IN ATTENDANCE:
Karen Compton, President and Block 7 Rep.
Ron Taylor, Treasurer
Mary Buff, Secretary and Block 3 Rep.
Sigrid Jackman, hostess and Block 6 Rep.
Joel Anne Lambert, Block 5 Rep.
Ann DiGiannantonio, Block 4 Rep.
Eveline Marquardt, Block 1 Rep.
NOT PRESENT:
Lucille Horn, Vice President
Michael Kelly, Block 2 Rep.
MINUTES Meeting was called to order at 8:05 P.M.
Budget:
First order of business was the budget. Karen brought up the possibility of
lowering the assessments. Discussion followed. Ron explained what would have
to be removed from the budget to accomplish the reduction. The reduction was
suggested to placate the Cluster at the upcoming meeting, but since the amount
was almost negligible, Joel Anne moved that we leave the assessments as they
are, since they are very much in the same range as other nearby clusters. Eveline
added that we could open the Cluster Budget Meeting on the 23rd by saying, “Because
of good management, we do not have to raise the dues this year.” She felt
we would get as favorable a response as a small reduction would. Motion passed.
Landscaping:
Speaking for Lucille Horn, who was unable to attend because of work, Joel Anne
asked if the new landscaped plot at the condo end of the cluster would be included
in the FY99 budget. Discussion followed. It seems the design for the plot is
missing. Some felt what they remembered of it seemed to go beyond our cluster
boundaries. We decided to get Lucille’s copy of the design and superimpose
it on the cluster plat to be sure it was within our property line. We also need
to rethink if the design is too much for a small area and if it wouldn’t
be better to just have a few attractive bushes, etc. and a sign identifying
Moorings Cluster. Mary suggested that perhaps we could have a sign made from
the same type of wood and in the same color as our heron, but very simple. The
subject will be discussed further when we have a copy of the design and the
cluster plat in front of us, so that we can make a proper decision.
Karen announced that our gardening handyman will cost the cluster approximately
$320. He could also probably do the digging for the new plot. Since the $10
an hour we allotted for the gardening handyman might be too little to keep a
really good worker, Anne moved that we should give Karen some leeway with the
amount per hour if this new gardening handyman proves to be worth keeping. The
motion passed.
We are looking into putting in borders for the curbs so the mulch doesn’t
just drain into the street when it rains or when the curbs are watered. We will
test several available borders to see which would look best. The gardening handyman
can also put in these borders for the cluster.
The Cluster Landscaping Committee is looking for new members. No digging is
required.
Karen moved that we should add $325 to the budget for a major leaf pickup at
the end of December. Residents could put their own leaves in the gutters for
pick up. We decided that we should just be told then the other three pickups
will happen and we could add our leaves at that time and just add a regular
leaf pickup in the spring to get all the leaves that didn’t fall until
the winter winds knocked them down.Misc:
The Board discussed getting diodes for our streetlights to increase bulb life
and lower costs. Diodes cost $10 each, as do sensors. The cost of repairs to
the streetlights on Moorings Drive (streetlights on Waters Edge Lane are maintained
by RA), a project discussed at the November Cluster meeting, will be between
$150 and $200 each. The cost of the repairs to the lights will come out of the
reserves.
Misc, cont:
About one-third of the townhouses in the cluster are not up to code. We could
call violators and offer them names of contractors. We decided it would be best
if we made up a standard letter where we could just check off the violations
so that no owners would feel picked upon. With the letter, we could offer them
names of contractors.
RA needs to fix our sidewalks. We should find out when this will be done so
that we could fix the rest of our driveways at the same time for a more esthetic
look.
Karen said that the number of storage boxes with cluster records overwhelms
her ability to store them. Since Karen already has a storage closet for her
business which has enough room left over for cluster materials, Ann moved that
the cluster pay Karen $10 per month for partial use of her storage cluster for
storage of cluster records. Joel Anne seconded the motion and it was passed.
Cluster Meeting Reminder Flyer:
Everyone will be asked to bring a list of carpenters, brick workers, electricians,
rug cleaners, painters, gutter cleaners, duct cleaners, tree trimmers, etc to
the March 23rd Cluster meeting. Our intention is to put out a list of recommended
workmen for cluster use, especially those who are willing to do small jobs.
Cluster Clean-up and Picnic:
Cluster Clean-up is tentatively scheduled for April 24th; rain date of May 1st.
This year we will have a cluster picnic after clean-up. The cluster will provide
soft drinks, beer, paper products and arrange for grills. The location will
be the tot lot with grills and tables near the street to avoid the sloping land.
Each Blockhead will call all members of their block to arrange for both the
cluster cleanup and the picnic lunch.
The Board Meeting ended at 9:45 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Buff, Secretary