Board Meeting May 31, 2012
BOARD MEETING
The Hawthorn Park Board of Directors met last evening at 7:00 PM at the Palma Sola Botanical Park. A larger than average audience was present to listen and participate. Highlights included a budget balance of $75,805 as the end of April. In addition there is a total of $4,367 in “back assessments”. The reclaimed water cost has already reached $1,739 which is running much higher than the normal annual cost of $2,536 (last year). This is partially due to a rate increase of 5% and problems with the sprinkler system.
A concern was expressed about dirty fences. Should fence owners be responsible for keeping both sides of their fence clean? May fence owners go on their neighbor’s property to clean the back side of their fence? Is it okay to clean the back side of your neighbor’s fence? The consensus answer to all three questions was “yes”. Fence owners are required by HOA covenants to maintain their fence, and if they don’t, there are consequences including fines. Let’s all be good neighbors and keep our property up to Hawthorn Park standards.
The Social Committee fund has $627 on hand plus $441.01 in the bank. Most of this money was earned from activities at the Annual Picnic. Commendations to everyone who worked to make the picnic such a success and contributed to the fund raising.
The “lawn” at 1102 91st St. is not in compliance, and the owners are behind in HOA payments. This home, which is owned by Vitale and Kim Grinberg of Chapel Hill, NC, is presently occupied by renters, who are apparently abusing the property. The HOA has a lien on the property and will start fining the owners for non-compliance with Association covenants. The rent may be garnished by the Association and/or the renters may be evicted.
LOT PURCHASE NOT POSSIBLE
It had been previously suggested that the Association may want to consider purchase of the vacant lot at 1233 92nd St. for the purpose of a “community garden” and a “pass through” to Fiddler’s Green. This would allow walkers to go to Robinson Preserve more directly and without having to walk in the street. The property is assessed for $65,350, but it was thought that the owners, Cali Construction, might be willing to sell it for less since it is costing them approximately $2000/year in taxes, HOA fees, and maintenance. An inquiry letter was sent to Cali and they responded by asking $90,000 which, of course, is beyond possibility.
STREET DEPRESSIONS
There are a number of “sink spots” in the streets of Hawthorn Park. These “holes” seem to be getting larger and more numerous. The county will be contacted to see when our streets are scheduled to be repaved and, if it isn’t in the near future, to request that these depressions be fixed.
WATER MYSTERY
Home owners may have noticed the sprinklers at the western end of the sidewalk along 9th Avenue by the large lake were on continuously for two days and again last night. There is apparently a zone valve that is stuck in the “on” position. Unfortunately, no one knows where the valve is. An expert has been searching for it using special equipment, but to no avail. It has been suggested that all zone valves be mapped and that this information be shared with several community members so that emergency service calls could be avoided in the future.
STANDING WATER
There is a problem with standing water and mosquitoes in the easement area between Phases II and III. Lawn maintenance personal will look into the problem and take corrective action, if possible.
CABLE TV QUESTION
The Hawthorn Park Covenants include “Article IX – Cable Television Bulk Service Agreement”. The intent of this Article is to allow the Association to negotiate discount rates for cable TV service. The cable company bills the Association and home owners pay for standard service through their annual fee. Everyone must pay whether they use the service or not. This has been a point of contention for years. It has been suggested that this article be removed from the Covenants. Some home owners wish to choose their own TV service providers and don’t think they should have to pay for a service they don’t want. Others prefer to take advantage of the discount that the Association is able to negotiate. This issue was put to a vote approximately three-and-a-half years ago and the majority voted to keep Article IX. The Association then negotiated a five-year contract with Bright House. That contract expires at the end of 2013. Before that time, the Association will again negotiate an agreement with a TV service provider. One big difference this time will be that Verizon, which did not offer bulk rates previously, now does so. This may result in better discounts and possibly a change in provider.