Board Meeting 7/25/2013

Board Members in Attendance: Mike Hogan (Pres.), Mike Sandstrum, Ray Dalto, George Sinclair, Frank Maruca, Briana Francois, Tyler Linkenhoker

Property Manager: Not in attendance.

Highlights:

Finances - All numbers approximate: $77k bank balance. $58k multi-year surplus. Current-year spending is ahead of (higher than) budget, caused by planned expenses incurred earlier in the year. (Not a problem.) $2k in past-due fees. $6k in past-due legal fees.

Standing Water - Property Manager handled a complaint about standing water in a homeowner's swale. Homeowner advised that this is normal.

Vacant Lot - Board has met with Cali Construction, the owner of the last vacant lot (Phase 2). Cali plans to begin constructing a house there. Cali is approaching Fiddler's Green regarding access to the lot from the rear. Hawthorn Park Board gave permission to Cali to cut across common ground in the rear for access. If approved also by Fiddler's, this would reduce construction traffic and noise on the streets of Hawthorn Park.

Street Signs - Are in need of refurbishment. Ray Dalto received an estimate of about $1,200. Board voted unanimously to approve the work. 14 signs are involved.

Common Grounds Lawn Care - Frank Maruca reported that the heavy rain of late has prevented McGiver Lawncare from staying on schedule. Frank and Ray will follow-up with Jamie.

Social Calendar - George Sinclair reported that all planned events anticipated. Next event is the Ladies Tea.

Annual Picnic - Frank reported that the recent picnic was profitable for the Activities Fund. Fund balance before the picnic: $813. After the picnic: $1,121.40.

Flags - Len Lesjak had previously received approval from the Board to purchase 50 additional flags from Len Sirotzki for display at the front entrance on special occasions. Len Lesjak fronted the money and is now seeking reimbursement. Mike Hogan said the reimbursement is being processed by Property Management.

Leaves - Len requested that the leaves be removed from the swale between Phases 1 & 3. Ray Dalto survey the area to confirm the problem, and requested Jamie to clear the swale. However, as of now, the work has not been done. Ray said he will speak with Jamie.

Tree Pruning - Len requested that the Board authorize the trimming of the ficus trees on the edge of the south pond, between his house and George & John's house. The Association has funded this in the past. The Board took the request under advisement.

Ficus Trees - There are a number of nuisance trees and many are causing problems with their invasive root system. The cost to remove each tree is about $3,000. There was significant discussion about this issue. Legally, the roots invading a homeowner's pool or house is the responsibility of the owner, even if the roots spawn from a tree on Hawthorn Park common ground. Ray explained about a new system, more economical, that he heard about. A deep trench is dug, and a steel barrier is inserted into the trench, down to a depth of about 3-feet. This is said to make it impossible for the roots to pass. Ray said he would get more information and prices.

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