on the scope of our problem and what we decide to do about it, it could cost about $2,500, but we have been told we will be in worse trouble if we wait to handle the problem. If, upon learning more, we decide we should proceed in order to protect our buildings, we will present the plan to the homeowners and inform people of the plan and the reason for the action. Removal of any quaking aspens would also necessitate significant follow up work by members of the association. Will we have individuals who are willing to spend this time or will it have to be hired out?
Susan reported that last week Simply Yards brought six men in to take care of projects that had been discussed at the July 25 board meeting. (See minutes of the previous meeting for the list.) Simply Yards was contracted to do the work for $1,500, and they finished most of what was on the list. The few remaining items will be taken care of during regular landscaping maintenance. Susan, Jean Taylor, and Kippy Strandberg took turns overseeing the work being done.
During the preparation for last week’s landscaping project, Mark Lawrence of Simply Yards pointed out a number of pest problems we have on our trees and shrubs. Simply Yards does not do pest management, so he recommended we get in touch with TruGreen, formerly Haines. Susan had David Oldham of TruGreen come to the property to do a walk-through and identify what our problems are and what we can do about them. Dave has seven years of experience in this business. He gave Vince and Susan assurances regarding the safety of what they spray. David pointed out mites, aphids, mildew, and other plant diseases that are present. David and Susan decided that we needed to adopt a three-step approach to pest control here: 1) The diseased sequoia, a diseased Hinoki Cypress (1804 39th Court), and the aphid infestation on the birches on 39th Court were handled immediately (last Friday) for $160. 2) The infestation on the corkscrew willows will be sprayed when they begin to go dormant, in the first half of October. That will cost $220 because we have so many, and almost all show evidence of disease. 3) In 2013 we need to spray four times during the year to get all the pests that kill the plants at different times of the year. The cost will be $2,056. The landscaping committee recommends that we hire TruGreen to do the spraying next year to protect our maturing shrubs and trees, in which we now have a significant investment.
Paul thanked both Susan and Jean for all the time they have spent on researching the cause of problems and working with the various companies. It is time much appreciated.
Susan and Jean strongly encourage other homeowners to help out on the landscaping committee. As our foliage matures and we continue to plant more things, the job gets bigger and bigger. Please call Susan or Jean if you are interested in helping out.
Jean suggested that we remind Cedar Springs residents that water stops and valves need to be turned on and off during the year to prevent seizing. The process should be done at least 3 times a year.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Naomi Hanson, Secretary
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