Minutes from the Oak Terrace Improvement Association Meeting-August 7, 2013
Meeting called to order by Vice President Gregg Zink in the absence of President Greg Denny, at 7:07pm. Board members present: William Yarbrough, Dina Lepzynski, Frank Cirrincione, Radu Roman, Colleen Hodges, Dan Griffin, and Al Johnsonbaugh. Donald Ferris was the only member at large present.
Dina Lypzynski made a motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the July meeting and to accept the minutes as reported. Frank Cirrincione seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Dan Griffin reported that he had no treasurer’s report for this month due to his move to a new home. He will have a full report at the September meeting.
Dan gave a report on the CICA status. Those residents in arrears more than $500 have been sent a thirty day notice. This resulted in eight residents receiving the notice to pay. It was reported that we have been contacted by the Spears family via email. They have been informed at this point all correspondence involving late payment must go through our attorney. Mr. Spears asked if eviction was a possibility and was informed that the CICA did give the board this power. There has been no further contact from this resident of which we are aware. There was some discussion that we may need to move to litigation on those who have not brought their accounts to date. The board has asked that Greg Denny keep them updated as these proceedings move forward.
There was concern expressed again at this meeting about the joining or separating of properties. We need answers from the attorney about the process of changing the PINs attached to our declaration as residents change PINs with the county. The greatest questions concern those who purchase or somehow become owners of multi-lot properties in OTIA after the CICA was adopted. The attorney will be contacted for these answers.
Dina Lepzynski reported on a very successful Summer Fest. The event came in $262 under the budgeted $2,500. It was suggested that we set time limitations on food service for next year to make clear when food will be available. The children’s entertainment was a big hit, as was the food. The board thanked Dina for her hard work on this enjoyable, family day.
Radu reported that the sign posts are ready and the locations have been marked for the installation of the Oak Terrace signs. The company is having some trouble getting the appropriate permits for the installation. Radu gave them the name of Bill Grinnell in the hopes that he will help expedite the process. At the Elmwood location, the sign will be moved to the other side of the street due to the overgrowth of vegetation in the current location. The company hopes to have the work completed by August 16th. The posts will need to be painted after installation. The second payment will be made to the company after the installation process is completed.
The discussion of issues concerning Diamond Lake included the installation of the “No Wake” buoys at Lakeview Park. It has been observed that boats are going around the buoys into the shallow water, cutting the weeds and causing sediment to be stirred up. MPRD was contacted to see if they would be willing to police the area. Margaret Resnick replied that they would be willing if we choose to adhere to the rules imposed by MPRD on their waters. A great deal of discussion ensued. Some felt apprehension at giving MPRD the power to control our portion of the lake. Others felt that the fact that we have no policing powers left us vulnerable. Margaret also made mention that the private airplane that lands on our portion of the lake is landing illegally and that they would have to enforce that rule of law also. No decision was made. The success of the treatment of the lake for invasive species was discussed. Several questions about the treatment and the service hired by MPRD to do the application were voiced. It was suggested that the OTIA Board be more involved in the hiring process next year before we pay for a portion of the process. It was also suggested that the cost of the treatment of the lake be included as a budget item this year. These issues seem to point to a great need for a unified lake management committee. Gregg Zink mentioned that Greg Denny has made several attempts to begin this sort of program and continues to work towards this goal.
Member at large, Donald Ferris, raised concerns about how the board planned to budget the funds that are in the OTIA accounts. He feels we need to make a clear and complete budget including reserve funds and funds for capital improvements. He suggested that members may ask for a refund of dues collected if these items are not clearly budgeted. The board did explain to Mr. Ferris that the surplus of this year is a new occurrence and that most years we have had little to no surplus after paying for the basic care and maintenance of the common properties in the subdivision. We will take Mr. Ferris’ concerns to the budget meeting this year.
The need to contact landscape architects for the refurbishing of the entrance to Lakeview Park was readdressed. Colleen Hodges will contact Steve Parker about this issue. Dina believes she knows of someone who would also be willing to give us some information.
Dan Griffin reported that tree pruning at Lakeview Park is still needed. He will have Sawvell come back and rework his estimate for the work that needs to be done.
There being no further business Frank Cirrincione made a motion to adjourn. It was seconded by Dan Griffin and the motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 8:34pm.
Respectfully submitted by Colleen Hodges-Secretary OTIA
