The Annual Meeting for Hawthorn Park was held on Thursday, November 20, 2008. Here are the topics and highlights of the meeting.
Please note: These are not the official meeting minutes. The official minutes are recorded by Stephanie Chapman Property Manager, and are archived at the offices of Sentry Management. Ray Dalto, Director - Assistant Secretary, also maintains a file of the official minutes.
Attendees
Board of Directors:
Ray Dalto (present)
Lee Fioretto (present)
Mike Hogan (present)
Tyler Linkenhoker (present)
Frank Maruca (present)
Mike Sandstrum (present)
Sean Simpson (not present)
Sentry Management
Stephanie Chapman (present)
Many interested residents of Hawthorn Park
TOPICS DISCUSSED:
QUORUM -- Stephanie confirmed that a quorum had been established.
NOTIFICATION -- Stephanie confirmed that Notice of this meeting was provided as required by law.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT -- Mike Hogan reported that 2008 was a quiet year and the financial standing of the Association is good. Dues for 2009 were reduced to $1,000. Looking toward 2009, Mike expects the big issue the Board will be addressing will be to renew or not renew the bulk TV contract with Bright House Networks. Mike mentioned that many in the neighborhood have a preference for Verizon, and also there may be new regulations that may prevent bulk TV contracts.
ARC -- Lee reported that there were 33 architectural review applications handled in 2008.
SOCIAL EVENTS, TEA -- Lee reported that there were 20 ladies at the "Ladies Tea". Comments from the audience asked that the event be renamed to a "Ladies Social" so it does not sound so formal, and also to move the event to the Spring so as not to conflict with football games.
SOCIAL EVENTS, GARAGE SALE -- Lee reported that 25 homes participated in the neighborhood Garage Sale earlier this month.
SOCIAL EVENTS, FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS & HAYRIDE -- Lee reported that this year's Festival will be held at the home of last year's lights winner, Andy and Michelle Jones. Also, Frank Maruca will handle the hayride.
SOCIAL EVENTS, HOLIDAY PARTY -- Lee reported George Sinclair and John Whidden have graciously opened their home for a special Potluck Cocktail Christmas Party. Peg Mazza is organizing this event.
ACTIVITIES FUND -- Lee reported a balance of $856.
DIRECTOR ELECTIONS -- Pat Whitesel's seat on the Board was filled by appointment to Sean Simpson. Incumbents Ray Dalto, Frank Maruca, and Mike Sandstrum decided to run for re-election and were confirmed. Lee Fioretto decided not to run for re-election. Wendy Edler was nominated for the Board and was confirmed. A run-off election was not required. Please welcome Wendy and Sean to the Board! In summary, our Board of Directors:
Ray Dalto (2009/2010) - Phase 1
Wendy Edler (2009/2010) - Phase 3
Mike Hogan (2008/2009) - Phase 1
Tyler Linkenhoker (2008/2009) - Phase 2
Frank Maruca (2009/2010) - Phase 1
Mike Sandstrum (2009/2010) - Phase 1
Sean Simpson (2008/2009) - Phase 1
STREET LIGHTS -- Stephanie reported that the County is not responding to requests by FPL to install new street lights in existing developments. This is why Hawthorn Park's request for a new street light near the Lift Station at the corner of 12th and 92nd has not been acted on. Len Lesjak reminded attendees that if an existing street light burns out, the fastest way to get it fixed is to phone FPL directly. There is no need to involve Property Management or the Board.
ENTRANCE APPEARANCE -- Mike Hogan explained that the $2,000 in the budget for front entrance landscaping is earmarked for plants, mulch, and grass repair, and possibly sign painting. Lighting at the front entrance was discussed. Len Lesjak expained the saga of the spotlights on the front entrance sign, which relates to weather and vandalism. Len continues to work with Frank Maruca to determine a low-maintenance economical solution. Audience questions were raised about additional lighting beyond the sign. Suggestions included year-round white string lights on the trees, new electrical outlets under each tree in the median, and a professional lighting installation. Mike Hogan asked George Sinclair for the information on the professional lighting proposal we received some years ago.
HOLIDAY DECORATIONS -- Lighting and luminaries were discussed.
COMMON FENCE WITH FIDDLER'S GREEN -- Donna Falcone asked about the fence on the border between Hawthorn Park and Fiddler's Green. There is an open question about who owns that fence. At the May and August Board meetings Mike Hogan agreed to speak with Pat Neal about Pat's memory of that fence. Donna emphasized the importance of contacting Pat Neal, and also of determining at some point exactly which property the fence is on. There have been serious disputes (involving police calls) with regard to Hawthorn Park homeowners trimming plants up to the fence.
LANDSCAPE CONTRACT -- Stephanie responded to an audience question by confirming that bids from competing vendors are reviewed each time the contract comes up for renewal. McGiver Lawncare continues to provide excellent service to Hawthorn Park.
COYOTE STORIES -- Sightings of coyotes were exchanged. There are at least two, since one is described as tan in color and the other is reddish.
DIRECTORIES -- Jeannie Ladd did another marvelous job building the Hawthorn Park Directory. She handed them out to those present at the meeting. If you were not at the meeting, perhaps a friend picked yours up for you, or perhaps Jeannie Ladd still has it for you.
THANK YOU -- George Sinclair recognized Lee Fioretto for the fine job he did on the Board in his role as ARC Director!