Nottingham Forest Homes Association

Annual Meeting

October 21, 2002

Oak Hill Elementary School Gym – 10200 W. 124th St.

7:00 PM

 

The meeting was called to order by Mark Clark @ 7:15PM.  A quorum was obtained.  Representatives from several home improvement contractors were invited to be available before and after the annual meeting for NF homeowner questions or concerns relating to siding, roofing, and internet/cable/phone access. 

 

The 2001 annual meeting minutes were read and approved without change.

 

Mark recapped the completed capital improvements made this past year that included:

·        Steps into the pool

·        A new pool pump

·        Pool alarm system

·        Replacement of the pool retaining wall

·        Replacement of bridge planking to the pool & tennis courts

·        Landscaping and irrigation to 127th & Neiman

 

The 2001-2002 NF Board of Directors & the respective responsibilities were introduced:

Mark Clark                  President (retiring)

Joanne Dondlinger            Vice President & Pool

Biff Rubin                     Treasurer

Ginny Boos                  Secretary and 2002-2003 President-elect

Debbie Westlund            Grounds

Frank Martin                Trees

Jim Feimster                 Tennis Courts, parking area, & social events (retiring)

Lisa Harpold                NFHA Webmaster (end of 2 year term)

Scott Martinsen            Mailboxes

 

A special thanks was given to Bill Barnow for his efforts to welcome new residents.

 

Joanne reported that the pool season was unusual due to the Leawood murder.  Safety of our lifeguards was promptly assessed & a decision made to double up on all shifts that then increased our costs.  Steps were poured in the corners of the pool & appeared to be well received by everyone.  The pool was closed for a couple of days late into the summer after the motor failed and a new pump could be installed.  As part of the safety plan, an alarm system was installed which has resulted in some false police calls.   The pool retaining wall was reinforced in the spring, new non-skid planking installed on the bridges, & dry decking is in place in the pool house.  Plans are being made to replace the existing gate/door for security and also to add a calendar at the pool for scheduling parties in hopes to avoid conflicts.

 

Debbie reported that Kathy McDonald has been given another contract for planting flowers to the entrances & trimming of shrubs.  The irrigation system problems have been resolved, she strongly encouraged home owners to contact her if they notice any problems with the sprinklers i.e. broken heads, stalled rotation, etc.  Bushes around the pool have been removed for safety to allow a clear view from the street at the direction of the OP Police Dept.

 

Frank reported that a plan is underway to implement a NF tree policy.  The existing method/plan is ambiguous.  The plan will include trimming, planting, removal, as well as planning for location & type.  Danny Adcox with Danny’s Tree Service will be used as a consultant.  A discussion followed resulting from questions regarding tree maintenance & the OP city tree replacement responsibility due to the 2002 ice storm, particularly along Switzer.  Frank advised that Bob Haynes with the city has advised him that he has received a significant number of calls for NF Homeowners for tree replacement that will be addressed in the coming weeks with trees that were selected from the tree replacement survey done earlier this year.  Bill Barnow pointed out that the original covenant called for a tree every 50’ & encouraged The Board to review the bylaws. 

 

Jim reported that a couple of light bulbs are burned out at the tennis courts and that he has been waiting for additional bulbs to burnout before replacing them.  Due to the tennis court access, this job gets expensive since it is labor intensive.  The 2001 4th of July party was well attended (200+ people) and the 2002 Easter Hunt was successful with pictures added to the NF website.  Jim was complimented on a job well done.

 

Lisa maintains the NF website and encouraged more NF homeowners to subscribe to the newsletter.  She advised that more & more homeowners are accessing the website, especially after an event such as the Easter Egg Hunt, but that she does frequently post neighborhood announcements.  We can save significant amounts of postage and stay current with activities, events, NF news, etc. by utilizing this resource.

 

Scott presented the preliminary plan for replacement of the existing subdivision mailboxes with stone structures.  This has been a time-intensive project in trying to coordinate the architectural design, post office requirements, & building costs (materials, inserts, labor, #) estimates.  There are 573 homes; plans include 5-6 boxes per structure resulting with 104 stone structures in the neighborhood.  Monte Rodgers, a NF resident, is a stonemason & is assisting in the design.  Estimates have run from very high to very low; plans do include obtaining 3 separate bids once the size, design, support needs, etc are completed.  The US Post Office requirements have been addressed and will be incorporated into the project.  The Board does not anticipate a dues increase to fund this project; budgeted money will be used over the next two fiscal years previously spent for capital repairs.  Depending upon the actual costs, this project anticipated to be completed over 12-24 months.  The design for the stone structures will be similar in appearance to our NF entrance stonework with a limestone exterior.  The estimated maximum cost of the project is $166,800.  The Board believes that our existing monuments, pool house, pool, bridges, common areas/islands are in good shape and will not need major repairs for the next few years.  We are currently spending $150/replacement mailbox post and still have problems with termite damage, vandalism, & rot due to age with some difficulty in maintaining uniformity resulting in a budgeted item of $10,000/year.  Total cost of replacing every post in NF twice = $171,900.

 

A lengthy discussion followed stemming from questions regarding need, cost effectiveness, actual money spent last year on post replacement, and maintenance.  Scott advised that this past year only $8500 was spent on post replacement however more could have easily been spent but knowing of the plans, has taken a conservative approach and held off replacing any posts unless they were completely down.  Maintenance to the stone structures is being addressed with Monte but is not anticipated to be $10,000 per year based upon the expenses incurred with our existing stone entrances.  A reminder was also given, that other subdivisions being built are using stone structures; this improvement would provide our neighborhood with continuity and an improved appearance.

 

Biff reported the budget.  Another lengthy discussion followed with various concerns expressed over trees, capital improvements, short & long range planning, present dues/budget, and the general appearance of the neighborhood.   Neighborhood trees are being addressed, a dues increase voted on at last year’s annual meeting will go into effect this year and the stone mailbox structures are planned within that budget.

 

A motion was made to accept the proposed budget for 2002-03 for $263,076.  The motion was seconded & approved.

 

Promptly after this, another motion from the floor was made to increase dues for the next fiscal year of 2003-04 by $21 making the annual NF Homes Association dues = $400/year.  A second was made followed with discussion and a suggestion of utilizing these funds for neighborhood beautification.  A recommendation that a special group of people with a board representative be sought to work on short & long term capital planning projects.  The motion was approved with 4 opposing.

 

Stephanie Christiensen, VP of Construction with Everest was introduced by Mark and made a brief presentation concerning the recent fiber optic & co-axial cable installation.  She advised that the project went approximately 3 weeks beyond estimates due to problems associated with utilities (i.e. gas lines).  Fortunately, at this time, sod is being layed, sprinkler heads replaced, and the former Greely Gas lines are completely mapped.  She strongly encouraged any homeowner with on-going or unresolved problems related to this installation to contact her.

 

Rhino Builders and other vendors are present to discuss home siding options & roofing materials that are consistent with our deed restrictions.

 

 Mark requested nominations for the 3 Board positions coming open.  Lisa Harpold, Patsy Brandt, & Roger Moffitt were nominated.  A motion was made to accept these nominations and another to close nominations.  Each motion was approved without further discussion.  Lisa, Patsy, & Roger were voted as the new board members unanimously.

 

The Board requested volunteers from those attending the annual meeting for the ad-hoc committee to recommend short & long-term projects.

 

A motion to adjourn was made at 9:35 PM, seconded, and approved without further discussion.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Ginny Boos

Secretary